Chapter 6
He was right, once he started touching me, my body didn't resist. Now knowing that there's no denying him, I feel more trapped, more humiliated and used than I ever have.
Slowly I cover myself in the thin fabric, after spending all night nude outside on the grass, clothes feel great even with so little coverage.
It wasn't long before Hardin woke too, silence surrounding us as he dresses himself. The fact that I'm keeping my back to him clearly speaks louder than words, don't wish to converse with him, I'm glad he doesn't attempt to do SO.
"Come, lets get you cleaned up." He says after minutes, expecting no response.
I could feel his warmth behind me, his hand that he outstretches for me to take. Did he hit his head? I side glance his hand with bitterness, a glare he didn't see.
Without a word, I turn on my heel and walk straight past him, blanking his very existence. I wanted to storm off, but given that every step only adds to the uncomfortable feeling between my thighs, I don't risk it.
The pack mansion isn't too far, a few miles. Hardin takes the hint and doesn't push my silence, but I know his patience won't last. Alphas don't like attitude, this one is lucky my silence is all he's getting
"Alpha Hardin ... Luna, would you like anything?" One of the friendly maids ask us the second she hears us coming inside.
Plastering on a smile, I slow my steps as I approach her. Being around another wolf whilst I'm in this state isn't exactly concealing my dignity, but I couldn't ignore her. If I want to survive her, I have to be the perfect Luna.
"A glass of water please.” I say in a gentle voice, accepting her offer.
"Of course, would you like breakfast?" The lady leads me into one of the many kitchens.
It feels strange to have someone pour me a glass of water, it's a small thing but I'm used to doing everything myself. I quickly realise that I don't like it, having another run at my beck and call. "Thank you.” I say, taking the glass from the lady's hands.
"Alpha, can I get you anything?" She turns to my husband’ who I'd forgotten is right on my heel. I could feel his eyes on me, my ignorance annoying him.
"No, ensure my mate has everything she needs today.” Hardin tells the maid, his tone rather abrupt. "Yes Sir." Is all she manages to get out before he's gone, most likely to shower and get back to his pack.
I didn't know whether to be offended that he's so chill about last night, or glad he's out of my sight. The instant relief that I feel is surely not normal, mates are supposed to be bound to one another once they've mated. The love is practically instant, and yet I feel only anger towards him.
"So, Breakfast?" She smiles expectedly.
"No thank you, is it ok if I just go to my room?" My voice small, my fingers picking at the tiny pieces of cloth covering my boobs and lower end.
"Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so inconsiderate.” The lady rushes to my side, her tone apologetic like she's done something wrong.
"I'll run you a nice warm bubble bath, and perhaps a change of clothes?" The lady offers before I can respond from her previous comment.
Cringing away from the she-wolf's hands, I shake my head a little, gulping as I step away from her. "It's ok, I can do it." I softly say, already heading for the doorway.
"Oh, well, if you need anything I'm happy to help." The lady says.
"Thank you.” I smile, quickly getting my escape before she asks me how I feel, or what I think of Alpha Hardin. It happens, the pack will be curious, and I don't want to lie to them.
The second I shut my bedroom door behind me, I feel the tears begin to falls. The self pity and anger that boils within me turns into uncontrollable sadness. Sorrow weighs heavily on my chest, almost suffocating me as I sob into my grass stained arms. I cry for myself, for my freedom, for my dignity and now my purity.
Why would my parents condemn me to this life? Do they loathe me so much? Would it not have satisfied them more to kill me, than to know I'm alive and now technically above them in power? When the tears finally stop, my head throbs and my eyes sting. Dragging myself from the floor, I head to the bathroom and strip naked, avoiding the monstrous sight in the mirror as I pass. Even the shower didn't wash away how dirty I feel, no amount of scrubbing makes me feel clean. Perhaps this is just how it will be from now on? If so, I'd rather take a good old beating, than mate with him again.
Hardin didn't force himself on me, he didn't have to and that's the worst part. He teased my mark, gently caressed my sensitive skin that seemed to come alive under his touch. After so long my mind was not my own, and he didn't slow enough for me to come around and beg him to stop. ***
I stare at the blinking phone screen, watching as it rings and rings, until finally he ends the call. I wanted to speak to him, so much that it hurts to ignore his call. But I couldn't, I wasn't in the right state of mind to pretend like everything is ok, I couldn't do that with him.
Switching my phone to silent, I ignore my damp eyes and turn my back to the phone. Laying on my side, I cradle the pillow to my stomach, my thick baggy clothes providing little comfort.
This is only the third night, although my nightmare didn't begin until last night. Perhaps the days will get easier? Convincing myself of false truths, I manage to drift off into a restless sleep, dreams filled with my parents’ faces.