"Use the back door," Theresa encouraged Godiva before mobilizing the girls as the doorbell continued to ring relentlessly.
"I'll get the door," Anita said to Theresa who nodded, trusting Anita's bravery. Being overly pampered, it was good Anita was courageous but it was a distinction to being the youngest. The older sisters shivered with fright when Theresa tried to put them together to explain the situation to them. It was well understood that they were grieved but they had to be strong for Godiva's sake. If they were not able to escape well and early enough, their capture could be used to lure Godiva to present herself to the Alphas.
At the back of the house, it was too late for Godiva to realize that the house had been surrounded by strange men dressed in black. Did they all come from the same pack? She assured herself it was impossible but if one Alpha could send so many men to come for her, then she expected the worse and wasn't sure if escape was the best option but since she was already at it, she couldn't bear to disappoint Theresa after all she put in for her. She ensured her phone was safe in her pocket since it was the only way to get in touch with her sisters, being certain that they weren't going to continue staying in the house. She caught the eyes of one of the men in black, just when she jumped the fence.
Godiva wasn't a sprinter but for her life, she put in her best, delving dangerous routes that were also the shortest to the main road. In her normal sense on a casual day, she would have never used those routes. Her smart move made it impossible for the men to use their car till they got to the asphalt road, forcing them to chase her on foot. As is said, in the city of the blind, the one-eyed man was king. In a situation where they didn't know where Godiva's labyrinth led, they were at a great disadvantage.
This was nothing like Godiva. She was her father's favourite, sitting beside him at the fireplace, reading her favourite stories. She also enjoyed playing games on her phone and making lemonade. This was the first time she had been subjected to such a wild goose chase.
She stumbled and fell a few times but staggered to her feet before they reached her. Anytime they got close, she threw something at them, being a tree branch or unripped fruit, making them stumble, increasing the distance between them. She hoped to reach the highway in time to get a cab. The fools were on their feet leaving their cars behind so how would they catch up to her.
The sound of the speed of cars ahead, gave her a fleeting hope, knowing she was close to the main road. People who knew her in the neighbourhood tried to stop her to ask why she was running, she only yelled, "stop them!"
Well, they feared the people after her. They were just too huge. She reached the highway, just as a black SUV crossed her, tire screeching and turning one eighty degrees. The door opened to the passenger side, "get in!" A deep raw husky voice bellowed. She halted at the sound, almost falling to gravity. She had never heard a voice so husky, mellow and cold, all moulded together. She looked at the driver, his eyes were on the road so she couldn't see his full face, only increasing her anxiety. What if he was one of those Alphas? Why would he just order her to get in? Did he know her? His demeanour sent fearful chills through her mien and she couldn't accept his offer, even if it was still available.
She looked to her side, huge men running towards her. To her back, tired looking men after her. She was already panting with no strength to outrun those men but the fearful crisps wouldn't allow her to step into the opened car. To her right was a taxi coming at top speed. A fledge of adrenaline swang through her, as she beckoned the taxi. Luckily, the driver had seen her and was slowing down to a stop. Before her little hand reached the door, she felt herself in a strong arm, her feet off the ground. The taxi driver and onlookers were helpless. The man carrying her had a countenance so deadly, even the people chasing her began to retreat. They couldn't contend with him without backup.
Godiva fought with the little strength she had in her. She hadn't eaten the whole day and had been dehydrated from her excessive tears, not having drunk water too. With her little hands balled into fists, she hit his back as hard as she could but the man showed no sign of pain. "Let me go," she yelled but her plea only seemed to fall on dead ears. The man was so unmoved, throwing her onto the passenger seat and buckling her up.
The car screeched at top speed as soon as he pressed the accelerator. Godiva shivered from so much fear, she couldn't stop the trembling of her hands. When she opened her mouth to speak, fear swallowed her voice. Her palms were wet from anxiety, her heartbeat skyrocketing. Who was he and where was he taking her? She had no idea but at least she knew it wouldn't be safe to call Theresa at this moment. What if he took the phone from her. He had never cast her a glance and he was as unreadable as a block of ice. No matter how she looked at it, she found no hope in the person she was with and his company sniffed out gross discomfort.
