"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 heard from the back, jerking the car forward. Impulsively, Godiva turned around to see the SUV she rode with the creepy man. Hope found her in the most remarkable way when the car in which she sat halted.
The doors unlocked, the woman alighted with a brutal aura with the driver and one other man in front with a gun. By the time Godiva realized, they laid lifelessly on the floor without as much as a scratch. The creepy man was nowhere in sight, making her wonder what just happened. Since the door to his car was left ajar, she thought of dropping his black card before finding a way to escape. At least he saved her life and the tiniest she could do would be to not steal his card. As soon as she dropped the card in the driver seat, the creepy man appeared beside the door, holding her shopping bags in one hand.
She didn't understand what she was feeling and didn't know what to do. Recalling her first experience with him, she couldn't bear to run when he told her to sit after dropping her items in the back. It wasn't hard to realize that when you found yourself in a place of death, even your enemy would become your best friend. She could feel the dangers around this man but she also felt that she couldn't run away from him. She moved to the passenger seat without throwing any tantrums, just waiting for her death. He didn't kill her now but might do so later.
Immediately after she buckled her seat belt, the car reversed, turning around and veering off the main road into some unauthorized road. "What happened to them?" Godiva asked in a shaky voice. Fearful bites marked her but somehow, she felt she would soon be like the lifeless bodies they left on the floor.
There was silence. She didn't see the man in action or anything but couldn't help the strong conviction that he was responsible for those lives on the floor. Did he have some magic powers? She wasn't going to get any answers from him. Now the raging question was, where was he taking her?
Since the routes were unknown, it seemed like a boring journey towards the mountains. Despite how Godiva's eyes felt heavy, she never allowed sleep to have dominion. She needed to know her surroundings to make her escape easier. Suddenly, she began to worry about her sisters. Were they still in the house? The temptation to call Theresa was intense but somehow, she didn't allow it to overcome her curiosity to know the stranger that sat beside her.
"Do you have a name?" she pushed her luck again, her voice subtly minced with fear. She was amazed when she had a response, "Rock." She wondered the kind of parents who named their child so perfectly. If there was a way to describe him, that was it but strangely, he didn't ask of her name which made it all quirky.
Something bellowed inside her, making her recall the names of the seven Alphas and he wasn't one of them, which was a great relief. Perhaps she was reading him all wrong. What if he just wanted to help her? Yet something still didn't add up. Why did he forcefully help her even when she was rude to him? Help didn't have to be forced right?
Two hours down the line, Rock stopped in front of a huge gate, instantly gliding open to welcome him. Godiva's eyes narrowed. The environment seemed like a chain of luxury estate houses. The men at the gate carried the same cold appearance as Rock but their lips curled, as they bowed slightly to Rock. Driving through the gate, the mens' eyes narrowed on Godiva but they never uttered a word, just exchanging glances.
Rock drove for another ten minutes, passing one house to the other till he got to a house that stood out from the rest and stopped in front of it.
A man came out of the front door, slightly identical to Rock except he had dark brown hair in contrast to Rock's charcoal black one but they had the same walnut brown eye colour. Rock stepped out, carrying her shopping bags. "Home sweet home," he lifted the items slightly and chorused in a flat tone.
Climbing the stairs at the frontage of the door, he casually patted the man coming out of the house on the back before entering. The man gave him no attention, his excited gaze not leaving Godiva when she stepped down from the car with a bed of confusion.
"Wow, you look amazing, welcome home, I'm Beta Steel, Alpha Rock's junior brother," he said all at once. Godiva in a daze, gawked like he was an alien. She looked around, everywhere serene till her eyes landed on a swing at the frontage. A smile climbed her cheeks for the first time. She liked swings.
"I'm Godiva," she responded.
"I already know that, come, let go inside," Steel pulled her into the large room. Everything inside had an exotic wooden finish, except the windows, which were of a French design. Godiva felt like a fish out of water. Something was extremely wrong somewhere and she had to do something about it.
"Awwww, I knew it. You are just gorgeous," a teenage girl, who looked like the female version of Rock descended the stairs, wrapping Godiva in her arms. She was too stupefied to react. Were they mistaking her for somebody else? She had to make the correction soon enough before things went out of hand.
