Unbound

Chapter 11

My room was large, decorated in the same rustic chalet style as the foyer and the hallway had been. A fire burned low on the hearth and I stepped in front of it, appreciative of its gentle heat on my back while I looked around. Two large windows overlooked the lake and the forest beyond on the opposite shore where we'd driven in. It was a far cry from my tiny apartment.

I used the better part of the hour to soak in a long, hot shower. For the first time since arriving in Castle territory, I took the time to style my hair and swipe some mascara through my lashes. They were pin-straight, always had been, but at least they were long. I zipped myself into the simple black dress I'd purchased in town. On a taller woman it should have hit mid-calf, but it was floor-length on me. The straps were also slightly too long, but the bodice fit well enough and with heels on, the hem didn't drag too obviously. I pinched my cheeks, trying to draw some color to them.

When I heard a knock on the door, I took one last glance in the mirror and adjusted the dress. Suddenly I felt like a child playing dress-up. I looked afraid, and I hated it.

I opened the door, expecting a cold greeting, but Gabriel was already halfway down the hall. I hiked up my skirt and kept a distance of several paces. He was in a full black suit, finely tailored to his proportions so that it only just hugged his strong shoulders and back. Tonight, he wore his hair loose and wild around his shoulders in opposition to the propriety of his attire.

"Hurry up," he said loudly. I was tempted to take my shoes off to catch him, but I thought better of it.

As we drew closer to the dining hall, I could hear voices and laughter growing louder and I realized my palms were sweating.

The double doors stood open to a staggeringly large room. A long table adorned with candles and decorated with piles of greenery from the forest outside ran up the center and a fire roared under a grand mantle at the far end. The other guests were mingling near it, speaking with each other in small groups.

I hesitated in the doorway, unsure of my place here. Gabriel didn't look back at me before he strode in confidently, so without any cues I followed after him. I wasn't halfway in before I was swept up in a warm embrace: Constance had crossed the room before I could react and wrapped her arms around me. Her perfume was strong and intoxicating and I nearly melted into her arms. She was the first bit of home I'd had in a month.

"Kiera," she drew back to hold me by my shoulders at arm's length. Her eyes sparkled in the firelight and they were filled with compassion. "Are you well?"

I could only nod; if I opened my mouth to speak I knew I wouldn't be able to stop the tears. She led me by my arm to where Dmitri stood with Gabriel and another man. Dmitri greeted me with a hand on my shoulder.

"It's good to see you," he said sincerely. I could tell there was more he wanted to say, but he held his tongue. He looked tired.

"Can I get you anything to drink? A glass of wine?" Constance asked. She was in her element, playing hostess in someone else's home.

"Wine would be good, thank you." More than good. I needed the liquid courage. I took in the other guests: there were twelve in total, all beautiful, all dressed for a gala. I felt even more ridiculous in my too-long gown and wished I'd put greater effort into my hair and makeup. When Constance handed me a glass of red wine, it took all of my self-control not to gulp the whole thing down at once.

"Kiera, this is Barrett, the Blackfoot Pack Alpha." Dmitri introduced me to the man he had been speaking with and he reached out to shake my hand.

"A pleasure," Barrett grinned. His relaxed manner reminded me a bit of Jack and it instantly put me at ease. Seemingly dead set on ignoring me, Gabriel turned to speak with another group. I didn't mind, and was in fact glad for the respite from his looming presence.