Chapter 21 Meant to stay
ZORA
"Guess she's meant to stay." Ryker grinned at Wesley, "wouldn't be fun if I let my plaything off the hook just like that."
I looked at both of them, now confused.
Wesley looked liked he wished to strangle me right here and now.
I ignored him and turned to Ryker, "I'll like to have my leave now, thank you for the most hospitable welcome."
He narrowed his eyes at me, definitely not missing the sarcasm in my voice.
"I changed my mind." He grinned, "Wesley will change the bulb."
I gaped at him in Shock "What? Why? you can't just change your mind!"
He ignored me and walked to the door. Then he stopped and turned back to level me with a cold stare, "If you blab about my beast, I promise, that family you are eager to run to will be the least of your worries."
He left.
I swallowed, my chest suddenly tight and constricted. I didn't doubt him.
I looked at Wesley in confusion.
He shrugged and stared at me with pity, "Sad you are immune."
"Immune??" I yelled, "Immune to what? What in the fucking hell are you talking ??"
Wesley ignored me too and left the room, following his Alpha.
"Don't you think I need some fucking answers!!" I yelled after them.
I ran a hand through my hair in frustration and just screamed out my lungs. Maybe it's time to stop trying to actively escape this hell. Truth be told, I could never escape Ryker unless he decides he is done with me. I'll have to trust Courtney and Lucas with my babies until I can get back to them without the risk of bringing the devil's incarnate to our doorstep.
That being said, I have to make most of my time here and not just cower around. But as they say, easier said than done. I'm sure the goddess must be having the time of her life by just watching me.
What do I have to do now??? I have absolutely no idea.
I plopped down on the bed, staring at the ceiling when i heard the door open. I didn't bother tearing my gaze off the ceiling because only Agatha would open the door without knocking.
"What does the Alpha wants with me now??"
She cleared her throat, "I'm to be your personal maid from today"
I sprang up, my eyes narrowing in anger as they came face to face with the last person on earth I want to see.
My anger bubbled over, threatening to take control, "You betrayed me." I spat, "GET OUT OF MY ROOM!! I don't want to see you."
"No" she replied calmly, "I did not rat you out. Besides you were the one planning to run without me."
"If you didn't, then who did?"
She shrugged in response.
I glared at her. I don't believe her but I'm not going to waste my time thinking about what she's done.
"You are going to need me, so you have to learn trust me. That way, we can work well together."
Trust?? Trust her??
I scoffed and ignored her all together. It should be easy to pretend she doesn't exist.
She smiled sweetly, infuriating me further.
"The Alpha has asked me to prepare you for the bi-annual palooza."
I frowned, "A party??"
"The theme is 'An affair to remember'"
I opened my mouth to protest, then I remembered it wasn't exactly a choice. "When is it?"
"Tomorrow evening."
I arched an eyebrow at her, " How come I haven't heard any justling or bustling of a party?"
"You've been too busy and focused on running that you didn't pay attention to your surroundings."
I ran a hand through my hair, "have you ever been to one? How's it like?"
She shrugged, "The usuals, you're an original member of the pack. How come you don't know?"
I glared at her.
"Different packs come for the palooza party every year. So it's going to be a full house soon."
"The visitors have a house specially built for their arrival." She added, "Only a few end up staying here."
A mischievous smile played at my lips, since I'm stuck here, I might as well not let him have it easy.
Marissa shifted on her foot, "whatever you're planning, I strongly advise against it, you don't want to anger the Alpha."
"What?" I blinked innocently, "I'm just excited for the party. Can we go dress hunting??"
Marissa shook her head but gestured for me to follow her. We arrived at the biggest cloth store I've ever seen in my life.
"What was the theme again?"
"An affair to remember."
"Okayy," I giggled, walking slowly through the aisles, then I found it, the perfect dress for the night. Marissa gave me a warning look, eyeing the dress I set my gaze on.
"No," she shook her head negatively, "the Alpha would have my head on a platter if you wear it."
"Good thing I don't really care about traitors."
"I did not rat you out!"
"That's what they always say."
"Would you at least let me do your make up? It's ten minutes before the party and you can't be late."
"Two faced people aren't really my thing."
She stared at me in annoyance and pressed her lips tightly.
"Besides I can do my make up myself. I don't need a babysitter."
"If you say that, then I have no purpose here and Beta Wesley would have to throw me out and I'd be killed for real this time."
"Who's going to kill you?"
She went silent.
Something clicked in my head, "did you say Wesley brought you in?"
"Yes, he did." She answered.
