Page 79 of Alpha's Revenge Luna
Chapter 27
TWO DAYS LATER
My body aches from the burns covering my flesh, the pain is a reminder of why I’m being punished.A punishment that was without intention on my part.Yet still a punishable action in Dion’s eyes.It’s been three days since I was let out of the cells, and the fear that grips me every time I think about stepping out into this room is suffocating.I can see it in Dion’s eyes too – the conflict within him.
He doesn’t want to heal me, afraid of angering his pack even further.And yet, the torment on his face when he sees me in pain is unmistakable.I’ve even heard him arguing with Deacon, his wolf, when he accidentally speaks out loud instead of in his head.
“Emery, wake up.I need to work, I can’t keep hiding in this room with you,” Dion tells me.
“Then go,” I tell him, rolling over in bed.Dion growls at my reluctance to get out of bed.“You can’t stay in here forever,” Dion says softly, standing at the edge of the bed.He reaches out to touch my arm, but I pull away.
“Please, Dion.Just let me stay here.”I whisper, tearsthreatening to spill from my eyes.
He sighs heavily, running a hand through his black hair.His burning amber eyes meet mine, filled with frustration and something akin to regret.
“Emery, I have to go to work.That means you have to come with me,” Dion says firmly, with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine.
Just the thought of leaving this room, facing the pack that bears hatred toward me for what I’ve done, is enough to make my heart race in fear.Panic rises within me, and I look around the room desperately for anything that could help me avoid facing them.My eyes land on the chain attached to the bed, then the ankle cuff.I hate being confined, but I would rather that than face his pack.
“Please, Dion,” I beg, picking up the chain and holding it out to him.“Let me stay here.”
He looks at the chain, then back at me, his expression softening slightly.“You hate being restrained,” he comments, before sighing heavily.I can see the internal struggle playing out behind his eyes, torn between wanting to protect me and appeasing his pack.
“Please,” I whisper again, tears filling my eyes as I hold up the ankle cuff.
“Fine,” he relents, taking the cuff from me and securing it around my ankle.
“I’ll have Tara bring you up breakfast and lunch.”With that, he exits the room, leaving me alone once more.
The thought of staying safely tucked away in this room brings me a small sense of comfort, even though I know Dion is right.
As soon as Dion is gone, I crawl back into bed, curling up beneath the covers.Throughout the day, boredom and hunger gnaw at me relentlessly.My guilt weighs heavy on my mind, adding to the pit of despair growing inside me.Tara never brings any food, and I can’t bring myself to knock on the door and ask the guard.The fear of him opening the door and hurting mekeeps me silent.
Later that day.
As the hours drag by, agonizing cramps grip my abdomen, sending waves of pain throughout my body.I curl up tighter under the blankets, trying to find a comfortable position.But it’s no use.
Instead, the ache caused by the Belladonna withdrawals intensifies as if taunting me.The pain is unbearable, both physical and emotional.
My breaths come in short, shallow gasps as I try to ride out the torment.I squeeze my eyes shut, attempting to focus on anything apart from the relentless agony coursing through me.
The sound of the door creaking open sends a jolt of energy through me, my heartbeat quickening in anticipation.I’ve never craved someone’s presence as much as I do now, and the thought both terrifies and embarrasses me.I push myself up on shaky arms, watching Dion step into the room with an unreadable expression.
“Emery,” he breathes out, his eyes taking in my disheveled appearance.I must look pathetic, a complete mess from hours spent alone in this room squirming in bed.But all I can think about is how desperately I need him close, just so it stops for a moment, so I can catch my breath.
He hesitates at the door for a moment as I move to the edge of the bed.He then strides over to me, his strong hands deftly undoing the ankle cuff that has kept me tethered to the bed.
“Thank you,” I whisper, barely able to contain my relief as I throw my arms around him, burying my face in his chest.His scent envelops me, washing away the suffocating loneliness that had threatened to consume me mere moments ago.
“Emery,” Dion says firmly, attempting to pull away from my embrace.“I can’t stay.I have work to do, I was just checking on you.”
“Please, don’t go,” I blurt out before I can stop myself, feeling a deep flush rise to my cheeks.
“You can work here,” I plead, my voice shaking as I clutch at his shirt.
He studies me for a long moment, something akin to concern flickering in his eyes.Eventually, he looks at his wristwatch and sighs but nods.“Alright, Emery.I’ll work in the room, it’s nearly dinner time, anyway.”
I can’t help but smile as Dion settles down at the small desk in the corner, pulling out his laptop and various documents, when his phone rings.I curl up on the bed, watching him as he works, basking in the comfort his mere presence brings.A man I despise yet the only person I have here who doesn’t want to kill me.
