Chapter 6 CHAPTER 006
My brows pulled together at the tone with which she spoke. Low and warning.
"What do you mean?"
She stood, the smile and warmth back on her expression. "Enjoy the rest of the day, Ari. And welcome to Ricko."
Then she turned on her heels and walked away. I exhaled shakily, wondering what it was I'd gotten myself into.
I looked up at my surroundings and decided to find a way to escape. There was no way I was going to agree to live with Lycans, people who have always set themselves apart from other werewolves. Arrogant and pompous lots.
The window was small but I could do with it, considering I had a small figure. I carried the cabinet on the side of my bed and pushed it against the wall to help me off the window. Then I tied one end of the bed sheet against the foot of the cabinet.
It was time for me to escape and finally end it once and for all, without the help of anybody. I didn't need to be anyone's mate to find life. I'd seen how it ended up for me and there was no way in hell I'd go through that rejection ritual again.
I made it out the window after straining all my strength to push myself past the tight space. Finally, I began dropping down the sheet slowly. Lucky for me, the garden was just behind the window so there was nobody in sight.
My feet touched the warm sand and I felt my heart flutter in relief. Now, all I had to do was run like my life depended on it; literally.
"Nice grip you got there."
I turned around quickly, my hair whipping my face at the sharp reaction. Great! The Alpha was standing next to me, tall and intimidating.
Not knowing what to do, I decided to rack my brain for an excuse.
"I...I was...thank you, for that. Um, I actually was doing some exercise to get better." I was stuttering like a fool.
Yet, he stood and watched me with a blank expression. I didn't know what he was thinking with those brows pulled together, lips twitching and nose flaring. But they seemed to signify that he was angry. Furious even.
"You were trying to run away." Was that a question? "Are you aware that until you're vindicated, you're a threat to my pack and as far as I know, a spy from another pack."
My eyes became wide, a sharp gasp escaping my throat.
"I would never. You're the one who brought me here. I have no idea..."
"My wolf can be very protective of anyone!" He snapped, causing me to flinch. Here was why people feared him. "Who's to say you didn't jump in the river to catch his attention knowing he was going to bring you to my pack?"
The accusation was even worse than what I was slammed with back at Shadowfang. It was like I was being forced to dance on hot coal.
"I'm not a spy and I'm not an enemy. I don't even have a wolf or a pack. That's why...that's why I wanted to kill myself," my voice broke at the last sentence, eyes getting blurred with tears. "It's okay if you think I'm the enemy. But what are you going to do? Kill me? When that's all I've ever wanted to do."
Without warning, I saw him lift his arm and I flinched, expecting him to hit me. Instead, the back of his hand landed on my cheek, touching me gently, more than I ever expected. He let his thumb graze the tears that rolled down and the gesture only made my heart ache. I never knew softness and the only man who seemed to show even an inkling turned out to be a stranger, an enemy to every Werewolf species and a dangerous one at that.
"You have no idea," he started, voice low and rumbling, "how I'm going to punish you, Ari. But it's definitely not death."
I nodded, heart tightening at his words. I was at a crossroad, not sure whether to feel safe or be scared.
"In fact, I would never let death come close to you. You'll wish for it and it will never come. But, you'll definitely be punished for it." He let the back of his hand trail down my neck before wrapping his fingers around. The touch sent electric all over my nerves, causing me to quiver.
He leaned closer, so close I could feel his warm breath on my neck and my nose was filled with his scent, mint and citrus. I exhaled slowly but somehow it came out as a moan. His grip tightened.
"I don't know what it is about you," he sniffed the corner of my neck, his lips grazing my skin. "I don't know why my wolf doesn't want to let you go."
"Maybe—perhaps, it's because we are mates?" I managed to say, although my breath had quickened.
"Mates?"
"Alpha Stone!" A voice interrupted and I winced at the sudden detachment, hit by reality and fresh air. It was a guard. "The elders are here. They want to see you."
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Stone POV:
As I moved past the hallways, I could still feel the pressure in my pants shifting. How could such a nonentity have a chokehold on me and my wolf? She must be a witch casting a spell on me and somehow, I loved the feeling.
Why were the elders in my palace? If it had to do with Ari, I made up my mind I wasn't going to keep her so there was no need for a meeting. I'd send her off not kill her.
"Why?" I could feel my wolf cooing. She was my mate and I couldn't reject her but I'd send her off without a chance to find someone else. Same with me. I could live without a mate but could she?
"Your grace." The elders greeted in unison as soon as I walked past to get to my throne.
Elder Bellum, my loyal gamma; Elder Ethan Cook, my former Beta; Elder Harry Cook, the current Beta; Elder Linus, the old sage and seer; Elder Kannelle, the army commander; and Perri, the pack's healer; all gathered in the hall, faces drawn in concern.