She was a thick woman, her breasts always peeked out over the top of her dress and her hips were wide, almost as wide as the door. I once thought of her as a parent, but I quickly learned she wasn’t my friend. She wasn’t to be trusted. She acted nice to me but I knew it was all a ploy, a joke. She reported everything to my father. While I couldn’t blame her for protecting herself and valuing her life, it hurt knowing she disregarded me so easily. It was easier to see her as fake. She was a spy for my father and I knew better than to trust her. I knew better than to be fooled by her smiles and cheap compliments.
“What’s on my list today?” I asked as I made my way over to the vanity. Taking a seat, I sat straight up and grabbed my brush. I stared into the mirror and ignored her while I brushed out my hair. I may not be a woman yet but my schedule always consisted of something. It varied too, I could be having brunch with the surrounding pack’s heirs, or I could be walking through the pack. I preferred the walk because that way I would be alone.
“You have a lunch with Alpha today,” Vanessa sing-songed.
I swallowed but didn’t let my nerves show. I nodded, but couldn’t keep the shake out of my hand as I brushed and styled my hair. When I was done I followed her out of my room. I wanted the walk to stretch on and one, but it was done sooner than I hoped. I found myself standing in front of the dining hall doors. My hands were clammy as Vanessa nodded to the guards and they reached for the handles. As they slowly pushed open, I saw him first.
The first thing I noticed was beautiful green eyes that glared at me. His sharp nose and pursed thick lips. There was no doubt in my mind that Ethan knew he saw me last night. As long as I held firm, I may be able to sway him.
Ethan was seated beside my father at the head of the table. Ava sat on my father’s left. All eyes landed on me as I stepped into the room. Ava’s posture straightened and her shoulders tensed as she glared at me. The venom in her stare felt like a betrayal as I stared at the one person who should have been on my side. I bit the inside of my cheek nervously as I made my way to the table.
I had foolish hopes of never seeing him again on this visit to our pack but I guess my luck ran out last night when I decided to run. I stopped a foot away from the table, bowed my head to my father and dipped my chin to Ethan. I didn’t look at him, I was afraid of what I would see there.
I didn’t make any sudden moves and I didn’t show any emotion. I fought the urge to hesitate as I turned toward Ethan and walked towards the seat at his side. I already knew where my father would want me to be seated and I wasn’t going to get on his bad side today. Even though he knew how I felt about this arrangement. I could feel Ethan’s gaze on me while I walked over. He didn’t stand or didn’t pull out my seat for me so I did it myself and took a seat beside him.
“Where have you been?” Ethan asked. My heart pounded as he started his onslaught of questions. I thought I would struggle to speak with him but my response dripped from my tongue like honey.
“Sleeping. I had a lovely evening last night,” I said as I avoided his gaze. A growl was his first response. I watched out of the corner of my eye as his hand curled into a tight fist. Fear licked up my spine as I suffocated on the tension in the air.
“You’ve been in bed this whole time?” Ethan asked knowingly. I knew what he was getting at. He was playing a game of cat and mouse, and the room to run was narrowing.
“Yes. Was there somewhere else I should have been?” I asked innocently. The cat’s eyes narrowed on me, but I was going to do everything I could not to get caught.
“Where did you go last night?” He asked. I blinked, blindsided by his bluntness.
“I don’t know what you mean.” My voice cracked, my throat was beginning to tighten.
“Who was that man?” Ethan demanded.
“Man?” I asked. “I don’t know who you speak of.”
There was nowhere else to run. He’d caught me. His hand gripped my arm and I flinched as he tightened it more. I swallowed and looked up at him. My father didn’t say anything. He sat back and watched us. I knew he wouldn’t be of any help to me. He already saw me as Ethan’s property. I felt sick.