The Pure-Hearted Princess and the Kiss of Darkness

7. A Prisoner?

~ KATALEYA ~

I slowly sit up, unable to pretend that it didn’t hurt. His touch lingers, burning my skin where he had gripped my face tightly. I slip my hands out of the ropes I have already loosened and touch my cheek.

For a moment I truly felt that he did recognise me… but then it seemed he didn’t… or did he?

I shake my head, trying to clear my circling thoughts.

Sighing heavily, I rub my wrists gently, watching the bruises fade slightly. Bending down, I make quick work of removing the rope laced with wolfsbane from my ankles.

‘Valentina?’ I call.

‘Goddess! Kat! I was this close to calling Alpha Leo!’ she growls.

We had already discussed a plan and I’m grateful she didn’t jump in to attack and followed my instructions.

‘Sorry, but I’m fine, I’m here in his pack house I think…’ I say, looking around.

‘Oh? So how did he feel knowing it was you?’ she asks excitedly, all annoyance gone.

‘He doesn’t know who I am… yet. I think… But I’m fine. I don’t know where my phone is, or if he has it. Could you see if you can get Leo to wipe it clean if possible? I just don’t want anyone to get their hands on it.’ I say, because if he doesn’t know who I am, I don’t want him to find out before even giving me a chance.

‘Oh… A man with the small Roman numeral tattoo on his cheek grabbed your belongings when I got there and there were a few guards,’ she says hesitantly.

‘It’s alright, then please make haste and let Leo know.’

‘And are you sure you will really be ok?’

‘Yes, and you know why I’m here. Just remain close and don’t worry about me. I might not always be able to talk, but I will check in once a day. Thank you, Valentina.’

‘Hey, no problem, just remember, if your dad ever finds out, just don’t let him chew me out.’

I laugh softly. ‘I promise I will never. We will all protect you from Dad, but you know he will never be mad at you…’

‘Yeah, maybe,’ she replies, and I can tell she’s smiling.

Valentina’s father died in a battle long ago, and like the rest that were considered orphans in the pack; Dad might not say it, but he had a soft spot for them.

‘Well, I’ll contact Alpha Leo’s men… and get that sorted for you.’

I can’t help but smile at that. Valentina has had a crush on one of Leo’s closest friends, and she’d happily use any excuse to contact them, which I won’t tease her about even if I want to.

I giggle softly to myself before bidding her farewell and end the mind link, quickly slipping back into the ropes that were meant to be binding me.

Looking around the room, I take in the minimal décor, the neutral colours, and the white floors. This place has no life. I can’t even compare it to a hotel room… My fingers itch, wanting to do something to it.

It just needs a bit of colour, maybe some candles, and of course, a plant. Maybe a lamp in the corner. That chair needs to be positioned at an angle. Oh, a colourful throw and – I have to remember, I am a prisoner here.

Sighing softly, I gaze at the door, wondering when I’ll see him again, and why? Why would he bother with me when there is nothing I can offer him in return? Right now, if I presented him the prosthetic piece, he will simply reject it.

The door suddenly opens, and there are two women standing there. One holds some clothes, and the other has a tray of food.

“Hello…” One of them says, glancing at the other as they look at me, paying attention to my bindings that are biting into me a little. I made sure they are secure.

I smile and they relax, clearly thinking I am not a threat. Of course, I’m not, but if I wanted to, escaping would be a piece of cake.

“We’ve brought food for you. Behave when we untie your hands, or the Alpha won’t be so kind. And don’t even think to escape. Alpha is extremely powerful and if you defy him, you will be killed.” The second woman adds. “I’m Gabriela, and this is Alondra. We will be making sure you’re fed and behaving.”

“And we are trained, so don’t think you can run away,” Alondra remarks, placing the tray down firmly on the bed. She glances at my bindings just as a large man appears in the doorway, watching me.

I let her untie me, and she motions to the food. “Eat, then you can bathe.”

“Thank you.” My stomach is rumbling and I realise I missed dinner last night. I gaze at the food and hide my smile of approval.

Oh yummy! Despite being a prisoner, they aren’t stingy with their foods.

“Thank you,” I murmur again before I begin eating. The delicious tastes explode in my mouth and soon I’m far too consumed by my food.

“Do you think she’s just homeless, and it’s why she’s here? For the food?” Alondra remarks in Spanish.

Clearly, she doesn’t know I can understand.

Gabriela chuckles. “It could be the case, but she doesn’t look homeless.”

“But she also doesn’t look like a threat.” Alondra continues, “Look at her body, she isn’t a trained warrior.

Oh, how deceiving that is. Although I’m not religious about my fitness regime, I am trained. Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

“True, true,” Gabriela agrees.

