Chapter 19 CHAPTER 019
Ari POV:
Later in the evening, after I felt strong enough to take a stroll, Beta Harry led me out the hospital to the park. For the first time in days, I could see the people of Ricko.
The women, the men and the children all having fun on the park full of games and slides. I have never seen so much laughter and colour in one place. It made my heart melt.
I felt a squeeze that snapped me back to reality. It was Harry and when I looked to my side, he had a sad smile on his face. That was when I noticed it.
A faint pink tint on his nose that led straight to his under eye. My forehead creased. "What happened to you?"
He seemed confused. "What do you mean?"
I attempted to touch him but he stepped back immediately, eyes darkening as if I was some stranger. I was met with another reality check. Just because the Beta was being nice to me didn't mean I was fully accepted. For all I know, this could be his duty to follow me around just to ensure I don't escape.
"I'm sorry, Beta," I gave a small curtesy. "It won't happen again."
Then I walked away, focused on getting back to the hospital. That was before I heard approaching footsteps padding on the ground. A hand wrapped around my arm and turned me to face him.
We were too close but his expression remained unchanged, unsmiling. "This bruise you see on my face is as a result of me being with you."
What the hell did that mean? "I don't understand."
"The Alpha," he swallowed. "He doesn't want to see us together. He thinks there's something between just because I'm being nice to his mate."
"Then don't be nice." I spat, tired of all the hovering already.
Harry ran a hand through his brown hair, his lower lip pulled between his teeth in frustration.
"You won't survive in Ricko if everyone avoids you, Ari."
I scoffed. "I survived the streets. I'll be fine."
Silence settled between us and I took that as my cue to leave, which I did. Thankfully, he didn't follow.
As soon as I reached my room, I was shocked to find Perri already seater on a chair beside my bed. She didn't have on her coat so I was certain she wasn't doing rounds. Why then was she in my room?
"I feel fine. In case you're wondering but don't have the decency to ask."
Perri remained expressionless as I stepped in closer and folded my arms. "Why are you here?"
"Sit." She tilted her head towards the bed.
I glanced to the side and back at her. "If I don't?"
Perri exhaled loudly before speaking, this time with more emotions. "Does it always have to be like this with you?"
"I gave my whole world to someone without hesitating or arguing and look where it landed me. I'm fine living life like this if you're worried about me."
"I'm not worried about you. I wouldn't give a hoot about you if it was possible." She raised her chin. "If the Alpha didn't ask to see you. I wouldn't give a damn what happens to you."
My lips curled into a small smile as I tilted my head, eyes fixed on hers. "Finally, the robotic Perri showing some emotions. I always have that effect on people."
She rose and stepped in so close I could almost feel her breath on my face. "I hope that's still the case because you're going to need it. Follow me."
She moved past me, her shoulder bumping into mine. I turned around to look at her before following. We walked out of the hospital and she entered a small car I believed belonged to her. I took my time to ingest the details of the small, black car that looked like it wouldn't fit more than three people.
We drove towards the palace and I took the opportunity to study the pack. It seemed large compared to Shadowfang and other packs I've visited.
They were also more civilised with a proper functioning system like tarred roads, beautiful architectures in buildings, no beggars on the streets, billboards, beautiful plants and trees.
There was a lot to see and I hoped Alpha Stone would change his mind and let me live here so I could explore the places here.
But that would mean accepting to be his mate and that thought made me scrunch my nose.
"You know, everyone in the council and even the Alpha himself would have ruled to have your head on a platter if you hadn't played the singing siren and messed up his head." Perri spoke, interrupting my thoughts.
"Is that what you tell yourself every night?"
"I know it."
I turned to look at her determined face, wondering how an older woman could be this pathetic.
"No, you don't if the thought keeps you up every night. Try listening to music. I hear it helps the troubled minds."
She turned the car towards the road that led to the Alpha’s estate.
"I've been itching to ask you, by the way. Do you even have a family? I'm sure you wouldn't be this miserable if you did."
Perri flashed me an angry look. "I do have a family and I sure as hell don't have a daughter like you, that's for sure."
"And I'm glad my parents aren't as miserable as you."
"Is that why they kicked you out of your pack?"
I bit back my retort, knowing we were back in the palace and my freedom was restricted. I wasn't sure if seeing Alpha Stone was something I needed or if turning back to the hospital was the right choice to make. Perri's watchful gaze got me right back on track.
"Where is he?" Perri kept walking down a hallway, dark and quiet till she disappeared in the shadow. I followed immediately before I lost sight of her.
After a moment of walking down the hallway silently, a small beam of light appeared in front. It seemed to have come from an overhead white bulb. But that was not the only thing that caught my eyes.
I looked around the place and took in the peeling walls, the growing mold, the wet floors, the sound of slowly dripping water echoing in the background and a low growl that seemed to shake the grounds.
With a frown, I began to step towards the sound.
"Don't be foolish now, Ari," Perri snapped. She pulled a string and a brighter light came on before a yelp caused my heart to leap.
Before me stood a tall iron gate that separated me from a chained beast, tall and dangerous. I didn't need anyone to tell me.
"Alpha Stone?"