NALEDI’S POV
I walked down the stairs like the gracious woman that I was, refusing to let their gazes get to me. Especially Caellum’s.
“Rise and shine, babies!” I said like I didn’t barely escape death the night before, like I didn’t have Caellum’s head between my legs just this morning. Just before I basically told him how physical our little exercises were. Or at least should be. “I heard there was a meeting.”
“Sit, Naledi.” Caellum gritted, looking like hell.
The last thing I wanted to do was cross him so I took a seat as soon as I got to the room. “Yes, Alpha.” My tone was sarcastic. I couldn’t help it.
I resisted the urge to ask if he wanted me to roll over or play catch since he decided I should be talked to like a dog.
“How was your night, My lady?” Korah’s voice snapped me out of my sulking.
Other than the slight pain between my legs, I’d say I was fine. More than fine if you asked me.
“We all know how that went,” Marcus muttered and I felt my cheek on fire.
Surely they didn’t hear us last night. They couldn’t have. Right?
I cleared my throat, acting like I didn’t hear what he so rightfully alluded.
“Thanks for your help yesterday,” I said, looking between them. “Both of you. I can’t begin to imagine-”
“Cut with the crap.” Caellum snorted. “I called this meeting because I am in dire need of an explanation on what the fuck happened yesterday.”
Korah swallowed, and so did I. Caellum continued in an even voice, but even I could tell he wasn’t in the best of moods.
“We had a meeting yesterday. A meeting like the one we are having right now. Where I clearly told you to stay out of Luka’s business.” He looked between the three of us, who kept our mouth sealed. “Tell me I am not talking gibberish. Tell me that I remember the situation clearly.” He growled.
Marcus nodded, and we girls followed.
“I told you that she was not to leave the house.” His words were targeted at Marcus. “Hell, I told you she was not to leave your darned sight!”
Marcus went on his knees. “I am sorry, Alpha. I failed you and I will accept any punishment you deem fit.”
“You will accept any punishment I deem fit?” Caellum looked baffled as he raged, “Good, because the only punishment for putting her in danger, or even letting her put herself in danger is death.”
Korah’s eyes widened and so did mine. He didn’t mean that. Did he?
“Yes, Alpha.” Marcus’ tone was resignatory. He was basically accepting death for a crime I committed.
Was he stupid?
I shook my head, unable to watch the scene before me. “I decided to leave, Caellum. I chose to leave. He did nothing wrong.” My mouth spoke before my head thought. “If there is anyone to blame, it’s me. I threatened to kill myself and forced him to defy you.”
Caellum rolled his eyes. One would think he was tired of hearing my voice. “You think I don’t know that?” He asked incredulously. “I know just how much of a piece of work you are, Naledi. A danger to your fucking self. And guess what, he knew that too. So there’s no fucking excuse!”
“I told him to resort to extreme measures to keep you safe. I gave him permission to use his magic, as long as he got the job done. But what did he do? He let you waltz your way into trouble. Risking your fucking life!”
The more I listened to him, the more I felt he had lost his senses. How on earth does one reason in such a backward way?
“If Marcus is going to die, then you might as well kill me. Because I’d rather die than watch him get hurt.” My tone was definite, and honest to God I would prove it if Caellum dared me.
“Sick,” Caellum muttered, shaking his head. “You are sick.”
And something told me he knew it too. How serious I was with my threats.
We engaged in a brutal staring contest, which had us shooting daggers with our eyes, challenging the other to submit. The air was suddenly charged with sparks and I controlled the beating of my heart.
Looking into his eyes awoke something in me. Something devilish. Demonic. A monster between my legs. Waiting to be slain by his sword. My thoughts were marred by his gaze, his lustrous gaze that made me want to be under him with my legs in the air. While he pounded into me, forcing the monster in me to submission.
I shook my head and broke eye contact as I cleared my throat. I couldn’t be thinking about fucking him when someone’s life was on the line.
“Listen. I understand that I defied you. I broke the rules, I went out of my own way to get things done and for that I am sorry.” Caellum’s right brow raised in mild surprise.
He didn’t expect me to apologize. And if I was being honest, neither did I. But I was so done with this drama I decided if an apology would bring it to a close then why not?
“I don’t promise this won’t happen again. But just so we are clear, I will be less rebellious moving forward.” It was a struggle getting that out of my lips.
Even Caellum could tell. But it was something. A step in the right direction you may say. Sounds like team spirit! I was putting myself out there and if Caellum couldn’t see that, then that was his loss.
However, I knew no one was going to die on my account. I would make sure of that.
“Good to know you have decided to be ‘less rebellious’ moving forward, Naledi.” His tone was sarcastic. “Let’s hope it’s good enough to keep you and the people around you out of danger.”
His eyes went through the three of us. “This should be the last time such a mistake happens.” His tone was cold. “I don’t care what it takes, whenever I give an order, I expect it to be carried out. If I say jump, you should ask how high.”
We nodded, and a look of relief passed over Marcus’ face, only to be wiped out by his next words. “Do not think you are out the net. I will get back to you on this.”
Caellum picked a remote and the tv turned on. It was a footage. And that from the night before. Footage from the Casino.
“Now that’s settled, I’d like to move on to more important matters.” He zeroed in on Luka, who was playing poker at a table I remember too well. “Since you went out of your way to meet him, not to talk of risking your life, I believe you should have something of importance. Information, observation, what have you.”
His eyes zeroed in on me. “That would make the fact you had so stupidly flouted my orders less painful, don’t you agree?”