23

***PETER.***

Motherfucking bitch!

How dare Rio report me to the Alpha King! Who the fuck does he think he is? He's nothing but a mere beta, and it's disgusting how he follows that whore around like a stranded puppy.

I bet she's giving him that pussy just to have him protect her. Fucking bastards!

She will regret this! I'll be damned if I let her escape after this trick she's just pulled on me.

I won't stop until I have that bitch beneath me with her screaming my name, while I bury myself deep inside her fucking pussy.

I snarl, stomping my feet when his words echo in my ear once again.

Take her fucking place, and be a slave for fucking two weeks? What kind of a fucking punishment is that?

My heart skips a beat when a hand pulls me out of nowhere, and I turn back; half expecting it to be Rio, or that little bitch— she's grown wings now so I wouldn't be surprised if she dared to follow me— but what I wasn't expecting is a gorgeous face clad in a beautiful dress that cascades to the floor to stand before me.

The Alpha king's woman.

"Katniss,"

I bow in respect for her, and she smiles before jerking her head towards the opposite direction of the path I'm taking.

I stand there confused for a few seconds, but when she starts to walk in the direction; I smirk, and follow behind.

ISBERLT.

I stare down at my folded arms as the Alpha King's view zeroes on me; without making a sound.

The uncomfortable silence stretches on the air for long, before I feel him move from his seat, and walk towards me; my heart pounding in my chest with each step he takes.

"Rio told me this isn't the first time Peter will attempt to do something like that. "

He speaks, standing feet away from me, and I lift my head to meet his gaze, quite different from what I'm used to; calm and composed.

I take in a low breath to help my body relax before nodding in acknowledgement to his words, and I notice the emotion that crosses his face, but it's gone as soon as it comes.

"Why didn't you say anything, wolf?" He questions, irritation dripping off his tone, and I don't know if it's directed towards me, or towards the fact that a pack member was close to raping me. I will say the former, because I don't expect him to be concerned over the same order he gave his mem last two nights.

"He was going to hurt someone, and I forgot the fact that he couldn't do that without getting punished."

I tell him, and he says nothing, but merely stares at me. His eyes trail down to my dress, them up to my face again before his gaze rests against the skin of my neck.

"Why will you be concerned about anyone here? All they have ever done since you've been in here is mock you, and make you suffer. Why should a slave be concerned about the safety of those who shame her? Why should a slave be humane enough to give up her dignity to save someone's life?" Is that supposed to be an insult?

My gaze drops to his legs when he takes another step towards me, and say, "Why should you give a damn about those that stripped you of your freedom?"

I note that he's only a few feet away from me, and if he takes two more steps; he'll practically be in my face, but for the sake of me— he doesn't which I'm glad for.

"Because I still have my humanity. And I'll never let another's life be risked at the stack of me."

I whisper, my voice coming out low then I intended it, and I don't miss the small smile that grace over his lips, before he takes the two steps forward; his face in mine.

I gasp, and try to scurry backwards, only to lose my footing, but Theodore is quick to wrap an arm around my waist; pulling my body into his, and I gulp as heat travels across my body before settling on my stomach—making its way to my core.

"Stay still. " He says; voice low, and steady.

I can hear the loud echoes of my heart pounding against my chest through my ears as he brings his hand towards my face, and I flinch, then relax the next second when his thumb caress a spot; the spot where Peter hit me to be exact.

What the hell is he doing?

"He did this?" He questions, his gaze moving from the spot to meet my eyes, and I bob my head slowly; suddenly tongue-tied.

The Alpha King says nothing after that, but I don't miss the way a muscle ticks in his jaw as he continues to caress the bruised spot.

"I'm fine, you don't have to do that. "

I tell him, taking his hand off my face, and it hangs in the air for a few seconds before he brings it down; his expressionless face returning.

"Let go of me. " I tell him; not in any way liking the way my body seem to reach out to him, nor the way my heart wouldn't stop fucking pounding! I bet he can hear them with how close we are right now.

Heat spreads across my cheeks at the thought that he can hear the loud pounding, and maybe scent my arousal.

Without thinking, I jerk his hand off me, and stagger backwards.

The Alpha King says nothing but folds his arms behind his back as he starts to walk back towards his seat, saying, "You should get that treated before it gets worse."

I hum, and move to stand before him; boldly lifting my gaze to meet his.

"Eric told me about the discussion you guys had, " He starts, and anxiety creeps up my body at the thought of what he's going to say. "He's explained why he thinks it's a good idea for you to help, and I'm starting to see why. " What? Does that mean... Is he allowing me to help?

"He mentioned that he showed you the wolves," There's a familiar pain to his voice, just like when Eric was speaking back in the cell. "So tell me, Isberlt. What have you observed?"

Holding his gaze, I say, "They have turned completely to their wolf side, and I don't think any of them have an idea of who they are anymore. " I shake my head at the thought that I was working with a company that intentionally harmed wolves. God, I don't think I can be any more ashamed than I am right now. "I will do research on the Sera, and try to come up with how long it will take before it wears off, but normally, inventions like that are usually permanent." I hope it isn't.

He nods, "I do not trust you, Isberlt."

I know you don't. "But for the sake of the wolves, I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt. " He raises in his seat, his eyes trained on the bandage before moving back to my eyes, "You should get your wounds treated, and get some rest. I will call you when I need you. " When he needs me.

I bow, and begin to walk towards the exit, but halt my movements.

I turn back towards him, and he lifts his brows at me; silently questioning him.

I don't know why the hell I do it, but I do anyway.

With a smile, I lift my thumb, and say, "Everything is going to be fine. "

He stares at the thumb dangling off the air before meeting my gaze, and I feel heat rush to my cheeks when he says nothing.

"I'll be leaving now. " I chuckle nervously, bringing my hand down before stalking towards the exit with a small smile on my face; knowing it's a step forward.

*Thoughts babies? A double update cause I love you all!*