Chapter 14

**ELIZABETH'S POV**

I see him cutting off a part of the steak, taking it with his fork and putting it in his mouth. He looks at me and I can see the concern on his face. I immediately feel hunger pangs in my belly and the scent of his steak starts to seem extremely inviting. I try to stand from the bed but I feel light headed. He snaps his finger at someone then stands and walks to me. He sits beside me in the bed just as a bowl of soup in a tray is brought to him.

He is silent as he watches me and I can sense the unasked question.

“I think I'm fine. I'm just…really hungry,” I say to him and he places the tray on the small table and he hands me the spoon then he stands and walks back to the chair he was on. He sits down and stares at me as I eat the soup, then he smiles.

“Easy now. I don't think you can even taste the food if you eat it that fast. I mean, I can barely see the spoon go into your mouth,” he says with a small laugh. I shake my head and continue eating. He watches me quietly then he takes up his fork and knife then continues eating.

“What happened back there?” He asks. His voice is gentle, almost as though he is scared that he may trigger me, set me off. I don't say anything as I watch him.

“Hmm?”

“What happened back there? You were locked up when I arrived. That is not the sort of thing someone just does,” he says and I nod a little.

“Eric is…he is the sort of person who does the sort of thing you'd think he wouldn't do. He just does these things because of the fun of it. That is his way. That is the way he behaves.”

“Are you sure?” Marcus asks.

I think about lying to him, I think about telling him that it was just a bad situation and I know he will not press it. It doesn't matter if he believes me or not. The truth is that he won't press it. That is just not his way.

“He was mated to my mother when they were younger. He loved her or…at least whatever passes for love wherever Eric is concerned. She did not love him. She did not like him and she wants another, a human. She left the pack to marry my father then gave birth to my sister and I. Eric…he didn't take that too well. He did things to our family and…” I shake my head.

“My sister is still under him,” I say. Marcus sighs deeply then he nods. There is silence for a while before he speaks again.

“You are no longer bound to him. You are free.”

“Yes, I am,” I reply. Marcus chuckles.

“What do you want to do with that?” He asks.

“I don't know yet, not entirely sure. Maybe I'll bond to you,” she says.

“You don't have to do that. You don't have to do anything. When you make any decision, you do it because that is what you want to do,” Marcus says to me. I smile at him and can notice the tenderness in his eyes, the fondness

“That is what I want to do. Better follow an alpha that I believe in,” I say and Marcus laughs, his deep voice filling the room like a third presence.

“Your sister. Does she want to leave?” Marcus asks.

“I don't think so. The last time we met she did not…she did not express any desire to leave. I think she has some plans of her own, but I will speak to her and be sure,” I reply. Marcus nods then stands and walks to me. He reaches out and I can feel his rough hand on my cheek.

“Rest. I will speak with you later,” he says and walks out. I sit there on the bed then my eyes move over to what is left of his steak and I start going towards it.

†

**MARCUS'S POV **

“You like the lady?” Elliot asks me as I step out of the house. He is standing by a car with a man beside him, the one I assume is going to drive him. His arm is still bound but I can tell that it's making progress. Looking at it makes me feel terribly unconfirmed but that isn't something I want him to know.

“She is a very useful asset,” I say. Elliott laughs.

“Don't give me that. You went from this place all the way to her home pack and you threatened her alpha for her. You made her break his bond with him. You can't tell me you just did that because you are charitable, are you?” He asks.

His smirk slowly fades from his face when I say nothing and just keep staring at him. He finally shakes his head and starts walking into the car. I see another car drive into the compound and I watch it as a man steps out of the car.

“Mm, Simon. I didn't invite you. Why are you here?” I ask. He walks to me, a storm in his sues and anger on his face.

“Alpha Marcus. I have deep respect for you and all that you have done for our pack. You have weathered every storm and that is why I cannot understand this thing you've done.

“And what did I do that makes you just step out of the car with words if accusation?” Marcus asks, buttoning the cuffs of his shirt.

“There is an emergency meeting and all the elders and betas are waiting. Although you and your brother were not informed but your presence is required. There are matters that need to be addressed, matters that cannot wait,” Simon says.

“Who called for this meeting?” Marcus asks, his voice dangerously low.

“The elders all decided that this meeting is necessary. Please, come with me,” he says. I look at Marcus then at Simon.

“Fine then. Let's be quick about it,” I say and walk with him.