Chapter 11
Rhea PoV
I woke with a burning pain in the side of my neck, my eyes blurry and unfocused, I rolled over in the bed, clearly remembering what had happened, my heart clenching with anxiety. Yet, I was alone in the large bedroom as I slowly sat up, dizziness overwhelming my senses and a headache unlike any other clouding my mind. I sighed heavily, drinking the water that someone had left on the bedside table in four long gulps before testing my feet against the plush carpet and using the bed as support whilst I stood. I could feel Alora in the back of my mind, but she was silent, unwilling to talk. Not that I minded, I preferred to be alone right now.
I walked slowly on unsteady legs, avoiding the mirror and I did my business in the toilet, I knew that I would look awful, the pain in my neck a sobering reminder that I was no longer at home. That no one in this place cared for me. I was alone. Expected to give the vampire children.
I can’t do this! How can I give such a beast my virginity? I screamed internally as I washed my hands and walked back into the bedroom.
I walked slowly, looking at the door constantly as I approached to large window, pulling the curtains aside so that I could see outside. My heart dropped into my stomach, I was in a large castle in the centre of around fifty smaller houses. Though that isn’t what bothered me, it was surrounded by mountains that I didn’t recognise, the dark trees as tall as the clouds. Where was I? I wondered, siting on the edge of the chair as I positioned it by the window.
The sun had risen a while ago, yet still it was darker than I was used to, it was like the sun couldn’t get through the clouds, as though it knew what lurked here. Vampires weren’t controlled by the sun as they were in mortal stories, but if they were out in it too long they would have to feed more often. I sighed heavily, wishing that I could talk to my brothers, tell them I was alright, that I was alive. Had father told them what had happened to me? Did they know my fate?
I practiced speaking a few times while I was alone, replenishing the water in the bathroom when needed, I was starving my stomach aching from the lack of food. Yet, not once did I try the door, not once did I scream for someone to come. I would rather starve to death in this room than ask for the vampire kings help, I wouldn’t beg them to keep me alive. I was stronger than that, even if I was only a she-wolf. They may see my kind as weak and inferior, but I would not give them ammunition to prove that I was the same.
I jumped when I heard door steps approaching and voices from just outside the door, my panic instantly increasing, had Gabriel come back to get another taste of my blood? I shivered involuntarily at the thought, I didn’t want that, I had to build up my strength if I was ever going to escape this place. If he drained me to the point of loosing consciousness every day I would remain weak.
I tried not to think about the unusual colour of my wolf, or the fact I had my first shift not even twenty four hours after my birthday. I wouldn’t be able to risk shifting in front of them, or allowing them to see my wolfs colour. It would be too dangerous, I didn’t know how they’d react.
I snapped my head back towards the window when I heard the door opening, my nails digging into the chair arm in anticipation, I watched as both vampires, wolves and human slaves walked around freely outside. Oblivious to me, not once did anyone look up, not once did anyone show curiosity. Perhaps such a thing was banned. I didn’t know how things worked here.
Footsteps approached me and it took everything within me not to turn around or cower away, though I knew that my pulse was giving away my panic.
“I see you have recovered.” Came the very voice I dreaded, my entire body tensing.
I nodded once, not turning to gaze at the king, my eyes locked on the mountains that surrounded the vampire’s territory.
“I want you to accompany me, we will eat together in the dining hall.” He said simply, his tone surprisingly calm, just as it was in the cell before he brought me here and drained my blood.
I couldn’t trust it. “I’m not hungry.” I whispered, my voice raw and low.
A deep laugh filled the room, making my blood run cold. I was ripped from the chair I was sat in, his arms wrapped around my arms and his crimson eyes locked onto my face. “Did I say you had a choice?”
I frowned, avoiding his eyes as best I could as his grip tightened on the top of my arms, my heart beating in my ears. I shook my head, “No … but I-“
“Enough Rhea.” He growled, shaking me slightly, my feet barely touching the floor. “You will learn to do as I say. You are to become my bride.”
“I don’t want to be your bride… I-I won’t bare your abominations.” I growled, but the fear trembling through my body betrayed me.
Gabriel raised a single eyebrow at me, a small chuckle slipping from his slightly clenched jaw. “Even when terrified you find the courage to insult and defy me, I’m amazed by your strength little mutt. But it doesn’t change anything, you are mine. Or did you forget that your own family willing gave you to me?”
I shook my head, “They had no choice.”
He laughed again, releasing me and taking a step back. “Your father gave you to me willingly, you have been promised to me since you left your mothers womb. I have watched you grow into the woman you are now.”
I looked him directly in the eye and straightened my spine. “I will never belong to you.”
“You can keep lying to yourself if you wish, but it will not help you.” He growled, taking a step towards me as I moved to the side, barley dodging his grasp. “The longer you fight against me, the more pain you will endure. Eventually you will concede.”
I shook my head, but before I could speak his hand was wrapped around my throat. I coughed and wheezed when he applied pressure, lifting me from the ground, I tried to pry his hands away, just to get a single breath but it was no use, I was weak compared to him.
I was so sick of him treating me like a rag doll. I’m not a fucking object he can own!
His voice was barley recognisable as he snarled in my face. “I have been lenient with you, most don’t get away with what you have, but make no mistake, I will break you into submission if I must.”
“You’re a monster.” I spit, digging my nails into the flesh of his hand as I gasp for every breath.
He smirks a little, “I never pretended to be anything else.”
He places me back on to my feet as I gasp and pant for breath, I don’t want this, I don’t want any of this. I just want to go home to my family and marry a nice man who will take care of me, not abuse me at every turn.
“It doesn’t have to be this way, Rhea.” Gabriel sighs, slumping down in the chair closest to me, “it could be nicer, and eventually you could be happy here, but you have to give it a chance!” He runs a hand through his neat hair, messing it up a little, “there is no need to fight me, not when you already know that there is no way out of this marriage, not for you.”
“Was everything a lie?” I ask, sitting on the edge of the window ledge, “Why did you visit the pack every year? Was it just to make sure they hadn’t hid me?”
“Partly yes.” He replies, his expression showing how truly stressed he is. “Alphas can be hotheaded and I wanted to make sure he was sticking to the rules, but I also wanted to see you, it was a privilege to watch you grow more beautiful each year.”
I almost feel sorry for him, he looks as though the entire world is resting on his shoulders, and it can’t be easy.
But I don’t want this, what wolf would want to marry a vampire? Especially one that feeds on them whenever they want.
But maybe he is right, I can’t fight this forever, I’ll get myself killed or locked back in that godforsaken dungeon. And I don’t want that either.
“I’ll come to dinner with you.” I say softly, lowering my eyes, “I’ll give it a chance.”
After all, what choice did I really have?
Maybe if I cooperate a little more I’ll finally be given some freedom, even if it’s just a little, I’ll take all I can get.
Some is better than none.