I step out the shower and dress before heading back into the bedroom. Lukas is already laying in the bed with his arm behind his head as he looks me up and down appreciatively. I cross the room to the other side of the bed and get in. I keep my back to him as I stare out the open balcony doors. I see the Strix circling the sky outside. Her barely noticeable shadow crossing in front of the stars her only give away. She glides over to the tree by my window and stares into my eyes.
I know what's coming and I don't react as visions invade my mind.
I'm back at Gaia's oak tree and I watch through the Strix's eyes as she rests on one of the branches. A Stag walks around from behind the tree and bows it's head in greeting. The voice that flows from the Stag is soft and kind. A woman's voice filled with love and warmth, but it's far away, like an echo.
“Krista I need you to go against every one of your instincts. Trust your soul not your mind. Let my son bring you both to the underworld. I promise, you and your mother will be safe.”
The stag bows it's head once more and then I'm back in my bedroom looking out the window.
The bed shifts as Lukas moves then I feel his hand on my shoulder. He pulls me to the bed and I lay down. My back to him. His thumb brushing the bare skin of my arm.
“This feels nice. Having you in my bed.” He murmurs.
I don't respond. This isn't his bed.
“I wanted to apologise.” He says as he pulls me to look at him. His eyes are no longer amber, but the green isn't as bright as it usually is. “I couldn't help Carter but I promise you that I will keep you safe.”
“And how will you do that?” I ask.
He takes my hand and brings it to his lips.
“Tomorrow, under the full moon we will have the mating ceremony. I'll make you mine and beseech Zeus to keep you safe.” He smiles as he kisses my knuckle.
“And what about what I want?” I say narrowing my eyes.
“What more could you want? You will remain here under my protection. The pack will respect you again once the ceremony overalls your bond with Alistair. We will keep him prisoner to ensure Hades behaves and you and I will create the next generation. That is how it has always been done. What Zeus asks of us.” He pulls me into him. “Sleep. You've had a hard day. I'll always keep you safe.”
I rest my head on his chest and close my eyes. Sleep won't come. I won't let it.
I decide to take a risk as I lift my head to look at him.
“You threatened to kill my mum today.” My voice breaks. “You saw my dad brutally murdered and was going to slaughter my mum as well.”
His gaze hardens and the green fades slightly. The amber of his wolf coming to the surface.
“The Nymph does not outlive her Alpha. With the Alphas passing his Beta claims the pack. I can't have her threatening my position. Taking her powers from her is a...compromise. To respect what she means to you.” He says in a soft tone that grates my nerves.
He means to ensure my co-operation.
I smile up at him with what I hope comes across as affection.
“Thank you.” I whisper.
Then I open my mind to Alistair. Bracing against his pain as I have done all evening. He tries to hide it but I feel it none the less.
“Instead of waiting for my powers to return to heal you, would my blood work quicker?”
I feel his shock before he masters himself to respond.
“I won't drink from you.”
“Why? If it can get us out of here faster than you can have it.”
Laying here with Lukas makes me feel sick. Alistair says my powers will return tomorrow evening but will it be before the ceremony? I know what it will entail and I won't do it. But if the poison hasn't worn off in time then how will I stop Lukas killing my mum?
“I won't take that from you out of necessity. Stick to the plan.”His wall of shadow flares up ending the conversation.
Fucking men. As if he would get it under any other circumstance.
