Chapter 10: Cain.

What is she doing?

"I said no. I can't do these things, whatever it is you want me to do for you with my body, I can't."

I can hear the prisoner girl's words being choked off by something in her throat. I suspect she wants to start crying again and a frown lines my face.

What's the use of being disobedient and then crying? 

It's not like it's going to change anything.

Lyros is already angry. I can feel the air in the air around us getting thicker and I know I should stand back.

He could freeze her on the spot. He could make her claw at her face and continue doing so until she gouges her eyes out. He could make her feel pain, true pain, and real anguish.

Killing her off would be a favor. Something too close to mercy and the Lycan king of the north is not anything if not merciless.

I straighten my back and assume an unaffected pose. I don't care about what he does with his pet. He can kill her for all I care.

"Come here, Adelaide."

There is pin-drop silence after his words and I hear the sound of feet shuffling closer. My skin crawls and I look forward. This is none of my business.

I already saved her once, I'm not doing so a second time.

"Do you know what happens to those who tell me no, little wolf?"

Lyros's voice is silky and I nod my head as I imagine her shaking hers. Tears are most likely running down her cheeks and if the sound of her footsteps is any indication of her current position, I can bet she's standing in front of the man she just refused.

I know she likes him. They always like him.

A whimper escapes Adelaide's throat and I wince unconsciously.

"I'm sorry for refusing you. I....i..it won't happen again."

Lyros chuckles.

"Oh, it will Adelaide, I can see it in your eyes. It will."

Images are pressed into my head and what I see makes my heart pound faster.

Adelaide is standing in front of him, tears of blood running down her eyes and her features aging at an unnatural pace. 

"I'm sorry. Please stop."

Lyros has his hands under her neck, choking and draining at the same time.

He's not going to kill her. He's just going to make her wish she was dead.

"Lyros."

The sound of my voice shocks even me and I clear my throat again.

"l don't suggest killing the toy before you can use her."

"Haven't I said I should never be disturbed at times like this, Cain?"

He has and I know I will suffer greatly for this.

I could have walked off and pretended this never happened, but I'm here instead, ensuring a near-death experience for myself in the future.

I open the door, without an invitation and the Lycan king drops the captive in his hands. Adelaide's features revert at a visible pace and she's gasping and sobbing at the same time.

"She's still foolish Lyros. There's no use killing her when you mean to use her, there are only so many that will catch your attention the way she has, and if you kill her now......"

I don't want to continue doing this but I have to.

I don't have to but it's complicated.

"You're dictating how I handle my possessions, Cain. You know what happens after that don't you?"

I nod and hang my head down.

Lyros can beat me, he can break me, he can make me do the things I hate myself for, but he won't kill me.

The prisoner girl will live and she'll see another day. Maybe she'll be more sensible after that.

"Come here, Cain."

I walk over and stop right before Lyros. He's handsome. 

Immaculately handsome. His eyes give the impression of seeing deep into your soul.

His scent is intoxicating and his height is imposing. He's staring down into my eyes, amusement at the side of his lips and something cruel in his eyes.

I feel a hand at the side of my face, fingers rubbing softly and tugging at skin. The actions are tender, they make me shiver but I stand upright.

Adelaide is still in the room, the foolish creature that she is, and I can feel her eyes on us.

"You're really going to offer yourself to me, Cain? Of your own free will?"

I nod and look back into his eyes.

"I'm here, aren't I?"

He nods and chuckles. 

"You are. I guess we should make this count then."

I nod and Lyros leans down to place a kiss on the side of my neck. Shame and something else colors my cheeks and he laughs.

That sexy rumble that entranced me so much once, I always strove to hear it day after day.

"Get the girl out and meet me in my main rooms later."

I turn back and hate explodes in my eyes. Her eyes are bloodshot and she looks just about ready to scream at me.

"Stand up and follow me."

The prisoner nods, making me sneer again and look away.

The moment we're out the door she almost grabs my hand but I move away before she can.

"You're in love with him?"

Her words are barely a whisper but I hear them all the same. When I turn back, there's a deadly calm on my face.

"You're very foolish for someone who wants to be free."

She turns red and I ignore the annoyance she's able to evoke in me.

"If you want to die then say it, I'll snap your neck in half myself."

She snaps all at once.

"Don't act all high and mighty with me, you want to fuck that monster?"

Finally, something other than tears.

"I already said we all have our agendas. This is mine Adelaide, I suggest you look for yours before you're dead and buried in a shallow grave."

I feel her gaze follow me as I turn back and when I get to the door, I stop.

Fear grips me like a vice and I take a deep breath.

We all have our agendas, and if this is what I have to do to achieve mine, then I'll do it.

For freedom.