"I…" She wanted to say that she wasn't who they thought she was but was silenced by the girl's voice.
"You must be tired. I'm Xena, kid sister to these hunks. I'll show you to your room to freshen up, then get you something to eat," Xena didn't allow her to speak. Godiva swallowed tightly, still lost to her environment. She needed to speak with Rock but Xena was all over her. Something told her that perhaps, Rock mistook her for somebody else, for which reason he picked her up. She would have convinced herself that he was one of those Alphas but his name wasn't on the list. What should she do? She was already breaking out in cold sweats.
"How was your trip? How is your father? Xena asked, ushering her into a room twice the size she slept in her late father's house. The bed was a queen size, with a comforting appeal.
Now Godiva was dazed. "You know my father?" She was almost certain that she was the only lost one among them.
"Of course, he…." Xena's voice was instantly shut but a domineering one.
"Out." Godiva turned to see Rock at the doorway. Her heart rate instantly increased. He gave her a frightful scare. She would have this conversation with Xena again but she felt the one she needed to speak to for explanation was right there. Xena made no resistance. "I'll get your food," she smiled and closed the door behind her.
Suddenly, everything was tense. She saw Rock stiff, his head turned to the back, his eyes closed, seeming he was trying to muffle some words as he approached her. He seemed so domineering, she felt intimidated.
She took steps back, as he was getting closer. Her back was tight against the door of the closet, leaving no room for any manoeuvring. His tall form towered her, trapping her between his arms.
Godiva never felt like this before. His presence gave her a fear she couldn't explain but it was different from the other people who wanted to capture her. When his eyes met hers, they were unreadable. His face closed up on hers, making her shiver when it was a few inches apart. His body didn't touch hers, his face moving towards her exposed neck. He stayed that way for a while, sniffing her scent.
When she thought it was going to get worse, he pulled away slowly, turning around and began to walk towards the door.
Godiva's mind was in a jumble. What just happened? "Wait!" She called out before he reached the door. Surprisingly, he halted, still facing the door.
"I don't know what all this is but thanks for saving me from those men." She swallowed tightly, her mind in search of the right words to say. Everything that happened today was too much for her but if Rock wasn't among the seven Alphas, then they could put their differences aside and work together. "I have a proposition for you," she said thoughtfully.
"What?" He asked. It was hard to determine his emotions as he appeared like a blank page.
"I want you to be my bodyguard," she said in one word, only breathing after completing her sentence.
The corner of Rock's lips curled but it was so fast that she missed it. His response took her breath away. "Payment?" He asked. Rock found her funny and naive.
"Ehmm, ehm," she hadn't thought of that and stammered. "And?" His voice contained urgency.
"My father's house. It wasn't too far from where you abducted me."
"Abduct?" Rock asked, his eyes dark. She couldn't understand what caused the sudden change. She didn't come here by her own will so it was definitely an abduction. With the little courage she had left, she continued, "he no longer lives so use it for payment. We can sign a contract it." Godiva knew the house belonged to all of them but Theresa would understand if she explained it was for her protection. She waited for his response, which was rather disappointing. "No."
Godiva wanted to weep. What could he want from her then? He walked back towards her. Godiva trembled trying to get away from him, she fell over the bed, rolling to her side and back on her feet. He did not attempt to get closer but his voice emitted clarity.
"My mark, your protection."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
For the next one week, Rock continued having his cold showers and Godiva was adjusting to her new life. It was difficult and yet, she couldn't complain anymore. Acceptance was a vicious language she had to embrace. She had to accept her fate to survive. However, having been cut off from her sisters and knowing they were well worried about her, she taunted Rock with her frustrations, making him avoid her at most times. Rock usually left very early after preparing breakfast when she was still asleep and returned late at night when she had retired to bed. Godiva didn't have to be told that it was because of her.It didn't take long for her to find a solution to his ways. Today, she slept a lot during the day and at night, she waited patiently for him, pretending to be sleeping when the door opened. Rock tip-toed through the darkness to have his bath when his phone rang. He retrieved it quickly from his pocket, pressing the answer button to not wake Godiva since he thought