Chapter 10

Sebastian's POV

“It’s so beautiful,” Hannah breathed as Sebastian stood behind her, putting the necklace around her neck. Her cheeks were red as she turned to face him. “I’m afraid I can’t take this.”

He stared around her serious and worried face with a frown. It was an antique necklace with a history of 500 years; she should be honored to have such a rare are gorgeous artifact.

“I’m afraid I’ll only ruin it,” she admitted sheepishly, staring down at her feet.

“Try taking it off if you dare,” he threatened coldly.

…

The car they rode in to get there was waiting for them as they left the auction. Lewis stood outside of the car with the doors open already. Sebastian allowed Hannah to enter the car first before he slid in beside her. A couple of the gamma soldiers were standing outside of the car and by their motorcycles, ready to accompany them and keep them protected from outside.

Most of the drive was silent; Sebastian wondered if Hannah was still worried about owning such a necklace. He wanted to ask her, but for some reason, a knot in his stomach prevented him from doing so. He thought back to earlier that morning when he was walking by Liam’s room; he remembered a conversation Liam was having with himself.

He mentioned that Hannah had saved a man at a younger age and that it almost cost her life. A pained feeling went through Sebastian at the thought of Hannah with another. He wasn’t sure why he felt such a way, but he quickly brushed the thought of out his mind.

“Jealousy is ugly on you,” Eric teased.

“Shut up,” Sebastian muttered to his wolf. “I don’t get jealous.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Eric said with a chuckle.

As they continued driving, the engine backfired and halted the car.

Lewis was attempting to get the car started again, but after a little while he gave up.

Sebastian felt the fury rolling through his mind as their car broke down. He clenched his fists and tightened his jaw; he could feel Hannah eyeing him carefully. There was fear lingering in her eyes; she must have been worried that he was going to attack out of anger. He didn’t blame her for fearing him; most women feared him. He just hoped that fear wasn’t enough to drive her away like it did all the others.

Lewis stayed silent for a moment; he was visibly shaking in his seat. Sebastian said nothing as Lewis cleared his throat and took out his phone.

“I’m just going to call for another car,” Lewis announced as he slid out of the car.

“Great,” Sebastian muttered.

“These idiots can’t even get us home properly,” Eric muttered. Sebastian could feel him growing unsteady and angry. He had to try to calm his wolf down before he took over. He didn’t want to lose control of himself with Hannah so close to him in the car.

Looking out the window, Sebastian saw that Lewis was whispering something to the guards who were now looking at one another with worried expressions.

No one dared to speak; they were all afraid that any sudden sound or movement would set Sebastian off. They feared him and the thought of angering him made them shake in their boots.

He felt a soft set of hands-on his clenched knuckles, making him loosen his grip slightly as he turned to see Hannah staring up at him. She had a worry in her eyes, but she no longer looked frightened.

“There’s a food cart up the street,” she told him softly. “Can we go to it?”

“A food cart?” He repeated, staring at her with dismay.

A food cart was filled with civilian foods, and he doesn’t eat civilian foods. He only eats food prepared by the private chefs of the palace.

“Yes,” she said with a small smile on her face. “I’ve been there once with my mother. We got an order of sweet and sour chicken to share. It was delicious.”

“Sweet and sour chicken?” He repeated, with disgust clear on his face.

“Please?” She asked.

He stared into her brown eyes, and he felt his wolf calming down almost instantly. Being around her kept him tranquil.

He stared over at the guards that were outside and Lewis that was on the phone, speaking loudly to the person on the other end. The palace was across town, and it would take a while for another car to arrive.

“Alright,” Sebastian agreed, though he wasn’t happy about it.

She clapped her hands together excitedly as she slid out of the car, followed by Sebastian. He turned to the guards who were watching him with wide and frightened eyes. They were visibly trembling, worried that Sebastian was going to go mad at any moment.

Sebastian just rolled his eyes and motioned for them to follow.

The food cart wasn’t far from where they broke down; just as Hannah had mentioned. She was excited they were still there, and he was surprised she remembered where it was. He allowed her to take the lead.

He watched as she politely ordered a serving of sweet and sour chicken. Sebastian gave the vendor some money without saying anything. The vendor looked at him nervously and went to prepare the food.

Hannah beamed up at him; Sebastian had to stifle a laugh at her excitement. He’s never seen anyone excited to receive food before. The man returns a few moments later with a small platter of chicken along with chopsticks.

“What is this?” Eric asked within Sebastian.

“Civilian food,” Sebastian responded quickly as Hannah used the chopsticks, fluently, and ate a piece of the chicken.

“I meant this feeling,” Eric said back. “It’s foreign. Are we actually having a happy moment?” He spoke with such sarcasm.

“Shut up,” Sebastian hissed; not appreciating Eric’ humor.

“Admit it; you find her endearing.”

Hannah narrowed her eyes at him; she could sense something was bothering him. She took a piece of chicken and brought the chopsticks to his lips.

“Try it,” she said softly.

He did as she said, he ate the chicken.

Woah.

It was delicious.

His eyes widened as he stared at the simple plate of food in her hands; who knew that that civilian would interest him in such a way.

She stared up at him, curiously, and waited for a response.

“That’s delicious,” he breathed; she looked relieved by his response.

He took a separate pair of chopsticks from the cart and began eating more of the chicken along with her.

The taste boomed in his mouth, and he felt his body calming. Eric was roaring with excitement from within him, never tasting such delicious and simple food before.

Sebastian couldn’t help smile the smile on his face.

“It’s not a crime to enjoy something new,” she said with a chuckle.

He laughed.

It was an actual, genuine, laugh.

The guards behind him looked puzzled at the laughter of their Alpha King; someone who was never seen to be laughing or smiling in the past.

“Is he laughing?” One of the guards whispered to the other.

“Holy moon goddess,” the other guard breathed. “The wolf king is displaying happiness. It’s a miracle.”

…

They returned home within a couple of hours of the car breaking down. Lewis was able to get another car to them pronto and they were on their way. Sebastian was practically licking his fingers from that delicious chicken as he went toward his room with Hannah trailing cautiously behind him.

It’s been a few weeks since the last full moon and their wedding night. The full moon made him crazy, and he nearly killed her by trying to have sex with her. But her scent and her aura seemed to calm him down enough to where didn’t continue his actions. He managed to pull himself off her and get out of there before he truly hurt her any worse than he had.

He didn’t want to make that same mistake again. But he knew she still feared him and wanted to keep her distance when it came to sex. She still slept in his bed with him beside her, but she typically slept on the far end of the bed.

A big king-sized bed and she only took up a tiny space of it.

He gave her privacy to change into her bedclothes before he entered their shared bedroom. She was already curled up in the corner of his bed. She was exhausted from the day and nearly fell asleep on the car ride home.

She was already sleeping by the time he got into bed with her.

Sebastian watched her sleep soundlessly. He was mesmerized by her small body. She feared him though, so she kept herself curled up in the corner, resembling a baby. It was like she feared that if she accidentally touched him in the middle of the night, it would provoke the monster inside of him

“In comparison to her…” Eric breathed. “…We are a monster.”