CHAPTER 32: 32

NYLAH

I gulped down the fear and anxiety building within me.

What’s the worst that can happen? I shrugged mentally, trying to make the matter a light deal.

’You did nothing wrong Nylah, you only trained with Brian so you can defend yourself and get over the way Xavier treats you.’ I tried to convince myself that I didn’t do anything out of the ordinary.

Except that wasn’t what Xavier’s face communicated.

He sat there on the sofa in his lounge, a glass of liquor in his hand as his eyes leered over me.

It would’ve been a lot better if he screamed at me or told me what I did wrong than keep me standing with a blank expression on his face.

"Are you just going to stand there? Strip and get to work." He ordered, and I was finally able to read his expression.

It was strange to see him feel uncomfortable around me. His usual expression was disgusted towards me, but I didn’t see any of that. It seemed like he didn’t want me here, and he wanted me at the same time.

I was still caught up in my thoughts when his voice thundered. "Have you gone deaf as well? Or have you grown the guts to disobey me?"

A gasp escaped my lips as I made for my zipper but stopped when a thought crossed my mind.

"I won’t do it." My voice was barely above a whisper.

"What?" He asked with an arched brow.

I guess he was hoping I’d swallow my words and continue to peel off my clothes, but I was done, I was done being treated like a puppet for bedroom entertainment only.

Not only was I not allowed out of the pack, but I was also cut off from my friend and only family; Arianna. And now he’s making a big fuss because I was training to become stronger in this vicious pack?

One of two things would happen tonight, either I get my answers or he locks me up and punishes me either by beating or by death. Whichever one it would be, I was ready.

"I won’t do it." I repeated, louder this time around, my lips pressed into a thin line showing my determination.

He kept his gaze on me, not a word or even a sigh left his mouth as he watched me with wonder, more like amusement.

I saw it as a sign for me to continue, and so I did.

"I won’t do anything you ask me to unless you answer my questions. And I have lots of questions to ask." I patted myself mentally for being able to hold myself from stuttering.

That was one hell of a bold step, especially as I had to maintain eye contact.

"You don’t get to ask questions over here, I do the asking, and you do my bidding." He replied, taking more than a sip from his cup like a thirsty wolf.

"I deserve to be heard. I’d done all you’ve asked of me from the moment you bought me. But what I don’t understand is why you don’t want me with anyone in and out of the pack. Both your trusted friends are scolded when he comes close to me. Your brother’s the same thing." I paused when I felt like my voice was going to crack if I said another word.

"Is there something you’re not telling me? Am I like a sacrificial lamb or something you’re waiting to sacrifice on the next moon?" I asked, my heart beat increased at the thought of it.

Xavier gulped the remaining content of the cup and stood up abruptly, catching me by surprise. How can someone be so swift in movement?

He walked close enough to me, his face expressionless as always, then he circled me, like a predator watching its prey closely.

I wanted to run out of his sight and lounge and out of the pack, but I knew that not only would it be cowardly because before I’d make it past the door, one of the guards there would get a hold of me, I knew that it would mean I didn’t have enough guts to face him.

Warm air sprayed the back of my neck; a silent notification that he was so close to me. I swore mentally when I felt those stupid butterflies in my stomach flutter, and goosebumps erupted on my skin as my senses were filled with his intoxicating cologne

Unsure whether I was going to town able to hold out from his tempting, all the same, intoxicating presence, I looked at the door, my only access to escape.

"So you are a fierce one after all?" I stopped my mental calculation on how I was going to escape when I heard his voice.

"You don’t deserve an answer from me. But I’m going to give you the answers you seek." I felt strong, warm arms on my shoulder right before he continued.

"I have many enemies out there. Any of them know you are mine and wouldn’t hesitate to hunt you down just to get to me. That’s why you don’t leave the pack. I don’t share what’s mine. Not with my closest friend, not with my brother. I only let them off easy because they’re family. I will kill any man that lays a finger on you." He paused

"Do you understand?" He asked as if to make sure I was following.

"Y- yes," I replied, my throat dry from the impact of his presence.

He finally moved from my back and stood before me, unsure whether my legs were still working - since they’d been glued to a spot for a while.

And then I felt it, the wetness between my legs.

"Shit," I cursed under my breath. Hearing his calm voice and possessive words must’ve turned me on.

"Go back to your room, darling." His words caught me off guard.

"Huh?"

"We’re done here for tonight. Besides, you need enough rest to begin your training tomorrow." I was genuinely confused by his words.

He just stated his displeasure in seeing me with another male. Did he suddenly approve?

"I thought -" I wanted to remind him of his words, but he cut me off.

"You’ll be training with me starting tomorrow, so you need enough rest. No one lasts a day training with the Alpha." There was something close to a smile on his face.

Something I hadn’t seen in... I don’t know, a long time? Forever?

"Oh." Was all I could say before retreating to my room.