Chapter 18: Want You

Lyra's POV 

When the door creaked shut, I knew she was back. What is going on with everyone these days? It seemed we all had secrets to keep, interests to protect, and various things we were fighting for. Even Saana had things she needed the cover of darkness to do. Hmph.

Should I ask Saana directly? Or do I become sneaky too in order to find out what she was doing? Maybe I'll just talk to her and watch her reactions. What could it be? Whatever.

My thoughts couldn't stop spiraling down that rabbit hole. Everyone was on a mission; everyone except Freya, who looked very much like the detachment she was facing. Maybe now she'll understand that some people aren't just worthy friends.

I yawned and drifted off to sleep. There was no Lady Seraphina and her eyes screaming murder at me. It was just a normal sleep.

I roused when a ray of sunlight fell directly across my face. Staring out the window, I deduced that the weather today would be fair enough; no disasters.

“Hey, Lyra. Wake up." 

It was Saana, gently shaking me awake. She didn't know I was up already.

“Huh?" I replied, sounding as sleepy as I could.

“It's morning. Don't you want to check on the cloak?" 

The cloak! I quickly sat up in bed. I didn't take it to meet Alpha Kieran, nor did I inform him that it was drenched by the rain. I clawed at my hair.

“Oh, no! Saana, I'm done for!”

Saana seemed to get the message, for she burst into uncontrollable laughter. She doubled over and laughed her insides out. When she looked at me again, her eyes were wet.

"Don't tell me you finally went to bed without reporting to Alpha Kieran?”

"I did.”

Great. Now, that had to be the start of my day. What kind of excuse would make the most sense?

I looked at Saana again. Yes! She left the aprons out in the rain too; what did she say to Miss Fae to skip punishment?

"What about the aprons? What did you tell Miss Fae?”

She laughed some more.

"Miss Fae is considerate, first. And then, I told her that I had other chores to attend to, and that I went on two errands. Her eyes softened before I was done explaining.”

I nodded my head, finding it difficult to process how easy that went down.

“Oh." 

As the door creaked open, my heart failed me.

“Lyra, your attention is needed at the Alpha's chambers at once!" 

“Yes, Madam Rosalia." 

Saana's eyes bore the amusement that was bubbling inside of her.

I reluctantly got out from under the covers and washed my face. I smoothed my hair and drew it into a low ponytail before wearing my bonnet over it. I tied my neck scarf and slipped on my shoes.

“Good luck," Saana teased with a wink.

My steps were heavy with hesitation. Did I really have to answer to this particular call of his? What if I got in serious trouble? I could run away if I wanted to, right? I stepped out of the hallway into the courtyard.

“Oh, Lyra. Going somewhere?" 

It was Anya. We weren't talking anymore. Why did she have to rub her new status in?

“I just want to get some air outside. I've been in for long, and it's making me feel sick." 

She seemed unimpressed.

“Oh. But I thought I heard the Alpha send for you. Why are you running away, though? Are you in trouble?" 

Lady Seraphina had already begun to rub off on her, I see. And I hope she doesn't regret this later on.

"You know what? Let me just go back inside. And since you said the Alpha sent for me, I might as well answer his call.”

"I thought as much,” she chuckled.

The bitch!

I knocked on the huge door reluctantly. I didn't hear a response from within. I knocked again. Nothing. I put all my weight on the door, straining my ears to pick up any sounds of someone asking me to come in. 

Just then, the door swung open, and I fell headlong on Alpha Kieran, straight to the floor. I tried to get up hurriedly, but he pulled me to himself and put me on the floor, back down. My heart raced as his eyes locked with mine.

Not again, and not with an open door!

“Alpha Kieran, the door…it's still open,” I pointed out.

He kicked the door with force, and the door slammed with a loud bang that jarred me.

"It's closed now. Where's my cloak?”

I swallowed hard.

"It got drenched by the rain yesterday. I'm very sorry. I tried to watch it closely, but I couldn't. I'm sorry.”

While I was still apologizing, he planted his lips on mine. It felt like it was a kiss of longing, much different than that first one. Much more gentle.

My body responded to his touch in ways that surprised me. I returned the kiss.

He scooped me off the floor and heaved me onto his bed, which was well covered by bedspread on all sides.

My heart thumped louder as he mounted my small frame, his weight making me sink into the softness of the bed.

“How long do you think you can pretend not to know?" He asked me.

The question was way out of the blue, and I couldn't answer.

I just stared blankly at him, thoughts running amiss in my head. He grabbed a handful of my hair from the roots and whispered into my ear.

“I want you." 

A lump formed in my throat, and tears threatened to fall. Why did I feel this way? I'd thought I'd enjoy being the object of his attention, but now I feel smothered. Then, Lady Seraphina's words came drifting to my ears:

“If you help me gain his favor, I'll reward you for it." 

I placed my hand on his chest.

“Wait, Alpha. I'm but a filthy maid, who does the cleaning in this palace. You don't deserve to stain yourself either. I have seen how much Lady Seraphina likes you. Why don't you choose her? She's a noble too, and you won't have to fear any attacks.”

He pulled away from me and yanked me off the bed.

"Leave!”

"But Alpha…”

"I said leave!” His eyes were glowing with rage.

I adjusted my clothes and hurried out of his chambers. 

At least he didn't ask about his cloak.