The Blood: Where She Doesn't Belong

Rhea didn't know why, but when he picked her up, she did not resist. Maybe it was due to instincts, not wanting to be beaten for disobeying. Or perhaps it was because he was kind enough to notice her wounds and had shown concern for.

Right now, they moved through the snow, his long legs made the distance seem much shorter than she knew it to be. Then she saw his eyes glazed over in a mindlink, and once again, panic surged, and she struggled to leave his arms, but his hold on her grew firmer the more she struggled.

“I won't hurt you,” he assured.

But Rhea couldn't believe any of it.

“My people will get you a healer soon,” he said. “Where would you like me to take you? Just point in the direction.”

Rhea hesitated but eventually gave him directions.

Meanwhile, inside the ballroom, Reid stood with a frown. The message he had just received from his alpha replaying in his head again.

“Find a healer and bring them to me. Be fast about it,” his Alpha had said.

He didn't explain and didn't tell him who the healer was for.

“What is it?” Kael asked, leaving Julian’s side after noticing the mind link was over.

“Alpha wants us to find a healer and take her to him,” Reid replied, his brows still tightly knitted together.

“Why a healer?” Kael asked, confusion also adorning his face. “Is he hurt?”

“No.” Reid said, although he couldn't be so sure. “It didn't sound like he was injured, and he wouldn't need a healer given how fast he heals.”

Kael nodded, “Makes sense. But we still need to get him a healer.”

They both turned to Julian, coming to the same conclusion.

“We are looking for a healer,” Reid said. Julian squinted, eyes narrowing. “Is there anyone here who is a healer?” Reid asked, ignoring Julian’s suspicion.

“Why do you suddenly need a healer?” Julian asked.

“To kill someone,” Kael replied, his tone flat.

Julian just stared at him, not sure how he should reply to that.

“Just show us the healer, and we'll take care of it from there,” Reid said.

“I'll get you a healer, but I must know why you need one,” Julian said.

Kael and Reid shared a look before Reid nodded. “Fine. Let's hurry. Alpha isn't one who is patient.”

On the other side of the manor, Rhea sat stiffly on a couch as if ready to sprint up at any second. She looked at the man whose expression seemed to get darker whenever she looked at him.

“What's your name?” He asked. He frowned when she didn't reply. He stepped closer, and she flinched. He let out a breath and tried again, “I'm Dante, can I know yours?”

Rhea bit her lower lip, head bowed.

“R…Rhea,” he muttered, almost inaudible.

For a moment, Dante’s frown deepened before it clicked, and he unclenched his fists, a small smile grazing his lips.

“Alright, Rhea. Wait here a moment, I'll get something to clean the wounds before the healer gets here,” he said.

Unable to meet his gaze, Rhea nodded. Her hands fidgeted on her lap. She heard his steps retreat, and she raised her head. She saw his hands fist beside him. His fur coat made his shoulder appear even broader than they really are.

“Dante,” she muttered under her breath, her eyes now on her injured knees. “Why is he being kind to me?”

Hearing footsteps approaching, she instinctively moved to the floor, her hands instantly pulling the scarf on her head, making sure her head was well covered.

“Why are you on the floor?” Dante asked, once again, frowning.

When Rhea met his gaze, and she mistook it for a glare and annoyance. When he stepped closer, his hand raised, she instinctively coiled, her hands shielding her head.

Dante paused, jaws clenching.

On the floor, Rhea waited, expecting the hand to land on her, but it never came. Slowly, she moved her hands and looked up at him, a frown settling between her brows.

Dante didn't speak. He just moved faster than she could and picked her off the floor, and placed her back on the couch. He began cleaning her wounds with a wet cloth.

“I couldn't find anything better than this, so bear with it for now,” he said without looking at her.

Rhea blinked, unable to react.

Once he was done, he left her side again to return the cloth.

Rhea could only stare.

“I think this is the place.”

Rhea tensed up when she heard an unfamiliar voice. Her head whipped around, eyes searching. Heart racing.

“There's no one here,” another voice replied to the previous. “Except for her…?”

The voices drew closer, and soon, they were standing in front of her. Both men looked at her with curiosity.

“What are you doing here?” Julian’s voice reached her, and Rhea froze.

He stood behind her with a glare sharp enough to cut her in half. Beside him was the healer, confusion on her face.

“She's injured,” Reid stated. His eyes on her knees. “I think the healer is for her.” A frown settled on his face when he saw the tail behind her but didn't comment on it.

“I doubt that,” Julian said. His gaze briefly shifted to Reid. “She does not belong here.”

“And?” Dante asked as he approached them, glaring at Julian. “The healer is for her.”

“Alpha,” Reid and Kael greeted, bowing as if to emphasise his position and identity.

Rhea stiffened once again, cold sweat rolled down her spine. She had touched an alpha.

“What are you waiting for, a special invitation?” Dante snapped at the healer who stood like a statue beside Julian. “Heal her at once.”

“B…but…” the healer stuttered, looking between Dante and Julian.

Julian’s eyes remained glued on Dante, questions swirling just within the surface.

“Jul…”

“Heal her,” Julian said before the healer could ask.

Dante watched their exchange and growled, the urge to rip out their throats strong, and his gaze conveyed that.

The healer approached Rhea cautiously, squatting beside her. Rhea didn't move a muscle, her eyes shut as the healer worked. She stiffened when a large palm was placed on her head.

“It's fine,” she heard Dante speak beside her, but she didn't dare speak.

Once the healer was done, Rhea opened her eyes and stared at her knees. She felt light, and her senses returned to normal.

“How do you feel?” Dante asked.

She didn't reply.

“Do you still feel pain anywhere?"

Rhea could feel all the eyes on her, not wanting them to get angry. She gave a soft nod.

Dante’s gaze remained on her for a brief moment before shifting to Julian. He asked, “Where is your father?”