Chapter 4

• Wren's POV
• The face looking straight at me from the portrait was a face that had hunted my dreams for 13 years. A face I saw every time I closed my eyes.
• I could still see my mother's head roll down from her neck, her blood turning the grass beneath her red.
• Archibald, the former Alpha of the Black Moon pack, the man who killed my parents. My mate’s father.
• The portrait woke me up to reality faster than any jolt of caffeine. I pushed Caelum away from me and took a huge step backwards.
• What was I thinking? I mentally berated myself. This mate bond is stronger than I give it credit for.
• Caelum's gaze landed on the portrait and his eyes hardened like ice.
• “Ah yes, my father, you remember him, don't you?”
• "How can I forget the man who single-handedly ruined my life?” I bitterly replied. I barely resisted the urge to spit on the portrait.
• He just hummed.
• “Am I going to have to pass by this portrait every time I come out of my room?” I gritted my teeth.
• "It can be taken down.”
• I had barely breathed a sigh of relief when he continued.
• "It depends on how nicely you ask. What do I get in return? I wouldn't say no to a kiss.” His eyes flickered once more to my lips, a smirk dancing on his.
• “Go to hell.” I growled. He leaned in, effectively trapping me against a door. His breath minty and fresh.
• “I've already been there, sweetheart.” His hand shot behind me and turned a door knob. The door I was leaning on opened and I stumbled, holding onto his arm for balance.
• I hated the sparks and tingles I felt whenever I came in contact with him. I moistened my dry lips with my tongue and his eyes darkened dangerously.
• “Trying to seduce me, Red?” He murmured, his gaze lingering on my lips. I jerked my hands off his arm as if It was on fire and managed a scoff, color rushing to my face.
• “In your dreams, butt-head.”
• He just smirked knowingly before his face went back to being impassive and bland.
• Geez, bipolar much? I could feel Astrid rolling her eyes.
• "This is the room you'll be staying in. I advise you get used to it as it would be your home for the foreseeable future.” His tone was bland.
• We were standing at the entryway of what seemed like the biggest room I'd ever seen.
• It was painted a rich lilac, with a cream-colored queen-sized bed with purple comforters. There was a black fluffy rug in front of the bed and what looked to be a huge walk in closet.
• A chandelier dangled prettily with a purple dresser and vanity mirror off to one side. My mouth hung open in awe of the room, I couldn't believe that it was mine.
• “Close your mouth little Red, before I fill it with something else.” I quickly shut my jaw with an audible click as I eyed him with disdain. He chuckled drily.
• “Don't you have something else to do than being where you're not wanted?” I smiled tightly.
• He shrugged. "At least I have the freedom to be where I want to be, that's more than you can say." He said with a bored tone.
• That stupid mutt! Astrid growled.
• That was a dick move throwing my situation in the face and he knew it, I could tell by the way his eyes glittered with amusement.
• I clenched my fists tightly.
• “Of all the wolves to end up with, it had to be the most stupid of them all.” My words came out between clenched teeth.
• “Careful Wren, I'm still your owner—unless you can pay me back the exact amount I paid for you with double the amount for interest.” His eyes had darkened dangerously and I knew I had crossed a line, but I couldn't stop.
• “I hate you and I wish I never met you.” I looked him in the eyes as I delivered those words. His face hardened then turned scarily blank.
• He straightened from where he was leaning on the wall and walked away, his hands in his pocket.
• I looked around the room trying not to feel guilty, but it was difficult seeing as he had painted it my favorite color, lilac. A vase that contained lavenders was on the dresser, my favorite flowers.
• He still remembered, Astrid whispered.
• Doesn’t mean a thing, I replied forcefully, trying to convince her and me.
• I closed the door behind me and slid gently to the floor.
• Tucking my head into my folded knees, I wrapped my arms around myself feeling the overwhelming feeling of helplessness rush over me like a wave. It was threatening to drag me under.
• The enormity of the entire situation crashed over me and tears started to run gently down my face.
• “I’m sorry Mom, Dad. I didn't mean to get mated to the son of your killer, I'm sorry.” I sobbed into my hands, trying not to hyperventilate.
• I didn't know how long I sat there crying but the next thing I knew, I slipped into the realm of Morpheus.
• Caelum's POV
• I could feel her sadness all the way to the depths of my soul. I clenched my fist tightly, my nails digging into my palms, resisting the burning urge to go back and take her into my arms.
• It helped that the darkest part of me delighted in her little whimpers, wanting to see how far I could push her before she breaks.
• I shook my head, pushing those dark thoughts down.
• The door to my office opened and my beta and best friend walked in. He perched on a chair, watching me silently. For a werewolf, he was pretty feline in nature.
• “I didn't make her cry.” I stated.
• He cocked his head in silent judgment.
• “I didn't!” I growled, indignantly.
• “Well, you must have done something.” He drawled.
• “I didn't do anything, she's probably feeling overwhelmed or something.” I muttered.
• He shook his head in mock derision, I could tell he didn't believe me. Looking at his face, I looked for the resemblance to the dead man I once knew long ago. I didn't find, I was pleased.
• “Soren, don't you have anywhere to be? Or more work to do?" I turned away from him, pinching the bridge of my nose in exasperation.
• "Nope. Now tell me what her reaction was like." He curled his hand under his chin.
• "She hates me.” I grumbled, feeling a bit hurt. He hummed contemplatively.
• “Are you ever going to tell her?” His eyes glinted with curiosity. I turned my head sharply to look at him. A deep growl left my throat.
• “No, and you shouldn’t either.” He held my gaze for a minute before he looked down in submission, nodding in understanding.
• “Now that you're here, I have a job I need you to do for me.”
• “Who am I hunting ?” His eyes glinted manically as his lips curled over his fangs.
• 'The cunning fox’ they called him. I had heard some rumours about us, the Crimson Alpha and his sadistic beta, the Cunning Fox.
• I had to admit, most of the stories were true. Soren was almost as bad as I am, his brown fur made it difficult for you to see him until he killed you.
• It made him extremely gifted in stealth and hunts, and it helped that he had a darkness that matched mine.
• Brothers in all but blood.
• ...
• Unknown POV
• All my pawns were in one place, let the games begin, I smiled wickedly. They'll never guess what's coming.
• “Begin plan Alpha.”