The Alpha’s Dark Revenge

Nikolai’s POV

“So she’s your plus one to events from now on?” Margaret asked from where she was seated on the ottoman. I didn’t like the way she described it, but I grunted in agreement.

“Yes.”

“I see,” She replied simply, and as usual she gave a knowing smile. “Well in that case, you can’t keep starving and overworking her. Sooner or later people will begin to suspect.”

I frowned. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“Well for starters, she’s lean, malnourished, and has about a thousand bruises on her body.”

Something clicked in my head when she said this. “Why hasn’t she healed already?” I asked Margaret, puzzled. “Her wolf would have healed her by now.”

Margaret threw me a look of disbelief. “With all the torture she has gone through, why would you assume that her wolf would be strong enough to do that?”

Oh. I hadn’t thought of that. “So what now?”

I hated seeking advice from anyone but right now I had no choice.

“For starters, take her out of that disgusting dungeon. She needs sunlight and fresh air for brighter, clearer skin.”

“What?!” I thundered. Even though I needed her to appear by my side at events I couldn’t forget the fact that she was a prisoner. I couldn’t help but feel like I had not put her through enough torture.

Margaret shrugged. “It’s just one last dinner party right?”

I nodded.

“Then it’s no big deal. She just needs to be taken care of for a few days and then you may do with her as you wish.”

I considered it for a moment and then I nodded. “Fine. But she continues with the chores.”

I didn’t understand why Margaret looked pleased at the development but I didn’t ask. I had already begun to notice that some of the pack members had started being soft on the prisoner. It surprised me because I could clearly see that there was nothing special about the girl. Unless of course they just felt sorry for her. But deep down, I also felt a little betrayed. They knew the reason why she was here, but still they decided to go easy on her. Deciding not to give a fuck about their actions, I turned away and continued with my work as Margaret shut the door behind her.

***

I struggled to associate myself in either attraction or repulsion for the woman who stood by my side, simultaneously sneaking glances at the generous swell of her breasts through the low neckline of the red dress she was wearing. I’d been cursing myself all night for my inability to control myself. Why did I keep staring at her. I was supposed to be making her suffer not sprawling at her feet like a high school boy.

Since the day I had kissed her to shut her up, I had been feeling irritated for no reason in particular. Of course the kiss had started off as a means of quieting her, but midway I had gotten so lost in it that it carried on for longer than I had wanted. It was a struggle keeping a straight face afterwards but I couldn’t have her thinking I had enjoyed it. The honey scented taste of her lips came to memory and I had to look away from her to stop myself from grabbing her and recreating it.

I straightened up when I saw Antonio Gareeb and Dan Lyons walk toward us, beaming. I had been partners with them for quite a number of years.

“Slade?” Dan chuckled as he bounded to us. “Looking good, man!” He laughed as he shook my hand, moving aside so that Antonio could do the same.

After we had exchanged pleasantries, I cleared my throat. “This is my fiancée, Eloise,” I introduced them, ignoring the surprised look she gave me.

I saw Antonio rake his eyes over her. “Wow. What a beauty,” He whispered, lightly pecking the back of her outstretched hand.

“Nice to meet you,” She smiled.

“You lucky bastard,” Dan laughed as he reached out to do the same.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

We chatted about business for a while, and once in a while she gave a small laugh when they made jokes, just like I had told her to. At least she was doing her job.

“May I steal her for one dance?” Antonio asked all of a sudden, surprising both the girl and myself. I struggled internally on my answer. It was just a dance, no big deal. Right? So why was it so difficult to say yes.

“Of course,” I faked a smile and turned away, resuming my conversation with Dan.

From the corner of my eyes I could see her smile and eagerly place her hand in his. Why the fuck was she so happy about it? I tried to control the unexplainable anger I felt as I turned back to Dan. I could see his eyes follow them as they began to waltz in the middle of the hall.

“She’s hands down the most desirable woman here tonight,” He breathed, his eyes still trailing behind her. My wolf growled and I contemplating on punching the desire out of his eyes. But I held myself back.

Why the hell was I being so protective? I wouldn’t care less if she was run over by a truck. I wanted her dead. She was repulsive to me. So why?

As I conversed with Dan I couldn’t help but sneak glances at them while they danced. The song was over already, so why did they stay for a second dance? The grin on Antonio’s face made me want to forget about our years of friendship and knock out all the teeth from his mouth.

I turned away, grabbing up a champagne flute and gulping it all down. I needed something stronger than this shit right now.

I was barely listening when Dan bade me goodbye, but managed to offer a friendly smile. My eyes riveted back to the dancing duo. I did a double take when I saw her smiling. Why did she look like she was enjoying this?

My fists clenched and unclenched as I downed drink after drink to distract myself. I let out a growl when I saw Antonio let his hand fall lower just above her hips.

Fuck. This. Shit.