Page 6 of Outcast
“You don’t get to tell me what to do, Seth. After tonight, I’ll be next in line to rule by Jameson’s side. You’d do well to remember that.” Her haughty tone made me want to punch her in the mouth. Though, I’d admit, it’s not like I knew the first thing about properly hitting someone.
A laugh came from Seth, but it carried no trace of amusement in it. That was the sound of someone thrilled at the chance to put another person in their place and keen to relish in it.
It sent a chill through me, but not in a fearful way. More of a “why the fuck am I attracted to the sound” chill.
“Sofia, you would do well to remember what I’m about to say.” He paused for dramatic emphasis, and pure venom laced his voice, “I will never bow to you, and neither will Jameson. You’ve chased after him your entire life, trying to spread your legs for him every day. When will you realize that he doesn’t give a shit about you?”
I clamped my hand over my mouth to hold back the gasp-snort threatening to spill from me. To hear her put in her place as harshly as she did to others was a moment I would cherish for the rest of my life.
Silence ensued for a few moments, and I could easily picture the rage and sneer likely painted across her annoyingly beautiful face. She looked like a doll—elegant and exquisite with her large eyes and plush lips that were somehow always stained the perfect shade of pink.
“I’ll remember this, Seth,” she tutted at him like a disappointed parent, before I heard the gravel churn beneath her feet as she turned and walked away.
He began to whistle a song I didn’t know, and my body relaxed at having narrowly missed another encounter with Sofia. This could have turned south quickly if Seth hadn’t blocked her entrance.
He’d protectedme. The useless human.
That caused too many conflicting emotions to whirl in my head, and I wasn’t ready to unpack any of them to analyze the depth at this moment.
Throwing my clean undergarments on, along with my white cotton dress that was my required garment for ceremonies and gatherings, I dried my hair with the blow dryer located near the granite sinks.
Why couldn’t I have a cottage with a private bathroom?
“Come on, Kitten. I’m sure you look fine. We need to go.”
Why did him saying I looked ‘fine’ send a pang of insecurity through my brain?
Why did I want him to view me as more thanfine?
How did I manage to pine after men who would likely find their fated mates tonight, no doubt forgetting about the human girl by sunrise?
Classic Kira, wanting what you can’t have.
Chapter Three
Kira
After my hair was dry,I put a small bit of make-up on to hide the bags that were painfully present underneath my eyes from the lack of sleep the past few nights. Something in me felt unsettled and anxious every time I lay in my bed, alone with my thoughts.
I had chalked it up to those my age hitting this huge milestone in their lives and knowing that despite their upcoming transition, nothing would change for me. I’d stay stuck here, doing the same thing day-in and day-out for the rest of my bleak, mortal existence.
No mates.
No true family.
Why had my parents abandoned me?
I shook my head to clear that twinge of longing and collected my supplies to leave. Maybe one day I'd find my purpose outside of the pack, if the Goddess allowed it.
I wouldn't hold my breath, though.
Emerging from the bathing chambers, I walked past Seth, pretending he didn't exist. I remained painfully aware of how he affected my mind and body, and it needed to stop.
His large hand wrapped around my bicep, the grip just light enough to stop me in my tracks. I refused to look back at him and kept my gaze forward, staring towards the path to take me back to my cottage.
He circled around to stand in front of me, his hand trailing lightly down my arm to grab mine. His fingers left a path of scorching heat in their wake. My breath hitched, and I steeled my resolve to not look into his eyes.
Why did these men have such captivating gazes? I was a goner every time I allowed myself to become ensnared by them.
