Chapter 17 Running laps
ZORA
I froze with my hand up, few inches from the door.
This was the fifth time I tried to knock on Alpha Joe's door.
If I didn't do this, innocent soldiers' lives would be at stake, and I don't even want to think what Ryker would do to me
"Oh, for goodness sake," a voice groaned behind me, "Just get this over with. It's infuriating to watch you hesitate like you have an option."
I didn't need to look back to know my third least favorite person was behind me.
"Go away, Wesley."
He came to stand beside me and knocked on Alpha Joe's door.
Joe's voice came through the door crisp and clear, "Come in!!"
Wesley looked at me suggestively and opened the door.
"Why don't you like me??" I questioned, "I've never done anything to you in any way."
"Are you going in or not?" He countered.
I took in a deep breath and walked into the room.
I found him sitting by the window. His things were still unpacked and set in one corner of the room. How am I supposed to look for that damn journal?
"Alpha Joe." I said in a quiet voice, "I'm here. What do you need me for??"
"What do you think about going back with me?" Alpha Joe asked and turned to face me, "And, oh, please call me ."
Is this some kind of prank? Using what I've dreamed about to play games with me? That's a new low.
"Why?" I replied in a harsher tone.
"Ryker is known for not being exactly a model kind to his subjects. I'm just asking in case you want out."
I know some people who would strongly disagree with you."
He shrugged, "It doesn't matter. Do you want out or not??"
I raised an eyebrow.
Is he kidding me? This is the moment I've been waiting for. In cases like this, there is always--
"What's the catch?"
He smiled at me, "Is that what you are used to?"
I gave him a half shrug in response,
"There is no catch. You can either catch a ride with me this evening, have your freedom and your jobwould be to only babysit my children so I and my wife can go on dates."
I gaped at him, "I thought you needed my powers for something else.'"
"I don't need your powers you agree to follow me."
"Can't you get baby sitters in your pack?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"My children usually have..... uh.... special needs and they are not used to members of my pack. That's why I have to scour other packs to get a baby sitter."
"How old are they?"
" My sons are twenty three and twenty seven."
I hid my shock well "That's why you came to Shadow Pack?"
"No, I was just passing through and come to say 'hi' to Ryker."
"I'll go with you when you are leaving. Did you come with a car?"
He laughed, "I'm an old fashioned man and I love my carriages."
Something else was wrong.
"Earlier,'' I started, "Ryker told me you are leaving tommorow evening."
"I was, but now that you are willing to follow me, I'd leave this evening. There is no use staying here and wasting anymore time."
I gave him probably my most biggest smile. "I totally agree with you. Let's not waste time. I'll be waiting at the back of your carriage." I told him even though I've never been on one or know how it works.
He suddenly brought a finger to his lips, "Shh...... Someone is coming."
I pressed my lips together instantly, as if one cue, a knock came on the door.
"Yes, who is it?" Joe called out.
"Agatha. I'm here to bring you some snacks, courtesy of the Alpha."
"Alright, please come in." Joe answered.
Agatha walked in, gave me an annoyed glare first before serving Joe and closing the windows in the room due to the sun.
I ignored her and waited till she left before I took my leave.
It wasn't until I left before I realized I forgot to search for the journal but it should not matter soon enough right.
I went straight to my room and arranged the pillows on the bed to make it seem I was sleeping. That should buy me some time.
I'd leave the carriage on the way before Joe notices and go back to my family.
Evening came quickly and like last time I used the window.
Finding the carriage was easy, working my way around it as quickly as I can wasn't.
I finally found where to stay, one of the carriages carrying his luggage was the perfect place for me to hide.
l curled myself behind one of his big boxes and waited with bated breathe.
The carriage finally started moving.
After what I was sure was an hour or more. The horses stopped for a break.
I took that as my opportunity to leave.
I climbed out from the carriage and squinted my eyes at the surroundings, trying to get my bearing after staying in a dark place for a long time.
A surprised cry escaped my lips when I noticed three people standing few feet away from me.
I spurned on my heels to be sure I wasn't dreaming.
There were horse tracks on the ground. Did that mean we have been moving in circles all these time??
Ryker was staring at me with a cold smile.
I should have known there was no way I am going to ever escape him. I should accept my fate now. I can't keep trying knowing he would always be a thousand feet ahead of me.
Joe winced visibly when I glanced at him,
"Sorry,"' He muttered, "I was promised six ladies instead. That way, my sons wouldn't need me to scour around for a while. On the bright side, I bet you had the best ride of your life."
I turned back to Ryker and my first instinct was to lie, make up an excuse or something, but I couldn't because of the icy look on his face.
Joe gave a small bow and speed walked to his carriage, moving out of sight instantly.
When he was gone, I realised how much trouble I was in.
"I won the bet again." Wesley said girmly, hiding a smile.
"You disappoint me." Ryker said briskly.
My heart plummeted down to my stomach heavily.
His words made me feel guilty for trying to leave. And what's with them betting on me!!
I exhaled, feeling worse than shit. I hate him for making me feel this way. "What's my punishment going to be this time?"
"Maybe make you my mate so you can have the curse that comes along with being my mate and a Luna."
My jaw dropped, "A curse?"
"That can't work if you aren't fated by the goddess." Wesley said to him. "You need the bond."
Surprisingly, he nodded in agreement. He still had on the disappointed look that tore at my heart.
"You will run fifty laps on the pack's field."
I blinked in surprise.
"I also didn't get the journal." I found myself confessing.
What did he mean run? What has come over him?
"Okay, sixty laps then."
"Are you serious?" I blurted out, "That's all??"
"Do you want to run more laps or what?"
I shook my head at him, " No."
"Good, Wesley will escort you to your room and to the field." He stated coldly and left.
Oddly, as I watched him leave, one tiny sick part of me was disappointed, almost as if I enjoyed the things he did to me in the name of punishment which was weird because I don't. I've always dreamt of a calm and sweet love but this was just hate and I've lost my shot at chance of real love.
This is just him using me as he pleases, and I'm stuck here with no one to help me.