13

Thirteen
The games had begun. The royal court garden was filled up with beautiful women and men who were here to watch the game. My mind was completely absent though. All I could think of was I hated Kelly for always wanting to put me in trouble with the Alpha king.
There was no way I would survive staying here with Kelly tirelessly trying to bring me down. I needed to find a way for her to leave the competition completely. That was the only way I could ensure my freedom from my evil family members.
“Freya! The king and the prince of Welis are starting the game now. They’re playing charades. Don’t you wish to join?” Addy came up beside me where I was seated at the back. She weaved her hand through my shoulders in an attempt to drag me up. I slouched.
“Not really, Addy. I do not feel all that well. I thought I’d let myself rest a bit before joining the games. Are the other ladies at the front as well?”
“Yes they are. You good though?” She had a worried look on her face.
“Yes, Addy. I just need to take a moment I think..” I answered.
“Don’t take too long okay? I’ll save a spot for you okay?” Addy said as she walked away while facing me. I smiled at that cheerful smile she always gave me. Addy was the sweetest being ever and she was proving to be my only good friend since my stay here.
If she could be this sweet to me as a friend, imagine what she’d be like as a sister. Why didn’t I have her as my stepsister? Why was I stuck with a vicious human being who was wicked for no sane reason at all? Whoever did I offend that the gods decided to bring me into a family that hated me so much?
I blinked back the tears that threatened to fall off and stood up. I had to get out of here. I wasn’t interested in no stupid games. I just needed to be someplace private right now. I needed to gather my sanity.
I crossed the garden with my face down, trying to avoid anyone till I stepped outside the court garden. By then my face was already wet, meaning that the tears had eventually dropped. I quickly dabbed away with my palms. I entered the palace and made my way to the library area, hoping it would be empty now thateveryone was outside. My palms were clammy as I approached the grand library doors. I paused to take a deep breath before entering the room, I truly hoped no one would be there because I didn’t want to have to answer any questions.
I pushed the doors open and entered. It was quiet and a bit dark, save for the small shadow of sunlight that peeped though the small window. It was extremely cold in here and I loved it. I sniffed the last bits of my tears away and proceeded to look for a book to read from the shelves. I hadn’t gotten far when I saw the pride and prejudice book. I smiled, picking it up from where it rested on the shelf. I had read this book more than 5 times but I would never get tired of reading it all over again. I opened the first page with a grin.
“Ah, Lady Freya, Is it?” a smooth voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see a tall, dark-haired man regarding me with a sly smile. “Rafael Kingston. The Alpha’s Gamma.”
A werewolf Alpha always had their Gammas, someone so close to them that they shared a supernatural bond that could never be broken except death. He was like Rafe’s uncle. He would probably die before he allowed any harm come to Rafe.
I inclined my head politely as he approached me, though his intense gaze made my skin crawl. I didn’t know why. Maybe it was because I had hoped I would be alone in the library. But lo and behold. “It is a pleasure to meet you, my lord.” I greeted quietly.
“The pleasure is mine.” Rafael’s eyes raked over me, stopping on my middle region. I fought the urge to glare at him as I closed the book and placed it over my chest, hoping he got the message. He looked up to my face with a wry smile. “Tell me, what is it about you that my brother favors so?”
“What exactly do you mean?” I shot back, confused at his words.
“I mean.. You are good looking, but not exceptionally beautiful. You are uninteresting as well. It has me wondering what Rafe saw he in you when he decided to pick as one of the five candidates to be his breeder.”
Anger flared in my chest at his invasive question. How dare he imply I was anything less than worthy. I met his gaze evenly. I raised my chin at him with a smile on my face “I hardly think that’s any of your concern, my lord. Now if you’ll excuse me.”
I turned on my heel, determined to get away from his smothering presence. My fists clenched at my sides, nails biting into my palms. Still, I would not let him get to me. I had as much right to be here as anyone. I hadn’t gotten anywhere when Rafael’s hand shot out and grabbed my wrist in a vice-like grip, stopping me from going any further. I gasped, looking back at him with wide eyes.
“I wouldn’t walk away from me if I were you,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “You’d do well to remember your place here, little girl. Cross me, and I’ll make sure you regret ever coming to this palace.”
Fear and anger warred within me as I tried to wrench my hand free, but his hold was too strong. How dare he threaten me and treat me like I was beneath him. I wanted to scream at him, but the words died in my throat.
“You let me go this instant, Rafael Kingston.” I managed to shout.
“That is ‘my lord’ to you. do you understand?” His grip tightened more and I made a noise as I felt the bone in my wrists cry in pain. He was using his werewolf power on me. He wanted to break my hand!
Just then, the door opened up. “What is happening in here?” A familiar voice rang out. I sagged in relief as Connor strode up, his eyes flashing with righteous fury. Rafael released me as if burned.
“She’s done nothing to deserve this. Leave her be, or I will have to report your actions to the Alpha,” Connor said firmly.
Rafael scowled but backed away. I rubbed my sore wrist, blinking back furious tears. Connor stepped closer, shielding me from Rafael’s menacing glare. “I was merely asking the lady a few questions.. relax.” Rafael said before walking out of the room.
I turned to Connor, immensely grateful for his intervention.
“Thank you,” I said, my voice shaking slightly. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t shown up.”
Connor’s expression softened as he looked at me. “There’s no need to thank me. I’ll always be here for you, no matter what,” he said gently.
Despite everything, his words made me feel safe. Connor had proven time and again he would protect me, even from the king’s own Gamma.
“I… I don’t know what I did wrong to make him attack me unprovoked” I tried to quell the sobs rising but it was hard.
Connor nodded approvingly. “I’m sorry that happened to you. Are you okay?”
“I… I just…” My mind went through all the problems I’d been facing this past week, Kelly trying her best to make the Alpha hate me, Rafael threatening me, the fact that I did not feel safe here at all. And that was all it took. I bursted into tears and sagged into Connor waiting arms. I felt him pat my hair softly as I sobbed into his chest, letting the sobs vibrate through my whole body.
“Shhh.. It’s okay, love” Connor whispered softly. We stayed like that for what felt like forever. I wished this moment would never end. This was the one time I felt like everything was alright. I forgot about my fears and the pressure of being sabotaged by my sister. I was at peace right now. My sobs subsided gradually.
“What the fuck is going on here?!” The loud boom of Rafe’s thick voice made I and Connor jump in shock, hastily breaking apart. We turned to the door which was wide open. Rafe stood there, a thunderous look in his face. He looked like he was ready to kill. But his gaze was not directed at me, It was directed at Conner who stared back at him, unwavering.
Oh God.
*****