*******
Bravery was never the absence of fear, but the ability to overcome it. Anita matched to the door and opened it, the stature of the two men in front of the door clouding over her. Her only intent was to waste their time for Godiva to escape successfully. "Who are you and what do you want?" She didn't hide the sorrow in her voice.
The men wore sunglasses, the one who responded hadn't taken it off, seeming rather calm. "Who we are isn't important but we seek the owner of this house."
"You came too late, he died this morning and his body was deposited at the morgue," she uttered in a sorrow laced voice and was about to close the door when one of the men blocked her way. The other one seemed to be calling someone.
"Where is Godiva?" He asked after ending the call.
"That's me," she trembled slightly at the lie.
The man stared at the picture in his hand and shook his head. "You are not the one in the picture."
Anita forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Check the next house then. Maybe you have the wrong address."
"Do you mind if we come in to check?" The first man asked. Knowing that Godiva had left, she moved from the doorway, allowing them access but following closely behind. Why did their father have to take his life? Her eyes welled up just as one of the men who were tired of searching faced her and said,
"Then we are taking you with us if.."
"No way," Theresa yelled, cutting in. She held out her father's colt revolver, appearing at the entrance of the kitchen. Anita took the opportunity, running to her side before the men could take out their guns, concealed in their waistband. Anita, with the help of her sisters, poured a gallon of oil on the floor of the living room, making the men stumble and fall when they took a step. At that juncture, the girls run into their father's pickup truck. They had loaded a few needed items when Anita was at it.
The men wanted to fight back when one's phone rang. "We've seen her. She's trying to escape. We have to leave now!" An urgent order was communicated. The two men staggered out of the house in a wild goose chase that nearly apprehended Godiva but unfortunately, she was in the hands of the Alpha of Alphas and they had to think twice before pursuing him.
Godiva's hands were clutching the hem of her dress tightly, her head lowered. She began to recall Theresa's words to never go down without a fight when an idea popped into her mind. They had driven for quite a distance till they got to a familiar environment. She could get a place to hide for a while.
"Stop the car," she yelled, trying on a new form of bravery but the man didn't flinch, still driving at top speed. Worry apprehended her. She was afraid of what and where this man was taking her. She didn't escape to be captured like a chicken. At this juncture, she hated the man on the steering wheel. He ruined everything and she could tell that he was either one of the Alphas or working for them. Perhaps even an assassin. Therefore she needed to get far away from him.
"I said stop the car, I want to pee." This time, she got a subtle response. "No!" Uneasiness was like a rope, tying her firmer than her seat belt. She had to think fast. They passed a boutique and she screamed. "I will pee in your car if you don't let me use their restroom," she was pointing at the boutique
The car slowed down at the car park, suddenly halting. The screeching sound startled onlookers. "Ten minutes," was all he said. Godiva sighed, her adrenaline for her escape in motion. She quickly unbuckled her seatbelt, her hands shivering from apprehension and stepped out.
She would go in there, disguise herself and escape but she was dumbfounded when the man unbuckled his seat belt and began following her. Her legs trembled and her dress felt too loose. She slipped her hand around the back only to realize the slit was torn.
Gross embarrassment. She wasn't even wearing underwear. With her face red with chagrin, she held the slit together as she wobbled. Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her, abruptly turning to face the man again.
She could feel her fears building up, her adrenaline level reducing. She stared into his raw eyes with loathing and seethed,
"Ten minutes, you don't have to come with me." The man vaguely disregarded her words and kept following her. There were onlookers, which gave her a safety assurance.
"I said leave me alone!" She yelled high enough to attract attention. She conserved a good distance, staring into his cold eyes with her loathful ones. His features were strong and masculine, his muscled body seduced the shirt he wore. At a glance, he looked like he was sculpted from a different planet. The attractiveness he carried was none like she has ever beholden except he operated like the assassins she had seen in movies. His response was swift. "No."
