Adea
I was speechless as I watched him walk away from me. I felt as if I had been rejected. I knew that was not what happened, but it still hurt. I really thought he would have taken me with him. I had been right to be scared that he would say no. I couldn’t comprehend what would make him do this. I didn’t need anything but him. I didn’t need anyone but him.
The door closed behind him, and I was left behind in this room. I wanted to run after him, but I knew it was pointless. I couldn’t bring myself to move, so I just stayed where I stood. My mind struggled to understand why he would leave me here.
He was leaving my father’s lands; he was leaving me behind, and he was giving me to Ethan. Was there any excuse he could give me that would make this okay? Even though my time had run out, even as the wolves stalked me, even as the wolves descended, I could only think of him. How could I not think about him when he was injured and going out there?
He was going rogue, and even though I was angry at him, I couldn’t help but worry for him.
I didn’t know how long I stood there, but it was long enough for someone to notice I still hadn’t returned. The door I’d been staring at burst open and two of my father’s warriors walked in. I watched them as they searched the room. They checked closets, ripped curtains, and kicked furniture over. When it was clear that I wasn’t with a man, they marched up to me.
“Alpha Ethan requests your presence,” one of the guards said.
I didn’t move and I didn’t say anything. I didn’t acknowledge them, but after a moment, I started for the door.
I felt like I was having an out-of-body experience. It was like I was watching myself walk back to the party. Korra was silent; she hasn’t said anything since Shane said he was the reason why we couldn’t go. She was hurt, and her pain mixed with my own.
Ethan stood in the middle of the dance floor. All of a sudden it felt as if I was holding my breath at the bottom of the tub. More and more water was filling up, and as much as I wanted to take a breath, I couldn't. Despite all the warm bodies, I was cold. I opened my mouth to take a breath and my throat constricted. The world spun and I tried to steady myself. I scratched at my throat.
I can’t breathe.
A muffled voice called me and a firm hand gripped my arm. I was gasping and I was flailing around when the man holding me shook me left and right. My head pounded and I was pulled close until I was squished against a hard chest.
Slimy lips pressed against my ear with a warning.“You’re embarrassing me. If you don’t pull yourself together right now, I’ll be forced to slap you in front of our guests. This is our first official day in front of the public. We will show a united front, or so help the Goddess, I will put you on my knee. Do not embarrass me, Adealine,” Ethan hissed.
He took a step back and his chest was no longer against my face. I gasped once more and this time air filled my lungs. His scent filled my scenes, and it was all wrong. I was pulled back to the present and the guests came back into view. The world stops spinning and the crowd is too close for comfort. They were staring at me, the judgment was clear as they stared at me. The water that had been drowning me released me and was no more, but I could still feel the crippling cold that had strangled me just moments before.
I’m alone now.
Growing up I had Ava, and I’d done everything I could for her. It was lonely, but it was okay because I had her. After I met Shane, he gave me a warmth I tried my hardest to provide for Ava. I was on the receiving end of love for the first time in my life, but warmth wasn’t all that Shane gave me. He was my friend, my first friend. He was the first person I liked, and he gave me love. The same love I had hoped to find when I left this miserable place. He was the first and the last man I would ever love. When he left, he took that warmth with him. Now that he was gone, I was alone, and I was cold.
“Good girl,” Ethan murmured.
His breath caressed my cheek and I fought the urge to scratch his eyes out. Just a few more hours and then I wouldn’t have to hold back anymore. I couldn’t wait for this night to end.
He pressed a kiss to my temple, and I felt nothing but disgust for him. He dared to touch me. Korra’s anger was my own. My mate had left, but he was still my mate. I was tied to him no matter what Ethan wanted.
Ethan inhaled and froze. I tasted bile in my chest as his claw-like fingers wrapped around my arm. I cried out from the pain, but he didn’t let go. I looked up at him to find cold pools of green glaring down at me.
He knew.