Elodie 's POV
Run. I had to run. But where? This house was killing me. If I wasn't such a weakling…
I picked at my food at the dining table, staying silent. I was seated between two men. Ryder was at the head seat while I sat in the seat next to him, with Viktor by my side.
It felt like I was sitting on a ticking bomb. The silence was deafening, and both men glared at each other between meals.
My fork dipped into the hard-fried chicken, and I struggled to cut it. Viktor exchanged mine with his that had been freshly cut.
"She's got hands," Ryder spoke, and I blinked at my food.
Viktor's knife almost slipped from his hands, and he gave Ryder a weary look.
"You're not a gentleman to know that it was too dry for her to cut."
"How's she going to lead if she can't handle one dead chicken?" Ryder said, making sure every word was felt.
"Can you try to be nice to her?" Viktor said in my defense.
"How about you shut up?" Ryder said, dropping his spoon on his plate with eyes fixed on Viktor.
"I'm older than you, Ryder ."
"Then you should learn not to interrupt me," Ryder spat.
"I'll do that when you address her with respect."
Ryder 's eyes narrowed. "Careful, Viktor."
"Dear nephew, I am tired of your nonsense," Viktor shot back.
I set my fork down, my appetite gone. I kept my voice calm and prepared for my escape. "I think I should go."
"Did I ask you to leave?" Ryder said immediately, his eyes flashing to me. I swallowed.
"N…no," I stuttered.
"Stop it!" Viktor warned. "Don't scare her."
I heard Viktor sigh, then slam his hand on the table. "I'll take her out for some air," Viktor said, pushing his chair back.
Ryder spoke immediately. "She's not going anywhere with you."
Viktor met his gaze. "And why is that?"
Ryder stood from his seat and leaned closer to Viktor. "Because I said so."
"I'm not following that crap," Viktor snapped.
Ryder 's glare darkened. I sensed trouble brewing and stood up quickly. "Please, stop. I'm going to bed."
I turned to leave but Ryder 's hand caught my wrist, pulling me. I gasped, shocked, and then Viktor caught my other hand.
"Let go of her," Viktor ordered.
"After you."
I was stunned, both men holding my hands to their sides. Ryder 's grip tightened and I flinched. He pulled me forward and I stumbled into his hard chest.
Viktor's voice went hoarse as he fixed his hair with a hand running through it. "You're insane, Ryder !"
"You don't want her, why fight to keep her?" Viktor asked.
"It pisses you off and I enjoy it," Ryder answered.
So that was what this was all about. He was using me as a pushover for his uncle. Viktor groaned and angrily stormed out of the dining hall.
I stepped back quickly, but Ryder still held my wrist tightly. "Let me go," I said.
He did. Slowly.
"You're quite a problem."
"I'm sorry," I begged. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble."
His hand went to my chin, lifting it higher, his fingers brushing my cheek softly.
"Alpha," I said softly.
His thumb moved slightly along my jaw, his eyes dropping to my lips.
My breath stopped. He leaned in closer until I could feel his warmth. I quivered as his lips brushed mine.
The mate bond stretched and I held back a gasp. He must have felt it too because his touch tightened a bit, not hurting me. His warm lips slightly touched the tip of mine, then he pulled away.
His hand dropped and he stepped back. "Your scent is disgusting," he said coldly.
I was sure I showered and nothing seemed wrong with me. I raised my sleeve and sniffed.
"You make me sick," he dropped and walked out, leaving me speechless, sniffing my sleeve again.
"But I smell fine," I mumbled. Jane came in and I locked eyes with hers, trying so hard not to cry.
The Next Morning:
The morning light flowed into my room. I groaned, tossing to avoid the light. I hadn't slept much and my head ached.
I closed my eyes, trying to sleep, when my phone rang. My eyes opened and I picked up my phone without looking at the name on the screen.
"Elodie ," my father's voice came through. I instantly awoke, the remnants of sleep leaving my body.
"Dad…"
"You haven't sent a word, so I assume you're doing great," he said and laughed. "It's the Darkflamepack, you should be doing well."
I became suspicious. My father never called me except when he needed something. He never liked talking to me.
"I need a favor," he said, and I gulped down hard. My stomach sank, hoping he wouldn't say anything too big.
"What is it, Dad?"
"I need money," he said. "My business needs funding to stop it from sinking. You're the Alpha's fiancée and he would listen to you if you tell him to give me some money."
My hand tightened on my phone. He was disgusting. "I can't do that," I said.
The soft tone of his voice dropped and he sounded more vicious, like I was used to. "You're selfish. Do you want me and your sister begging in the streets?"
"No, Dad. I just don't think it's right to—"
"I don't care about your morals, Elodie ," he snapped. "You're not going to watch me crumble while you can do something about it. Not after all I have done for you."
My voice trembled. "Please don't make me do this."
"Get the Alpha to give me some money or don't ever bother calling me your father!"
"Dad…I…"
"I've said my mind. You get the Alpha to help me or don't call me." The line went dead before I could breathe another word.
My mind went blank. What do I do? How was I to face him?