Adea
All of the guards were gone. Everyone must have been sent to the slave quarters. I ran down the hallway and up the stairs. I threw my door open and when I was in I slammed the door shut and locked it.
What do I say? Where was I? I didn’t know. I could say I was on a walk. That was all I could think of. When I turned around, I froze.
Sitting on my bed was Ava. She stared at me as if she wnew she’d won, but I wouldn’t be admitting to anything.
“Where have you been?” Ava asked.
“For a walk.”
“Your clothes are scratched up. Have you been running?” Ava asked.
“No, I fell. I’ve become clumsy.”
“You’ve never been clumsy, sister,” Ava murmured as she got to her feet.
“I need you to leave. I’m not feeling well.”
“That won’t work with me either sister. I see right through your lies. You see, you were supposed to be in your room, and you weren’t.”
“I told you I took a walk. I don’t need your permission for a walk. I needed some air.”
“From the color in your cheeks sister, I think you got some.”
I swallowed.
“Why are you here?” I asked.
“You were missing. We’ve issued the guards to search the surrounding areas.”
“I was walking. I’m here. I’m fine. When did you have sway over the guards?” I asked.
“I don’t, Father issued it. He isn’t pleased, you know.”
I can’t believe she’s using father against me.
“I’m not the one at fault here. Aren’t you the one who bothered him when there wasn’t an issue here? Maybe you should consider what you will do to explain your dramatics?” I asked.
She laughed.“You know what I think?” Ava asked.
“I don’t care what you think,” I spat.
“I think you were with your boyfriend. I think you were being a little whore for that dark-haired man. I think you were giving him what belongs to Ethan.”
“I think you’re wrong.”
“Am I?” Ava asked as she walked up to me. We stood nose to nose and she looked at me as if I were an ant. I hated the person who stood in front of me.
“Move back.”
“Or what?” Ava asked, a smile on her lips.
“Or I’m going to hurt you. Don’t kid yourself. I’ve held myself back, but don’t test me. I’m stronger and faster than you, always have been. Just because we are women doesn’t mean that I’m weaker. It doesn’t mean I won’t put you in your place right now.”
Ava doesn’t say anything. She stared at me, clenched her jaw, and took a step back from me.
“You will do no such thing,” Ava said, but the fire behind her words was missing. She knew. She might not admit it, but she knew I was serious.
“Would you like to find out?” I asked. She took a step back.
“This isn’t over.”
She turned from me, fumbling with the bolt on the door, and stalked out . She slammed it shut behind her, and only when the sounds of her receding steps disappeared, did I slump onto the bed.
That night, after I bathed myself and crawled into bed, I cried myself to sleep. The stress of what was to come in the next weeks, the knowledge that I wouldn’t see Shane anytime soon, and the thought that I was losing precious time with him hurt.
***Shane
“Beta,” I said and bowed my head.
Before me stood Beta Alphonse and a group of warriors. The warriors looked ready to spill blood, their eyes locked on me. Three dark-haired lower rank men stood behind them. They all had bruises and cut lips.
“Shane,” Beta Alphonse greeted.
“How can I be of assistance?” I asked.
I’d bumped into Alphonse a few times before, but never really worked with him. I’d heard he has a short temper. The look in his eyes told me he. Was not playing around today.
Did he feel superior to Alpha bastards? Capturing and commanding pack members with alpha blood in their veins must give him a high.
“Alpha Eduard has given me an order,” Alphonse said. He jerked his chin and two warriors stepped forward. Mavy was in her room. I didn’t want her out here. From the looks of the warriors and men they captured, I already know why they were here. They were here for me. “I’m to gather up the bastards in the pack and bring them to the packhouse.”
“Am I allowed to ask for what reason?” I asked, keeping my gaze on the warriors as they drew nearer.
“We’re searching for someone,” Alphonse said, his eyes narrowed. “Will you comply?”
“I’ve nothing to hide,” I said.
The two warriors jumped me and I didn’t resist. I didn’t put up the fight they were thinking I would. Any fight would be seen as guilt. I was pushed to my knees and my arms were pulled behind me. A rope laced with wolf’s bane was tied tightly around my wrists. I hissed as the rope burned my skin.
The door to Mavy’s room burst open. I looked at my sister as fear flashed across her eyes. I shook my head.
“Do you comply, Shane?” Alphonse asked.
“Yes, Beta Alphonse,” I said and bowed my head.
“This is how this other lot should have responded. An obedient bastard is better than a bastard that thinks they have something to prove,” Alphonse said as he looked behind his shoulder. The warriors standing by my side scoffed, and I was pulled to my feet. “If you would have listened, we wouldn’t have had to teach you a lesson.” The warriors behind the other captured men jerked them forward.
“Yes, Beta,” the men said in unison.
“Where are you taking him, Beta?” Mavy asked from behind me.
“Alpha has requested their presence. As long as he is innocent, he will be back tonight,” Alphonse said. “Although, I cannot guarantee that and make no promises.”
“I’ll be back,” I said reassuringly before the door slammed shut.