Chapter 14

Amelia’s POV.

The next day, after I’d taken a shower and gotten dressed for the day, a knock sounded on my bedroom door. I reached for my veil and made sure it was properly in place before opening the door.

It was Kaiden. Unable to help myself, a smile spread across my face.

“Hey stranger. How did you sleep?” I asked him playfully and he smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. My lips upturned in a frown. 

“Is everything okay?” I asked, taking in the worry evident in his piercing blue eyes.

“Everything’s fine. It’s just that…something urgent came up back at the pack and they need me there.” He said, looking at me with guilty eyes, making my frown burn deeper.

“Hope it’s nothing too serious? And is there anything I can do?” I inquired. What if he asked me to go with him? Would I abandon my plans for revenge to assist him with this urgent issue? My mind supplied me with an answer, one too scary for me to acknowledge at this point and I swatted the thought to the back of my mind.

“Don’t worry Amelia. I can handle it just fine on my own.” He stated with a small smile but his answer didn’t give me as much relief as I thought it would. I’d grown used to the idea of having Kaiden by my side through it all but now he was leaving, and so soon after we got here.

I mean, I knew I could handle these people on my own but that didn’t eradicate the fact that I wanted Kaiden with me. His icy blue eyes had become a source of comfort, a home of a sort. Him leaving almost had me feeling stripped bare and naked for the world to see.

“Alright then. When are you leaving?” I asked, trying to keep the sadness out of my voice.

“Right now.” My heart skipped a beat and I frowned, unable to hide my true feelings concerning his departure. 

“Wow. Okay.” I sucked a breath, trying to summon courage and put on a brave face.

“Awww. You’ll miss me.” He teased and I rolled my eyes at him, a grin spreading on my face despite myself.

“Oh please. Don’t flatter yourself.” I said, rolling my eyes at him playfully. His expression grew soft, almost as if he was looking straight into my soul.

“What?” I asked, feeling self-conscious with a blush rising to my cheeks.

“I miss seeing your whole face. I miss your smile.” My cheeks burned deeper at his confession and I was left tongue-tied. I was too shy to keep looking him straight in the eye, so I trained my eyes downward instead, inspecting the floorboards. I could hear his low chuckle but I didn’t dare look up, lest I turn into mush.

“Will you see me off?” He asked and I looked up, nodding with no hesitation. He reached for my hands and my small hands sank into his big ones. 

We walked out of the pack house with our hands intertwined and we stopped at the carriage already waiting for him. He was packed and ready to go. 

He pulled me in for a hug and I breathed in his hearty scent. My heart plunged in my chest painfully and I soothed it with thoughts of reassurance. It’s not like we were saying goodbye forever, it was only for a short while; I hoped.

“I’ll be back before you know it.” He said as if he could read my thoughts and I smiled in response. He placed a kiss at the top of my head and my heart leaped for joy in my chest. Then with one last conflicted look, he entered into the carriage.

I stood there, unmoving until the carriage disappeared from sight. My thoughts were calculative now, dismissing the heavy feeling that had settled in my heart after Kaiden’s departure. 

Although, I was sad that Kaiden had left me here with the people I despised the most, it provided the perfect opportunity to fuel my plans to drive Freya green with envy. If Kaiden were here to witness the plans brewing in my mind, I don’t know how he would react. So, I had to use this opportunity to the fullest. There was no time to be sad or to sulk. I came here for a purpose, and I couldn’t let myself be distracted.

I turned around to retreat into the pack house but as destiny would have it, I saw Damien approaching. Sure, the man disgusted me, but I needed him to make that witch pay.

He flashed me a smile as he got closer and my stomach rumbled, my disgust growing even deeper. I didn’t have to return his smile since he couldn’t see half my face, so I just kept a neutral expression.

“Good day, my lady.”

“Good day, my lord.” I replied with a curtsey and his eyes greedily followed my every move. I’d adorned myself in a purple dress that although, wasn’t tight, still accentuated my curves perfectly. And he seemed to be drinking in the sight fervently.

“I was told Alpha Kaiden had left in a hurry. I wanted to see him off as our honoured guest but it seems I’m too late. What was the reason for his sudden departure?” Damien asked, feigning concern and I held back the eye roll he was begging for with his lousy acting.

“I really don’t know, my lord.” I answered and he nodded, swiftly changing the topic to something that was of benefit to him.

“Well, you guys seemed quite close. I don’t want you feeling lonely now that he’s left. How about I take you horse riding? Just a little something to keep you entertained.” He offered in a voice filled with forced charm and I feigned excitement.

Looking proud of himself he led me to the stables, boring me with unnecessary small talk but I indulged him regardless. 

Just as we were approaching the stables, I saw Freya approaching and I smiled to myself. She definitely had a spy, like I suspected. But most importantly, this was a perfect opportunity to put a strain on their relationship.

“Oh hello dear.” Freya greeted after giving Damien an exaggerated hug, albeit trying to mark her territory but he barely returned it, his hands hanging limply by his side. I laughed to myself, I had barely done anything and problems were already beginning to arise.

“Good day, my lady.” I greeted her curtly and she kept a fake smile plastered on her face. Where was all the saltiness and audacity she’d harboured yesterday? I guess she’d learnt to watch her mouth around me. Now she knew I wasn’t some weakling to pick on.

“Are you guys planning to go horse riding?” She asked and I nodded innocently.

“Oh that’s lovely! Let’s go together.” She offered but Damien drew her back, his lips upturned in a scowl.

“That won’t be necessary.” He said through gritted teeth and Freya’s face darkened in anger and…hurt. I smiled to myself before telling him I didn’t mind her tagging along. I made my voice soft and completely innocent, sending obvious glances of pity her way and her cheeks flamed in embarrassment. 

Her wounded pride didn’t waver her resolve though. She reached for a horse together with Damien but I stood back, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“What’s wrong?” Damien asked, his brows furrowed in gentlemanly concern and I looked at him through my lashes, summoning the inner actress in me.

“Well, I’ve never ridden a horse before.” I said in a small voice and Damien rushed to my side, acting like I’d just told him I had a deadly illness. Dramatic much?

“Oh dear! Don’t worry. I’ll teach you.” I smiled coyly, glancing at Freya to see her reddened cheeks and hardened eyes. She thought this was an issue? I was only getting started.