The Alpha's Prize

6

Word Count: 2172

~Hunter

For the first time in days, I'm not in excruciating pain.

The slightly too hot water has numbed my senses in the most blissful way. The soap, scented rose and vanilla leaves my skin feeling smooth and buttery.

However, this is one thing ruining my experience.

"I don't like the fact that you could turn around at any moment," I mumble, casting my gaze back to Kaan.

It's only been five minutes since I sat down but he hasn't so much as tilted his head in my direction.

"Believe it or not, I have no interest in seeing you undressed," he responds.

I roll my eyes.

Maybe it's because my mind is no longer on the pain, or maybe I'm just losing it, but I can't help but wonder if he has a lover. Not because I want him, but because Tay mentioned that they don't breach these walls often.

"Have you even spoken to a woman other than your sisters?" It comes out like a dig, which I don't mind.

His shoulders tense. "What makes you think I don't?"

"Taysa doesn't see anyone, so I presumed..." I drift off, waiting for him to explain the strange behaviour this family exhibits.

Being that I come from a high ranking family, I know what it is like to feel excluded from the general population. It's not common practice to mingle with others that aren't of similar rank.

Kaan sighs. "It was that way my entire childhood. Now that I'm Alpha I attend various functions, although it's not normal for me to roam the streets."

I raise my brows. I'm surprised he's admitted that much to me.

"No wonder you're miserable to talk to," I grumble, smiling a little. I can tell he wants to turn around and look me in the eye, but he's resisting.

"I've only been the Alpha for six months," he admits quietly.

My nose scrunches up. "And yet you're still told what to do by your parents."

"It's a complicated situation."

I stare at his back, at the way the fabric of his shirt stretches over his toned muscles. His head is bowed as he stares down at his hands.

My eyes narrow. He's not stupid. He won't divulge family secrets to me, a nobody who stumbled into their lands and branded themselves a criminal.

"I'm sorry for shooting you," he murmurs after a long moment of silence.

I pause my washing, water dripping from my arms.

"I would accept your apology, but I think I'm going to need some more time..." I say carefully.

There's not much use in hating him for what I did. I most certainly resent him, and may even enact my revenge in the future, but I found hate just wears a person down until their very being is controlled by what caused the anger in the first place.

That doesn't mean I'm going to roll over and play nice for the Alpha.

"Fair enough." He gives a little shrug. "What made you come here?"

I take a moment to recall my backstory. I crafted it before I even fled from home, although Tay's amendments have made it a little harder to follow.

"Travelling. Wanted to see the area."

"Do you have people waiting for you to get back?"

"No. No one cares about me, exactly," I say quickly.