Chapter Six

~ Zora

The moment I finished the sandwich Nox gave me, I immediately felt a fatigue so intense, I could barely walk the few feet it took to keep the food tray on Nox’s desk table and back to the bed.

I suddenly realized I had no idea if Nox wanted me in his bed or not. Besides, if he wanted me in his bed, did that also mean we would have to get intimate?

I had no idea if I was ready for that.

Based on how he had acted towards me since we left the woods and the feelings of reluctance and discomfort that I sensed from him, I decided it would be best if he invited me to join him rather than assume. Summoning the last bit of strength in me, I grabbed a pillow and a blanket and got comfortable on the floor next to his bed. The moment my head hit the pillow, I was out.

By the time I woke up, I felt well rested and renewed. Reluctant to get up, I snuggled in deeper to the musky scent of citrus, sandalwood and cedar. It smelt so delicious, I basically moaned out loud. Something moved and tightened around me and that’s when I realized my body was pressed against something hard.

My eyes flew open and I found myself in bed. Raising the bed cover, I peeked beneath and saw Nox’s huge and veiny arm wrapped around my middle. Now, I could feel his soft warm breath fanning my neck at interval. That action alone made my wolf purr in desire, and suddenly I felt the urge to stretch my neck longer. A desperate need for Nox to wake up and mark me right there consumed me so much so, that my breathing became heavy and laborious.

Then, I remembered how I got here and how Nox didn’t understand why I didn’t bring my belongings. He must have thought that I was one of the Eligibles; chosen and selected for him. If he finds out that I am just a common girl, I have no idea what would happen, but I know his reaction would be bad.

Real bad.

Taking a deep breath, I embarked on the mission to entangle myself from this man and escape as quietly as I could to Goddess knows where. I had no plan whatsoever but I also didn’t plan on staying and facing the King’s wrath. Better to be far away, than to be torn to pieces. Afterall, Nox had a reputation for being ruthless and merciless towards his enemies, and I'm sure if he finds out the truth, I'll become his enemy.

With much effort, I was able to lift Nox’s heavy hand off me and slip out of his reach but I made the mistake of looking at his face and suddenly, I didn’t feel like leaving anymore. Nox was classicly beautiful with disheveled dark hair falling over his forehead. He had thick eyelashes that kissed his cheeks and his lips were shaped like an an archer’s bow.

Nox was undeniably the most beautiful man I had ever laid eyes on and as much as I wanted to crawl back into his arms and pretend he was completely mine, I knew my time was ticking and if I didn’t move now, he was going to find out my true identity and then I’ll be doomed.

I forced myself to look away and climbed out of bed, still clad in Nox’s shirt, I mentally chided myself for not finding some shorts to wear as well. If I decide to open the walk-in closet now, and find something to wear, Nox might wake up. Instead, I searched around for my sneakers which I wore to his room, but they were nowhere to be seen.

Cursing silently, I decided my escape would have to be made barefoot. I made my way to the door and turned the knob as quietly as possible. There was a soft click, signifying that the door was unlatched. So I opened it as wide as I could fit. I had gotten one foot outside when I heard Nox's voice.

“You’re going to need a car.” He said.

Frozen in plaze, I turned to look at him. He was still lying on the bed but his eyes were fixed on me. My heart jumped into my mouth when I realized they were pitch black just the way they were when he walked in with a tray of food and saw me in his shirt.

Confused by his statement, I stammered, “What?!”

Nox sighed, closing his eyes. When he opened them again, they returned to the usual stormy grey color.

“If you’re planning to escape from me, you’re going to need a car.” He clarified, getting out of bed. I retracted my leg and closed the door, watching him go into his closet and come out wearing a black t-shirt.

I could sense waves of anger, disappointment, and confusion emanating from him. It was as if I had developed a sixth sense attuned to his feelings and emotions. He stood before me, with his hands shoved in his slacks. He wore a neutral expression but I could still feel anger and confusion brewing within him.

“Go on.” He said with a shrug. “You will find that my territory stretches for hundreds of miles and it is easy to get lost here or to go in the wrong direction. One wrong turn, and you could be at the mercy of wild animals…" He paused. "... or a very angry beast.” His eyes darkened again at those last words and a chilling shiver ran down my spine.

Deep down, I knew the ‘angry beast’ he was referring to in this statement was himself and that added to my unease.

“Did you possibly think that there was anywhere you could run that I would not find you?” He said in a voice that wasn't entirely human.

“I never said I wanted to escape.” I stuttered. His eyes flickered back to normal.

“Please, don’t insult my intelligence, Zora.” He coldly retorted, causing me to flinch. “I have been awake since the moment you moaned into my pillow. This bond…” He motioned between us. “tells me everything you’re feeling and sometimes even what you're thinking.”

“I’m sorry.” I said, not knowing what else to say.

“I don’t want your apologies. If you’re going to do something, then have enough conviction to see it through. If you believe running away from me is the right thing to do, then go.”

Words failed me, and I stood there speechless. I knew running away from him wasn't the right choice but Nox is still aware of the whole truth.

“What are you hiding from me?” He asked and I gasped.

Stupid, damn bond!

“Nothing.” I shook my head, attempting to deny.

“You’re lying again. I detest lies and the people who practice them. I’ll ask one more time. What are you hiding from me?”

I swallowed, wringing my hands and avoiding eye contact with him. That familiar feeling of pain associated with my heart breaking was beginning to form inside me and I could feel myself close to tears.

