Arranged Bonds

Chapter 5: Placemats

I already miss my family. I miss playing with my sisters hair.I miss fighting with my brothers. I want to say I don't miss my father, but I do.

This place is so foreign to me and it doesn't feel like home no matter how beautiful it is.

I haven't seen Blackwood in a while, but then again I've slept the afternoon away.

Senna has been my savior, pulling me out of my sleep to include me in everything. I'm helping the females in the kitchen prepare dinner, something I've done in the past at my old pack.

I haven't seen Beatrix yet either and I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing.

"You must know your way around a kitchen." Rose, a younger female, has been trying to get me to open up. I can tell by the way her stomach protrudes that she is expecting.

"I've helped now and then." I don't mention that cooking is something I truly enjoy.

I busy myself with stirring the meat sauce in my pot. It's almost done and my mouth is watering.

Senna instructs a few children, including the little girl who had welcomed me with such openheartedness earlier in the day. Her name is Evie and she is the sweetest thing you ever saw.

"Luna, Luna! Will you help me pleaseeeeee!?" Evie is so excitable. She is holding up a plate with the widest grin and I couldn't say no.

I hand my duty over to another female and make my way to the dining room. Evie informs me that she sets the table every Tuesday and that she wants to do this with me from now on. It feels good to be accepted by someone.

As we move around the table, setting placemats and silverware, Evie is telling me about herself. She is 7 and her mommy is Rose, so she is going to be a big sister again. My eyes must be huge as she tells me this. Rose looks so young and she is on her third pup already.

After the table is set I excuse myself back up to the bedroom to change for dinner. I would like to say that I decided to dress up for my mate, no matter how upset I am with him, but really I just want to make Beatrix jealous. Is that wrong of me?

I decide on a tight orange dress with delicate white flowers printed all over it, my large breasts almost spilling from the top. I curl my dark shoulder length hair messily and leave my face bare.

I am just sliding my feet into my brown sandals when Blackwood makes his appearance. He seems confused to see me.

"Why are you in here?" His mouth twists.

I don't look at him, but I can feel my canines aching. I feel the pull he now has over me and wonder if he feels it at all. I might not have wanted him as a mate, but I can't deny that I want to make this work.

I cover my mouth as I speak, I don't want him to see my teeth, to see how much power he already has over my body. "Senna, she showed me to our... room."

"I thought I told her to show you to the guest room not mine." He growls out while shaking his head. I don't say anything but somehow I have levitated to his side. He must have finally taken a good look at me because the next words are thrown like daggers into my skin. "What are you wearing!"

My body unconsciously slides against his side, wanting to touch what should be mine, wanting him to desire me, wanting to press my scent back into his skin. "It's my favorite dress, I thought I should dress up for dinner... I wanted to make a good impression..." My words are fumbling and I trail off, not for certain what is going through his mind. 

He backs away from me, my breasts no longer pressed against his arm. "You look like a strumpet!" He growls and turns around to grab something beside my hairbrush before yanking my back against his firm chest. I feel his Large hands pulling my hair up and tying it in place.

His breath is against my neck and I shiver in need. My skin feels abnormally hot. "Now everyone will know who you belong to won't they, little bird?" And with that he walks out of the room.

I feel anger coursing through me. So he wants me to show off my mark? He wants everyone here to know I'm his but I don't get the same courtesy. I know he can feel how much I need to mark him, he can feel every emotion, every want, every desire, yet continues to leave me in my tormented state.

I debate with myself. Should I leave my hair up or should I take it down, just to anger him? I take it down.

In the dining room, I'm not sure where I should sit. I know in most packs, the Luna is to the alphas left, but that Bítch has already placed herself there. I don't want to make a scene, but I need to start showing this pack that I have power too.

Blackwood is staring between me and Beatrix, wondering what I will do, testing me. I smile with my teeth, showing him how feral I feel. His liquid silver eyes are watching on in curiosity, not caring about my hair for the moment.

I let my strength slowly slip through my fingertips as I close in behind her. She stiffens when she feels my presence. Everyone is watching, waiting.

"There's an empty seat over there." She recovers, pointing to the alphas right, but even I know that's the betas seat. I lean down beside her ear and growl.

"I think this seat would be perfect. Don't you think so Senna?" I look up and see her smiling in amusement as she nods.

Beatrix doesn't move and I let more strength seep out. I let it wrap around her, showing her who the stronger wolf is, showing her that I'm no weakling as she might have previously thought.

She slowly stands and I move to let her pass. "Don't let me catch you in this seat again." I snarl and she hurries to the opposite side of the table.

I slowly sit and reign in my strength. I can feel the sudden pride from my right and look into Blackwood's eyes. He seems surprised but mostly proud and I'm a little upset that he didn't tell her off before I even made it down here. Sure I can hold my own, but, as my mate, he should have defended me.

Everyone starts to fill their plates high, but no one takes a bite until the alpha has. He doesn't share, not to me and I get the feeling that I will have to fight for everything I want around here.