Alphas daughter

Chapter 45

We eventually got back to the house, much to my relief, and all 7 of us barged through the door. All I could focus on was the thought of food, my stomach growled ravenously as I pictured a proper meal. For 4 days now, I had lived on nightshade berries alone and my poor empty stomach couldn't take it anymore.

As soon as we were inside I made my way directly to the kitchen. However, I couldn't even get there before a figure appeared in front of me. The panicked and relieved expression was evident on his face as it contorted into a smile.

"You're ok!" Mason exclaimed, bounding down the hallway and throwing his arms around me. He held me tightly to his chest and I instantly returned the hug. I even managed to miss him a little while stuck in the dark dingy cage.

"I'm ok," I told him, pulling away to catch my breath. I returned the smile he was sending me and in an instant he turned to Zach.

"Are you ok man?" He asked and Zach nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine." They pulled each other in for a brief hug and patted each other on the back a couple times before pulling away and turning back to me. I stared at them with furrowed brows, amused at their bro hug.

"Thank you so much for getting us out of there," I said gratefully before walking past him and making my way to the kitchen.

"Of course," he called behind me. I approached the fridge and pulled out some meat our hunters caught recently then threw it into the oven and retrieved some Doritos from the cupboard.

I flung Zach a packet before grasping another and sliding onto the worktop. I wolfed down the crisps instantly, as did Zach, and then impatiently kicked my feet while I waited for the meat.

"I thought I told you to stay at home?" Caroline scowled at Mason who simply shrugged.

"You did. I couldn't just sit around and wait," he replied, sending her a sheepish smile.

We chatted for 5 or so minutes and the powerful aroma of meat cooking flowed through the room. I struggled to take deep breaths as the wolf within desperately fought to be released. I watched as Zach eyes flashed yellow before quickly returning to the beautiful icy blue.

I let out a deep, infuriated growl and flung the oven door open. The burning heat from the door seared my fingers and I grumbled but ignored it and pulled the tray of meat out of the oven. I threw it onto the worktop and in seconds Zach and I were devouring every last piece.

"That was gross." Mason scrunched up his nose and his lips contorted into a frown as I scoffed the last piece.

"That's so much better." I sighed in relief, finally feeling satisfied. I scooted back onto the counter and leant back against the wall.

Steadily, my eyes fluttered closed and I felt my body slump. Today had felt like the past four day had merged into one and I was completely exhausted and ready to sleep in my own bed, where I didn't fear being experimented on while I was in my slumber.

"I think you need some rest." I felt some arms snake around my waist and my head hit something solid. I looked up to see Zach's cradling me against his chest. My eyes drooped once again and he lifted me into his arms.

"We will see you guys tomorrow." I heard Ryders laugh and the echoing of footsteps as my eyes sealed completely. I felt myself bounce up and down as Zach carried me upstairs.

Almost instantly I felt my head hit the soft pillow and my body was released from Zach's hold. I fluttered my eyes open to see Zach pull the covers over my weak, limp body and felt his hand rake through my long hair.

"Night Ella," he whispered and the mattress beneath me rose as his weight pushed off the bed. The room plunged into darkness when he switched the lights off and I heard him grasp the door handle.

"Zach?" I called before he pulled the door closed. I saw his silhouette halt in the doorway as the word escaped my lips.

"Yes?" He asked, his warm, husky voice made me feel safer.

"I... I love you," I whispered.

"I love you too," he replied before pulling the door closed.

"Wait," I called and once again he halted.

"What is it Ella?" He asked gently.

I hesitated for a second and swallowed the lump in my throat. "Please don't leave," I murmured as quietly as possible. I immediately buried my face in the pillow to avoid his stare. I scrunched my face in humiliation and squeezed my eyes shut, the room still filled with silence. A few seconds later I lifted my head to face the now closed door and my heart sunk slightly as I realised he had gone. That's when I felt an arm wrap around me and pull me backwards.

"I'm here," he whispered soothingly as he placed my head in his lap, he sat with his legs stretched in front of him and wrapped his arms around my head with his back against my headboard.

"Thank you," I replied before snuggling into his lap. A few moments later I sat up abruptly and turned to face him.

"What's wrong?" His eyes glazed with concern and fear making a smile grace my lips.

"You have to sleep too," I told him, pulling his hand over to mine and playing with his fingers.

"I will." He placed a kiss on my forehead.

"You could um, you could sleep here," I mumbled, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks. His hand squeezed mine and I watched as he slid his shirt off. I couldn't help but stare at his bare chest, his flawless skin sealing his perfect muscles. I continued to stare as he shuffled forward and placed his head on the other pillow before draping the covers over him. He raised an eyebrow at me and I grinned before joining him.

I lay with my back to him, trying to hide the smile on my face. His arms once again snaked around me and tugged me backwards until my back slammed against his chest. I felt his warm breath fan across my ear and his heart beat drum against my back. "Don't ever move that far away from me again," he whispered and I let out a giggle. "Ok?" He asked sternly, his fingers grazing up and down my neck causing me to squirm in his arms.

"Ok." I smiled once again and snuggled down into his hold, feeling so safe in his arms. His warm embrace sent tingles around my body and a sense of longing through me. My eyes started to droop closed again as I clasped my hand with his and finally, I fell asleep.