Page 100 of Those That Are Lost
He’s right to be suspicious. I need to sell the story I’ve rehearsed so much it feels like a different version of reality.
“I can’t lie. I struggled in the beginning. I got to the continent and travelled around for a bit. But the nomadic lifestyle doesn’t suit me. I missed home terribly. Antares…” I gesture to him. “He helped me get blood. Helped me find safe shelter from the other packs. Which, by the way, are absolute dirtbags. I can almost see why the Fae tried wiping us out.”
“And you assumed I’d let you back in and welcome you both into this pack.”
I take a step closer to him, pushing the loathing I feel all the way down and letting a vulnerable demeanour take over my body. I need to yield to him. “I missed being here, in Froan, so much. I couldn’t stay away. I realise my mistakes and for that I’m sorry. I’m ready to take on the role you offered me.”
“You think it’s that easy?”
“You have been searching for me this entire time, have you not?” He looks stumped, like he didn’t think I’d have caught wind of that no matter where I was. “Oh, yes. The pack are not as subtle as you believe. They caused quite a ruckus in the capital, I heard.”
“And what of the other one?”
“Other one?”
“Ty.”
“He’s dead, isn’t he? Last I saw he was being pinned by your males in that very foyer.” I don’t miss a beat as I nod towards the open entrance where another male has joined Tripp, both watching on with keen interest.
“Yes, he’s dead.” I find it interesting that Adicious feeds me the lie when Atlas told me the truth. And like he doesn’t think I would pick up on the fact that he just asked about him as if he’s not dead. Not that I am going to point that out.
“Oh well. I see him for what he was now. Weak.”I hope Ty cannot hear me through our bond.“After seeing the strength and power of others on the continent, I understand you much better now. I understand why we need to align to secure these lands.”
“You’re offering your bond to me?” I’ve put Adicious once again on the back foot and I can see his palm twitching.
“Not yet. You’ll need to prove yourself worthy.”
“Me?” He gives a menacing laugh. “These are my lands. I solely need the bond from you to cement my power. You're an accessory for me, not a partner. As soon as we’re bonded, I can keep you chained. Or have you forgotten your last visit here?”
I see Adicious isn’t even going to try for civility. When we first met, he spent at least a few minutes playing the nice protective male before he let his true self show.
Fine. Two can play this dance.
“I’m not here to be your slave. Either we do this together or I can replace you. Or have you forgotten that males outnumber females quite significantly? You’re the replaceable one here. I haven’t forgotten what you did to me, what you nearly did to me. But I’m willing to forgive that if you can prove that you are the strongest male in this city for me to bond to, to secure these lands with.” I step right up into his space, holding my head high the entire time and letting my fangs show.
“You jumped up little cunt. You survived a few months on your own and you think you can come back making demands? Wrong, princess.” He snarls before going to grab me by my arm. I duck to the side, easily avoiding his grasping hand. Antares acts in that moment too.
All three males on the porch have their air supply cut off in an instant. They quickly start clawing at the throats as the air in their lungs is forcibly ripped out from them. I step backto the centre, coming to Antares’s side, counting to ten. Once I reach it, I lift a finger and Antares’s power drops. The three males all gasp, cough, and splutter as they are allowed to breathe again.
Not surprisingly, Adicious is the first to recover.
“What the fuck was that?” he chokes out.
“I told you he was useful,” I gloat, letting the pride show in my eyes. Antares’s feline grin is beaming from ear to ear. “Now, is someone going to show me to my new bedroom? You said you had one done up just for me. I can’t wait to sleep. It’s been a long day.”
And with that, I saunter up the porch, Antares bounding at my side, and into the house. The two males in the doorway jump out of the way, clearly scared of the one accompanying me. I hear Adicious flapping around outside, probably raging about the tiny Fae male that just handed him his ass.
The roomI’m assigned is interesting. It's certainly one of the less dilapidated ones. It’s been painted relatively recently and whilst the furniture is completely mismatched, it is functioning. It's all heavy wood and decoratively carved. The creepiest part is that the wardrobe is full of dresses, all low cut or super short. Not a single pair of jeans or sweats at all. I shudder as I feel the cheap fabrics. I may not splash out much on clothing, but I really don’t want to wear any of these.
I may have dressed to show my feminine assets tonight but that was my choice. These feel like they’re making a statement. One I’m loath to indulge Adicious in but I guess I’m going to have to suck it up at some point.
We were given the rudimentary tour by Tripp, whom I’d ordered into action as we entered the house. He at least seemed scared of what Antares could do and was obliging inour requests. With a quick walk around the main floor, we’d been introduced to a few males who were lounging in the common room.
Atlas wasn’t with the group. I assume he’d stayed in his room following our little meet up in the woods. Mitch, however, had been sitting at the makeshift bar, nursing a glass of liquor, and sporting a few new bruises to the ones we’d left him with. My blood had heated at seeing the purple marks on his neck and face. I noted each one and silently promised him that the bastard that laid hands on him would pay as soon as I was able.
With barely a few words, and a few wide eyes and shocked expressions, Tripp had led us up the stairs to the room that had been made up for me the last time I was here, the one I never saw.
Antares empties out the backpack he brought for us onto the bed and starts sorting the clothes. We have a few days worth each and a few essentials.
