Chapter 4

Wren's pov

The face looking straight at me from the portrait was a face that had hunted my dreams for 13 years. A face I saw everytime I closed my eyes.

I could still see my mother's head roll down from her neck, her blood turning the grass beneath her red.

Archibald, the former Alpha of the Black Moon pack, the man who killed my parents. My mate’s father.

The portrait woke me up to reality faster than any jolt of caffeine. I pushed Caelum away from me and took a huge step backwards.

What was I thinking? I mentally berated myself. This mate bond is stronger than I give it credit for.

Caelum's gaze landed on the portrait and his eyes hardened like ice.

“Ah yes, my father, you remember him, don't you?”

"How can I forget the man who single handedly ruined my life?” I bitterly replied. I barely resisted the urge to spit on the portrait. 

He just hummed.

“Am I going to have to pass by this portrait every time I come out of my room?” I gritted my teeth.

"It can be taken down.” 

I had barely breathed a sigh of relief when he continued.

"it depends on how nicely you ask. What do I get in return? I wouldn't say no to a kiss.” His eyes flickered once more to my lips, a smirk dancing on his.

“Go to hell." I growled. He leaned in, effectively trapping me against a door. His breath minty and fresh.

“I've already been there, sweetheart." His hand shot behind me and turned a door knob. The door I was leaning on opened and I stumbled, holding onto his arm for balance.

I hated the sparks and tingles I felt whenever I came in contact with him. I moistened my dry lips with my tongue and his eyes darkened dangerously.

“Trying to seduce me, Red?" He murmured, his gaze lingering on my lips. I jerked my hands off his arm as if It was on fire and managed a scoff, color rushing to my face. 

“In your dreams, butt head." 

He just smirked knowingly before his face went back to being impassive and bland. 

Geez, bipolar much? I could feel Astrid rolling her eyes.

"This is the room you'll be staying in. I advise you get used to it as it would be your home for the foreseeable future.” His tone was bland.

We were standing at the entryway of what seemed like the biggest room I'd ever seen.

It was painted a rich lilac, with a cream colored queen sized bed with purple comforters. There was a black fluffy rug in front of the bed and what looked to be a huge walk in closet.

A chandelier dangled prettily with a purple dresser and vanity mirror off to one side. My mouth hung open in awe of the room, I couldn't believe that it was mine.

“Close your mouth little Red, before I fill it with something else.” I quickly shut my jaw with an audible click as I eyed him with disdain. He chuckled drily.

“Don't you have something else to do than being where you're not wanted?" I smiled tightly. 

He shrugged. "At least I have the freedom to be where I want to be, that's more than you can say." He said with a bored tone.

That stupid mutt! Astrid growled. 

That was a dick move throwing my situation in face and he knew it, I could tell by the way his eyes glittered with amusement.

I clenched my fists tightly.

“Of all the wolves to end up with, it had to be the most stupid of them all." My words came out between clenched teeth.

“Careful Wren, I'm still your owner—unless you can pay me back the exact amount I paid for you with double the amount for interest.” His eyes had darkened dangerously and I knew I had crossed a line but I couldn't stop.

“I hate you and I wish I never met you." I looked him in the eyes as I delivered those words. His face hardened then turned scarily blank.

He straightened from where he was leaning on the wall and walked away, his hands in his pocket.

I looked around the room trying not to feel guilty, but it was difficult seeing as he had painted it my favorite color, lilac. A vase that contained lavenders was on the dresser, my favorite flowers.

He still remembered, Astrid whispered. 

Doesn’t mean a thing, I replied her forcefully, trying to convince her and myself.

I closed the door behind me and slid gently to the floor. 

Tucking my head into my folded knees, I wrapped my arms around myself feeling the overwhelming feeling of helplessness rush over me like a wave. It was threatening to drag me under.

The enormity of the entire situation crashed over me and tears started to run gently down my face.

“I’m sorry Mom, Dad. I didn't mean to get mated to the son of your killer, I'm sorry.” I sobbed into my hands, trying not to hyperventilate.

I didn't know how long I sat there crying but the next thing I knew, I slipped into the realm of Morpheus.

Caelum's POV

I could feel her sadness all the way to the depths of my soul. I clenched my fist tightly, my nails digging into my palms,resisting the burning urge to go back and take her into my arms.

It helped that the darkest part of me delighted in her little whimpers, wanting to see how far I could push her before she breaks.

I shook my head, pushing those dark thoughts down. 

The door to my office opened and my beta and best friend walked in. He perched on a chair, watching me silently. For a werewolf, he was pretty feline in nature.

“I didn't make her cry." I stated. 

He cocked his head in silent judgement.

“I didn't!" I growled, indignantly.

“Well, you must have done something." He drawled.

“I didn't do anything, she's probably feeling overwhelmed or something.” I muttered.

He shook his head in mock derision, I could tell he didn't believe me. Looking at his face, I looked for the resemblance to the dead man I once knew long ago. I didn't find, I was pleased.

“Soren, don't you have anywhere to be? Or more work to do?" I turned away from him, pinching the bridge of my nose in exasperation.

"Nope. Now tell me what her reaction was like." He curled his hand under his chin.

"She hates me.” I grumbled, feeling a bit hurt. He hummed contemplatively.

“Are you ever going to tell her?" His eyes glinted with curiosity. I turned my head sharply to look at him. A deep growl left my throat.

“No, and you shouldn’t either." He held my gaze for a minute before he looked down in submission, nodding in understanding.

“Now that you're here, I have a job I need you to do for me."

“Who am I hunting ?” His eyes glinted manically as his lips curled over his fangs. 

'The cunning fox’ they called him. I had heard some rumours about us, the Crimson Alpha and his sadistic beta, the Cunning Fox.

I had to admit, most of the stories were true. Soren was almost as bad as I am, his brown fur made it difficult for you to see him until he killed you.

It made him extremely gifted in stealth and hunts, and it helped that he had a darkness that matched mine.

Brothers in all but blood.

Unknown POV

All my pawns were in one place, let the games begin, I smiled wickedly. They'll never guess what's coming.

“Begin plan Alpha."