They clearly don’t know I understand but I’m okay with them continuing to think that. I finish the food, finishing off my juice, and pat my mouth.

“Thank you for the food,” I say to them.

“Mhmm, do you want to bathe?” Gabriela asks, standing there hands on her hips.

“If possible,” I answer.

“Fine, but you have ten minutes, and the door stays open.” Alondra says briskly. The women are surely no older than thirty, but the way they talk makes me think they’re far older.

I nod in agreement, and she unties my legs, grabbing my arm and Gabriela leads the way to the bathroom.

“I’m not sure on the sizing of these clothes, but… they should do.” She replies, placing the clothes down. “Also, the Alpha wants to see you in his office after you’re done.”

My heart skips a beat, and I nod, blushing lightly. “Ok!”

Gabriela cocks a brow. “I hope you aren’t one of the foolish girls who did something to get close to him. You know he has plenty of fangirls and he dislikes them all. Also, you should know that the Alpha of the largest pack in the Dominican Republic will be coming in a few weeks to discuss the potential union between Alpha Enrique and his daughter, so don’t do anything rash.” She warns briskly.

My heart thuds at that, union? Not that I wasn’t prepared for something like this, but I knew there was a high chance he could even be mated…

“I understand, and that’s not why I’m here.”

“Good, good. Now change and get in the shower. We’ll wait outside and remember, don’t try to escape.”

“Better to hold on to the clothes, unless she wants to run out naked,” Alondra says.

“I trust she won’t,” Gabriela replies, giving me a smile as I wait for them to leave.

Although, as werewolves, we shift often enough, it’s still extremely embarrassing. Goddess, I wish we had some sort of cover when we shift, but sadly there isn’t, and instead we become completely and mortifyingly naked.

I peek through the gap to make sure they can’t see me and quickly undress before stepping into the shower. Letting out a yelp at the ice-cold water from the shower, the weather is warm, but I wasn’t expecting such cold water!

Both women laugh. “The Alpha does not believe in having a hot bath. The cold will strengthen you.”

I shiver as I try to steady my breathing.

Strengthen me?! He wants to make me into an ice cube! This water isn’t just neutral or cool, it’s freezing! I don’t waste time trying to adapt to it, and instead quickly wash my hair with the tiny shampoo bottle and use the small soap and wash my body quickly.

My hair takes a little time as I lather up the shampoo before rinsing it off, watching the soap suds slide down my legs and run towards the drain, once again remembering his bitter words.

He’s hardened… I wonder if his heart is safe or has the poison from his hatred bled into his soul?

“Hurry up!” Alondra calls.

“Yes!” I reply, quickly switching the shower off and grabbing the small towel. It’s much too small to even dry my hair, but I make do before stepping out and looking at the clothes they have brought for me. There’s a pair of brand-new panties and I put them on, relieved that they fit well enough although my behind swallows them up.

No bra…

I look down at my dress on the floor, which has a built-in bra, and then at the maxi dress that is sitting on the side of the counter.

“Um, excuse me, do you think I could get a bra?” I ask, clutching the dress to my chest.

“This isn’t the mall, dear. Now make do with what you want or wear your torn clothes.”

That isn’t an option… after all, with the heat, I’m sure they smell of sweat.

“Ok,” I respond softly and pull on the maxi dress, very aware of the plunging neckline and tighten the string on the side. Stepping out of the bathroom, Alondra ties my wrists with the rope again, before tugging me forward.

“Come on then, the Alpha is waiting.”

I nod as I follow them out and down the hall.

“Why did the Alpha want to see me?” I ask quietly.

“Who knows? It might be regarding the man that you-”

“Alondra! Enough.” Gabriela warns. “We do not know. The Alpha is there. He will tell you himself shortly.”

I nod, wondering what Alondra had been about to say. I remain silent until we reach the office door, his scent trickling into my nose, making me want to inhale deeply.

Gabriela knocks but I can feel the change in their auras. They’re nervous and maybe a little afraid…

“Enter.” Enrique’s cold voice comes.

Gabriela opens the door, lowering her head to him.

“I brought the girl, Alpha,” she says quietly as the large man stops behind us.

“Send her in and shut the door.” Enrique orders.

My heart’s pounding. As I slowly step inside, there he sits leaning back in his black leather seat, his right hand under his chin and I wonder beneath that glove what does it look like?

His eyes are burning into me as the door snaps shut behind me.

There it is, that blistering hatred that he does not disguise.

“What is it? You seem a little too intrigued by my hand. No?” His tone is icy cold, his voice biting into me, and a shiver runs down my spine.