Chapter 16: Chapter Sixteen

Jaslyn

I stood straight. “What does it look like?”

I had never talked to my father in a disrespectful manner before. Not even when he'd removed my rank as a Gamma in the pack and lowered me down to an Omega. Not even when he'd sold me off to those traders. And now he looked like he'd swallowed a pack of bile. I allowed myself relish the satisfaction. I dreamt of this day, dreamt of when I could talk back to him enough to induce a stunned reaction. Satisfaction coursed through, and—call me petty if you like—but I loved it. I was enjoying it.

“How dare you?!” He questioned in anger. “And how did you escape from the slave traders’ lair?” He added looking me over, and not liking how I looked.

“Take a guess, Father. I'm even surprised you asked. You never cared about my welfare before. Are you suddenly developing a soft for me?” I snorted.

His voice lowered. “I don't care what you do, Jaslyn. But you know what you are, an abomination.” He mocked.

Over the years, I hadn't gotten used to hearing him call me that. I hadn't rebelled when I was younger, always the perfect and good kid craving for my father's approval. Yet, he hadn't hesitated to turn his back on me when I'd turned to be different from the others. He hadn't hesitated to sell me out, to protect the reputation of his pack. Only now did I realize how much the man standing before me- my sperm donor- hated me.

“Have a good night,” I averted my head and made to leave.

“You’re nothing but a disgrace but to my pack, and I feel ashamed that you're my daughter.” He said again.

The words hit my sore spot and the back of eyes stung. “Oh, you can be rest assured that I don't regard you as my father anymore, Alpha Laural.” I retorted, and then recalling something, I fought to keep my temper at bay and faced him again.

Beside us, the moonlight shone down on the fountain, casting light and pretty shimmers. The sight was a sharp contrast to the drama going on beside it- us.

“Tell me about my mother. What was her name?” I knew it was a futile attempt, and from the way my father erupted, I knew it was going to end fruitlessly for me again.

“You want to know about her so bad?!” His voice went a notch higher, as he stabbed a finger at the air. “Very well, she was a slut. A bloodsucking bitch. You take after her so well.” He paused and took a breath.

“You’re so pathetic, Mr Laural.” Not bothering to address him as an Alpha, I said and went on into the Fort.

Back at the hall, my stepbrother had already paid homage on my father's behalf, and he was seated at a table. I ignored the sneering look he gave me, and went on to take my position beside Zeeland.

His calm scent engulfed me almost immediately, and I wondered how much it'd irk Alyse if I leaned in and inhaled Zeeland's neck. I decided against it.

My father came in moments later. If he was surprised to see me at the head table, his face didn't betray it. He however sent me a warning glare and went over to his chair.

★★

I awoke with a start and with a pounding headache. My body was drenched in my own sweat and I slightly shivered. I leaned against the headboard and tried to regain my breath. I'd been having one of those nightmares- no, visions- again. The one I just had was as vivid as the others. As I regained my breathing tempo, I looked around the room and noticed that while it looked familiar, it wasn't mine. I could always tell the softness of my bed, and this one wasn't mine. All at once, the memories poured in, and I winced. My head was aching like crazy, but it was nothing compared to how fast my heart was racing.

I'd gotten drunk at the party, and while I hadn't misbehaved, I had ended up on Zeeland's bed. In my drunk state, I had heard Zeeland telling his Beta that it'd be suspicious to the others if I slept in my own room that night.

I glanced sharply at the sleeping figure beside me wondering if I had disturbed him when I woke up. I heaved a sigh of relief when his breathing remained even. His face looked so peaceful and not at all intimidating as he slept that I couldn't turn my gaze away. The low light from the bedstand was the only reason I could see him in the perfectly dark room. The room was wide, wider than the one I was given, and it smelt like him. Giving off his aura even.

Convinced that he was fully asleep, I leaned in to look at his face from a close angle. His breath smelt faintly of wine, mixed with an Island iced tea. Gosh, he was sinfully gorgeous. Funny how one could look so harmless while sleeping, yet dangerous while awake. The more I stared, the more different thoughts raced through my mind. And none of them were innocent, none of them involved gentle kisses and soft hugs. All of them, hot and demanding, made me flush. My heart raced, and I swallowed hard.

I let my eyes lower down to his lips, and back up at his face. I bit my lower lip and leaned in even more while wondering if his lips would feel as soft as they looked. His lower lip was full and pouty. Since there was only one way to find out if it was as soft, I damned the consequences and proceeded to land a light kiss on his lips.

A hand gripped mine and my eyes widened in horror as they shot up to his now open ones.

He was awake.