Tangled Fates

Chapter 11 Lila

***Edited 9/12/24***

As dawn began to unfurl across the inky sky, I found myself waking in an all-too-soft bed of white. My mind churning with the echoes of last night's events. A hot flush of shame washed over me at the memory of my lapse in judgment. I had fallen asleep cradled in his arms. The Alpha's arms.

His warmth had seeped into my very bones, lulling me into a sense of security I hadn't felt in so long. Why did he feel... safe? His movements were fluid and purposeful. Yet, when our eyes locked, there was an unexpected softness that took root in his gaze.

And then there was his touch. It was gentle and strangely... different. More intimate than one of care or concern. Something that went beyond anything I have ever felt before.

Determination hardened within me. I would not let myself be swayed again. I knew what lay ahead. As an asset to the Alpha, he would undoubtedly check on me soon. I needed to bide my time until he made his appearance and left.

My heart pounded as I sent a silent plea to the moon goddess herself. Let him not harm me today or, if it is inevitable, let it be something I can endure long enough for my planned escape.

My body instinctively rolled toward the door, eyes narrowing to steely slits as I honed in on the first sign of entry. An onslaught of thoughts about this new Alpha encircled my mind. He appeared more formidable than Zander, so what would he do to me? How much more pain would I need to endure? With Zander, it took every ounce of my strength to fight against him. Each time he tried to claim me, my stomach turned to lead and bile fought its way up in my throat. Zander was far from gentle or compassionate. He was indifferent to my tears, oblivious to my pain. His sole desire was for me to yield, allowing him free reign over my body for his own grotesque satisfaction. His declarations of 'love' were nothing more than a manipulative ploy designed to break me into submission. I doubted Zander even comprehended the true essence of love.

The moment I noticed the golden knob beginning to turn, my eyelids slammed shut like iron gates under siege. My breath hitched in my throat as I wrestled with the frantic pounding of my heart, coercing it into a slower rhythm. Each footstep emanated from the stone floor and vibrated in my bones, igniting an internal tremor that threatened to betray my false restfulness. My mind whirred at lightning speed, fixated on pretending to be fast asleep.

The door's creaking hinges resonated through the room, sending tremors down my spine. The Alpha's scent invaded the space, a potent cocktail of cedar and smoldering embers that was as intoxicating as it was terrifying. I braced myself against the urge to bolt, my muscles coiled tight as he neared the bed, his towering figure casting a long shadow over me. Each breath hitched in my throat, trapped by fear and anticipation until he finally turned on his heels and retreated. The door closed with a thud that shook the air.

I gave myself several minutes more, each drawn-out breath serving as a silent count before I dared to stir. Moving with the quiet grace of dissipating smoke, I slipped from beneath the covers and tiptoed towards the door. My fingertips traced along its soft wooden surface, feeling for vibrations.

I gently nudged the door open, my pulse thundering in my veins. The corridor was dim as I eased myself out. The air was heavy with the subtle scent of soap, mingling with the rich muskiness of leather. Holding my breath, I tiptoe to the nearest door. I gingerly cracked it open, granting myself just enough room to scout out its interior. It bore signs of habitation but was currently unoccupied. The rumpled bedcovers were a testament to its recent use.

I darted inside and made a beeline for the closet, assuming it would mirror my own in layout. My hands plunged into a sea of garments, their textures whispering tales of luxury beneath my fingertips. Silks that flowed like water and all kinds of cotton adorned with intricate embroidery met my touch, fabrics so exquisite that they eclipsed anything I had ever known in my previous life.