Chapter 15 015
~LYKA~
I stared at the maids for a long moment, and then, without warning, I burst into hysterical laughter. The sound echoed around the room, sharp and almost unhinged, as if my mind was trying to protect itself from the madness of what I had just heard. The maids exchanged glances before awkwardly joining in, laughing softly as though this were some kind of harmless joke.
But the laughter died abruptly in my throat.
This was not funny.
Not even a little.
“So you mean that Alpha Demon… no, I mean the Alpha,” I corrected myself with a strained breath, “he really asked you to dress me up so I could serve him?” I asked, my voice trembling despite my effort to sound composed.
They nodded in unison, their expressions neutral, as if this were a completely normal request. Without waiting for further questions, they gently escorted me into the restroom.
I was still in disbelief.
When they finally led me out, I was dressed in a nightdress that clung to my body in a way that made my skin prickle with unease. It was soft, flowing, and undeniably alluring....too alluring. The fabric hugged my curves in a way that left nothing to imagination, and I wondered why they were trying so hard. What exactly did he want from me tonight?
When we arrived at the room they claimed belonged to the Alpha, the guards stationed outside gave me skeptical looks, their eyes roaming over me in open assessment. My unease deepened as I was ushered inside.
The room was dimly lit, elegant yet intimidating. Derrick was seated at a small dining table laid with food and drinks, his posture relaxed, as though he had been expecting me all along. He lifted his gaze and gestured calmly for me to sit.
I sighed and dragged my feet toward the chair, deliberately avoiding his face. I knew the real reason I was here, and the thought made my palms damp with sweat. I refused to dwell on it.
That was not going to happen.
No matter what.
‘I wouldn’t mind it happening… I mean, anything at all,’ Elysia giggled in my head.
I hissed quietly in frustration, clenching my jaw.
“Seeing you all freshened up,” he said, his eyes scanning me slowly, deliberately, “all I can say is… not bad.”
A smile tugged at his lips as he motioned toward the food, encouraging me to help myself. I ignored the plates and reached instead for a drink.
Maybe if I got a little intoxicated, I’d have the courage to plunge a dagger straight into his chest.
“I love the pattern of the nightdress,” he added casually.
I sighed inwardly, knowing he was finally revealing his intentions. My eyes drifted around the room, landing on the king-sized bed positioned not too far away. My stomach churned. I then glanced toward the other side of the room, subtly searching for possible escape routes....for after I killed him.
“Do you know why I called you here?” he asked.
My hands tightened under the table, nails digging into my palms, but I nodded anyway, pretending ignorance.
“I want you to…” He paused briefly, his gaze darkening. “Strip.”
I spat out the drink in my mouth, coughing violently as I stared at him in disbelief.
Why did this man insist on living up to his name?
“What are you saying?” I asked, my voice sharp, desperate for him to laugh it off or claim it was a mistake.
But instead, a slow, dangerous smirk spread across his face.
“What? Don’t tell me your hearing is bad,” he said calmly.
Fear curled tightly in my stomach as he rose from his seat and began walking toward me.
I immediately took a defensive stance, muscles tensing, ready to attack if he came any closer.
“Do you know what I thought the first day I saw you?” he asked.
I shook my head stiffly. “No, I wouldn’t know that.”
Before I could react, he yanked me up from the chair and slammed my body against his. A sharp gasp tore from my lips as our bodies collided, the impact sending a strange shiver through me.
I squeezed my eyes shut as his long, slender fingers traced slowly down my back. A wave of unfamiliar, overwhelming sensations washed over me, stealing my breath. For a terrifying moment, I felt like I had lost control of my own body.
Elysia surged forward, completely unconcerned with my panic.
Was this the mate bond?
Why wasn’t I stabbing him right now?
Why did his touch feel like this?
“I love the feistiness,” he murmured near my ear, his voice low and dangerous. “That crazy look in your eyes when you’re writhing in pain… it makes me wonder how beautiful you would look as I....”
That was it.
Anger exploded through me.
“You psychopath!” I screamed, wrenching myself free from his hold as I slashed at him with my claws.
But he was faster.
He caught my wrists, twisting them painfully and spinning me around until my back was pressed firmly against his chest.
“Is it because I said I love you feisty that you’re deciding to live up to it?” he asked mockingly.
I snarled, struggling uselessly against his strength.
Why was he always trying to push me past my limit?
‘Mate is so sexy!’ Elysia purred happily.
I hissed again, my frustration mounting as I fought his grip. His presence was clouding my thoughts, unraveling my focus. I was afraid....afraid I might do something I’d regret, afraid Elysia would take over completely.
“I don’t want to stay here any longer,” I said firmly, my voice strained as I tried to pull away.
He finally loosened his grip slightly.
“Hm,” he hummed. “I’ll let you leave tonight....but only if you can answer this.”
My ears perked instantly.
A question?
Relief flickered through me. I was well-trained in war strategies....my father had made sure of that. Whatever he was planning to ask, I was confident I could handle it.
“Ask away,” I said eagerly.
I shivered when he leaned closer, his breath brushing against my neck. My pulse spiked, and I wondered what game he was playing now.
“What....” he began.
But suddenly, a furious voice thundered from outside the door.
“What’s going on here?!”
I exhaled in relief, my shoulders sagging slightly.
But who in their right mind would dare storm into the Alpha’s room without knocking?