Malia’s POV
“You look stunning,” he said and I rolled my eyes.
“Are you serious right now?” I asked, already starting to get pissed.
I couldn’t understand why he chose to compliment me at that moment. Like he wasn’t there when I got all dressed up in the afternoon.
He stroke his chin, a stupid smirk etching on his lips, “You look damn gorgeous when you’re pissed. I shall think of many more ways to get you angry in the near future,”
“Are you always this immature?” I asked, irritated.
“Are you always this breathtaking?” He retorted, and I saw the amusement dancing in his eyes.
I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. “Since you have nothing important to say, Alpha, I’ll take my leave.”
I made for the door, grabbed the knob. I was going to pull it when I heard a low growl erupt from behind me.
I froze.
And slowly turned to face him. His green eyes had turned a deep shade of red.
“Sit,” he ordered, using his Alpha tone.
I held myself from shivering in fear and wisely walked to the sofa opposite him and sat.
“Good girl,” he growled.
He took in a deep breath and I watched in fascination as his red eyes returned to green.
He smirked. “You really should take a picture.”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” I muttered under my breath.
“Your arrogance amazes me,” he said.
“I’m pleased that I could amaze you, Your Majesty.”
He burst out laughing at my sarcasm and I felt my stomach tighten at the rich sound.
I stayed silent and waited for him to reveal why he had me brought to this room. I allowed my gaze to roam around the room and once again I marveled at the late Luna’s excellent taste.
My eyes fell on a portrait that had to be hers. I got up from the chair and moved towards the picture. She really was stunning. In fact, the word stunning does no justice to her looks. Her beauty was otherworldly.
Now I knew who Ryder got his green eyes from. Her beautiful large green siren eyes rested on a heart-shaped face that had a button nose and full pouty lips.
I gasped as my eyes took in her beauty. I was so lost in her magnificence, I didn’t know when Ryder came to stand beside me.
“Breathtaking, right?” He asked.
I nodded. “How did she die?”
I hadn’t meant to ask the question aloud.
“You don’t have to answer that,” I quickly added.
“No, I don’t,” he agreed and I mentally rolled my eyes.
“The silver crescent moon troop was here today. I know they’re still very much around,” he announced suddenly.
I felt my heart drop and my stomach tightened in fear. “Why?” I asked quietly even though I already knew the answer.
“Their Alpha wants you back,” he said.
I turned to face him. “I can’t go back there,” I said in a quavering voice.
He smirked. “Does it look like I plan on letting you leave? You’re stuck here.”
I breathed a sigh of relief.
“You’ll have to stay indoors for now. At least, until next week. No dates or training till we’re sure that they’re gone.”
I nodded in agreement. “Thank you,” I said.
“Don’t thank me, Malia. I have my own hidden agenda.”
I narrowed my eyes in suspicion.
“Just kidding,” he said with a grin.
I rolled my eyes at him and thanked the goddess that they hadn’t appeared at the restaurant where Ronan and I were.
“You look pale, you should sit. I don’t want you fainting on me,” Ryder said, leading me to the sofa.
He placed a call and requested for a bottle of wine. I protested saying that I already had wine during lunch but he ignored me.
A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door and a servant appeared with a bottle of Cheval Blanc and two wine glasses on a gold tray.
He bowed deeply to Ryder before setting the tray on the table. He asked if he could open the bottle and Ryder told him not to bother and asked him to leave.
“Who made the rule that you could only have wine once a day? Besides, you desperately need it to return colour to your skin,”
“There are many other things that can return colour to my skin,” I replied and he promptly gave me a slow seductive smile.
“Like hot chocolate,” I quickly added and scoffed.
“You’re right,” he smirked and handed me a glass of wine. “Drink up.”
I took a small sip and set the glass back down on the table.
“You should have more,” he cajoled and I pointedly ignored him.
“My mom would’ve loved your feisty nature. She was feisty too,” he stated and proceeded to down the glass of wine.
I smiled as I thought about the fact that she actually looked feisty. From the siren eyes down to the stubborn pointed chin.
“My father couldn’t bear the loss of his mate. He became a shadow of himself after her death. I was somewhat relieved when he died two years later. It hurt to watch him crumble in grief.”
I nodded in understanding and against my better judgment got up and sat beside him.
He turned to face me and I could see the sorrow in his eyes.
“My father was a great man and a great leader. I don’t think I’ll ever be half the man he was,” he muttered.
My eyes widened in surprise. “You underestimate yourself, Ryder. I’m sure your parents would be so proud of you,” I said, taking his hands in mine.
He gave me a wry smile. “Something tells me my brother doesn’t share your sentiments.”
“Trust me, Ronan loves and respects you. Sibling rivalry is just pretty normal. But I’m sure he’ll lay his life down for you.”
“Your siblings are so lucky to have you,” he murmured.
I sighed, “Unfortunately, I do not have any,”
We stayed silent for a while, then his face suddenly lit up in a wide smile.
“Now that you’d be spending all of your time indoors you should think of something to keep you from dying of boredom, like… spending more time in my delightful company?”
I flashed him a knowing glare. “Hell no.”