The Wild in the Earth Child

Chapter Thirteen

Aiyana

When I opened my eyes, the only light was from the pale moon shining in the bedroom windows, casting long shadows on the wooden floors.

And he was there. I didn't have to turn my head to know he was there. I sensed his presence before I had even opened my eyes. The intensity of his gaze had my every nerve awake and vibrating with anticipation.

I fixed my eyes on the moon for a few more moments. Trying to gather my courage to face him.

Finally I turned my head to see his dark figure engulfed in the shadows sitting in a chair near the bed. I could just make out the outline of his body, sitting like a king on his throne. The only thing I could see clearly were his green eyes piercing  through the darkness, straight into mine.

I sucked in a breath and it caught in my throat. Suddenly I couldn't move. Couldn't breathe.

His dark figure slowly stood and walked towards me until he was standing by the bedside, his handsome face lit by the moonlight.

Then he lowered himself carefully down on the edge of the bed and my heart raced in my chest.

His brows furrowed in concern as his eyes scanned my body under the blanket before returning to study my face. It was then that I realized that I was wearing clothes. Which I hadn't been when I had passed out.

I could feel my face flame in embarrassment... and anger. Knowing he had seen my naked body without my permission.

His hand moved and covered mine that was now clutching the blanket up to my chin. "The nurse tended to your injuries and dressed you."

A small ripple of shock went through me, followed by a wave of relief. Why did it seem like he had just read my thoughts?

I just nodded in response, refusing to look at him again.

He let out a heavy sigh. "How are you feeling?"

A long silence before I finally replied, "Sore."

He lightly chuckled at my response as a small smile tugged at his lips. Somehow he was even more handsome when he smiled. It was captivating, honestly.

His tone was calm but I could feel the tension right beneath his calm facade. "Ya, I bet. The nurse said you had four broken ribs to add to your broken ankle. She said you'd need a couple of days in bed to heal."

Instantly I felt the panic set in again. Trapped. Bored and stuck in this damn room for days. Swell.

He reached in his pocket and pulled out my phone. He sat it on the nightstand before turning to me, his face expressionless.

"It's tapped and tracked. You're free to call your family and friends, as we agreed, but until I know you can be trusted, all your calls will be monitored as well as your location."

Trust me? Are you fucking kidding me? How am I the one who can't be trusted?

I felt my blood start to boil.

"You son of a bitch." I growled.

His face lit with surprise before he returned to his serious expression. "May I remind you that I am your alpha. And you will speak to me with respect. Also, it's probably wise not to provoke me considering your injured state."

I had to clench my fists to keep my hands from shaking in anger. "I don't respect wolves who don't keep their word. Alpha or not. Nor do I respect those who don't respect me. So if you want respect, you're going to have to earn it. You're not off to a great start."