Chapter 8 CHAPTER 008
Ari POV:
"Listen," I began. "I know you don't like me and none of the pack members would like me so you don't have to pretend to be nice."
She raised a brow, throwing a warning glance at me.
"Fine. I was...I gave my whole life to this person that I loved," Perri began taking notes. "I stripped myself for him to get to where he is today. Yet, he turned around and stabbed me in the back. I was his mate but then he rejected me and threw me out the pack."
"So..."
"So, if you think that I'll go back there for any reason, especially to go tell them about this place, or cause any way, think again." I shifted on the bed. "In fact, I'd like to get away from here as soon as possible."
Perri stared at me for a while, expression blank before closing her book and rising from the bed.
"I'll check back tomorrow to ensure you're fine. Then, be prepared for whatever Ricko has decided to do with you."
She began walking away but when she got to the door, she paused. "And Ari? Don't expect Alpha Stone to be gentle just because he saved you. He's anything but."
Then she walked away. I remembered how Alpha Stone had touched me back in the morning when I'd attempted to run away and if anything, that was the most gentle touch I'd ever felt.
Evening came, and I decided it was high time I moved around. I was no longer restricted to the bed, plus I needed the stretch.
The place was beyond beautiful. Checking outside the windows, I realized it was sitting on a field away from any outside contact. Before anyone could get in touch with people from outside, they'd have to drive a far distance. The building however was as beautiful as it was large with plenty of rooms on every side.
I couldn't tell what each room was for but I could tell that some of it could be housing staff. The floors were all made out of oakwood, the walls painted in bright colours while they were decorated with paintings of ancient figures, abstract colours and so many more.
I ran my fingers over one of the paintings, gushing over the subject. It was of a centaur with his brown unruly mane around the waist, strong rippling limbs, shiny coat and taut upper muscles.
"I presume you're an art enthusiast." I heard a masculine voice call behind me. It was unfamiliar but strangely gentle.
I turned around to meet with a man averagely tall, although he was still taller than me. He had fair skin, dark brown hair that fell over his forehead, eyes with no definite colours and a beautiful smile. He also had this lean athletic body that was clothed in a blue ironed shirt.
He must be very important around here if he had such fine clothing.
"I...I was just looking around."
His lips curled again, eyes twinkling. "That's fine. I like to think of myself as an artist as well. I guess that makes two of us in Ricko who are passionate about art."
That made me chuckle but not for long.
"I heard the pack are deciding what to do with me so regardless of their judgement, I doubt you'll have a partner for long."
He wanted to say something regarding that but paused as if he thought against it. Then he stretched his hand, a charming smile lighting up his cute face.
"Beta Harry Cook here. What about you, my lady?"
I gasped inwardly as I took a step backwards, eyes widened.
"Oh my god. I'm so sorry, Beta." I bowed slightly, eyes fixed on the floor.
I heard him chuckle before he stepped forward to raise my chin. The second person to treat me with gentleness; actually even softer than the Alpha. Beta Harry.
"Don't worry. I won't punish you for being disrespectful." And he was even more chill.
"So, tell me," he began as we began to descend the stairs together. "What else are you looking to find in Ricko? I mean, while you're still here."
My throat had tightened up, my heart beating fast as I thought of an appropriate answer.
"I mean, do I really have what I'm looking for? Since I'm going to die?"
Harry stopped moving to turn towards me. His brow shot up with concern. "Don't say that."
"Why? It's true. I mean, you would know that, wouldn't you?"
He looked away. "We haven't decided yet. But I heard something else and it's that you are the Alpha's mate?"
I scoffed. "As if that will stop you all from killing me."
"What if it does? Are you willing to stay with Alpha Stone? I mean, you've seen how he gets sometimes," he exhaled the last part as if he didn't really want me to hear it.
I fiddled with the hem of my top as I responded. "Maybe he won't be like that anymore. I mean, he stopped when I touched him."
Harry scoffed, that was starting to become his signatory. "That was probably a coincidence..."
"Yeah?" I continue walking and he moved behind me. "So you can explain why his wolf somehow knew where I was, caught me before I drowned and brought me to the pack. Can't you?"
Harry was now walking beside me but he paused, making me turn around to face him.
"What's wrong?"
He sighed. "Do you believe in fate?"
I thought about all that had happened and wondered if fate had planned for me to go through all that suffering while most people lived their whole lives in comfort.
"I guess I do not."
"So then, that means you and Alpha Stone aren't fated mates." He wrapped one hand around my arm and somehow, it felt familiar. I felt safe and comfortable, but that was about it. It didn't feel anything like when Alpha Stone touched me. I didn't feel that dopamine rush, that adrenaline pump or that heart racing feeling.
It made me wonder, if truly, we weren't fated mates.