“I..”

“You what?” He prompted, cocking his head to the side.

“I think you made a mistake.” I said.

His brows furrowed. “What mistake?”

“Choosing me.”

“I didn’t choose you. My wolf did.” He clarified.

His words stung, but I probably deserved it.

“Why did you think choosing you was a mistake?” He inquired.

“Because I am not an Eligible.” I sighed, tired of the whole situation.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean I am not an Eligible!” I said, raising my voice a notch. “I was not selected nor groomed for this moment. I was not handpicked from my home. I am not a noble’s daughter or from a wealthy family. I am nobody!” I said, finally meeting his confused gaze with my tormented one.

Apprehension set in his features and for the first time since we met, he looked wary of me.

“Then how did you end up here?”

“I have no idea myself.” I shrugged, feeling the throes of everything I’ve been through in the past fourteen hours assault me . “One minute, I’m falling over a cliff, the next I’m waking up at the river’s edge. The river must have brought me here. I don’t know. I don’t even know if I am even dead or still alive!” I exclaimed. “If this is a dream and my body is still stuck somewhere in a ravine!”

Nox's expression softened towards me and he no longer looked defensive anymore. I couldn't contain my emotions any longer, and tears streamed down my face causing me to turn away from him.

I didn't expect it but I was immediately turned around and wrapped in his embrace and the act alone made me cry harder. He gently stroked my hair and said, “Everything will be fine, Zora. We’ll figure this out together.”

**************************************************

It didn’t take long for me to calm down, I guess I had the mate bond to thank for that. I sat on the bed and watched Nox make some phone calls. Before long, there was a knock at the door and Nox went to answer it. He reached out and collected a dress from someone who spoke in hushed tones, Nox mumbled something back and closed the door.

He handed me the dress. “Wear this. I’ve called a meeting and you’re going to attend.”

I nodded and went in the closet to change. The dress was a knee-length, thin-strapped yellow gown with sun flower drawings on it. There was a wide floor length mirror fixed to a wall in the closet and I stared at the reflection of myself.

Under different circumstances, I would have appreciated how good I looked in this dress but this wasn’t the day. My buttery blonde hair was a mess so I packed it from my face and twisted it into a knot at the base of my head.

When I came out, I saw Nox’s eyes roam over my body but his face was neutral. I tried to sense what he was feeling but it was like a wall had been put up.

“Follow me.” He instructed, leading the way towards the door. Opening it, he gestured for me to pass through before closing it behind us. We went downstairs but instead of going out the main door, we veered down a corridor towards a door at the far end.

On our way, several people passed by, bowing to Nox and offering greetings to me before continuing on their way. Reaching the door, Nox again opened it, allowing me to go in first. If I wasn’t worried about what my immediate future would be, I would have been over the moon by the act. The room we entered was an office and there were only two people standing in it.

One was a fine man, nearly as handsome as Nox. Where Nox had a slim waist and a balanced physique, this man was bulky all through, with long, dark hair, styled in a half bun, and loose strands framing his smug face. His light scruffy beard contrasted with Nox's clean shaven appearance and where Nox had stormy grey eyes that were always intense, his was lighter shade of brown, filled with amusement.

The other person was a woman, a big woman who should probably be in her sixties. Her stern countenance reminded me of Tyler’s mother with her thin lips downturned in a frown. She was tall, almost as tall as Nox and she stared down at me with the utmost displeasure.

“Hi.” I greeted timidly.

“It is abundantly clear that this is a mistake.” The woman stated, disregarding me.

Nox glanced from her to me.

“Zora, this is Abigail. She serves as my head of house, in order words, Chief of staff. She was in charge of selecting the Eligibles for the Hunt.” Nox said and I nodded, opting not to look in her direction even though I could feel her glaring at me from my peripheral view.

“And I am Roman.” The other man chimed in, suddenly standing beside me and taking my right hand to his lips.

“He’s my Beta.” Nox added.

There was something unnerving about Roman's gaze. Sensing my discomfort, he leaned in closer, and  whispered in a conspiratorial tone. “Abigail, may seem intense but she’s really a softie.” He nodded enthusiastically, making me nod too.

“Roman, you shouldn’t be cozying up to her, for all we know, she could be a spy!” Abigail snapped.

“What?!” I whipped around at her. “I’m not a spy!”

“Then how did you sneak in?!” She sneered, looming over me.

“I told you already she said she came by river.” Nox interrupted, cutting me off.

Abigail scoffed. “I don’t believe that load of crap!”

“That’s why Roman is here.” Nox said, sitting in his chair. “He’ll get the truth from her.”

Images of being tortured flashed through my mind, but before I could protest, Roman took my hand and guided me to one of the chairs in front of Nox’s office desk. Seated across from me, he held my hands in his.

“Calm down Zora.” He said in a soothing voice. I began to feel my body relax. I looked at Nox who watched me closely. I couldn’t tell what he was feeling or thinking. His face betrayed no emotion.

“Hey, look at me.” Roman said and I found myself turning to look into his eyes. “Keep looking into my eyes and don’t look away until I say so. Understood?”

I felt myself nodding. Then Roman’s eyes turned pitch black and the blackness seemed to get bigger and bigger until I couldn’t see anything else but darkness around me. I tried to move but I couldn’t. It felt like all my limbs were locked in place and I had become stone.

“Relax.” I heard him say again and my body obeyed his command. “Now, tell me everything.”