His voice carried a conviction that made her feel that he knew what he was doing and it sent frightful shivers through her. "What do you want with me? You don't even know me." Her voice shook with every word she uttered but she managed to get everyone's attention, including the security men around at the boutique.
They began closing up on them to Godiva's benefit. To her surprise, the man turned around and left. She breathed relieved for the first time, not waiting to see where he was headed. She thought through her escape plan when she picked a few casual clothes and undies, after changing what she wore before. A pair of Jean trousers and a loose top with trainers was a fine match for someone trying to escape. It was comfortable too. She didn't forget to pick a face cap to give her a good disguise.
Only after reaching the counter, did her foolishness begin to play on her mind. She didn't have money or a credit card on her. All she had was her phone. It was her turn at the counter, embarrassment reddening her features as she thought of either trading her phone or returning the items. But her old clothes were torn and she couldn't afford to put them back on. She decided on the former. The cashier took stock of all her purchased items but didn't ask for payment.
Godiva, no doubt, was about to explain she was trading her phone when she looked up and the creepy man was standing by the door. Her heart sank, her throat felt dry.
The cashier still hadn't asked for money but rather handed a black card to her. She stared at her confused. "That sexy philanthropist paid for everything. I wish he was mine," she said day dreamily while admiring the creepy man. Godiva took the card, her hands trembling slightly, as she let out a sigh when she realized he had gone ahead.
She stepped out of the boutique searching for a way of avoiding him when a hand pressed on her mouth with a gun pointed to her head. It was a feminine scent and at that moment, she thought the creepy man was better.
"Do as I say if you want to live," a stern female voice muttered in her ears, sending her nervous shivers. The hand on her mouth felt masculine, which meant whoever this female was, must be tough. Catching sight of some of the men in black chasing her earlier, her heart sunk. It was over. She was going to pay her father's debt.Somehow, she was still clinging to the paper shopping bag and the black card given to her by the cashier. Gently, she was shoved by the woman into the back of a jeep wrangler. At the moment, all she thought about was the creeping man. Comparing him to this team, it was rather safer with him but why did he leave? He didn't even take his card and why would he pay for the items she purchased? She wished she had mastered the courage to ask for his name.She was joined by the woman who still held a gun to her head. She looked amazing and ferocious. The car sped out of the parking lot of the boutique but didn't cover much distance when a loud bump was
Godiva stumbled. It was as if her legs had grown numb. "I..I don't understand," she went blank. Rocks' ways weren't just unusual to her but were also infuriating. Why couldn't he be friendly like his brother and talk a bit more? Not only did he use a few words but also made her uncomfortable with his unusual aura. She loathed him and couldn't see her brain and heart accepting that condition but maybe it wasn't what she thought he meant."Ask Xena," he said. Swiftly, he left her in the room without another word. Godiva has never met anyone like him. Not among her lecturers or her male friends in college. Rock was like a world in himself, doing and acting as he pleased. Not being able to wait to speak with Xena, she took a quick bath, changing into one of the clothes she bought, which had been neatly arranged in the closet.Descending the stairs, Rock, Xena and Steel seemed to be discussing something but as soon as they saw her, Rock stood up and went out. Somehow, she f
Godiva's heart shattered together with each broken piece of the expensive android phone on the floor. Her mind was in jumbo. How was she going to continue communicating with Theresa? She hadn't even sent her location and neither had she gotten theirs. Theresa would be greatly worried about her.Her fistful glare met Rocks' frightful one. Her anger multiplied, her loathe for him unending. "Why?" She questioned, her rage unabated. He disconnected her from her sisters and she couldn't forgive him. Every fibre in her screamed hate for him. What was he doing here anyway? Isn't this supposed to be her room?"No calls," he coldly said and turned to leave but Godiva wasn't going to make it easy on him this time. Not after what he just did. She quickly ran in front of the door, covering the way with her small frame, as compared to Rock whose height was one and half her size. His shirt hung seductively around his torso, his black hair pulled back like he just got out of the show
