Chapter 7: Growing Tension 

Noah

The next few days in the palace felt like a strange prison for me. Adrian kept asking for me at odd hours and sometimes he would ask simple questions about my life in Ashvale pack.

And other times he will just watch me without saying anything. I loved times like that, when he would just stare at me without saying anything. Not that I liked the way he looked at me, but because I didn't like talking about my life in Ashvale.

I was trying to get used to the fact that I was sold off and my best friend now hated me. I was trying to get used to my new life here, so I didn't like talking about my old pack.

The guards Adrian appointed for me, followed me everywhere. From the garden, to the library, they even stood outside the bathroom.

I had no breathing space.

One afternoon, I took a stroll to the garden—which has become my normal routine— and I met Elias. It looked like he was waiting for me.

Elias looked up when he heard us approaching, his eyes met mine and he gave me a warm smile, which I returned politely.

“Leave us” he said dismissively to the guards.

“It's fine. I can take care of myself” I muttered, when the guards didn't move.

“You look tired,” Elias said, after the guards left. His sharp green eyes studied my face. “Is the king treating you well?”. His voice carried a teasing tone, but there was real concern underneath.

“I'm fine”. I said dismissively as I didn't want to talk about Adrian.

Elias looked like he wanted to say something, but he changed his mind and let me be. 

We talked for a long time. Elias told me stories about his pack, we spoke about our hobbies and other random talks. For once, since I came to Ashvale, I felt comfortable enough to speak more than a few words.

I could see that Elias was flirting with me. Calling me “beautiful Omega”, staring at me with different emotions swirling in his eyes and saying I deserved better than being locked away like a trophy.

I liked it. The way he stared at me, the compliments he gave me, the way he would always rake his fingers through his hair whenever I pointed out that he was staring too much. 

I stayed guarded but I couldn't deny the fact that Elias made me feel like a person.

As we spoke, Clara appeared at the edge of the garden with a group of noblewomen trailing behind her. She looked at me, disgust clearly written on her face as she spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Look at that,” Clara said with a fake smile. “ The King's new toy walks freely in the garden like he belongs here. A rejected Omega, parading himself after being sold like a cheap goods” 

The women with her laughed softly. Some servants nearby whispered and stared.

My face burned with shame but I kept my expression calm however. Elias stood up immediately, his relaxed smile turning dangerous.

“Lady Clara. You speak so freely about things that does not concern you” he said in a cold voice. “ Noah here is under the King's protection. Insult him again and you will have a problem with Redfang pack as well”.

I watched Clara's face squeezed in anger, what's the worst she could do to Elian? Surely she could insult the Alpha of the Redfand pack.

She gave a small bow and walked away with her group. The humiliation struck me deeply but what could a weak Omega like me do?

I thanked Elisa for standing up for me and he waved it off as nothing. But it was something to me, only my best friend stood up for me in the past.

That evening, after Elias left, I overheard two servants talking near the royal wing. They were talking about an old curse on the Lycan King's bloodline and how a rare Omega with special blood might be the key to breaking it.

“That is the reason why the King married the weak Omega” one of the servants whispered.

“Once the King breaks the curse, he will break the mate bond with the Omega and dispose him” the other servant said.

I placed my hand over my mouth to stop myself from gasping loudly. So that was the reason why Adrian bought me.

My heart sank.

He needed me to break his curse and after that he would trash me. Adrian didn't buy me out of guilt or desire like I thought, but because I had a purpose.

I didn't know how to take in the news. I felt several emotions at the same time, as I dragged my feet to my room.

Later that night, Adrian summoned me to his study. The King looked tired and tense, he had eye bags, his skin was pale and looked like he was sleep deprived.

He looked at me and motioned me with his two fingers to come closer. I moved across the table, then he pulled me closer to him and slammed his lips on mine.

I froze in shock as I wasn't expecting him to kiss me. He sucked my lower lip and then bit me.

I gasped. It was both painful and pleasurable.

He used the opportunity to stick his tongue into my mouth and tag my tongue with his. The kiss was slow, almost gentle but he stopped before we could go too far.

“Stay away from Elias” Adrian warned in a low voice. “You are mine”.