Chapter 14 CHAPTER 014
Ari POV:
"What the hell were you doing out here?" Stone growled as he stepped closer, the energy radiating from him suffocating me.
I looked to Harry for help but he grabbed my chin so that I was looking into his eyes.
"Don't you fucking look away when I'm talking to you! Why did you leave the palace?" I swallowed, not knowing what to say. His eyes were swimming in anger, rage and maybe, just maybe, concern. "We're you trying to escape?"
And...the hatred returned. "No!" I scowled.
Stone dropped his arms by his side, chest out, breath coming out in sharp busts before saying in a loud voice. "Take her away and lock her up. You won't be going anywhere unsupervised anymore, do you understand me?"
Silence settled on the both of us until he raised a brow. "Yes. Yes, Alpha."
"Good." Then he turned and I felt myself being yanked away from the clearing.
In no time, I'd been shoved back into my room before the door clanged shut. There was no two ways about this, I was a prisoner in Ricko. A prisoner who has committed no crime.
I looked at myself in the mirror and scoffed at the person I'd become. Strange and anew. I was no longer the free girl in my pack. I was no longer covered in grime and dirt, begging for scraps on the street.
I was now in Ricko, mated to an Alpha who undoubtedly doesn't want me and dressed in a clown looking gown and makeup. I hated everything about my new life even though it seemed better than when I was in the street.
A tray of roasted chicken and ripe fruits didn't equal safe. At least, on the street, your chances of survival depends on your skills. Here, I was rendered helpless.
I took off the gown, cleaned the makeup and wore a small night gown. All night, I laid on the bed, hoping for that silver lining. Instead, the door clicked open.
I already knew who it was.
"If you're coming to interrogate me about going out tonight, you won't get anything out of me."
"On the contrary," I sat up instantly, seeing as it was Harry. He held a tray forward, a smile on his face. "You haven't had anything to eat today, I presume."
"Does Alpha heart of stone know you're here? I'd hate to see your head on a stake." He chuckled and set the tray on the bedside table. It was a bowl of fruit salad and clear milk. "And I bet he asked the kitchen to prepare food for a human and this is the best they could come up with."
Harry sat on the edge of the bed. "I have to talk to you."
"I can eat meat too, you know. Like that Tigreen you brought home."
"The pack is skeptical about you because we don't know where you're from..."
I held up a finger. "Beta Harry, I apologize. But I can't say anything. I can only assure you that no one, absolutely no one cares enough about me to wage war against you for housing me."
He shook his head. "How is that even possible? Unless you're a fugitive."
I shrugged. "If I was, maybe they'd care a little. But I'm not."
Silence enveloped us in the room for only a fraction of a second. Then he spoke again.
"If the Alpha finally decides to let you stay, will you try to adapt to Ricko."
For a moment, I stared into the dark, contemplating my answers. Would I want to stay? I wanted my freedom back but I knew life on the street wasn't what I wanted. I would have to constantly look over my shoulder hoping not to be someone's dinner every night.
At least, in Ricko, I could sleep every night with my mind at ease. I could eat regularly. Maybe have a friend. My gaze slid back to Harry.
"I don't know." I answered as I remembered I'd have to put up with the insufferable Alpha, the evil therapist and unwelcome pack members. "I don't think I belong here."
Harry grabbed my hand immediately, squeezing it gently.
"You can't decide that now. Everyone may be hostile towards you now because, hell, you're a stranger. But give it time and try to smile more," my lips curled slightly. "Maybe you can be considered a member than I am."
That got me sold. All I had to do was blend in. "I'll think about it, Beta. Thank you."
For a second, we stayed in that position, looking into each other's eyes. How can someone so friendly belong in such hostile territory? How did he even become a Beta? I was about to ask him when he stood up.
"My time here is over. I have to go before Alpha Stone comes looking. I wouldn't want to end up on his plate tonight." He winked and stepped outside.
I smiled and glanced back at the food in the tray. My stomach grumbled even though I had it in mind to trash it. Before long, I grabbed the bowl and gobbled down the food, gulping down the milk as well.
That night, I tossed and turned, thinking about not my answer, but him. Alpha Stone. The way he appeared looking like someone dug a spear in his chest. He didn't even look like that when I stabbed him with the comb.
Was he truly worried that I escaped? Was he concerned for me? Or did the fact that I was with his Beta annoy him so much?
The way he looked at his Beta, it felt as though it was the biggest betrayal of his life. I could relate with that but mine us further than that when I think of how I got to this pack in the first place.
I brushed my hand over my chin where he had grabbed tonight. He was jealous. I scoffed at the absurdity of my thoughts. I needed to sleep before I began to think of crazy things like having a wedding with the Alpha.