I was stupid to think things would change. I let them lead me through the crowded room nodding in the right places during conversation, shaking hands, and giving meaningless responses.
I’m the face of the Alpha’s new mission to save us, and nothing more. I ignore Fell’s concerned look, retreating into myself.
“Excuse us, we’re going to step outside for a moment,” Fell leads me onto the balcony. I welcome the cool air on my face.
“Why are you acting like this?” Fell asks.
“I’m being the doll you all wanted.” I stare into the darkness.
“Who said that?” Grabbing my elbow, Fell spins me to face him.
“I have eyes and ears,” I say, my bravado fading. Away from the public eye, my fake confidence crumbles.
He reaches for me and I lean away. “I fucking hate this.”
“Yes, I’m sure it’s painful to be forced to spend time with me.”
His mouth opens and closes. “I-I didn’t say that.”
I turn my back sick of the game I’m being forced to play. I cross the balcony, and place my hands on the cool stone.
The grotto lit by cool blue uplighting, and the waterfall in the rustic pool create a serene backdrop.
Fell steps up behind me and places his arms on either side. His firm body presses against mine and I stiffen to keep from leaning against him. I want to grind my ass into the bulge in his pants.
“Don’t let this erase who you are. Once the pack gets their claws into you, they never let go. I don’t want that to happen to you.” He rests his head on mine. “You were right to leave.”
“What?” I move to face him.
“Don’t turn around,” Fell commands in a gruff tone.
I swallow hard and press my thighs together. My breasts grow heavy in response, and my pussy clenches in anticipation.
Sex was always amazing between us. While my mind balks at the thought of being intimate, my body craves him.
“As much as you deny it, I can smell how wet you are. Your body knows it still belongs to me.
I shake my head, unable to speak. Had I leaked that thought into our link? Am I so touch starved I salivate at the smallest scraps?
“I wish I could’ve gone with you.” The visceral pain coating his words is raw.
He sounds sincere. The part of me that loves him wants to believe his words and let them heal the hole he ripped in my chest.
“But you didn’t.”
“I know.”
I allow myself a moment to enjoy the closeness before I disentangle myself from his embrace. I refuse to be swayed so easily by his regret.
“You can’t run from me forever.”
I ball my hands into fists. “No, but I can make sure you feel everything I did.” I turn away without looking back, making my way back inside with Fell trailing, a silent shadow.
I find the others gathered speaking with Alpha.
I mentally curse my timing.
“Ahh, just the woman I wanted to see.”
Alpha holds out his hand, forcing me to take it. I can’t refuse with all eyes on us.
He kisses my knuckles. I force a smile, hiding the fact that my skin is crawling.
“It looks like the five of you are settling in nicely. I guess all the time hidden away in your new home has been working.” He leans closer, narrowing his eyes at my unblemished neck. Inhaling above the mating gland on my neck. The invasive observation makes me want to scream.
“But still no claiming mark?”
It’s my fault none of them have bitten me, creating a claiming mark for everyone to see. I thought we had more time. Regret and fear try to overcome me. I shove them both down and present a placid facade.
“That’ll change soon.”
I’m wary of the certainty in his words, and the smug expression he wears.
“We put a little something special in the bubbly drink this year. A special offer to the elves. It’s a time of sacrifice, and this seems fitting.”
Sweat gathers on my upper lip and my mouth goes dry. My emotional outbursts from earlier seem sinister.
What did this monster do? Manipulating our mating match wasn’t enough, he wants to control how we come together too. No decent leader would do this.
