Chapter 16: Could Own Me

Saana's POV

Ethan was back at last! I could finally be held in the arms of someone who genuinely cares about me, and listens to me.

I would give anything just to have him look at me the way he does forever. I had to prepare my bed tonight, so that Lyra wouldn't notice my absence till I returned.

The last time we were alone, he took me to the brook that runs beneath the cliff. The water sparkled in the moonlight as I stood in it. The warm currents washed over my feet, soothing them after the long day. I was already looking forward to this next outing.

“Saana!" I paused in my tracks. It was Lyra. I waited for her to catch up with me. “It rained!" She was still trying to catch her breath.

Oh, bummer! The aprons! Why had I completely forgotten about them? Miss Fae will be so pissed, and I'll receive a lot of scolding. Then, I rolled my eyes as I realized Lyra's own frustration.

“Oh, don't tell me that the cloak got wet too?!" I didn't realize how stern my expression was until I saw her uneasiness.

“Lyra, you were literally sitting in the shack, watching over it. How did this happen?" 

She averted her gaze. “I just drifted off to sleep for a moment. I didn't realize I slept deeply; I didn't hear the rain." 

Just the perfect excuse.

Not my problem though, because both of us will have our fair share of scoldings later on today.

Miss Fae could understand that I was carried away by other activities, but I think Alpha Kieran would make things worse for Lyra.

“Well, we both better prepare for our scolding. Miss Fae can be considerate." I looked at her in a pitiful and sarcastic way. “But will Alpha Kieran be that gracious?" I watch her expression crumpled.

"I tried to go tell him about the whole situation, but I couldn't get myself to knock on his door. I just stood there lost in thought. After much hesitation, I paced and hyped myself up to finally go in, but I just ended up leaving. I just fear what his reaction is going to be when he requests for his cloak later today,” she narrated.

We enjoyed a quiet walk for a few moments.

"Ah ha! Saana, did you know that Anya is now with Lady Seraphina?”

My eyes widened at this piece of information. Why would she do that though? I thought she might even want to pick Lyra. 

"What does Anya look like now?” I asked, to understand what we could possibly be facing later on.

"Like nobility. An outsider would think that she's Lady Seraphina's daughter, or long lost younger sister.”

I nodded, understanding that a lot of things were going to change. Anya's friendship with Freya, and her interaction with other Omegas.

I just hope she sees this as a trap, and doesn't get too comfortable with the stage she has been placed on. A fall from such height could be lethal.

“Many things will change, Lyra." I tried not to sound grave. Anya will use this opportunity to taunt Lyra every moment, just for the fun of it.

“Saana!" 

That was Miss Fae.

“We'll talk later, Lyra." I waved hurriedly and ran to Miss Fae, trying to look as apologetic as possible.

“Where are the aprons?" She questioned in an octave, giving me a stern look. I averted my gaze and fumbled with my fingers.

“I'm sorry, Miss Fae. I had other chores, and two errands. I was so engrossed; I couldn't get to them in time. I'll look out for them tomorrow, and bring them in once they're dry. I'm sorry, Miss Fae." 

Her countenance softened, and a wave of relief washed over me.

“It's alright, Saana. Just be more careful next time." 

“Yes, Miss Fae." 

“Now, come with me. Let's go get the other set of aprons to the cooks. That's why we have them anyway." 

I tagged along, trying to look as remorseful as ever, and also appear eager to please. Living in the palace depended strongly on how well you were able to play the cards you're dealt, especially if you didn't have the privilege of picking them.

In passing, I caught a glimpse of Ethan. He looked just as handsome as ever. My eyes lit up when he smiled at me. I felt my cheeks grow hot as the moment lasted. But I had to keep up with Miss Fae. I couldn't default twice in a row, else I risked punishment.

Still, I wasn't quick enough. He slid a note into my dress pocket as he always did when he wanted us to meet. 

“You still look effortlessly beautiful, despite all the hard work you do," he rasped in my ear.

My body went hot. “Maybe it's because I think of you while doing those works." 

“Saana? Hurry up." 

“Yes, Miss Fae," I replied as her voice jarred me back to the present. 

There was an added spring to my steps as I tried to keep up with Miss Fae. I couldn't stop smiling as I now looked forward to things that would occur during the ungodly hours.

We never did anything explicit, but those little moments of intimacy held the magic for me. His touch, the way he looked at me when I moved under his gaze, the way my body reacted each time our bodies grazed when we were out together; everything appealed to my sensual side. And he was such a gentleman that he never tried to go beyond what I allowed.

But deep down, I wished that Ethan could own me the same way Alpha Kieran has owned Lyra. I'd give anything to be possessed in that manner; but by Ethan.

I gathered up the folded aprons and followed Miss Fae to the kitchen. 

“Leave out the striped ones; and others that are brightly colored. We need the dark colors for the dirty work. The bright colors are for festivities," she instructed me.

“Yes, Miss Fae", I replied, my body still reliving the effect of a passing moment with Ethan.

Just a little longer, and I'll be in his arms again.