Spine of Steel

Chapter Twenty-One

21. A Dangerous Secret

Some people say that being betrayed by a friend is the worst thing you can go through. Some people say that being betrayed by a spouse is the worst thing. Some people say death. But, these people don't realize that they can eventually find a better friend, a better partner and, at some point, heal from loss. The worst thing someone can actually go through, is being betrayed by a mate. The one person you are destined to be with, the person that was meant to be with you through fate. It's like someone ripped your heart out and gave it to you on a plate. Now, I'm not saying that all those other things aren't bad. They are. I, personally, should know that. And I do. But, what I don't know, is why he would do that. Why would he think that he could do that and get away with it?

I watch as she giggles, thinking it's cute when in reality it sounds like a pterodactyl screeching while dying. Maybe, that's just me. He seems uncomfortable but forcefully smiles anyway. Isn't he supposed to be happy? She continues to talk but Theo looks up and catches my eye.

I feel the bond, I feel the pull that attracts me to him. He gets up without telling the evil vixen and begins to take quick strides toward me. I try to think of ways to get out of this but he ends up in front of me with the living room doors now closed.

 His scent is intoxicating, mint and strawberries. Why hadn't I noticed it before? I unwillingly take a step back, keeping my eyes on his. His eyes flash with hurt but it's gone before I can say anything. Hurt? He has no right to be hurt.

"You feel it. The bond." He breathes. Don't break, I tell myself, do not break.

Before I can think anything of it, my palm makes contact with his cheek. He doesn't even flinch as his cheek begins to turn a light shade of red.

"You knew." I whisper, feeling my voice shake. "You knew and you still kissed her. You knew and you didn't even tell me." I close my eyes, taking a deep breath in. I feel a hard but soft, calloused hand on my cheek and I forcefully shove it off. Every part of me begins to break all over again.

"I didn't want to. I couldn't just push her off. I know it's not a good apology but I had my reasons. I am so sorry." He apologizes and something in me roars to just accept and kiss the life out of him, hoping everything would go back to normal.

"Couldn't push her off? You kissed her right back in front of me! That gives you a damn good reason to push her off!" I growl, feeling fire burn inside of me. "That woman inside kissed someone that's mine! Not hers! Mine!" I'm shocked at what I say. Did I really just claim him as mine? He seems as shocked as I am but smiles anyway. The audacity of this motherfucking asshole!

"You're mine too, Princess. I need you." He says, reaching out to touch me but thinks better of it.

"It doesn't matter what I just said. You still did what you did, albeit, with hesitation, but you still did it. Once you really prove to me that you really regret it, then I'll consider it." I turn away and walk into my room. I shut the door and lock it, remembering all the preparation I did before this.

I open my closet doors and walk in, shuffling through everything. I finally find the gold, wooden chest and open it, looking at the contents inside. The bow that I used the first time I got here lays neatly on top of a deep violet with a deep red undertone cloak. I take the bow and filled quiver and place it next to me. I stare at the cloak for a few minutes, admiring the beautiful embroidery. I take it out and place it on the bed. Under that is a black leather suit, with hidden weapons in every little crevice and black leather boots with hidden daggers.

I take my clothes off and carefully put on the full length bodysuit. I test the daggers, examining how they go in and out. I put on the boots and cloak, strapping the bow onto my back and slinging the quiver across my body.

I look at myself in the mirror and admire the dangerous beauty of it. There is gold, elegant embroidery on the bottom of the cloak and on the hood, from the top going into the point. The suit has a belt with an assortment of throwing knives, including the one gifted to me by Alexander. It has a wolf pommel and the blade is sharp and clean, as if it has never been used. I'm going to have to thank Skylar once I come back. If I come back.

I take a deep breath and open the window, putting one leg out after the other. I shut the window before climbing down, careful not to make any noise. Once I'm at the bottom, I run for the woods, knowing it'll lead to my father's secret estate. He's rich now. It's kind of hard to believe.... No, it's not.

I run until I'm deep into the forest, only able to hear the rustling of leaves. Until, I hear the sound of heavy footsteps coming from beside me. I keep my breathing at a silent, regular pace and put a hand on my dagger.

I don't feel the blow coming until I feel the cracking of bones. But, not my bones. His knuckles crack and I feel a sharp pain go through my jaw. I ignore it and attack the bulky man, aiming for his left leg. I grab my dagger and slash his shin, hearing him bark out a howl of pain. He lunges for me, a knife in his hand, and aims for my stomach.

 My heart begins racing and I grab the man by the shoulders and try to throw him to the side. He doesn't budge. Instead, I feel something hard and cold against my skin. I look at his feet and they look frozen, like ice. My gaze goes higher and higher until I reach his face.

He's complete ice. Rock hard, freezing cold ice. It's just not that cold against my skin. My eyes go wide with horror as I realize what just happened. I touch the man again and the ice begins to sizzle and singe, like water against a hot pan. The ice begins to melt completely, leaving a dead man in its wake.

A man killed by ice and fire. My ice and fire.

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Did you guys see this coming? No? Yes? Okay, cool. Hope you enjoyed. Don't forget to read, vote, share and comment... yeah. Okay, bye. I purple you all!

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Sincerely, KnightQueenTheAuthor.