What About Now?

Chapter 12 - Can't Hide Forever

A week passed since the incident.

Throughout the week Levi has spent breakfast, lunch, and dinner with me. He was mainly there to make sure I was eating. And for that, I attempted to put as much effort into eating as much as I could. However, there were times when I just couldn't continue eating, feeling lethargic, and ultimately causing him to force me to go get some rest.

"So are you going to tell me how you know my name?" I ask cautiously and take a sip of my vegetable soup.

My meals have mostly consisted of liquids, such as soup. I probably would have complained about practically eating the same thing every day but Terry is very adamant in creating different flavored soups for me, making all my meals delicious.

"No," he says boldly, cutting into his steak while briefly glancing into my eyes. 

That's how it's been this whole week. I ask the same question and he gives me the same answer.

"What is this?" I ask irritably; clanking my spoon loudly against the table to get his attention. I then proceed to motion my index finger between us.

We are sitting in Levi's private dining room. A large mahogany table extends to the end of the room, yet he instructs I sit by his side. He's sitting close enough to touch me and brushes his legs against mine every so often.

I'm a prisoner and he's acting as if we we're friends, or maybe something more then that.

Ughhh.. I don't understand! What does he want from me? I ponder silently.

"It's vegetable soup and I advise you to continue eating," he explains in a mundane tone and takes a bite of his steak.

"I'm not hungry anymore." I push away my soup and stare challengingly into his eyes, hoping he's going to take me seriously now.

"You know what I mean. I'm supposed to be your prisoner and you don't treat me as such, so truthfully what do you want from me?" I question exasperate. He is so frustrating! The way he keeps staring at me, it's as if he knows something I don't. So why won't he tell me? What's stopping him?

"I don't treat you like a prisoner?" He lays his utensils adjacent to his mostly uneaten steak.

He turns to stare directly into my eyes, giving me his full attention. I noticeably shiver under his scrutiny which causes the corner of his lips to rise.  His arrogant smirk at my nervous state causes me to regain site of the task at hand. "I've been held prisoner before," I answer truthfully, which successfully turns his smirk into a grimace.

"Where?" he grips the top of the table tightly, making it visibly crack as he stares deeply into my obstinate blue eyes.

Reflexively, I reach out for his hands and hold it in mine. Lately, every time I feel his anger my wolf urges me to go find him, to be near him, to comfort him. It takes every ounce of self-control I have to stop myself, but when we're this close it all dissipates.

My wolf loves the contact between us and honestly so do I. I've never felt so safe in my whole entire life and that's what scares me. Good things don't happen to people like me.

"If you break the table again Queen Thenora says you're going to clean it this time." I giggle recalling the numerous times he split the table in half this week. 

He visibly calms at the sounds of my laughter and unravels his fists against the table top. When he is fully calm he sends me a breathtaking smile. "You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen." His hands reach over to take mine and raises them against his soft lips.

I visibly blush and slowly pull my hands away from his.This gesture is exactly what I mean! Why is he treating me like this? What am I to him?

"Seeing as you're still recuperating you won't start school now, but I have arranged your attendance for next month." He drinks his wine and explains all of the different programs the academy has to offer. 

I sigh in defeat, realizing he changed the topic again. I decide to try and bring it up again tomorrow. Hopefully he will give me an actual answer then.

He is talking so highly about the school and I'm trying my best to seem interested, I really am, but honestly, I couldn't care less. The only thing on my mind is my mom and Pegasus. If what Pegasus said is true then I need to get out of here as soon as possible. Next month is two weeks away and by then I'd definitely be gone.

"Kailani?" I raise my head in surprise. Did he find out I was ignoring him? 

"I need to go now. Be ready tomorrow morning for a run. Your wolf is probably feeling restless and wants to shift. I'm surprised you haven't requested to go for a run yet, but nevertheless be ready tomorrow," he says standing up to leave. 

"Tomorrow morning?" I whisper nervously. My eyes widen fearfully at the thought of releasing my wolf.

"Is there something wrong? You don't look so good." He motions to feel my forehead.

"I'm fine!" I smile nervously and surreptitiously take a step away from him.

Diana decides to walk in at that moment to retrieve me, making me relieved but also frightened; she's the only one who knows about my translucent eyes. I've tried to speak with her about it but she just keeps avoiding me.

"Diana make sure Kailani gets some rest, she doesn't look so good." He helps me out of my seat and presses a soft kiss against my forehead. My nerves to somewhat subside as the pleasurable electric shocks course through my veins.

Diana bows her head in acknowledgment and takes a hold of my hand but as soon as we're out of sight lets go.

"This way princess." She quickly walks away from me.

I swiftly follow behind her and as soon as we make it into my room I exert a small amount of my wolf's strength and push her inside. Diana usually makes me walk into my room first and then disappears before I can even turn around but not this time. This time I'm making sure she talks to me.

"Diana please let me explain," I plead.

"Explain?" She mutters nervously.

She shakes her head in disbelief. Tears brim the corner of her eyes. "I've heard my mother tell me the tale but I never thought I'd live the day to see a wolf with translucent eyes."

"Please! Promise me you won't say anything, especially not to Levi. I'm begging you." I carefully make my way towards her and grasp her hands in my own, praying she understands.

"I have not said a word. However, if I am commanded to do so then I can no longer save you, or me for that matter." 

"Wait, you'll help me?" I mutter disbelievingly.

Why does she want to help me? Why would she give up her life to save mine?

"I will, but princess I implore you, please stop! If he finds out your wolf is weak then he will bring her back. He will do it by force if necessary." Her eyes hold fear as she warningly drags each word out.

"I know," I say giving her a sad smile.

"Thank you Diana. If necessary I will protect you with my life." I bow my head to show that my words hold promise in them. She appears surprised by my oath and gasps in surprise, using her hands to momentarily cover her mouth.

"Princess, if I may be so bold to ask, why would you do it? Why would you suppress your wolf to the point of reaching the translucent stages? " Her hands shake and tears descend her eyes.

I wish I can explain everything to her but she's already in danger from the small amount of information she knows about me. So the less she knows the better.  

"I wish I can explain, but I can't. Please just leave Diana." I turn away from her, not being able to handle the sadness radiating from her eyes. But, she doesn't leave.

I gasp when I feel my body being engulfed in a tight hug. "You are the farthest thing from alone. In this world we make our own love. You bring so much love and happiness to this kingdom, please don't forget that."

Diana releases me with those final words and rushes out of the room, leaving me to think about her words as I attempt to lull myself to sleep.