Enslaved by the Alpha

Chapter 12

Tossing to my side, I opened my eyes and stared at the sliding glass door with the now closed curtains, shielding the moonlight from entering the room. My gaze shifted onto the clock on the nightstand and I released a quiet sigh. It's almost three in the morning.

I glanced over my shoulder at a sleeping Draven. He laid on his side, facing me, and his arm was hooked under his pillow, the other extended beneath mine.

My lips downturned as I remembered telling him to keep his hands off of me so I could sleep, yet it turns out I just can't force myself. It has to be that I'm going to be completely unconscious in the same bed, granting him all the power over me.

I thought I trusted him, now I'm starting to see just how much I don't and it makes me feel so guilty.

Sitting up, I slowly slid out of bed, silently opening the door to the balcony and stepping out. I pulled the door closed lightly and took a seat on the railing, staring off into the trees.

"Guys, look, it's Scarlett!"

"Hey, Scarlett! Psst! Down here!"

I looked down and saw Onalee, Gia, and Liane standing together at the bottom of the stairs by the porch, staring up at me with grins.

"You should come with us for our night run!" Onalee called. I averted my eyes to the black sky and contemplated.

Jumping down, I approached them and searched my surroundings, lingering paranoia washing through me. After confirming we were alone, I looked back at them. "Anywhere in specific?"

"There's a clearing just north of here. It's a beautiful spot during this time of night, we go once a week and have been for years. Their mate's still don't know." Onalee nudged me and wiggled her brows, a playful smirk on her face.

My eyes darted between the three of them as they eagerly waited for an answer, then I glanced toward the trees and a smile broke out on my lips. "By all means, lead the way."

I waved my hand in that direction and they bolted, shifting mid-run which I found quite astonishing. Onalee shot me a wink then ran after them, disappearing into the trees to catch up to her friends.

I stood in my spot, shaking my head in disbelief, then I turned and jumped, grabbing onto the balcony and hoisting myself over the railing to sit in peace.

A gentle breeze blew through and the trees rustled lightly, creating a soothing melody to calm my nerves. My hair twirled in the wind, blowing off to the side, a few rogue strands curling around my face. The song of the night brought a genuine smile to my face and my eyes closed to better bask in the moment.

Just like when I was human.

A distant yelp snapped me out of my relaxed state and I opened my eyes, darting my gaze around in alarm. A whimper pierced the air and I fixated my senses in the direction they ran, jumping down from the balcony and dashing after the scent of dog using my vampire speed.

My bare feet slid to a halt in the mucky grass the second I emerged in the clearing and saw them lying on the cold, wet ground, wearing muzzles over their snouts and visibly constricting leashes around their necks. Three of the King Valentino's guards kept them pinned by pressing one boot into the center of their spines, earning loud whimpers with every slight shift in movement.

"Scarlett, my darling, this all could've been avoided if you had just done what I sent you here to do." Cyprian stepped out from behind his men and approached me, flashing his fangs with one cheeky smile. "I see you need a little push, is all. Don't fret, love, only one has to die."

"Are you out of your mind? You think trespassing and killing them will get you an alliance? The only thing that'll get you is your head on a wooden platter!" I hissed. His smile fell and he cleared his throat calmly, closing the space between us, his shoes squelching with every step.