Trisha Volkov
I tear away the nude bodysuit, feeling a rush of liberation flood through my body. Christian's smirk instantly springs to mind and I can't help but smile wickedly in return. A voice whispers inside me that he isn't so bad after all. I cover my face with both hands, ashamed by the sheer joy that comes from thinking about him.
Never before have I felt this way, his offer to take me shopping was like being released from an invisible prison of disappointment. Everything feels new and invigorating now – alive!
The thought is exciting yet terrifying, Christian can flick between playful jester and cold alpha in an instant; can I really trust him? My inner voice pleads with me not to think too hard on it, it'll be alright - everything will be alright.
I slipped into the shirt Christian had given me, and ran my fingers over the soft fabric as I stepped out of the room.
I scanned the room expecting to find him, but all that was left was an empty walkway echoing with loneliness.
My heart sank as I realized he had gone without saying goodbye.
With nothing else to do, I climbed onto the king-sized bed, sinking into its warmth and comfort. As soon as my head hit the fluffy pillow, sleep consumed me.
***
It was just past seven in the morning when I felt a sudden disturbance from within my slumber. His strong arms were cuddled around me from behind, his rough hands caressing my neck with a dominating intensity. My breathing quickened as he growled near my ear, almost as if he could sense my anticipation.
"I know you're awake, I can feel your heartbeat," he spoke in a low rasp, and I felt embarrassment flush through my cheeks. I stuttered at his words, feeling foolish for not being able to control myself around him. Through his smirk, I saw the momentary glimpse of dominance across his features, and before I could respond he pulled me up to face him.
My shriek echoed into the room as I realized that while he wore trousers, only a thin fabric covered his upper body. His eyes were locked on mine and the intensity of the moment filled the air between us.
His gaze seared into mine as he spoke in low tones.
"I'm marking you with my scent so no unmated male will attempt to mate with you. You cannot bear a real mark yet, but this should suffice for now." His words were laced with teasing and temptation, sending hear coursing through me.
Biting my lower lip, I felt his gaze burn hot upon me. Careful not to give away how nervous I was, I asked him something that I immediately regretted.
"Is it possible for them to mark me?"
In an instant a low, feral growl rumbled from deep within his chest and rolled around the room like thunder. His expression flickered with barely suppressed rage.
"Listen very carefully," he commanded, every word dripping with warning. "I am the only one who can mark you - and it won't be temporary; it will be etched in eternity. Anyone who knows you belong to me will stay away, but if anyone dares to touch what's mine... I'll rip out their heart and make you watch!" He finished the threat with a sneer, his face contorted in a frown of utter contempt.
In that moment, I could see the ruthless power of his alpha nature. To my shock, instead of feeling scared, his possessiveness aroused me.
He took a deep breath and visibly calmed himself down before demanding confirmation. "Tell me you understand."
My voice came out breathy as I echoed back his words: "I understand".
His intense stare stayed on me for a few seconds before he stepped away, allowing me to take a breath that I hadn't known I had been holding in.
He asked me abruptly: "Are you a late sleeper or a morning person?"
His back was turned to me as he rummaged through his wardrobe, while the morning sun peeked through the curtains that hung in the windows of his room.
"I don't know what kind of sleeper I am," I admitted in a low voice, hopping out of the bed.
"What do you mean?" He asked, diverting his full attention to me.
Avoiding his gaze, I started straightening the sheets on the bed as I told him the truth. "I rarely ever get enough sleep back at the academy. Even when we manage some hours of rest it's not enough."
After I was done speaking, he stayed quiet for an extended period of time and I thought he wasn't going to say anything.
Then he spoke, avoiding the topic completely.
"Go get ready - our pack's head omega, Yuri, must have cooked breakfast early since the pack was eager to meet my chosen one. We'll leave for the day after that."
With that said he went back to ignoring me, turning his attention to putting on workout clothes.
His disregard irritated me and words slipped out before I could stop them.
"You can't just order me around like I'm your secretary taking notes of your everyday schedule!"
I sealed my lips shut before I could make things worse with something stupid, expecting him to put me in my place.
However, he merely shrugged and said: "As you wish. I'll be waiting downstairs."
He turned his back on me, barely utter a word. I was left in disbelief and yet he managed to let it go.
Rage boiled inside me as I watched him walk away. I wanted to scream, or yell, or do something to make him turn around.
But instead, I just held it all in and silently stomped my feet like a child before walking towards the bathroom.
Because what other choice did I have?