Chapter 83
Iris
I clenched my fist tightly around the fork in my hand to the point of breaking it. What was he even doing here?
Did he think that appearing like a knight in shining armor would suddenly erase the pains and tears that he caused me to shed? If that was what he thought, then he was joking.
"How are you doing, Hazel? I hear that you have been mated to my friend, Hegar and I hope he's treating you well," He murmured, picking up a plate to serve himself.
Hazel glanced at me and giggled, grinning from ear to ear. I rolled my eyes and held back a snort at how she usually lost her senses once Hegar's name was mentioned.
Once upon a time, I used to do the same but where did it lead me?
"Of course, he treats me like an egg. I don't regret being his mate," She tucked her hair shyly, her cheeks turning red.
My mouth was itching to drop a terse response but I didn't want Hazel to notice the strain between us. I wasn't sure I wanted to tell anyone about my predicament. It was easier bearing it alone.
He cut a chunk of lamb roast and chewed it slowly, his eyes pinned on me. My eyes darted to his lips that hadn't mine in days and I gulped and looked away.
The conflict between my mind and my heart was exhausting and I didn't know which was going to win. I hoped I wouldn't get lost in the battle and there was Irene to consider.
"And you, mate. Where have you been all day?"
I stifled the intense reply I'd intended to say and shrugged. "Out,"
"Out, huh? You haven't recovered properly, Iris. Why do you want to endanger your life as if no one cares about you? What if some angry pack members came at you again, what would you have done?" He hollered in frustration.
"But they didn't and they wouldn't because they now know their limit." I pushed my chair backward and stood up. "My appetite seemed to decline since I returned here so I'll just go on a stroll," I announced, "And don't bother looking for me," I added.
By now, Hazel would have picked up on our misunderstanding but what did it matter? She was bound to find out when I began to distance myself from social gatherings or when I locked up myself in my bungalow.
I'd barely taken ten steps when I heard my name behind me.
"Wait up, Iris," He shouted.
Ears were listening and people were waiting to know what I'd do next so I decided to give them a show. I continued walking until I was carried up into the air.
I stayed put, deciding not to throw a tantrum or yell at him to put me down like I'd normally do. I was too tired for that.
"You're not even fighting with me to put you down. What should I do to make you forgive me, Iris?" His voice sounded broken and so did his eyes, but it wasn't about him anymore.
It was about me and what I truly wanted.
"There's nothing you can do, Gradel. Just let me be,"
He let me go and I straightened my blouse. He pinched his lips together and scratched the back of his neck. "No, Iris, there must be something I can do. You have to understand my situation, princess, because if you were in my shoes you'd have done the same..."
"Don't say that because I'd never do what you did. I wouldn't treat you badly or suspect you for one minute because I know the man I fell in love with. You questioned my character the minute I was accused and I began to ask myself if you truly loved me as you claimed. Because a man who is in love protects his woman from the claws of predators. But what did you do? You bared me to them," I trembled with anger.
He splayed his hands wide for a stretch and relaxed them with a sigh. "I'm not going to make excuses for my stupid mistakes anymore but the only thing I ask is that you come along with me. I have something to show you,"
I rolled my eyes and clicked my tongue in resignation. "It had better be good."
~~
A few minutes later, we were in one of the secluded places at the back of the pack house and I wondered why my overwhelming inquisitiveness had never led me to that part of the house.
We walked into the old building that was covered in specks of dust and cobwebs dangled around. He cleared it off with his hands and led me up the stairs.
I froze when we got to the first floor as I looked through the iron bars that covered the entrance to the room. The women who had assaulted me were seated on the floor, their feet and wrists bound with chains.
My heart skipped a beat when I looked closer and saw that their eyes were shut so they couldn't see me, but from their faces, I could tell that they had been punished severely.
"You locked them up?"
He nodded and a frown crossed his features. "And they'll be sentenced soon. That would serve as a deterrent to anyone who tries to assault or even insult my mate."
I shook my head vehemently and took a step back.
"Please, release them," I muttered.
His jaw ticked and he furrowed his brows in confusion. "Who?"
"Those people you locked in there," I replied through gritted teeth.
"I can't do that," He disagreed and spun around while I followed.
I was quick to catch up with him and I grabbed his arm, bringing him to a halt. "You'll have to do what I want if you want forgiveness and what I want is for you to release them."
His shoulders slumped as he shook his head slowly.
"Why?"