Cruel Kiss (On Hold)

Chapter 7- Confinement

I've been in this room for days. I've learned every corner, every crack in the walls. I've had nothing better to do. For my protection, I've been kept a prisoner within these walls. They don't seem to like it when I think like that, but there's just no other choice. I haven't been outside of these four walls in days.

Maddie comes to visit me sometimes, we've taken a fast liking to each other. She was shy at first, but once you spend a little time with her, she can be both sweet and mischievous. She's the one that brings me food most days. She's also been helping me understand how werewolves work, since it's apparently important that I know.

Werewolf society is honestly a little strange to me. While many choose to blend in with the humans, there's still quite a few that choose to remain separate. Apparently, they're able to remain hidden in plain sight by using a sort of magical ward created during rituals to their goddess. A goddess I apparently have ties to.

According to Maddie, my prophecy says that I have a direct link to the goddess, some sort of mental connection to her. Also, supposedly I'm destined to be the mate of an Alpha. Which means I'll be his co-leader, who they call a Luna. The thought doesn't fill me with excitement. I feel almost as if I'm being given an arranged marriage.

Emir has been visiting and giving me lessons as well. As much as I've come to enjoy Maddie's company, I always find myself excited when Emir comes to see me. I almost hate myself for it, but I can't seem to help it.

He has this strange effect on me. I've dated a few men before, especially since entering college, but I've never allowed them into my bed. That doesn't mean I haven't kissed them though, and done a few other things as well. What I feel around Emir, though, is completely different. It isn't the giddy rush of someone new, it's like a fire rushes through my veins when he's near.

He is very proud of his people, I can see it in his eyes when he's telling me about them. According to Emir, the werewolves are governed by a monarchy. Though the individual packs have to answer to their Alphas, the Alphas have to answer to the King or Prince.

Currently, they are being governed by a Prince Regent, since in werewolf society, princes can't become kings until they find their goddess given mates.

I sigh as I pace the room yet again, these facts going over and over in my head. I'm trying to memorize them, trying to learn this new world I've been forced into. The light filtering in through the curtains is waning, meaning that it is probably close to night. My food will be here within a few minutes.

My feet propel me through the room, my restlessness and frustration growing by the second. I just want to be let out of this room. I need to be let out. Maybe I can convince Maddie when she comes to give me a tour of the house or something. Surely if she's with me, then I'll be fine.

I'm interrupted from my scheming as I hear the door unlocking, the telltale soft click of the metal, before the door slides open. Emir steps through and I'm simultaneously assaulted by the feeling of disappointment and a thrilled quickening of my pulse.

He raises an eyebrow as he looks at me. Setting down the tray for my food, he takes a few steps towards me.

"I can hear you pacing from downstairs, you're probably creating a draft." He tells me, amusement lacing his voice.

"Well, it's not like I have anything else to do. You can just get used to the draft." I reply, a little more rudely than I intended.

He doesn't seem to mind my attitude as he begins to chuckle. His eyes scan my face, reading whatever expression is there, before sliding down the rest of me and back up again. I feel my cheeks heat under his scrutiny.

"Hurry up and eat, and we will take a walk." He says suddenly, the words shocking me still for a moment.

My eyes meet his, trying to determine how serious he is. When he doesn't crack a smile, I realize he meant it.

"You mean outside? It's okay if we go outside?" I ask, internally smacking myself at how stupid I sound.

"Yes, we can go outside. Since you'll be with me, I can guarantee your safety." He says, his lips tilting upwards into a soft smile.

I rush toward him before I can think better of it, throwing my arms around him and smashing him into a hug.

"Thank you, Emir." I mumble against his chest.

"You're welcome. Now, eat so that we can go." He replies.

I smile and head over to my food, a giddy feeling filling my chest.