I was returned to my room by the same lady and I took a fresh bath.
The steam clung to my skin like a secret as I stepped out, palms still tingling from the hot water — a heat that had nothing to do with the bath.
I took an outfit from the ones Miss Naomi and her girls came to drop the other day. It was a simple outfit of an off shoulder mid-thigh length flair gown. A silver bow in the chest area.
The gown hugged my hips just enough to remind me I had curves that could be noticed, and the silver bow glittered where it caught the light — a small, deliberate temptation near my heart.
I was nervous when the woman reappeared to collect me telling me Mr Jasper was ready.
Her eyes flicked to my neckline before she spoke, and for a second I felt exposed, as if the air itself leaned closer.
I even contemplated telling her I was off the plan. This wasn't an easy plan but it was also one that might get me out of this hell hole I put myself in. What if this was my only chance to escape from the possessive Alpha Dawn and his vile Luna?
No, this was the best chance. No matter the outcome, I have to try my luck.
I let her guide me back to his bedroom. When I entered, he was alone, still dressed in the same outfit.
He stood with an easy, dangerous confidence, the fabric clinging to him in all the right ways.
I looked around as I close the door behind me.
"Where is Gideon?"
He leaned against a table beside the bed. "He left. He told me to ensure he receives you before dusk."
I raised a brow. "And...?"
He stepped closer, his sneakers noiseless on the carpet floor.
Each step brought the scent of him — a warm, addictive mix of cologne and something raw beneath it — and my breath hitched.
"I gave him my word." He caressed my face. "You are absolutely stunning."
Alpha Dawn said that and I felt something but his words felt empty.
His fingers lingered at the curve of my jaw.
"Thank you," I managed.
"Can I kiss you?"
"No!" I quickly shot out. "I mean, that was not the plan."
"Yes but, your lips are so sexy."
I cleared my throat. "Can we leave now? I'm sure he is almost done with the meeting."
He smirked. "Sure."
The smirk promised trouble and a delicious kind of danger that made the hair on my arms lift.
We stepped out together. The servants bowing to him as we made our way to the conference room. The conference room was on the ground floor. My anxiety peeked as we stepped closer to the conference room.
Mr Jasper grabbed my hand once we are by the door to the conference room and gave it a small squeeze.
He faced me. "You've got this. Stay here, I'll be back."
He didn't let me respond before he let go of my hand and dashed into the conference room, cutting off a man that was about to talk.
"What is this?" I heard a voice say but it wasn't the Alpha.
"Mr Jasper, what do you want again?" Another came but it still wasn't the Alpha.
"Shut up. I'm only here for our dearest Alpha."
After a few beat, I heard him spoke. His voice made me so anxious and I don't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
Actually, it was definitely a good thing.
The tone carried a low threat that somehow thrummed in my chest like a promise; I realized I'd begun to listen for his voice the way someone listens for a lover's footsteps.
"What do you want?" He said.
"I always knew your hatred for me was deeply rooted but I never knew it'd be extended to you taking what is mine."
I heard him adjust. "Elaborate."
"You have something that is mine. My mate."
Everyone murmured in surprise.
"Who? Bambi?"
My heart jumped. How did he know?
"Did you bring her? I smell her."
He was too casual about this reveal. Too casual. It made me even more nervous.
The way he spoke of possession — of the idea that I could be scent-marked like an object — made something inside me flare.
"Yes. Bambi. We met two months ago and figured out that she was my mate but she told me her father would not approve because he had other plans for her and—"
"Bring her in." Alpha Dawn interrupted.
My heart pounded.
Mr Jasper reappeared by the door and pulled me in by holding my hand.
His grip was firmer this time, claiming me in front of everyone, and I felt exposed and achingly wanted.
The hall had high walls like a library, a large table in the center occupied by at least 9 of them including Alpha Dawn.
I bowed my head, unable to meet Alpha Dawn's cruel gaze.
"You made her your breeder without even checking first if she has a mate or not. Anyway, I'm here to claim her as mine." Mr Jasper growled. "And, I'd have to fight for her if I have to."
The workers murmured again.
"Alpha, since he has claimed that she is his mate. I think you should let her go. You can easily have another breeder."
I fisted my palm anxiously, hoping he would take the person's advice, whoever that was.
"Alpha, this would cause scandal in the Pack house if this goes far, just let him go with his mate." Another said.
Please please please. Listen to them.
"Alpha, you shouldn't make this be what would taint your image. Let her go and get a new breeder."
My goodness, it is working!
"Fine." I heard him say.
My stomach flipped. Did he really say that or I misheard?
I heard him get on his feet and move closer. A lump gathered in my throat when I see a black boot come to my view, his intoxicating masculine scent sending my head going spiral.
"Lift your head, Bambi."
I did, slowly. When my gaze locks with his, my world stopped.
His eyes pinned me intensely, he was so breathtaking and I wouldn't stop pointing that out. The moon goddess took out a special day to create him.
A small thrill of fear and something far more illicit — desire — curled warm and forbidden in my belly.
"I'll hear from Bambi which decision she wishes to make." He says, his gaze not leaving mine.
Really? He will let me make the decision?
He palmed my cheek, leaned in and whispered softly, "remember every single detail from that night."
Immediately, memories I do not recognize came rushing in.
Heat flashed through me with each stolen image; his lips on mine in the dark, the slick press of skin, the whisper of my name like an oath.
I heard moans. Loud cry of pleasure from me. Me screaming Dawn's name and asking him to fuck me harder. I climb on top of him in these memories, riding him deliciously, bouncing my breasts to his face.
My mouth went dry and wet at once — embarrassed, ashamed, and wildly aroused as my body answered to ghosts of a night I could not fully claim.
We talked and laughed that night but only one word I said caught my attention. I had revealed my identity to him.
"I'm an Omega." I heard said so casually, wringling the glass of emptied whiskey in my hand.
I was drunk on a full moon night? A bad combination.
He didn't flinch when I said it or didn't seem fazed.
"Then, you know this union is forbidden. If you are caught, you'd be executed."
I laughed drunkenly. "Yes. I'm aware. I'm foolishly aware."
"Do you wish for me to keep quiet about it?" He had said softly.
I nodded. "Yes, please. I don't want to die."
"Then, be my mistress."
The words landed like a dare and a promise, and somewhere under the shame a slow, hot curiosity unfurled.
I frowned at him, dumping the glass cup on the floor. "What do you mean?"
"I want you to be my girlfriend. You are still my breeder but we will meet and fuck outside your duty as my breeder."
He grabbed my neck, squeezing gently. "You will be my breeder and my mistress. An affair that stays between you and I."
His hand at my throat made my heart stutter; the softness of the squeeze and the fierceness of his tone braided into a sensation that was both terrifying and intoxicating.
I moved closer to him, straddling him on his laps and grinding into him. "My answer is yes."
Then, I kissed him, moaning deliciously into his lips.