The Unkowns

The Bed

-Chapter 7-

I violently thrashed against the Unknown's grip, shouting for help and inflicting as much damage as possible.

Hunter proceeded to scoop me into his arms as if I was a fragile shard of glass. His alarming strength frustrated me, and I humphed in defeat when it became apparent I could not escape his tight grasp.

"How endearing, my love. You have finally discovered the power I possess over you and have relinquished the escape attempts," Hunter whispered in my ear, sending chills down my spine.

"You must be mistaken. I am not 'your love', nor shall I ever be, and no male contains power over me of any sort." I sniffed in raised my chin defiantly.

"There will come a time when you shall submit, and that time is arriving sooner than you may percieve."

Before I could say another word, Hunter then proceeded to open another ancient door and toss me onto an elegant canopy bed.

"What is this?" I asked hesitantly, nervous.

"My chamber. You shall stay here from now on," he explained as if such a thing was common.

My stomach twisted and I felt bile rise up in my throat. Never before had I been in close proximity with a man, let alone sleep with him in the same bed!

"I shall sleep on the floor," I announced, slipping from the soft sheets and curling into a tight ball on the lavish rug.

Although the rug was far from comfortable, it was quite soft and had beautiful patterns woven throughout the fabric.

"Come here, mate," Hunter growled, patting the empty side of the bed.

"No."

"Must I carry you?"

I shivered, imagining myself in his strong arms once more. Then I gagged.

"No!" I raised my voice this time, curling into myself further.

This wolf conjures feelings that are new and unusual, exposing a vulnerability that I do not wish to possess.

"Little one, you belong here. With me," he crooned, rolling over so that he was facing me.

I shook my head defiantly and turned away from him.

"Fine!" He snapped. "Then you shall sleep on the floor until you realize how much you are in need of your mate!"

I sighed in relief and nestled myself into the rug.

A few nights here before I make my escape will not be too difficult.

Slumber reached me quicky, and I fell into a dreamless sleep.

I arose to the feeling of strong arms wrapped around my waist.

Yelping in surprise, I wrenched myself from Hunter's grasp and rolled off of the bed.

"How dare you!" I bellowed, flashing hate-filled eyes towards a barely conscious Hunter.

He grunted and stretched his powerful arms out in front of him, reaching for something.

I realized that he was searching for my touch and gasped, a whirl of emotions surging through me.

"Mine," he growled and thrashed around in the bed.

I merely stared, perplexed, as I discovered that sleep still had a hold on him.

Reaching out slowly with a trembling hand, I placed it on his broad shoulder. A rush of heat traveled up my arm and through my body, leaving my heart racing.

Hunter's eyes snapped open and he grabbed my wrist, pulling me towards his enormous body.

"Mine," he growled contentedly and nestled me into his firm chest.

I balked, unaccustomed to such proximity, but Hunter merely held me tighter. The feel of his hard muscles flushed against my body caused my head to spin, and I let out a sigh of contentment.

"Good, mate," he crooned, resting his chin on top of my head.

At such a phrase I was snapped from my stupor and began to struggle once more.

"I am not an animal that you may control and play with at your will!" I spoke angrily.

Hunter allowed me to escape his grasp and I scrambled to my feet.

"How dare you disregard my request and place me on the bed!"

Hunter furrowed his brows.

"Little mate, I did no such thing. Moments after sleep befell you, you claimed that you could not sleep and came over to the bed," he explained.

I stood, dumbfounded, as I realized that he had told the complete truth.

Attempting to recall the transition from the rug to the canopy bed, the memory flooded into my brain.

Last night I had begun to burn. My skin felt as if it had caught on fire, and no matter how I shifted on the rug I could not become comfortable.

Frustrated, I arose from the floor and began pacing the room, rubbing my itching skin to alleviate the pain.

I discovered that as I drew nearer to Hunter, the pain subsided.

After confirming that such a notion was correct, I slipped into the bed without another thought.

Hunter tiredly inquired why I had moved, and I mumbled that I was unable to sleep.

As if he knew the pain I was in, he placed a hand on my stomach before returning to sleep. The burning sensation dissolved, and I was finally able to close my eyes.

"I remember now," I muttered, averting my eyes from his.

"I did warn you that you would realize how much you needed your mate," Hunter sneered triumphantly.

My hands balled into fists. If he was not so strong, I would have bashed his face in that very second.