Chapter 9 Stranded
TARA:
I could feel the cold, icy gaze of the Alpha on my skin when I asked for seconds. It had been a long time since I last ate good food and the portion that was served to me that night wasn't enough.
"Take care of this, Mason, and don't waste my time." He grumpily replied and stormed out.
Mason was the driver. I initially didn't want to enter the restaurant because of the crowd inside. I had become traumatized after nearly being killed in front of a spiteful crowd.
But he convinced me that nothing bad would happen.
"Would you like to have the same meal or do you have any other thing in mind?" He politely asked, waving someone over.
"The same, please."
In a few minutes, I was served another portion which I ate with relish. But when I saw Mason staring at me, I began to feel uncomfortable.
"Don't let me stop you. You remind me of my youngest sister, Rose. She eats just like you." He smiled nervously and looked away.
If I wasn't mistaken, Mason looked like he was in his late twenties. He was calm, spoke nicely, and smiled a lot. I felt more at ease with him than with the Alpha.
I hurried up the meal and didn't say anything else until I finished eating.
"Thank you." I lowered my head. Even though I wanted more, I couldn't say so. Besides, the Alpha was waiting outside.
"You'll have more when we get back." He patted my shoulder and walked out with me trailing behind like a lost puppy.
"Alpha," Mason called out after we had boarded the car. "It's late. I don't think we can make the journey with her in tow. It might get dangerous." He aired, his voice sounding kind of frantic.
Was he worried about me?
Apart from Ellie, nobody had ever cared about my well-being. It felt refreshing.
"Fine. Let's get a hotel then." He agreed. I didn't think he would. I was an insignificant being whose safety shouldn't be of concern. Mason drove us to a motel. I had never been to one before. I've only heard about it in stories.
"I'm sorry, but we have only one room available." The receptionist said apologetically. Almost all the rooms had been booked that night because according to her, there was a festival going on.
"Alpha, should we take it?" Mason asked Alpha Lucian, who only groaned in annoyance. He clicked his tongue countless times and finally turned to leave. Mason immediately went after him and so did I.
We stopped at different motels and even inns but there was all booked out.
"If we check the last motel and we don't see at least two rooms, we'll make the journey tonight."
"Yes, Alpha."
Deep down, I was praying that we find a suitable place to spend the night but it was the same thing, one bedroom left.
I was already mustering up the courage to chest the cold for about nine hours when the Alpha shocked me with his reply.
"We'll take it."
Even Mason was surprised but didn't say anything. He only smiled and heaved a breath of relief.
Why did the Alpha agree to take the single room?
I quietly followed them to the room. They walked in while I stood at the door. It was too small for three people.
A single bed and a small chair. Three of us couldn't fit inside. Someone had to leave.
"Why are you standing at the door? Come in and have some rest." Mason beckoned to me but I remained unmoving. My feet felt like lead. I knew it was because we couldn't fit.
"I'll sleep in the car." I simply said and turned to leave.
"Get in here, Tara. Don't make me more annoyed than I am tonight." The Alpha's cold voice resonated in my chest.
"But Alpha—"
"I don't like repeating myself. Get in here and shut that door behind you." He commanded and I found myself obeying.
I clutched the jacket he had given me. I was so cold. One of the downsides of being an Omega. I fell sick easily and my wounds took time to heal. I was vulnerable to anything that threatened my health.
I think that was why the Alpha had to accept the room.
"I'll heat some water for you," Mason suggested and disappeared into the bathroom.
"Where's your bag anyway? I never saw you with one." The Alpha noted.
My eyes fell to the ground. I was too ashamed to tell him that I didn't have anything worth carrying. I just had five items of clothing, three of which Ellie had given to me. I had outgrown all of them, plus they were torn in different places.
As though he could hear my thoughts, he didn't push for an answer. Rather, he sat on the chair, undoing his buttons.
"Are you going to stand there like a statue or will you go have your bath?"
I walked fast to the bathroom to see Mason coming out.
"Your warm bath is ready, Tara." He stepped aside for me to go in and when I did, he shut the door.
I carefully dropped the Alpha's jacket, removed my clothes, and approached the tub. Steam evaporated into the air and the smell was like lavender, inviting me to bask in its heavenly scent. I first dipped my big toe.
Feeling the warmth, I drowned myself inside. I never wanted to leave the water because it suited my aching body, although the sting of the water still hurt some of my wounds that were yet to heal.
I stayed in there and only got out because Mason knocked to check if I was okay. I had lost track of time in that warm water. I put on my clothes, grabbed the Alpha's jacket, and walked out.
The Alpha was still in his sitting position, staring at his phone screen.
I wondered what he was doing. I've never had a phone before.
"Now, for the sleeping arrangement..." Mason started, the lines on his face appearing unsteady. He kept looking between the Alpha and me.
"Well, I was able to get a futon and an extra blanket from the receptionist. Looks like I'll be using it."
'What?!!!' I screamed in my head. There was no way I would be sleeping on the same bed with the Alpha.
I looked at him, the look in his eyes could freeze hot blazing fire within seconds.
"Sir, please, the Alpha won't be comfortable sleeping beside a stranger. Let me sleep on the floor. I don't mind." I said, trying to sway his decision and make him see reason.
"But—"
"She's right."
Mason tried to object but the Alpha stopped him.
"I would be more comfortable with you beside me." His eyes were still glued to his phone screen. I tried to look at what he was doing but I was too distant from him.
I decided to spread the futon myself, arranged it in a way I would feel very comfortable.
"I'm very sorry, Tara. But you'll have to manage for tonight." He sat on the bed that faced the area where I spread the futon.
"It's fine, sir. I'm used to it."
The futon was even fluffier compared to the ugly, torn mat that the deceased head maid had given to me.
As soon as I laid down, I closed my eyes, not even knowing when I fell asleep. But when I shifted again, I felt my leg hitting a hard surface. There was no furniture close to where I slept.
My eyes opened, I was half-asleep. But what I didn't expect was to see the Alpha sitting beside me on my futon. And he was holding my hand while staring at me.
No... It's not possible. It's just a silly dream... I thought as my eyes slowly closed, my consciousness drifting away into deep slumber.