Chapter 59: chapter fifty-eight

Max might have overdone it with the Alpha power. My body felt like pieces of metal finally functioning after years of being dormant. My back was against a soft platform which allowed me to move and feel around the soft material.

I was on a bed. I looked up to find a huge curtain hanging from the ceiling surrounding the bed.

Max wouldn’t be dumb enough to bring me to his house would he? I didn’t think a man of his stature would risk it like that.

I climbed off the bed despite my protesting limbs. I walked to the window. I couldn’t lift it because it was locked. So much for jumping out. I discovered a walk-in closet and a bathroom. The bathroom window was too small for my head to fit through let alone my entire body.

I was high up anyway. I couldn’t jump out a window.

My shoes were nowhere to be seen either. Well played Maximus. He knew I couldn’t run away barefoot.

After inspecting the room for a while the door knob turned and it thrust open. I flopped back on the bed and stared at the intimidating man who strolled in. He wasn’t alone there. A slender woman with high cheekbones, sunken cheeks, and grey pushed-back hair. Beside her was a plump man with round glasses and a thick beard.

The woman looked like she had a thousand places she would rather be while the man was anxious in a way. His knuckles were white around the bag he carried.

“Good, you’re awake,” Max said.

I sucked my bottom lip and watched the interaction between the three. I noticed the hallway was dark. I couldn’t even make out the colour of the wall.

“I want you to double-check,” Max said to the woman.

She nodded. “Very well.”

She stepped forward and pulled out a knife from her pocket. My eyes widened. Why would she be carrying that around?

“Your hand,” she demanded.

“What do you want?”

The corners of her lips turned in a scowl. “This will be over soon if you just comply.”

Reluctantly I held out my hand. She grabbed it aggressively and sliced my hand open with the jagged knife.

“Ouch!” I yanked my hand back.

Blood oozed out of the wound. I glared at her and she glared back. She had no patience for my pain. Max didn’t do a thing other than stare with impatience. The woman gripped my hand tight in her grip again. She uttered something against her breath before snapping her hand back as if she touched acid.

“What?” Max demanded.

The woman nodded and glanced at me. “She’s definitely a human cure. She’s got goddess magic in her. A small amount but just enough for her to break the curse.”

Max rubbed his jaw and nodded. “Doctor,” he nodded at the man with the round glasses.

He was kinder than the old lady. He smiled at me.

“Let me take a look at that cut,” he offered.

“No!” Max barked. “I’ll handle it. Just hurry up with your assessment.”

“Are you going to cut me too?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

He chuckled. “No, I’m just going to ask a few questions.”

He proceeded to ask me several questions about my diet that meant nothing to me so I answered truthfully. He went to ask if I’ve felt sick lately or experienced anything out of the ordinary like excessive sleeping and frequent headaches. I had none of that. Then the questions got a little deeper. He asked if I’d already had my period this month. I was reluctant to answer but Max’s hot glare on me made the words tumble out of my mouth. I hadn’t had my period yet.

The doctor nodded and turned to Max.

“She seems healthy but we can’t know without proper tests done. I suggest bringing her to the hospital,” the doctor said.

The woman scowled. “Nonsense. This should be done as soon as possible. Your tests are useless.”

The doctor puffed out his chest and frowned at her. “Magic is your business madam. Medicine is mine. Don’t tell me how to do my job.”

“Enough. I have a lot to talk with you both. You can leave. I’ll be in touch,” Max said.

The doctor turned to me with an apologetic smile while the lady whirled and rushed out. Max slammed the door shut. It was just the two of us.

I got up from the bed and rushed to the window.

“Don’t bother running Delanie, there’s no way out of here unless through the front door of the building and you’d have to get passed all the guards in the building.”

I wasn’t trying to run. I just wanted enough space between us.

“What the hell do you want from me, Max? If you wanted to kill me why haven’t you done it already?”

“Kill you?” He took a step towards me. “I need you alive, Delanie.”

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat.

“Whatever you’re planning, don’t think I’m going to take it lying down.”

He chuckled and continued walking. I stepped back but hit the wall. Nowhere to run. No place to hide.

“I know you won’t. Ajax has always spoken about your inner strength. Shame really.”

“He’ll find me if I don’t escape first.”

He smirked. “Try as much as you want. But I’d take advantage of my charity before you make me lose my temper. You’re in a nice building in a beautiful room. You’ll have the best food and finest clothes sent to you. A girl’s dream.”

I scowled. “This is my nightmare. What do you want?”

Silence settled between us. Suddenly he reached out and snatched my hand. The bloody one. It throbbed and the crocked line was ugly.

“What are you—”

His eyes glowed like a red glob. I watched as the line closed slowly. It was like nothing happened. He dropped my hand and shoved his hands in his pocket.

“Get cleaned up. Dinner will be sent up soon. Get some rest Delanie. You’ll need it.”

He turned to leave.

“Wait! You’re just going to leave without telling me what you’re going to do?”

“I plan to keep you here. Safe and sound.” Max marched out without a second glance.

I ran to the door and slammed my palms against it.

“Damn it!”

I can’t stay here. What will Ajax think? What if Max went back and wrote a breakup note pretending to be me? I’m screwed.

If he wasn’t killing me his plan probably wasn’t any better. I paced the room thinking of a plan. A wolf would help a lot right now. I had magical powers too but they only worked when they wanted to.

The doorknob rattled. Good, dinner was here. I’d need my strength if I was going to bust out of here.

The door cracked open I had my back turned when the person entered. I was so lost in thought my head even hurt.

“Granddaughter, we meet again so soon.”

My head snapped up, stunned. I turned around to find a pair of eyes so similar to mine.

A menacing smile played on her lips.

“Margot?” my voice cracked.