Autumn POV Not long later, a convoy arrived. elegant black vehicles with darkened windows. Men with earpieces in their ears and dark outfits. They maneuvered with military accuracy. Mathias said, "Time to head home." He extended his hand toward me. I accepted it. Against my palm, he felt dry and warm. Strong. I allowed myself to fantasize briefly about what this might be like in real life. If this man, who appeared friendly and interested in looking after me, was the one who genuinely owned me,. However, it wasn't genuine. I also belonged to no one. We bid Dax and Amber farewell. Amber gave me a strong hug. whispered, "Autumn, you're so lucky." in my ear. Mathias is a decent guy. Treat him well." I nodded, not believing I could talk. even though I was able to. The vehicle was cozy. Leather chairs, mellow music streaming. With his arm around my shoulders, Mathias took a seat near me. As we drove, he pointed out various landmarks. explained the Shadow Realm pack to me. Regarding t
Autumn's POV Unable to take my eyes off it, I nodded. It was very striking. and horrifying. I had assumed I was going into a pack. I recognized now that I was walking into a prison. one that I came up with. As we got closer, the gates opened. As we went by, the guards saluted. I got a peek at their faces. Hard. Alert. These were not the indolent border patrols I knew. These were experienced fighters. The packlands spread out before us inside the fortifications. a mix of more traditional pack structures and modern buildings. Everything was shining. Clean. Prosperous. Powerful. As we drove, Mathias pointed out locations. the exercise area, the medical facility, and the educational institution. As he related the history of the pack, his voice grew proud. How they had developed into one of the most powerful packs in the nation from a tiny, struggling gang. I paid attention. Nodded. smiled when it was appropriate. However, I felt empty within. Empty. Despite its grandeur, this venue fe
Autumn POV I picked up the mask and touched the elaborate design with my fingertips. It was similar to keeping a secret. How appropriate. After assisting me with mask security, Mrs. Potts took a step back to evaluate her job. "Oh, Miss. They won't be able to breathe after you." I gave her a smile, appreciating her generosity. But with every minute that went by, fear spiraled closer inside. The mantelpiece clock struck seven. A maid materialized in the doorway as if by omen. She curtsied and said, "Beg your pardon." "But the guest of honor is requested to make her entrance." Mrs. Potts gave me a handshake. "Love deep breathes. You'll succeed." I gave a nod, lacking confidence in my ability to act further. As she escorted me out of the room, Mrs. Potts's incessant speech provided a calming background to my racing mind. She remarked, "Now don't you worry about a thing?" as we strolled. "Just nod and grin. Let Mathias speak for himself. If someone invites you to dance, sim
Autumn's POVThe tune intensified. Mathias's hand was waiting there. I gazed at it. My thoughts were empty. The room fell silent. Everyone is looking at us."Shall we, my dear?" Mathias spoke in a soft voice. Not in his eyes, however.I reached into his hand. It was a surrendering feeling. He guided me to the ballroom's center. Like the Red Sea, the multitude was divided. I felt like they were staring at me. Judging. waiting on my failure.Mathias touched my waist with one hand. I winced. He acted as though he were blind. He lifted our combined hands. I stiffly and hesitantly followed his direction.The tunes began. Mathias shifted. I faltered."Calm down," he murmured. I felt his warm breath in my ear. "Follow my lead."I made an effort. God, I really did try. My feet, though, were lead. My body refused to comply. We made abrupt circles. I infringed on his rights. Once. Twice. thrice.Mathias was always smiling. However, his hold became more firm. Warning.Gazing down, I saw our feet
Autumn POVHe whirled at me. He drew me closer again. Our bodies squeezed together. "You're not my mate," he said. It was not a question. I shake my head. "No." "Then what is this?" His voice sounded harsh. Desperate. "I don't know," I replied. And it was the truth. The music reached a crescendo. Kavan dipped me low. My back arched. His face was just inches from mine. For a minute, just a moment, I thought he might kiss me.I had a brief moment where I believed he might kiss me.The music then stopped. He straightened me out. Retreated a step.The enchantment was shattered.Around us, cheers broke out. Perplexed, I blinked. I was unaware that we had a viewership.Kavan gave a rigid bow. I gave a curtsy.He turned to walk away. Paused. glanced over his shoulder back at me.He declared, "This isn't over." It was an assurance. a danger.Then he vanished, engulfed by the throng.I shook as I stood there. My skin continued to tingle in the places he had touched. My heart pounded.What ha
Autumn's viewpointKavan's expression was twisted with revulsion. He spit out, "My father?" "You're carrying my father's child?"Unable to meet his gaze, I nodded."Please," I murmured. Now the need was intolerable. "Aid me. I need, but I can't."Something flashed in Kavan's eyes. Desire? Anger? I was unable to tell.I had a brief moment of fear that he would cave in. Maybe they'll take me straight to the restroom.His face then became stern. "No," he responded. He spoke in a frigid tone. "Avoid being around me. Knowing what's best for you will make you avoid it."He turned to walk away. stopped at the entrance. "I'll tell my father everything if you breathe a word of this to anyone," he declared. Concerning the forest. About us. Everything."Then he vanished.I fell to the ground. My eyes burned with tears. Everything was breaking down.A few minutes went by. or perhaps many hours. I was unable to tell. My body's need and my heart's misery were at odds.A tap on the door startled me.
Chapter 15, Breakfast with the Devil Autumn's Viewpoint The night was unending. A feverish dream. I slipped in and out of consciousness, stuck between blazing heat and cold chills. Mrs. Potts' incense gave the room a strong, suffocating fragrance. It hid my heat, she'd added. I kept my secret safe. But it couldn't stop the dreams. Kavan's face. Twisted with disgust. There was hatred in his eyes. Mathias' hands. Possessive. Claiming what was not his. A child. Growing within me. A ticking time bomb. When dawn arrived, I was unsure whether I had slept at all. My eyeballs felt dirty. My head hammered. Each muscle ached. Mrs. Potts rushed in, pulling open the curtains. Sunlight pierced my eyes. I groaned. "Up and at 'em, miss," she called. "There's no time to spend. "His Lordship will be expecting you." I blinked at her. I tried to make sense of her words despite the fuzz in my brain. A sudden knock at the door startled us both. Sarah, the maid from last night, stuck her head in.
Kavan POVMy boots made loud noises on the marble floors as I stormed out of the dining room in anger. The taste of anger lingered in my mouth, bitter and sharp. I ascended the staircase, skipping two steps each time, with my fists clenched tightly by my body. The portraits of my ancestors watched me closely as I passed by, silently judging. I was indifferent. Allow them to make a judgment. They had passed away, and I was still living.When I walked into my room, it was dim and chilly. I turned on the lights and went to the wardrobe, pulling open the doors with excessive force. The scent of cedar and leather filled my nasal passages. I took out a fresh white shirt and black pants, throwing them onto the bed.There was a sound of knocking at the door. I was unable to reply before it opened suddenly. I turned quickly, with a growl in my mouth.Mrs. Potts was holding a tray as she stood at the doorway. Her usual severe bun held back her gray hair, while her eyes showed the same mix of ex