Chapter 9

My father looked at him thoughtfully and asked,

Drake: What kind of mistreatment did they give you?

I stiffened in Xander’s arms and felt tears streaming down my cheeks. My body trembled all over, in shock, plunging me back into my hell.

Alexander: Gently, my angel, breathe gently, everything is alright, you are safe now.

My father glanced alarmedly at Alex and asked,

Drake: What did they do to her?

Alex lifted my chin and gently kissed my trembling lips. I gasped in surprise; it was the first time he'd kissed me there.

Alexander: But not the last, my Angel.

Alexander: Would you like me to speak for you?

I swallowed hard and nodded. He then went to his armchair, sat down, and pulled me onto his lap.

Alexander: They started by taking away her identity... when I saw her memories, I could hardly believe it because it's... simply barbaric. Then, as she grew older, they began to beat her regularly, for the slightest reason, the smallest pretext. When the beatings weren't enough for them anymore, they took out the whip and left marks on her skin.

Then came the repeated fasts, the threats, basically anything that crossed their minds…

Drake: Did they… rape her?

Alexander: No… he wanted her to willingly submit to them, but that never happened.

Drake: I’m glad she told you everything, my boy, and please call me Drake or Dada too, if you like.

Xander sighed against me.

Alexander: She has trouble talking about it, but she was strong enough to let me see her memories, so it’s almost the same because when I see them, she sees them too, so it’s like she’s reliving it at the same time.

I snuggled closer to Xander, the imaginary circles he drew on my back helping me calm down. Hearing him recount the broad strokes of my story had been difficult, but I had to get used to it. It was my story after all.

Drake: That must have been terrible for you, Evy!

I swallowed and looked at my father.

Evangeline: Xander arrived just in time to save me… when I smelled him, I… I was like in a trance, no one in my body responded, and I rushed at him without being able to stop myself. But I was also afraid, afraid of dreaming, afraid of being rejected…

He lifted my head and kissed me gently on the lips.

Alexander: You looked like a little mouse trapped in my arms, but I started to hear your thoughts and I understood that I was there for you. There was no way I was going to leave you there any longer.

Drake: Then what happened?"

Alexander: I found out she was a slave! So, I wanted to buy her to avoid a diplomatic incident, but they're convinced she's wolf less. I mean, they gave her something to keep her wolf dormant. They thought she was about two or three years older. They were probably afraid of what would become of her after their mistreatment.

Agnes came to tell us that dinner was served, and we all headed to the kitchen. I sat next to Xander and looked at my plate. Once again, I felt tears welling up in my eyes at the sight of so much food, and I looked at my aunt, who had cooked butter chicken especially for me. She smiled gently at me and said,

Agnes: You loved this recipe when you were little...

I gave her a tender smile and took a small bite of my chicken, closing my eyes. Deep down, I hoped I wouldn't moan with pleasure because Xander's promise still echoed in my mind. I swallowed slowly and opened my eyes to look at my aunt, who was waiting patiently to see if a new memory would come back to me. But nothing happened; perhaps I was too exhausted.

Alexander: No doubt, my Angel, you’ve experienced a lot of strong emotions today and you were already feeling weak.

Agnes: So, does that remind you of anything?

Evangeline: Sorry, no… I’m just too tired… I think I’m blocking everything out without meaning to…

Agnes: Oh, Evy, it’s alright, don’t cry. We’re so happy you’re back with us. We don’t want to put any pressure on you. It’s me who should apologize, not you. I should have realized it was too much for you.

Xander lifted me from my chair and settled me on his lap, my head in the crook of his shoulder, gently rocking me.

I must have fallen asleep because when I opened my eyes, I was lying in bed, wrapped in his arms. I turned to face him and watched him sleep. His breathing was deep and regular, his full lips slightly parted. I was overcome by an irresistible urge to kiss him. I then brought my face close to his and placed my lips on his. His reaction was immediate; I found myself lying beneath him as his mouth devoured mine. A warm, throbbing sensation rose in the pit of my stomach, making me moan with pleasure. As if he realized what we were doing, he gently ended the kiss and placed his forehead against mine.

Alexander: My Angel, it's too soon for this...

Evangeline: No, Xander, I know I'm yours, it's the only thing I know for sure, so please, take me.

He closed his eyes and sighed softly, but when he looked at me again, the fire in his eyes could have consumed me on the spot. He kissed me tenderly, then deepened his kiss. I felt as if he were thirsty and I was the source from which he was quenching his thirst. He kissed me deeply, and I felt my body melt beneath him. I ran my hands through his hair to pull him closer, but it felt like he wasn't close enough, even though nothing separated our lips.

I don't know how long it took, but when he finally released my lips, I let out a soft moan of protest that made him laugh.

Alexander: Don't worry, my Angel, I'm just getting started.

Then he nibbled at my neck. I felt his hands slide under the sweater I was wearing to sleep and gently lift it, his hand brushing against my skin, sending shivers of pleasure through me. Then he helped me take it off, leaving me in just my panties beneath him.