Princess...

Chapter 37

Accalia

I'd confessed more than I had to anyone in 6 years to Alpha Lupus, but I didn't regret it because a gnawing feeling in my stomach told me Z'ev would hunt me down in the morning, and I'd be forced to return to my old pack. I barely slept, fearing that those dark eyes would haunt my dreams and as the sunrise peaked over the horizon I got up from the large bed, sneaking out of the West Wing and back to the workers quarters. As I entered my room, the overwhelming scent of my ex-mate caused bile to rise in my throat. I dashed into the bathroom and heaved up part of my stomach lining. He had been in here waiting for me at some point. I mentally thanked Alpha Lupus for keeping me safe overnight but once I was dressed in my uniform the familiar feeling of dread overlapped any other emotions. As I rounded the corner to the kitchen, I collided with a hard chest and cursed the Moon Goddess for the cruel way with which she tempted my fate

"Accalia! Where have you been all evening?" Z'ev was towering over me and I cringed, not even having the strength to stand. He rolled his eyes when I didn't answer him and pulled me upwards, stumbling slightly as I struggled to keep my balance. My ex-mate sniffed harshly and a sick grin came over his face "You smell like Alpha Lake, Accalia. Have you really been whoring around whilst I've been gone?" My stomach rolled at his words but I kept my head down, knowing that there was no escape for me now. A hand came up and slapped me across the cheek, throwing my head to the side with sheer force.

"I'm sorry..." I whispered, feeling my eyes brim with tears as the stinging on my cheek pulsed.

"Ashton was ever so upset when you didn't show that weekend. Luckily for you, it was a trap. I was coming to get you after years of my little brother building your trust." The revelation caused my eyes to widen. I'd completely forgotten about Ashton and I's plans to have a weekend in wolf form just getting out our stress and spending some quality time together, though now I'm told he was betraying me the whole time; I suppose another thing I'd have to thank Alpha Lupus for saving me from. I met the dark eyes in front of me that burned with ferocity instead of submitting.

"That isn't proper wolf etiquette. Did I teach you nothing, Accalia?" Before I could respond, a gasp was heard from behind Z'ev which revealed Raula watching the whole encounter with wide eyes.

"Accalia... Like the Farkas child?" She whispered and a tear rolled down my cheek, bowing my head again to stare at the floor. I nodded slowly and I didn't know who I feared more; Z'ev who had grabbed the sleeve of my uniform harshly, or Alpha Lupus finding out that I was actually the daughter of the family he despised most.

"If you'll excuse us my lady, Accalia and I have some business to discuss elsewhere." Z'ev's strong arms pushed me forward but I tried to keep my footing, begging Raula for help silently as tears spilled from my dull grey eyes.

"Please don't tell anyone Raula..." I whispered as my ex-mate grabbed my red hair by the fistful and dragged me from the kitchen. When we were in the dining room he let go, throwing me to the floor and I collapsed in a heap, tearing my tights in the process. My inner wolf was silent as usual, unable to help me despite knowing I could defend myself with her help. Maybe Alpha Lupus was onto something when he said I needed to eat because right now I felt weaker than ever. I knew Z'ev wouldn't do anything to me here, he'd wait until we were back in New Orleans and then give me whatever punishment he saw fit. Distant voices told me my ex-mate didn't have much time so he delivered a swift kick to my stomach before leaving the dining room as I gasped for breath. After a few moments, Raula appeared from the kitchen and I flinched but she gently lifted me, helping me out of the dining room where I collapsed on an island stool

"Ace... Why the hell did the Beta of the Farkas pack call you by the name of Edon and Ylva's late daughter?" She asked, taking a seat beside me and giving me a bottle of water. I drank it quickly, struggling to breathe due to the pain in my ribs