Her breathing was coming out in pants, like someone who had just seen a ghost. But the young woman would readily pick a ghost rather than her current situation.
Verona knew what a mate bond is. The young Omegas back home had regaled her with so many detailed stories she could very much tell when she sees it.
Fireworks exploding in the belly, the throbbing in the groin and the mini shocks that takes over the entire body causing the victim to want to act outrageous…even while out in public.
She hadn't felt something of such magnitude during her mating with Omar. If she could recall, all her reactions were pretty normal compared to what she heard. But then again it may be because Omar wasn't her fated.
The pretty redhead hated the feeling, deeming it a betrayal to her husband even though he was already dead. Omar was the only one deserving of her body and heat. Omar would be the only one to make her feel that way, not this strange wild beast.
She still doesn't know who it was, but was willing to reject him on the spot. Better to get it over with and not let unwanted feelings grow.
Her exhausted head tried to look at the direction of the red eyes but it was no longer there.
The presence was gone and the only thing left was its powerful aura and a strange feeling of loneliness. It went away and so was the assault that had been ravaging her body.
The only evidence that proved she hadn't conjured it in her mind was just a fading burn that throbbed all over her body.
Her eyes shut again in sleep, only but this time she knew they may never open again. She was tired and deathly weak, even the serpent inside of her was left exhausted. Best to resign to fate.
A slight movement pulled her from sleep. Her eyes were half close and in the small opening she could only see a veiny neck resting on a shoulder that was formed like a rock.
The body was warm and so was the strong arms placed under her knees.
She was being carried by a very tall man whose face was not in view.
He smelled of the wet forest right after a heavy downpour. It was verdant and she found herself tucking deeper into his arms like a cocoon.
There was a necklace around the stranger's neck; it had the shape of a tiny black jar with some inscriptions on the body. Verona found it very familiar but couldn't quite arrange her thoughts.
At last, she chose not to dwell of it. Whosoever he was had just saved her from the cold hands of death, so she would enjoy the warmth tonight and think of his identity tomorrow.
****
Razhal had returned sometime before the curfew and chose to linger around the woods. Letting Zeus get a feel of their territory before he takes control back from him.
His paws hit the wet grounds causing the grass to flatten. The beast saw a few squirrels scamper off at the sight of the scary black beast.
He could have hunted them down but Zeus had long put a stop to those kind of foods. He said they were beneath his taste.
His sharp gaze found the clearing from miles away and he suddenly remembered the disobedient woman who was supposed to be serving a punishment dependent on his return.
As he headed towards that direction he kind of doubted the possibility that she would still be there, after all it's been a couple of days past.
His surprise came with the sight of the woman still tied to that stake just as he had left her, but this time she looked pitiful as if nearing her last moments.
Strangely Zeus made to go to her upon the hearing of her voice. It was strange because the Lycan Wolf had never found any creature worthy of his attention…besides that Omega from the past.
He saw himself as god while everybody else were simply vermin meant to obey him.
Razhal saw the fear in her eyes and stopped the beast from advancing any further. Whatever was going on in the wolf's head was none of his concern, but he found out he rather prefers her fire than the fear that now clouds her vision.
When it seemed like Zeus was hell bent on reaching the woman, he quickly took back control and initiated a forced shift. He could still hear the arrogant beast's growls from inside his head, protesting greatly.
But the moment he loosened the straps around her arms and she fell onto him letting her body make contact with his, man and wolf felt something stir within them.
He lifted her like a bride and began a slow walk into the palace building. On his way Oberion accosted him.
"Your highness. May I take her to the Queen's chamb---"
"You may not!" the King snapped at his second in command like a child who is possessive of a new toy. The bald headed Beta recoiled back as if touched by scorching fire.
Possessive? Was that what he had shown…? Razhal thought about his aggressive reaction even as he made the walk to her room.
"Goddess be cursed! I can never harbor any feelings for this wench. Not while my heart still beats…"
It was both a declaration as well as a promise.
Melima was not the kind of woman he wanted. She was too stubborn, conniving and with a twisted mind. There was no charm to her besides her face which she always paints with a frown, and not to mention the air of deceit that hovers around her like second skin.
He dropped her down on her bed and immediately left the room and on his way out he almost collided with one of her maids who immediately bowed and refused to make eye contact. It was the tradition but somehow he felt she was hiding something.
She smelled like a wolf but deep under her scent there was another smell that had been suppressed and covered. Razhal smiled as he watched her but still made no move to address the fraud.
"Her time shall come" He concluded in his mind.
The King thudded out of the quarters followed by Oberion, and at his exit the maid Farah could finally breathe again.
Her forehead was covered in beads of sweat at the thought of almost getting discovered.
Truly he had the gourd. It was wound around his neck away from her reach and away from the reach of anyone.
She had wanted to grab it but got scared of the Lycan powers coming out of him in droves. There was no doubt he would tear her into pieces if she had gotten anywhere close to him.
And to think the stupid girl had been carried by him, placing her within arm's reach to the relic; the closest anyone had ever been to it and yet Verona hadn't seen it.
Even though she knew the vengeful redhead was their ticket to bringing down the king of the Wolves, Farah couldn't help but think the girl's pride may indeed ruin all of their plans.
How would she earn his trust and secrets when she was acting like some possessed she-wolf? Verona needs to choose between her useless ego and the mission they have come for. Nothing else should matter, not even her dammed dignity.
The curly haired maid entered the room and shut the door right after her, but she failed to notice the veiled woman who stood watching by a dark corner on the other side.
Asundi knew her suspicion have never been wrong and have now gotten more reason to investigate the new Queen and her three so-called loyal maids.
"Make sure you follow them everywhere, like a shadow. Leave no detail uncovered and report everything to me" she as usual commanded the guard who always followed her around.
The palace was sure about to become very interesting.