95

Ninety five
*Freya*
Humiliation and helpless anger churned in my gut, a toxic mixture that threatened to spill out. My evil step sister, Kelly and her friend Jessica, reveled in their power over me as they taunted and bullied me. But I couldn’t fight back like they could – I wasn’t a true werewolf with their strength and regenerative abilities. To them, my humanity was a weakness, an invitation to be targeted whenever they pleased.
But I refused to be their victim any longer.
As I struggled against Kelly’s tight hold on my hair, determination surged through me. Not anymore would I let them push me around and belittle me.
“Let go of me,” I demanded through clenched teeth, gritting them against the pain of her unbreakable grasp. Yet even as I spoke, a fire burned within me, fueling my will to break free from their cruel hold.
Adrenaline surging through my vein, I grabbed Kelly’s wrist and wrenched with all my might. Caught off guard, Kelly stumbled forward with a yelp. I used the opportunity to slam her face first into the wall.
Crack!
Kelly screamed, blood spurting from her nose as she crumpled to the floor. Jessica gaped in shock, scurrying backwards with wide, fearful eyes.
“If either of you ever lays a hand on me again,” my voice shook with barely leashed rage, “I will make you regret ever setting foot in this palace. Do you understand me?”
I glowered down at Kelly’s crumpled form, watching dispassionately as the evil girl whimpered and clutched at her bloodied face. I felt no pity for her, only a grim sense of vindication. After all the years of cruel taunts and petty torments Kelly had subjected me to, always twisting things to blame me whenever she got in trouble with our father – karma had finally come calling. This was the last time I would let her come close to touching me. I made a decision to find the proof I needed to expose Kelly and Jessica. The earlier they were out of the palace and my life, the better it would be for me and Rafe.
My steely gaze flicked to Jessica, who cowered like a whipped dog, her face contorted with a mix of anger and humiliation. I could see the hurt in her eyes as I snapped at her, my finger jabbing aggressively in her direction. “And you,” I seethed, my voice dripping with disdain. “Get it through your thick skull – you were never the Alpha kind’s favorite. And you will never be his favorite. He loves me and only me. The sooner you accept that, the better.”
Jessica’s nostrils flared and her eyes blazed with impotent fury, but she bit her tongue and didn’t dare talk back to me. “You’re both pathetic,” I continued, iciness creeping into my tone. “And mark my words, one day very soon, you’ll both be exposed for the conniving liars you are and kicked out of this competition, banished from the palace forever. And I can’t wait for that day.”
With a final glare at my defeated enemies, I turned on my heel and stalked away, my heart still racing with adrenaline and my hands trembling slightly. But beneath it all was a newfound confidence, supporting my steps as I strode purposefully towards Rafe’s chambers. It felt good to finally stand up for myself against those who had tormented me.
As I approached the entrance of Rafe’s room, my heart raced with anticipation. The heavy wooden doors suddenly swung open, and my breath caught as I caught sight of him standing there in all his glory.
My Alpha looked devastating as always in a black button-down shirt that hugged his muscular torso and dark jeans that emphasized his long, powerful legs. His chiseled features and piercing blue eyes never failed to make my knees weak.
Our gazes met and held, the air seeming to crackle with electricity between us. In that moment, the rest of the world fell away. It was just me and him, two hearts entwined as one.
“I’m sorry about earlier,” Rafe said guiltily. “I promise I will find out whoever tried to harm you.”
“It’s okay,” I reassured him. “I can handle myself.”
He gave me a small smile before pressing his lips to mine in a gentle kiss. My heart fluttered at the familiar touch of his lips against mine.
Relief flooded through me at the sight of my king before me, hale and whole after his brush with death. All the fear and worry of the past day came rushing out and before I knew it, I was running toward him. He opened his arms just in time for me to fly into his embrace, holding me tight against his solid chest.
“I needed to see you,” he murmured into my hair, his deep voice resonating through me. “I was just coming to find you. I’ve been waiting…”
I tilted my head back to gaze up at him, my arms still wrapped around his waist. “I’m here now.”
“You look troubled, are you okay?” he asked, his voice deep and velvety with worry.
“I.. I’m fine Rafe,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
Without another word, he took my hand and led me into his room. The door closed behind us with a soft click, sealing us off from the outside world.
“I’ve missed you,” he said huskily, pulling me into his arms for a tight embrace.
“I’ve missed you too,” I replied, burying my face in his chest and inhaling his intoxicating scent.
We stood in silence for a few moments, just holding each other close. But eventually we pulled apart to look at each other again.
Rafe’s eyes smoldered as they roamed over my face. Without another word, he cupped my face in his large hands and slanted his mouth over mine in a searing kiss. I melted into him, my lips parting automatically to allow him entrance. His tongue plundered my mouth, inflaming my desire. I kissed him back just as passionately, not caring one wit about the servants who bustled by, no doubt gawking at our wanton display.
When we finally broke apart for air, I clung to his broad shoulders, lightheaded from the force of his kiss. “I’m so glad you’re alright,” I whispered. “I was so scared, Rafe. I thought I might lose you.”
Rafe’s brow furrowed as he studied my face intently, his thumbs brushing over my cheekbones. “You’ve been crying,” he said, his tone suddenly stern. “Why? Did someone upset you? Try to hurt you?” His eyes flashed with barely leashed rage, a hint of his wolf peeking through. “Tell me who it was and I’ll rip out their throat.”
“No, no, it’s nothing like that,” I rushed to assure him, forcing a bright smile. I couldn’t tell him about Kelly and Jessica’s cruelty, not when there were so many other threats lurking in the shadows. The last thing I wanted was to burden him further. “I’m just emotional from everything that’s happened. But it’s all good tears, I promise. Happy tears, now that I’m back in your arms where I belong.”
Rafe still looked unconvinced, but after searching my face for a long moment, he relaxed slightly, pulling me in for another hug. I exhaled in relief and burrowed into him, savoring his warmth and strength. As long as we faced everything together, I knew we’d be okay.
I smiled happily at him. I couldn’t believe how much I was in love with him.
“Believe me, I am more in love with you than you are,” Rafe said, his words catching me off guard and causing me to gasp. How did he…?
My mind raced as I tried to process what he had just said. How could he have known? Suddenly, it hit me – he can read minds.
“Sometimes, I can sense what is in your thoughts,” Rafe continued, his gaze intense and piercing. “It’s like a faint whisper that I can pick up on. But the closer we become, the easier it is for me to fully understand your innermost desires and fears.”
“S-sometimes?” I stuttered, my mind reeling with the implications of his abilities.
He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Most times it’s just a lucky guess, but with you… it’s different. It feels like your mind is opening up to me, letting me in.”
My heart raced with a mix of fear and excitement. This was both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. What if Rafe could read my mind and uncover my deepest secrets and suspicions about Kelly and Jessica?
Just as that thought crossed my mind, Rafe’s voice interrupted my inner turmoil.
“Freya?” His hand gently touched my arm, bringing me back to the present moment.
I shook my head, trying to clear it from any revealing thoughts. But I couldn’t help but wonder if he had already discovered more than I intended to share.
****