I finished my chocolate. It had begun to melt a little, leaving the wrapper slightly covered with melted chocolate. I looked around, spotted a bin, and walked over, tossing it in. I was about to push my sleeve up with my other hand when the reminder that I had no hand to do that with returned. I froze as I stood there, staring at my stump. The memory of the agonising pain I had felt when my father cut it off returned. He had left me there… and I don’t know what was on the knife, but it hadn’t healed. I had been in agony for so long… but then again, I didn’t have the capability to heal such a big injury. I didn’t have my wolf yet.
The Queen had taken away the pain that wracked my body constantly. She had made me feel better than I had ever felt in my life. My body wasn’t hurting anymore. I could breathe without that constant pain from the brutal training that I hadn’t even realised was always present.
I once heard my father’s old Beta say that he needed to let me heal before pushing me so hard, or I’d be damaged for life. Father had killed him for that. I think he was right… I felt so much stronger now.
“Here,” the Queen’s voice came, and I turned as she held out a hand wipe. I hesitated, taking it and rubbing it in my hand, trying to get the chocolate off with just the one. I was not going to let having one hand deter me.I’ll be the strongest…“Are you okay, Enrique? Do you want to talk? I promise I won’t tell anyone anything you say.” She seemed to mean it, too, or she was an incredible liar.
“No, thanks. I’m fine.”
She nodded, and we continued walking. I glanced over at her. I remembered something my mother told me once about the beast that the Lycan truly was.
“Is it true the Lycan kidnapped you and forced you to be his mate? That he killed his Padre and Madre, too?” Her face filled with concern, but she shook her head.
“No, he didn’t. In fact, he tried to let me go, although he knew I was his mate because he thought he didn’t deserve me.” She smiled when she spoke, “He…” I glanced at her, seeing confusion flit across her face before she shook her head as if pushing the thought away. “He loved me. He still does and treats me well. As for his parents… I don’t… remember.” She frowned, placing a hand on her forehead and massaging her temples. Her heart was racing. I looked away, not bothered to hear any more excuses about the Lycan.
“I wish to return to my cell,” I stated suddenly.
“I’m sorry you are being kept there,” she replied softly before she turned. “Zuzu! Come on!”
“Don’t call me that, Kia,” the girl grumbled as she jumped down from the tree.
Kia. It was strange not having someone call the Luna by her title, no matter how they were related. Strange. The entire pack was strange. And above all, I was surprised I was still alive.
The Ardens
Kiara
Mom, Dad, and Azura had left just after food, whilst Kataleya had been very quiet. When Azura had said the boy was annoying, she asked if Azura had visited. She became upset but said nothing. She had silently gone and sat with Ahren and Tatum but refused to play with Skyla or Azura. Kataleya was a sweet girl who could be just as stubborn as Mom when she wanted to be. Alejandro hadn’t said anything when he found out I took Enrique out. I just hoped it was because he realised that he needed some space to breathe and that he was, after all, just a child.
I had just gotten changed for the evening in a strapless black satin dress paired with red heels, nails, and lips. It was hard to dress up and act like everything was okay when it wasn’t. Delsanra and Dante were still suffering. That monster was still out there. I ran the straightener through my hair until it fell sleekly over my shoulder. Once I had finished, I tied it up in a high pony and pinned it into place.
“Ready?” Alejandro asked, stepping into the bedroom, fully dressed and looking incredible in a white shirt and black pants.
“Yes,” I answered, standing up.
His eyes raked over me, shimmering red with approval, as he closed the gap between us and grabbed my hips, pulling me against him. I gasped, my hands splayed on his chest, and looked up at him as my entire body reacted to his touch. His eyes burned into mine, igniting that molten pleasure deep within my core.
“We have guests awaiting us,” I reminded him breathlessly, despite my pounding heart.
“They are five minutes from pack territory,” he murmured, “and I just want to ruin you in every fuckingway….” He ran his fingers through my hair, and I knew that he wanted to yank it free from the perfect pony I had created.
“It’s going to take us five minutes to get to the packhouse,” I replied pointedly, reaching up and kissing him softly. I pulled away before he could deepen it and turned to grab my bag when he took hold of my wrist, yanking me back into his arms.
“Are you angry?”
“A little,” I admitted. Reaching up, I cupped his face. “No matter who his father is, he is no monster.” He frowned and gave a small nod.
“I know that. I’m just being careful because I can’t fucking risk anything happening to anyone who is under my care again.”
“He’s currently under your care, too,” I countered softly. His eyes flashed, and I felt his aura surge around him, blanketing the room with a heavy darkness.
“Look. I don’t want to fucking argue with you but push me one more fucking time, and I swear I won’t let you see that pup ever again.”
His words cut me like a knife, and, for a moment, it felt like someone had cut off my supply of air. The anger in his eyes was unmasked, and from the way his fists were clenched, I knew he was trying not to break something.
There was no point in arguing. We were never going to agree.
“The Ardens are waiting,” I replied, walking past him and to the door.
