I slipped from the room. Needing a moment. The pressure of being around these men more than I think I had expected. I was anxious simply from that pressure, and the intense and scrutinising way in which Alpha Carter seemed to glare at me terrified me. We had only just met, and he had already made his dislike for me clear. Yet I was assigned to be helping them, or so my father had stated. Maybe I could talk to my Alpha and suggest I was not suitable? Because my anxiousness was only going to cause friction. Which would simplylead to further mistakes. All very much a vicious circle.
Not one of the men inside of the office appeared to have looked up as I walked out of the room, and not one of them appeared to care. Which was fine by me. Hopefully that meant I may have a moment to compose myself. That was all I intended for. I walked along the hallway, my heart pounding within my chest, and my legs trembling beneath me. I reached one of the window seats and eased myself into it. Pulling my legs underneath me, planning to take a moment relax before I returned to the office. I was expected to help them, and I did not want to let my Alpha down. Besides, a small rebellious streak within me wnated to prove to our visting Alpha that I was more than capable. Because I could already see him doubting my abilities, and I felt enough people did that already...
I slowed my breathing. Closing my eyes for a moment. Taking all negative thoughts from my mind as I attempted to soothe myself to a better mind place before returning to the office. I knew the moment I was back within the office I would be on edge. Or we could go and find our mate, a thought popped into my mind out of no where. A thought I had to say I liked the idea of. Oh this was so right. This suggestion so tempting… He was out there. Our fated mate. A vision of handsomeness. He had finally arrived. His scent so enticing. He had come for me. The man who would be able to save me.
I envision meeting him properly. Wrapping my arms around his muscular body... feeling the warmth of his embrace for the first time... and knowing that I am safe... knowing nobody can hurt me anymore. He was a strong warrior. He could protect me. I would be able to leave with him. That was how a mate bond worked when a fated mate, usually a male came from a different pack. I could finally get away from the ties that held me down... I cannot wait to meet him!
But I know I am needed within that office… I have responsibilties. Though, I am sure they will not go on all day. I can find time for my mate later, can't I? But I don't want to. I want to go to him now. Tell him everything... My mind flickers back and forth with it's arguments, while my heart is torn…
“What the f**k are you doing out here?” A familiar voice hissed as it approaches, disturbing my thoughts. Any hope of calming myself were now gone. “Already avoiding your responsibilities? Unbelievable. I asked you to do one damn thing and you cannot even do that. A f*****g disgrace Mari.”
My shoulders sagged, and I brought my gaze up to meet the steely eyes of my father. “I just needed a moment.” I explained, not expecting him to understand for a moment, but knowing he would expect an answer.
“A moment for what? You lazy fucker. You had literally just arrived. What was it, you had to say hello to some guests and walk the men to the office. Was that too f*****g much for a lazy b***h like yourself?” He shook his head in disgust. “Or was it just so bloody strenuous for you to have to make them all a drink you needed a moment? What a waste of space.” His voice was cold. Nasty. But nothing I was not used to.
“It was none of those things. And I am returning, do not worry. I will be doing as asked of me.”
“Oh you best had. I do not expect you to be letting us down nor showing us up. You may be a colossal failure in every other aspect but do not f**k this up. Alpha is relying on you. Though goddess knows why. I told him not to bother.” The warning was clear within my Dad’s tone. Though he was telling me things I already knew. And it would not be my Alpha I needed to be wary of if I did make any mistake…
I stood from the window seat, needing to get away, but also knowing I would need to be back in the office, but as I did my Dad gripped onto my wrist, twisting it slightly as he did. Pain shot up my arm making me wince, and a slow smirk teased at the corner of my Dad's lips. His eyes looking at me with a coldness I hated as if daring me to scream out while we were in the public area of the packhouse. He knew I would not. He had always made it clear I never spoke a word of the way in which he treated me. For the sake of my brother. Our family name. My mother's memory...
“Your wolf may start coming through to you soon. Now, I do not know how trustworthy she may be. I warn you, no attacking, or there will be trouble.” He lowered his mouth closer to my ear, his voice nothing but an icy whisper. My wolf? I may get to communicate with my wolf properly? Excitment flickered through my body, but my father continued. “But, any thoughts or attempt of a planned escape and you will be regretting it, do you understand? You thought things were bad before…” He stepped back from me slightly, letting my hand go. His eyes meeting mine, and the look within them caused a cold chill to rush over me.
He did not need to complete his threat. I knew the rest. Meeting my wolf properly was an exciting prospect, but already it was tarred with all of this. But, the moment I am able I will be fleeing, with my fated mate. My father just did not realise it yet. And, I had no plan of telling him, for I fear he would never allow it. I simply nodded, darting back along the hallway to the Alpha’s office. Back to the monster waiting for me in there…