Ella’s POV
I had tears in my eyes as I looked at the marks on the wrists of everyone, even that of the children. I knew how hard their lives would have been. After all, I had lived their lives and been in their shoes. I couldn’t imagine how anyone would be cruel to enslave children.
Even as werewolves that we were, with wolves living in us, we were less beastly than the bastards living in utopia.
“You must have seen hell in utopia town.” The leader asked.
I hesitated, wondering if it was a test or a means to bonding with them. I decided to be honest.
“I was sold as a sex slave to the count.” I said.
Someone hissed among the crowd. “I heard he is a pervert. I guess the rumors about him were true.”
“Were they all sold as slaves?”
“No. They came to get me from there.” I glanced at Kevin and then back at the leader. “I’m his mate.”
“Mate?” The leader looked at me. “You are werewolves.” He stated.
I nodded.
He nodded. “You are welcome to stay with us before you continue on your journey.”
“Thank you.” I smiled at Kevin. My eyes seemed to tell him that I did it.
“We have only two rooms to spare though. We weren’t expecting anyone to join us and as you can see, we are not a large number.”
“It’s okay. Thank you for your hospitality.” Kevin said, taking the words right out of my mouth. “My mate and I will share one and my men will have the other room.”
The leader nodded, respect now shining in his eyes as he acknowledged Kevin as the leader of the pack. The two men stared at each other and nodded, a silent truce signed between them.
I rolled my eyes at the two of them. Men and their egos with the need for dominance.
“We will find a larger room for your men.” The leader of the people said and turned, walking away with his men walking after him.
“I didn’t agree to spending a room with you.” I said to Kevin when the people left us alone.
“Is that even meant to be an issue?” He snorted as he turned to me. “Would you rather stay with my men?”
“You could stay with them while I stay alone.”
“You must be kidding if I think I will sleep in another room when you are nearby.”
I nearly sizzled from the heat in his eyes when he looked at me. That was why I didn’t want to be alone with him.
His expression fell. “Don’t you want to be with me?”
I didn’t want to hurt him. His face reminded me of how he had looked hurt when I had betray him when I was with the blue river pack.
“I want to be with you.” His face flushed with relief at my words. “I’m sorry for what I did at the blue river pack and the moods I’ve been in lately. I promise to be better.”
He smiled. “As long as you promise to be with me, everything would be fine. I can deal with all your mood swings.”
I smiled back. “That would be unfair to you. I won’t make you deal with my tantrums again.”
A boy of eight came to meet us. “Your rooms are ready.”
“Thank you.” I said as we followed after him. He showed me and Kevin to our room first and asked the others to follow him. They bowed, biding us good night and followed the boy.
We walked into the room and my mouth went dry as I saw the small bed in the room. My heart went into overdrive at the thought of sleeping so close to Kevin. There was no how my body wouldn’t touch his if we were both on the bed.
I doubted I would be able to sleep tonight. My heart would kick like crazy all night.
“I…”
Someone knocked on the door and walked in before I could get my words out.
“Dinner for you.” The woman smiled at us and left.
The aroma wafted to my nose and I moved closer to the tray, wondering when they had had the time to prepare food for us. I groaned as Kevin pulled off the cloth covering the tray and saw that the food was in one dish.
I shouldn’t have mentioned that we were mates.
“I love these people.” Kevin laughed.
Of course, he did.
We finished the meal and was uncomfortable when there was nothing else to do. It was suddenly awkward.
Kevin smiled at me, got up and started undressing. I swallowed, whimpering in my throat.
“I have to go out. I need a bath.”
He laughed as he heard me, noting how pale I looked. “You don’t have to worry about anything, Ella. I’m only preparing for sleep.” He said and got into bed with his underwear. “Good night.”
I didn’t reply as I didn’t know how good he wanted the night to be.