Heart of a rogue

* Chapter 8 - getting to know camp

The first day wasn't so bad, all things considered. We were bombarded with a ton of information, but the good part was, we had time off after. Our schedules would come later, so for now, we were allowed to hang out. As long as we didn't fight, that is.

Belle and I found a sunny spot and just chilled, talking about nothing in particular, which felt good. It was nice to just relax for a bit. Sam joined us eventually, and since he hadn't met Belle before, they started getting to know each other.

"So, are you two a thing?" Belle asked, looking back and forth between us. "What about your mate?"

Sam slapped her arm, clearly not thrilled by the question. "We're not a thing," he groaned, panicking. "Don't say that, I like my head on my shoulders, thanks."

I laughed loudly, "You're such a pussy. Wouldn't you fight for me?"

I gave him my best puppy-dog eyes as I leaned into him, making sure he could feel how much I was teasing him.

He shoved me off, "No!" he growled. "Have you seen the guy? He'd tear me limb for limb without even trying. You're crazy."

Belle joined in on the laughter, clearly finding it just as funny. "But seriously, though, he's fucking fit. I totally would get some action if he was my mate."

"Yeah?" I raised an eyebrow, a small smile on my face. "Well, he's part of the reason I became a rogue in the first place. When I see him, it's like... all I feel is anger."

The fluttering feeling that had been in my chest for so long was gone. Instead, all I had now was pure, seething rage. "He is fit, though," I muttered, agreeing against my will.

Belle and Sam went silent, staring at me for a moment, which made me glance back at them with a questioning look. Then they both turned their gazes upward, and I followed their lead.

I almost cursed aloud. My senses were so messed up from these damn chains that I didn't even sense him standing there. He'd managed to sneak up on me completely.

Awkward.

His blue eyes locked on mine, then flicked to Belle and Sam. "Hi, Declan," I muttered, rolling my eyes. "It's pretty rude to listen in on people's conversations, you know? And coming from a rogue, that really means something."

He didn't respond to the jab, just gave me a cold stare. "I want to talk to you. Follow me."

"Ha! No, you don't get to bark orders at me," I shot back, crossing my arms defiantly.

Sam, of course, was already hiding behind Belle, and she was clearly enjoying it. I couldn't help but laugh. "Shut up, Belle. You're gonna start drooling any second."

Declan sighed, grabbing my wrist with a firm grip. "As long as you wear those," he said, motioning to the cuffs, "I can tell you to follow me."

Before I could protest further, he yanked me away from my friends. I barely had time to wave at them before he was dragging me through the camp. Everywhere we went, people stared and whispered, and I had no choice but to keep walking, my wrist caught in his iron grip. Damn, he was strong.

"At least buy me a drink before dragging me around," I muttered, trying to keep my composure.

"Stop hiding behind your meaningless jokes," he said, his tone colder than I expected.

He opened the door to his office and practically threw me inside, locking it behind him. Great, I thought. Another fun conversation with Declan.

"Why are you so angry?" I asked, rubbing my wrist.