Ninety four
*Freya*
I stared out the window of my chambers, my thoughts swirling with memories of Rafe. How he had singlehandedly saved my life last night. The way his strong arms felt around me, his dark blue eyes gazing into my soul. I couldn’t stop thinking about last night, how he had selflessly risked his own life to save mine when that poison coursed through my veins. My heart clenched at the thought of almost losing him. The memory of last night consumed my mind, the way he had fearlessly put himself in harm’s way to rescue me from the venom coursing through my veins. He had sucked the poison out with his own mouth, taking on the danger for me. My heart twisted at the thought of almost losing him, my savior and protector. The scene replayed in my head like a vivid dream, each detail etched into my mind – the frantic beating of his heart, the beads of sweat on his brow, the determined set of his jaw. I couldn’t shake off the overwhelming gratitude and love I felt towards him, my hero in shining armor.
A quiet knock sounded at the door, pulling me from my reverie. “Come in,” I called.
Grace, one of my maids, poked her head in. “Apologies for disturbing you, my lady. But Alpha Rafe has requested your presence in his chambers at once.”
My pulse quickened and butterflies fluttered in my stomach. Rafe wanted to see me? Now? A mix of elation and nerves washed over me. After the events of last night, I was unsure if it was safe for us to be together. . But I needed to be near him again, to feel his touch and hear his deep, rumbling voice.
“Thank you, Grace. I will head there immediately.” With a trembling hand, I smoothed my dress and took a deep breath before making my way to Rafe’s chambers.
As I got ready to leave, memories of Rafe’s recovery flashed through my mind. The sheer relief and joy that had flooded through me when he finally opened his eyes, that roguish grin spreading across his face despite the remnants of poison still wracking his body. But Rafe was the most powerful Alpha king in existence. He had fought off the venom through sheer strength and will alone. The crimson pack was blessed to have such an incredible, fearless leader protecting us.
I knew in my heart that Rafe was my fated lover, my soul’s other half, even if we weren’t true mates. I loved him with every fiber of my being. As I approached his door, I hoped he felt the same unbreakable connection and bond between us. Taking a fortifying breath, I raised my hand and pulled my wardrobe open, both eager and anxious to see my Alpha once again.
My heart pounded as I carefully selected a deep crimson gown, the color of our kingdom, from my wardrobe. The silk hugged my curves as I slipped it on, tying the delicate laces with slightly shaking fingers. I brushed out my long, dark tresses until they shone like polished glass, then pinned back a few strands with a glittering jeweled comb Rafe had gifted me.
Satisfied with my appearance, I stepped out of my chambers – only to find Kelly and Jessica blocking my path, arms crossed and eyes narrowed with unveiled hostility. They looked like twin vipers poised to strike. I should have known they’d be lying in wait, eager for any chance to sink their venomous fangs into me.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the little wolfless plaything,” Kelly sneered, lip curled in disgust as her gaze raked over me. “Heading off for another tumble in the Alpha’s bed?”
I lifted my chin, refusing to be cowed by their cruelty. Not this time. “It’s none of your concern where I’m going or who I’m seeing. Now kindly step aside.”
“Oh, I don’t think so,” Jessica interjected, moving to block me as I tried to push past them. “Not until you tell us what exactly you did to bewitch Rafe so completely. What’s your secret, witch? A forbidden love potion? A blood magic spell? Because we know it can’t possibly be your looks or charms.”
Indignant rage swelled in my breast, tempered only by a spike of fear. Did they somehow know about the poisoning? Had they guessed the depth of Rafe’s feelings for me? I met their accusatory glares head on, willing my voice not to shake.
“I’ve done nothing but be myself. Rafe’s feelings are true and his own. And I won’t let you two bully me any longer. I’m not afraid of you.” Even if my knees quaked, I refused to let it show. I had to be strong now. For myself, and for Rafe.
A tense beat passed as we stood in silent confrontation, the air practically crackling with hostility between us. Then, to my own surprise as much as theirs, I threw my head back and laughed – a full, rich sound ringing with genuine amusement.
Their faces contorted in shock and outrage as I grinned at them, amused by the absurdity of it all. “You two are really something else! So threatened by me that you’ll stoop to these pathetic intimidation tactics.” I shook my head, almost pitying them despite myself. “Can’t you see how desperate this makes you look?”
“How dare you!” Jessica sputtered, cheeks flushing an unflattering crimson. “You uppity little wretch! Rafe will tire of you soon enough, and then you’ll–”
“Rafe loves me,” I cut her off calmly, quietly, the simple truth of it shining through me like a beacon. “He wants me. Not you. And there’s nothing either of you can do to change that.”
Angry tears glimmered in Kelly’s eyes, clashing with the sheer venom in her glare. “This isn’t over,” she hissed through gritted teeth. “Sooner or later, your little charade will fall apart. Rafe will see you for the lying snake you are!”
Inside, a small tendril of dread unfurled in my chest. What if she and Jessica were planning some secret conspiracy to separate me and Rafe? What if they planned to sabotage me?
No. I steeled my shoulders, lifting my chin once more. I refused to let their spiteful words plant seeds of fear. Rafe loved me, believed in me, in what we had together. I wouldn’t betray that faith by buying into their hateful delusions.
Without another word, I turned on my heel to walk away, leaving them fuming impotently in my wake. Let them scheme and connive all they wanted. Our love was stronger than their petty machinations.
As I turned to go the other away, my heart thudding from the confrontation. I only made it two steps before a sharp yank on my hair sent pain lancing through my scalp.
“Aaah!” I cried out as Kelly dragged me backwards by my long hair. Tears sprung to my eyes from the vicious pull.
“And where do you think you’re going?” Jessica stepped in front of me, blocking my path with a sneer. “We’re not done with you yet.”
Hot tears threatened to spill down my cheeks, but I blinked them back furiously. I’d rather die than let these two harpies see how much they were getting to me.
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