Chapter 2

Alpha Thompson: Well, if that is your pleasure, sir, I give it to you. It has no value to me, except to serve as an outlet when I feel like hitting someone.

Man: Hit?!?

Alpha Thompson: Yes, you see, I preferred to hurt her than to hurt a wolf from the pack. She has no value, whereas a wolf…

My head was spinning more and more. I knew I was about to faint; it had been too long since I had eaten. The man noticed that something was wrong and lifted me in his arms to carry me out of the room, but I couldn’t see the mocking gaze of the Lord, nor of his guests, for the only thing I saw was the blackness of my unconsciousness.

I felt as if I were floating, as if water were on my body, large hands caressing and wetting me at the same time. How could my imagination create these sensations I had never experienced?

Then I felt as if I were being placed on a cushion so soft that I felt myself sinking into it. Sheets as soft as the finest fabric I had ever seen were laid over me. Someone was speaking to me in hushed tones, but I couldn't understand the meaning of their words. I felt my head being lifted, and something sweet trickled into my mouth. I swallowed, grateful to this generous soul. I was so thirsty, so hungry. Slowly, the feeling of hunger subsided, and I began to understand what the voice was saying.

Man: That’s good, my love. Drink, regain your strength. You’re safe now. I’ve finally found you.

That voice was the knight’s. It was so gentle when he spoke to me, like a balm on my wounded heart.

Man: There, continue.

Against my will, I felt as if bewitched by that voice. He told me to drink, and I drank, unable to resist the urge, even though I knew I would have to pay the price later.

Man: You’re safe, my angel. No harm will come to you.

I stiffened. Had I voiced my fears aloud? I heard him sigh softly, and then I heard a voice in my head.

Man: No, my angel, some companions can hear each other’s thoughts.

I opened my eyes and looked at him, frightened. Had I really just heard him speaking in my head? Had years of mistreatment finally taken their toll on my sanity? He closed his eyes and I saw him swallow.

Man: Years of mistreatment?

I swallowed hard, my throat going dry all at once. Heavens, I wasn't crazy; he could hear my thoughts. He kissed my forehead, and I was surprised to find this gesture so natural coming from him.

Man: What's your name, my angel?

I didn't know if I could answer. Was I even allowed to speak here? Or should I be afraid to utter a word?

Man: Look at me, you can speak, you no longer have to wait for anyone's permission.

I felt tears welling up in my eyes and forced myself to lift my head to meet his gaze, his eyes as pure blue as a cloudless sky. His hair, black as night, fell in loose waves down his neck, and I found myself wondering if it was as silky as it looked, before remembering that strange telepathic connection that seemed to have formed between us.

Man: So, my angel, what is your name?

I swallowed.

Me: I don't know, he never called me by my name... I was the thing...

Man: So, until we discover who you are, what would you say if I called you Angel?

Angel: I...

How could I tell him what I felt? For the first time, someone was giving me a name, someone was calling me by it, but I didn't understand why. He was so handsome, strong, magnificent, and I was nothing, a wolf less girl. So why was he interested in me? How could I be his mate? He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled me onto his lap.

Man: You don't have a wolf right now...

Angel: But...

He gently placed a finger on my trembling lips.

Man: So, as I was saying, you don't have a wolf right now, but I have a feeling she's going to come to you very soon.

Why was he saying that? I had tried everything, even those damn monthly vitamins they made me take that tasted so bitter.

Man: What vitamins?

I looked at him and said,

Angel: He told me it was to strengthen my wolf, to make me a strong wolf.

Man: I bet he found some reason to make you fast for two days before giving them to you?

I nodded.

Man: Oh, for goodness' sake, when was your next dose scheduled?

Angel: Tomorrow or yesterday, I don't know.

I moistened my lips and continued,

Angel: When you came to the estate, it must have been the next day.

He gently rested his forehead against mine and sighed.

Man: So, I arrived at the right time.

Angel: How… how… how?

Man: Earlier, I might not have felt our connection, and later, I wouldn't have felt it at all.

Angel: B… B… but…

He stroked my cheek and continued,

Man: There's no vitamin to summon the wolf. What he gave you must have been Sleepwolf, or something to force your wolf to sleep. Making you fast increases the speed of the effect. You were nearing the end of its effects, that's why I sensed you. Thank God, I arrived just in time.

I prayed so many times to have my wolf, to be able to escape this hell. Despite everything he did to me, I truly believed it would help my wolf. Goodness, what an idiot I was.

Angel: And if… if I don't have a wolf?

He kissed me on the forehead and said,

Man: You have a wolf. The proof is, you can hear me in your head!