C10 Oh Who Is She..

The day passed in a blur and it was time for Martha to head back home. She guided me down the dimly lit corridor, our footsteps echoing softly on the marble floor. The day had been long and Martha's weary eyes reflected exhaustion.

“It's alright dear. You are safe” Martha's soothing voice whispered as she noticed my hesitation. I had told her about the frequent and strange dreams I keep having these days to the extent that I dread falling asleep.

“I keep seeing those eyes” I confessed, tears streaming down my face. ‘They won't leave me alone. I do not know what to do”.

“We all have our demons.” She held my hand softly. “But you are stronger than you think. You will overcome this”.

I nodded, taking comfort in her words. Her presence is a balm to my soul, giving me the strength and courage I need.

As we reached the door to the room, she paused, her hands lingering on the door handle. “The Alpha is back so I won't be locking the door tonight”.

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of the Alpha. I nodded, offering her a grateful smile. “Thank you, Martha.”

She returned the smile before turning to leave. “Goodnight Amber.”

“Goodnight”. I replied, watching as her figure retreated down the corridor. Leaving me alone with my thoughts. I have grown fond of Martha and her stories. They were a small comfort in my strange life. As the door clicked shut, I decided it would be best for me to go brush my teeth and take a nice, refreshing bath.

My gaze fell on the book stack arranged carefully on the study table. A flicker of happiness sparked within me. I crossed over and selected a random romance book. Settling into the plush couch, I opened the book and lost myself in its pages. The words provided a temporary escape from my reality.

Looking up for a brief second, I noticed the room grew darker as the evening turned to night. Time slipped away unnoticed. I was so engrossed in my world that I did not hear the door open. I looked up off-guard when I sensed another presence.

I caught a whiff of that signature Oudy and sandalwood scent and I didn't have to look back to know it was HIM. He towered above me in all of his glory and I used the opportunity to size him up. He was wearing a black compression shirt, defining his manly physique with a baggy sleeping trouser. His hair was wet, looking like he came out of the shower not long ago. He held a tray in his hands, the aroma of warm soup wafting through the air.

“Martha forgot to bring you your medicines”. He said, his voice low and gruff. He placed the tray on the small table beside my chair. “She said to bring you soup to warm you up”.

My pulse quickened, fear swirling within me. “Thank you?” I peeked through my lashes unsure of what to say.

He nodded but made no move to leave. Instead, he pulled the study chair and sat across me. His gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the window. The silence between us was thick, loaded with unspoken thoughts and emotions.

I picked up the spoon and began to eat, my movements slow and deliberate so he wouldn't hear the chewing sounds. The soup was warm and comforting, but his presence made me uneasy. I glanced at him occasionally, noting the way his brow furrowed in thought.

“What's wrong?” I asked him, unable to bear the silence any longer. I knew it is most likely he'd ignore me and it's not like we are cordial with one another. But I just felt the need to ask.

His eyes flickered towards mine, and for a moment, he seemed to hesitate. Then, as if a dam had broken, he spoke with frustration. “I'm looking for someone. someone important. But there are no traces, no leads. It is like she vanished into thin air.”

I listened intently, my heart breaking at the sadness in his voice. “I'm sorry. That must be incredibly difficult.” I said to him sincerely.

He nodded with his jaw clenched tightly. “It is. And the worst part is…… I don’t know if I will ever find her.”

The vulnerability in his words surprised me. I had always seen him as a figure of unyielding strength and authority, but now he seemed almost…. Human.

“Maybe you will,” tucking the few strands of my hair behind my ears. “Sometimes, when you least expect it, things have a way of working out.”

He looked at me, his eyes searching mine for something I couldn't quite define. For a moment, there was a connection, a shared understanding. My gaze landed on the slash that ran from his eyes. It made him look even more stunning. But then, as quickly as it came, it was gone. His expression hardened and he stood abruptly.

“Mind your fucking business.” He snapped at me. The walls he had momentarily lowered were now firmly back in place. “You don't know anything about it.”

I was taken aback by the harshness in his tone, the moment of connection shattered and I made a mental note at the back of my head, never again would I pry into his life or ask questions. I watched as he turned and left the room, shutting the door with a loud thud.

I sat in silence trying to make sense of what transpired. The remnants of the soup grew cold beside me. My thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions, confusion, and a lingering silence. Despite his coldness, I felt a pang of sympathy for him. I know I shouldn't especially after knowing I will be nothing more than a vessel to him.

With a heavy sigh, I closed the book I had been reading and set it aside. I plopped the medicine into my mouth and decided to take the tray of soup down to the kitchen. After rinsing the bowl, I set it aside and decided it would be best for me to shrug it all off. I would read more, lose myself in the stories that offered a brief respite from my reality, and hope that in time, I might find a way to navigate the complexities of my situation.

I came back into the room. Picking up back the book, I settled on the couch. The problem with me is that I never listen, prying and seeking answers is in my nature. After convincing myself that I wasn't supposed to care or give a fuck, here I am, being a bloody hypocrite as my mind drifted back to his words. I wondered who he was searching for and why she mattered so much to him. I silently wished for his success, hoping that one day he would find her. Maybe he would unbind me from his fate and run to her. Maybe she will be the mother to his heir and I would be a free woman.

Determined to shake off the lingering curiosity, I got up and walked to the window, pushing it slightly to let the cool night air. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the landscape. I leaned against the windowsill, letting the breeze wash over me and I looked around, seeing nothing beyond the tall, overgrown trees and wandering guards.

I read until my eyes grew heavy, the words on the page blurring together. I closed the book and placed it on the table beside me. I curled up in the chair and pulled a blanket over me. The house was quiet, only the sound of the gentle rustle of leaves outside the window could be heard.

I closed my eyes, ready as ever to face the haunting pair of ocean-blue eyes.