His Claim

6

Ember

I sat on the bed fumbling with my dress. I looked out the window a few times. I was still debating with the invisible shackles. My wolf form was large and fast...I could out run them. But a small part of me didn't want to run. Although I was being held hostage here....my room was still nice. Then there was Lily and Corbin. I couldn't understand why I felt so strongly for Lily. I wanted her next to me and she made me feel a warmth I haven't had. She was so caring and sweet to me, even protective.

Of course, there was Corbin. I felt drawn to him too. What was it about this damn pack. Maybe it was because he was an Alpha. I felt that to be the only explanation. I knew since Alphas held a sort of authoritative power that helped them command the pack. I looked at my hands. When he had touched me it felt as if my skin was more alive, like I haven't lived until he touched me. It was a frightening feeling, it left me empty now that I was alone.

"Ember!" Lily called as she opened the door. She held a huge smile on her face as she approached me and I couldn't help but reciprocate. "Are you hungry? There would be some breakfast stuff leftover," she grabbed my hand and pulled me off the bed.

"Yes," I whispered as she hugged me. We both sighed, feeling comfort in each other's embrace. She turned and led me out of the room. From what I could tell it was an extremely large house. Emerald and gold seemed to be the theme. What I enjoyed most was the array of windows. So much fresh air was let in and the trees were a bright green color. The sunlight felt wonderful against my skin. She held my hand as we walked. I wasn't sure why I felt so comfortable with her, but I practically melted in her touch. I can feel she felt the same way. She clung to me, lovingly. The smell hit me before we entered the dining room.

    There was food set out beautifully over the table.

    "Wow," I said softly as I sat down.

    "Usually there are a lot more people but it is quite late in the morning," Lily murmurs as she sets food on my plate for me. I quickly start to eat, enjoying the pancakes and fresh fruit. I leaned against her as I ate, she undid the braids letting my hair free. "How are you feeling?"

    "I feel good," I say honestly, "I feel...safe."

I wondered if she carried some sort of power as well. I felt like my mouth responded to her on its own.

    "How long have you lived with Marcel?"

    "For almost 6 years now," I say counting on my fingers. He had taken me when I was 15 and now I am 21. "When I was 15."

    "15? He knew you were his mate when you were 15?" she looked down at me with a unusual expression.

    I raised an eyebrow at her, also becoming uncertain, "Yes. He told me I was his mate."

    She sat back looking off into the distance. "I see...he is a cruel man. He hurt Erin pretty bad."

    I shifted uncomfortably in the seat as I recalled how Erin had been tortured. I know felt guilty for what happened. "I-I am sorry."

    "But its not your fault-"

    "Yes it is! I....I hurt him too!" I looked up suddenly at Lily, I started to feel this pain in my chest. My throat closing up as tears filled my eyes. I wanted to puke "If you hadn't called to me...if you hadn't, I would have killed him! If Corbin wasn't an alpha I would have killed him when I tried to enter his mind! Its impulsive. I am a murder a monster!" I sob, "Its pathetic. I don't deserve to cry."

The air feels a bit chilly and Lily rubs my arm. I feel eyes on me and I turned to see Erin standing in the doorway. He took a step towards us and I abruptly stood up knocking the chair away from me. "No stay away!" tears spilled over my cheeks and I reached up to cover my face. The tears wouldn't stop even as I willed them too.