Secrets Behind the Betrayal

Chapter 9

~AN: This chapter contains VERY explicit material. Reader discretion is advised~

"How are you feeling today, Zena?"

I turn my face away from the window to see Noax walking towards me, the door slightly ajar behind him. "Much better."

He stops a few feet away from me. "Great. I was hoping we could discuss some permanent placement for you-"

I cut him off with a raised hand. "Let me stop you right there. I genuinely appreciate you and your pack helping me out and saving my life, but I really need to get back home. I'll stay for a couple more days just to be sure I'm well, but I have no idea how long I've been away from them and I'm sure they're worried. I can't reach through the pack link and I haven't talked to any of my family since before I was locked up by Cory."

He listens carefully and I notice a bit of hurt in his eyes which vanishes quickly. "Of course. However, I have contacted your father personally and I assure you, he knows you're safe."

I stare at him in stunned silence for a moment. "When did you speak with him?"

"Just this morning when Beth filled me in on your condition. I wanted to make sure I had good news to give him."

I nod. "Again, I appreciate it, but-"

This time, he cuts me off. "I'd be more than happy to let you speak to him yourself if you're feeling up for a trip to my office."

I immediately jump up, noticing for a moment how Noax steps back to allow for some space between us, but quickly brushing it off. "Please," I all but beg.

He nods and gestures for me to follow him. My thoughts are racing as he leads me down the hall and through an archway which leads to what appears to be some kind of balcony overlooking an entryway. It circles around the whole room, meeting in the middle at a large staircase that goes up several more floors. I don't really process the magnitude of the space as he leads me to the stairs and up about two more floors. We go down another hallway which ends at a set of large double doors. Noax opens them and steps aside, waving me in before him. As I walk in, he follows, closing the doors behind him and walking to the center of the room where a massive dark oak desk sits. He sits behind the desk, picking up the phone on the corner and dialing what I assume is the Black Shade pack house.

"Gerard. It's Noax. I have Zena here and she was wanting to speak with you."

After a moment, he gestures for me to come over to the desk. I do so and he hands me the phone. "Father?"

"Zena! Thank the goddess. I was so worried about you. Are you okay?" His voice is full of concern.

I breathe a sigh of relief. "I'm okay. I ran into some problems, but I'm safe now."

"Noax filled me in on some of the details. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you. Cory better watch his back. He messed with the wrong Alpha."

"Father, please. Cory is dangerous. Don't do anything to put you or the pack in danger. It's not worth it. I'm alive, that's what matters."

He sighs. "I'm just happy that you're safe. I miss having you around."

"I know. I'll be home soon, I promise."

"I thought Noax discussed a permanent place for you there?"

I glance over at Noax who just watches me, his face expressionless. "I want to come home. I have no reason to stay here. I appreciate them helping me, but that doesn't mean they own me."