"What's your relationship with the beta that he had to make a bet on me to bring you in?" I fired at her, my nostrils flaring in anger.
She looked taken aback, but that's fake, I'm not going to fall for it.
"Nothing!" She yelled, "I wont let you insult the Beta's kindness."
"I'd like to be left alone please. Go to your Beta, I can take care of myself."
She nodded grimly and left.
"That was--" Ivan started.
"Don't" I cut her off and focused on dressing up for the party.
My smile came back when I glanced at my dress on the bed. I can't wait for the night to start.
After dressing, I stared at myself in the mirror, nodding my head with pride.
I paid extra attention to my hair and have pins on it to keep the curls in place elegantly on my head.
My dress is a blue short straight gown that stops on my mid thighs with the cleavage well opened and a oval shaped opening above my stomach. Although it is long sleeved, the back of the dress is a low back that ends on my waist line.
I hope it screams the message loud and clear, that I don't care anymore or give a flying fuck about him and his damned pack.
I put on my wedding heels which happens to match perfectly and grabbed a purse I saw at the store earlier.
Feeling confident, I opened the door, knowing Marissa would be waiting to accompany me to the hall.
Her head was bowed when I came out. My brows creased in a frown, wondering what this was about this time.
"I swear on my mother's grave, I didn't tell the Alpha anything. I just happened to be there and angry at you for trying to go against our agreement. Beta Wesley has me here to keep an eye on you but I still intend to leave this pack. So maybe we can try again? Start afresh?" She raised her head now, looking at me hopefully.
My throat constricted at the sincerity I saw in her eyes. It wouldn't be so bad to attempt a friendship here.
"Fine," I replied begrudgingly, "apology accepted. Can we go now?"
Her eyes grew wide as saucers as she took in my dress.
"Oh my fuvking goodness!! The Alpha is going to kill me for allowing this."
I wriggled my eyebrows, "Are you scared?"
"Of the Alpha, definitely. I'd be a fool not to be but I'd risk everything to see the expression on his face right now."
I chuckled. "That makes both of us."
As we walked to the hall which was just a five minutes walk from the mansion, a lot of hushed whispers were left on my trail especially from people who know I was once a member of this pack. It's a wonder my sister or my family hasn't barged in to the mansion yet to belittle me.
"Announcing the arrival of Miss Zora Hendrix." The porter said in a very loud voice before ushering me in.
I took a deep breath and walked in, standing at the top of a staircase. Instantly two hundred pair of eyes landed on me and a few collective gasp rose. Mainly from the over dramatic housewives.
I searched the crowd lazily, looking for him.
I found him!
And goodness! The expression on his face especially when he noticed some of the Alphas' eyes roaming my body appreciatively.
Wesley stared at me with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Yes, I loved the attention, but I loved the fury in his eyes more .
If looks could kill, I'd be suffering the most unimaginable death right now.
I winked at him and walked down the stairs as slowly as I could, aware of the eyes on me. Most of the women were glaring daggers at me as their husbands have eyes on me but none of them beat Ryker's.
He was taking long strides towards me and reached the end of the stairs before me, his hand outstretched.
I pretended not to see him and sidestepped him instead.
His jaw clenched, a low growl emanated from his chest which only made my smile wider.
From the corner of my eyes, I saw him move his arm towards me, so I walked fast to get out of his reach, but not fast enough because the next second, his arm encircled my waist.
I kept my smile plastered, eyes forward.
"What the heck are you wearing??"
I placed a hand over my chest and mock gasped, "Godforbid a woman tries to dress up. Not everything is about you Ryker."
He pulled me closer to him, his hand on my waist tighter, "Then your dress up is going to send some people to an early grave this night."
I blinked innocently at him, "does that include you?"
"If any man stares at or touches you wrongly. That would be the last thing they do. So for your own good and theirs, you should stay by my side."
"Are you going to make a scene in front of all these people?" I asked.
His scent drifted up my nose strongly, suddenly making me light headed. I wanted nothing more than to place my head on his naked chest, feel his warm skin on mine and just stay there. My stomach churned with need, causing me to unconsciously lean closer to him.
"For you, I'd do anything, meiga." He whispered coldly into my ears.
That jolted me out of my reverie.
I stared at him, a bit confused. What is wrong with me?? I'd never want to be with him that way, not after all the things he has done.
"It's the bond." Ivan answered, purring gently.
I frowned. Since when do bonds start acting out? I haven't accepted him as my mate.
I leaned forward on my toes, inches away from his face, "we'll see about that, connard. The night is just getting started.”