I prevent my teeth from grinding out of pure will and close my eyes.
Hours pass and I watch the dark sky turn to blue. Preparing myself for what I must do and the risks Mum and I will be taking. I'd always known my fate would lead me to the underworld one day but Gaia said we'll be safe. How?
I'd managed to sleep on and off but only once I had pretended to nonchalantly roll over far enough away from Lukas that he wasn't touching me. What little sleep I got was sparse. Waking up at every one of his movements. Maybe Lukas slept but given that Lycans hardly need to sleep I doubt it. He justwanted to be close to me. A gilded guard. Pretending to care for me. My mum and I are just as much prisoners as Alistair.
I sit up, pretending to blink sleep away.
“Good morning.” Lukas purrs, brushing his fingers through my hair.
I suppress a shiver.
“Morning.” I reply, feigning a yawn.
“Sleep well?” He asks.
I shrug as I get out of bed and head to the bathroom. I can't wait to get my powers back. I never want to be at the mercy of anyone again for as long as I live. Having to play this part of docile women isn't me.
When I come back out Lukas is gone. I let out a deep breath of relief and get dressed. I choose jeans and a simple t-shirt with trainers then tie my hair back in a three strand braid. I go to the window and look out at the small field that leads to the lake. It has a thin layer of mist hovering over the grass. I smile as I see a Doe with her young fawn grazing peacefully. I recognise them instantly and my heart warms.
I look down and see Alistair in his cage leaning against the bars. One leg outstretched and the other bent with his hands clasped round his knee. He looks up at me and winks with a sultry smile.
“I don't rate this place. Quality of sleep isn't even worth a one star review.”
I smile and shake my head.
“Don't think I ever want to visit this place again.”I reply.
The tree my mum grew last night rustles in the gentle breeze and my heart twists. So much has changed in such little time. Will mum even want to leave? I need to talk to her but Alistair thinks her mind could be compromised if my Dad bit her. Not to mention the four pairs of ears that we no doubt have listening in at all times.
I head to her room and knock gently on the door. It opens and Mum pulls me through the doorway into a massive hug. Kissing my cheek and my head then leaning back as she studies my face.
“Are you OK?” She asks as she studies every inch of me.
“I'm fine mum.” I smile reassuringly.
I turn and close the door then move to her en-suite and turn on the tap. She follows me knowingly. I keep my voice barely above a whisper as I speak to her.
“I need to know something. Did Dad ever bite you? I only ask because I want to know what to expect with Lukas.” I say to sound innocent. Just in case.
She smiles warmly and brushes my cheek with her thumb.
“No sweetheart. I promise you. Our Moira bond was genuine.”
Tears fill her eyes at the pain of losing him but I can't help the smile that spreads across my face.
After Alistair's warning I'd felt split in two. Not being able to confide in my mum about anything and everything was like losing a limb. I know in my gut that she's telling the truth. The relief washes over me in a wave.
“Listen, Alistair and I have a plan.” I all but mouth to her. “And Gaia sent a message.”
Her eyes sparkle with pride as she listens intently.
Chapter 23
The sun begins to set as I sit by the campfire. The day went relatively smoothly. My mum and I kept mostly to our rooms. Biding our time and staying out of the packs way like good little Nymphs. We play the helpless, sorrowful women that Lukas wants us to be. Completely at his mercy and powerless. I know what Lukas plans. With the full moon tonight we will be mated as he feels is his right as Alpha. This is the gift that Zeus gives his loyal creations in order to keep the pack strong, under the guise of protecting the nymph so that she can look after this secluded part of nature.
The old ways of the ceremony that Lukas told me about play through my mind. He said he was against performing the ceremony whilst in his wolf form but that Lukas is gone. I don't know what he is capable off any more. Or maybe this is who he always was. Perhaps being Hades prisoner for so long is what turned him into this and the Lukas that I grew to care for and picture a future with was the false version. I suppose that doesn't really matter now.
I see the pain on Mums face every time I catch a glimpse of her. The way the pack have turned on her has shattered her more than she is letting on. They were her family and now they are treating her like she means nothing to them. The anger I feelboils through me at the injustice of it all. She has endured so much pain and they don't even seem to care. They just rub salt in the wound. She was their leader! A mother to them! A sister! The family she chose when she fell in love with my Dad and now they treat her like shit!
