Silenced

Chapter 9

                         I made my way down to the kitchen with ease. I was starting to know my way around this giant house. It was a bitter sweet reminder that I had already been here far too long. I came down stairs early, usually whenever the sun came up. It was better for me to get up than to lay in bed tossing and turning. I'd only grow frustrated with myself if I tried to sleep more than a few hours. I paused to look out the glass door in the kitchen. It led to a big back porch. The colors beyond were a mess of oranges, pinks, and purples. The sky was subtly changing before my eyes. It was beautiful. It reminded me of back before I had lost half of my soul. Rowan would have demanded we try to sketch, paint, or at least photograph such a gorgeous image. It hurt to think of her. My chest ached dully and my eyes burned. I berated myself for all the times I had refused her requests only to force more training instead. It wasn't that I didn't like to do the same things she did. I enjoyed the feeling of a brush or pencil between my fingers but training had seemed more important. I had convinced myself it was the only way to survive. Now I knew better. Surviving was not living.

The beautiful colors faded away to a bright blue. I took a deep breath. I rubbed my eyes. It was a quick check to make sure there were no tears before I continued to the kitchen. I turned and froze. I had assumed I was alone but the Alpha was leaning on the counter. His expression was calm and assessing as he observed me.

"Good morning." He said. His relaxed posture as he drank from his mug helped to ease some of my fear. I had done nothing wrong, yet. I glanced past him to the coffee pot on the counter. It was nearly full and judging by his comfortable position he had to of been there long before me. I mentally kicked myself for being so unobservant. How I had not only missed that there was someone standing behind me, watching out the same window, but I had also allowed myself to relax and feel comfortable in his house. I had practically forgotten where I was. I stared at his feet. He had shoes on. Black shoes. I allowed my eyes to scan up a little. He was fully dressed. Jeans and black t-shirt accompanied the shoes. I was still wearing pajamas. Soft cotton pants and a t-shirt. My stomach knotted. It was a very thin and tight shirt. I tugged my hair to one side nervously twisting it. I hadn't anticipated anyone would be awake yet. I came down to grab a glass of water before I went to shower. Another preventable mistake.

"Something wrong?" He asked.

I shook my head quickly and turned to leave as I smoothed the hair down over my shoulder.

"I was hoping to speak with you." He said.

I turned back to face him. He hadn't moved from the counter. I glanced at his face waiting. I had my arms crossed awkwardly over my chest. He was dragging out whatever he had to say.

"The council has begun to evaluate your case." He said finally.

My eyes widened at little. I knew the case would be taken to the council but I had not anticipated an evaluation. If they were evaluating that meant there was some evidence in my favor that showed I was not completely in the wrong. I couldn't think of any reason they would think that. I wanted to ask. My white board was on the counter near the alpha. I needed it. 

I walked forward slowly. Everything in me hesitated in reaching for it. He didn't move. Not one muscle as he watched me. I bit my lip, grabbed for the board, and quickly stepped back. I let out the breath I had been holding and looked at the white board. I had been successful. No physical contact, I wasn't attacked, and I had been swift. 

The alpha shifted suddenly. My entire body tensed. I was frozen in fear except I had managed to tilt my head down and away in case he meant to strike. I looked up slowly, avoiding eye contact. He was holding a marker out for me. I had been so focused on him and being quick I had forgotten the marker. I knew all I needed to do was to reach out and grab it. Part of my mind whispered it wasn't worth any physical contact. My insides shook but my hand was steady as I reached up for the marker. My fingers brushed his. The unfamiliar warmth made my fingers tingle in fear but I had done it. I had the marker and the board. I decided to skip the whys and go strait for the important question.