Solstice Howl

05

I opened my unfocused eyes to a whole assortment of colors and let out a low groan, clutching my pounding head with a vice grip.

A murmured voice and scampering footsteps was all that could be heard, then utter silence.

After repetitively blinking, I scanned my surroundings with now sharp eyes and squinted uneasily, heart pulsating in fear.

I have no idea where I am.

This observation caused me to tense and my hackles to raise. Ruler number 1 in survival, always be aware of where you are, who's in your vicinity, and your level of safety.

Carter's enforced that in my head since day 1 of training, and already I let my body get the best of me and now I'm in unfamiliar territory.

I lay upon a four poster bed with wood engravings and looked down to a cream carpeted floor. The walls, painted a soothing gray. Glancing at my body, I noticed it's poorly covered, furrowing my eyebrows when I realized that the silver dress had been taken off of me and was no where in sight. Instead, a large black shirt in its place.

I felt underneath the loose t-shirt and anger swelled in my chest when I realized I don't have anything but men's underwear on. Ignoring my trepidation, I glazed my finger over the wound on my face only to caress smooth skin. Hesitantly, I lifted my shirt again, looking for my wound and wincing when I accidentally poked it, yet there was no pain.

Lifting the shirt up all the way, my eyebrows drew together as I saw a thin scar instead of a gashing wound.

"I healed you with my blood." A guttural voice said from the left of me causing me to cry out in shock.

WAS HE JUST SITTING THERE WATCHING ME?!

My eyes immediately dropped to my chest and I scowled perpetually, "creep," I muttered underneath my breath, which I'm sure he heard, but ignored.

"I am glad that you have woken up, you were asleep for quite some time."

"Where is Nova?" My voice is gritty and I couldn't gulp because of how dry my mouth is. Wincing when I couldn't salivate enough to lick my chapped lips, I felt them with my fingertips; the scabbed skin resembling scales on the pads of my fingers.

"She is with her mate. Albeit, reluctantly."

"She's only fifteen! That monster will violate her, and there will be hell to pay!" I exclaimed, shooting up on the bed. Ready to run past him and go find Nova.

But, before I could take a step, my vision doubled and I gasped, almost face planting onto the carpeted floor.

Almost

The man's tanned and large hand grasped my shoulder before I could plop onto the floor.

Still not meeting his eyes, I tried to stand up straight but, my knees quaked beneath me. In frustration, I tried to wiggle away from him, spewing profanities.

"You are still too weak to walk, you've been lying there for quite some time..." The monster tried to placate.

"If he touches her, I swear..." I trailed off as his hand slid down my shoulder and down my arms, causing uncomfortable goose flesh to travel up my bare arms.

I responded by shrugging him off.

The reminder of his position- an Alpha rung an alarm in my head.

Be careful.

"I ordered Nicolas to hold himself back from marking her until we check the girl's mental state," He once again placed a what's supposed to be comforting hand on my shoulder.