Chapter Fourteen

Celine

My mind was still spinning from everything I had witnessed. Kaiden had chosen his Luna, his queen. And it wasn’t me.

I sat on the edge of my bed, my fingers gripping the thin fabric of my blanket. My heart ached, but I forced myself to remain still, to breathe, to not let the emotions consume me. I needed to leave. There was no other choice. 

There was nothing holding me back. Wiping my tears away, I gave the room one last look. I only liked one night in this palace and that was last night. The bittersweet feeling rushed through me and more tears pushed against my eyelid. I let out a shaky sigh and stood up, steeling myself.. 

Just as I reached for my small bag, the door burst open with a force that sent my heart hammering against my ribs. I barely had time to react before strong arms wrapped around my waist, lifting me off the ground as if I weighed nothing.

“Kaiden!” My cry was cut off as he lifted me onto his shoulder, his grip strong and unmoving. I thrashed against him, my fists pounding against his back. “Put me down!”

He ignored me. His powerful strides carried us out of my room and into the dark corridors of the castle. Servants who saw us quickly averted their gazes, scurrying away as if they feared what was to come. I feared what was to come, but above all I was livid.

“Kaiden, stop! What are you doing?!” My voice wavered with anger and panic woven in my tone, but he didn’t answer.

I was too stunned to fight properly until he kicked open the doors to his chambers and threw me onto the massive bed. My breath hitched as I scrambled to sit up, but before I could move, he was towering over me, his golden eyes glowing with anger that made me shiver. His wolf too was angry and I've heard what happens when a king’s wolf is angry. But he wouldn't hurt me would he?

“Do you have a death wish, Celine?” His voice was dangerously low, barely above a whisper, yet it sent chills down my spine.

I swallowed hard, refusing to let him see my fear. “What are you talking about?” I shot back, my voice trembling despite my efforts to sound strong.

His jaw clenched. “I told you to stay in my room. I told you not to go to the hall. A simple and direct order.”

I scoffed, folding my arms across my chest. “Well it's good I came then at least now I know where I stand. And you don't need to pretend you care anymore. The show’s over.” I spat, moving to get off the bed, but he dragged me back.

“You don't leave unless i dismiss you Celine.”

I struggled against his grip, but his strength was unmatched. My breath came in ragged gasps as I glared at him. “You don’t own me, Kaiden.”

His eyes darkened, and he leaned in, his presence wrapping around my throat like a vice. “You are mine, Celine. Mine.” A possessive and raw growl left his lips. “And you will listen to me.”

I shook my head, my heart pounding. “No, Kaiden, I can't do this. Just let me go and you can have your luna. I wouldn't get in the way I promised. I’ve seen enough to know my place.”

His expression darkened. He reached forward, gripping my chin between his fingers, forcing me to meet his gaze. “And what did you see?”

I glared at him, my nails digging into my palms. “I saw that I’m nothing to you.”

He raised a brow at me, before looking away. “If you can let a public announcement of a new slave mean that I have claimed her as my maid, then it would make no difference if I told you you are wrong.”

My heart skipped a beat as his eyes met mine again, filled with an expression I couldn't decipher.

So she was just a slave? Was I panicking for no reason?

“So you mean she's just a slave? I didn't…” I trailed off, my face reddening with embarrassment as I looked away.

Kaiden exhaled sharply, his frustration evident. “You let your emotions cloud your judgment too easily, Celine.”

I bit my lip, feeling foolish. “Then why didn’t you tell me?”

His jaw tightened. “Because it doesn’t matter. You should have trusted me.”

I scoffed. “Trust you? How can I trust you when you keep secrets? I didn't know anything about her until Anya mentioned her.”

He stepped closer, his towering form making me feel small. “Not all secrets are meant to hurt you.” His hand softly grazed my chin, causing my heart to skip a breath.

For a moment we just stared into each other’s eyes, and hus gaze dropped to my lips, before he pulled back, and gestured to the bed.

“Lay flat on your chest.” he commanded, pulling his belt, wrapping it around his wrist.

My brows furrowed in confusion.”Why? Whats the belt for?”

His eyes twinkled with mischief, but his expression was as serious as ever.

“Your punishment. I gave a direct order and you defiled it. Most people spend a night in the dungeon. But you, lucky girl, gets whipped on her ass.”

There was something about his tone that made my thighs clench in arousal and I gasped in shock. 

“Kaiden…” I trailed off as he pulled his shirt off before kneeling on the bed.

“Pull your panties, darling. Or would you like me to do it for you?”