Godiva gripped her battered phone in her hand, just as sleep stole her after a few sobs. She was exhausted from the day's miseries. It was agonizing when a strong pair of hands clamped around her mouth, lifting her from the bed. Her screams were hushed, the grip getting tighter. She still couldn't believe it was real and happening in Rock's pack. How did they get into her room? Did anyone know about it? She was making it easy for her captor though she couldn't see his face through the darkness. She kept fighting for her freedom but her captor was stronger than her.The firmness of a gun around her head made her stiffen, realizing that she was being dragged towards the window. Even though she couldn't see their faces, she could tell by their scent that they were different from the ones after her earlier in the day. Her heart sank into a fearful mud, hope deluding her on how she could ever be free from these entanglements. The only way she could explain how she felt was in comp
When Godiva woke up in the morning, everywhere was quiet. The room smelled like Rock but he wasn't there. She realized that she didn't know what he did and went to search for Xena concerning him. It was strange how fast things had changed in her life from the depressing death of her father to being chased by Alphas and finally being marked by the man she hated all in one day. Werewolves were naturally stronger than humans. That strength carried her quite well.It was in the wee hours of the morning therefore, she guessed Xena hadn't left for school yet. Stepping on the corridor, she diverted from going to Xena's room to the direction of a delicious aroma, leading her to the kitchen. Could it be Xena or Steel cooking? Godiva least expected what met her eyes, making them pop in shock and admiration.Carrying a vibe that made him look like a professional chef except for his outrageously cold demeanour was Rock making breakfast. She wished he could smile a little and expre
Seeing her determination, Xena gave in. She couldn't allow Godiva to roam the whole pack in search of the gym. She would have to take her there and await whatever consequence befalls them. "It's alright, I will show you," she gulped down a cup of water and said.Godiva sighed. Somehow she was just bluffing. How tedious it was going to be for her to locate the gym on her own. Then she wondered how they maintained the pack. She never knew the source of income of Alphas and their pack members. "Another question? What does he do for a living?" Godiva asked and Xena knew she meant Rock. She wasn't ready to tell her about their businesses in the city. There was just so much at hand at the moment."You will know all that. Rock is usually very busy. He took time off because of you. I think you should appreciate that fact," Xena threw a hint but Godiva understood differently. She didn't understand the level of sacrifice Rock was making for her but gratitude would always be supp
"Alpha Bond, know your territory and respect yourself!" Steel roared. Alpha Bonds' bodyguards were already moved to get Godiva up the stairs. She did not attempt to escape, being rooted in shock and fear, her eyes were wide open, her feet frozen."Enough!" Rocks' roar got them trembling, the bodyguards froze. He turned to Godiva. "To your room," he ordered. Godiva instantly defrosted at the sound of Rocks' voice. It wasn't the first time he saved her therefore, it was easy for her to trust him. She run to the room, locking the doors like a child haunted by her childhood nightmare. Alpha Bond was ruthless. He had no epitome of pity. His eyes emitted fire and he seemed rough.Rock might speak a few words but he was more desirable. The sides of Alpha Bonds' hair were shaven and he held the middle part in a ponytail. His bodyguards were as tall as Rock and without warmth. Rock returned his attention to Bond."Out of my pack." He sounded casual like he was speaking t
Godiva could feel the hot effect of her question on him. Perhaps the timing was wrong but she wanted to know. The Mark was supposed to protect her and she was ready to reject her mate if it wasn't Rock, even though she was certain that they were incompatible.Perhaps a good way to make him warm up to her would be to bombard him with so many questions. Well, Rock wasn't ready to give any answers. Matters concerning the mark reminded him of his foolish youth. "I have to go," he began walking to the door but Godiva was upset. This was exactly what she hated about him. Trashing everything she deemed important as if it was nothing. She couldn't take it.She blocked the entrance with her small frame. "You have to tell me something, Rock." She was courageous, bottling everything inside that wanted to explode but she couldn't allow herself to break down in front of him. She couldn't let him know that she missed her sisters and thought of their well-being. She couldn't let him