Chapter Eight: Ember Vanderbilt.
1505 Words
EMBER.
I stared at Alec, waiting for a response.
I must say, its s nice weight off my shoulders being able to tell people but I'm also a little apprehensive about this family.
The Gold Monarchy that have been at odds with my family for centuries, knowing who I am? I feel a little on edge.
"Goddess," Queen Yvonne cried out. "You're alive." she gasped, her fingers trembling at her mouth. "Where have you been?"
"With Arianna." I answered before turning my attention to Alec.
His face is blank, no expression at all.
King Thomas smiled as he walked over, he stood a meter away before gently bowing in front of me.
"You are exceptional." he patted my head before gesturing for Queen Yvonne to take his hand. "All of us, let's go. I think Alec and Ember need a talk."
Nobody protested, not even me.
I sat across the table from Alec, my eyes not reaching his as I played with my fingers.
My long red curls spread across my shoulders, my face free of all make up as I glanced around the room.
"Are you really her?" he asked and I nodded.
"Yeah." I answered.
"Why didn't you say?" he leaned forward, his eyes begging me for answers.
"I'm a runaway Princess, Alec. Announcing my identity isn't something I do everyday." I shrugged. "This matebond wasn't expected."
"So what would you have done? Just never tell me?" he scoffed. "I am your mate."
"I know." I spoke softly. "Our families hate each other and you have every girl fawning over you-"
"I would have put the rivalry aside. Goddess Ember, I don't care about other girls." he sighed. "I can't believe you!"
"Well it doesn't matter." I shrugged again. "I'm just here to be your guard.'
"You are not. You will take your rightful place as my Luna-"
"Hang on- I am in hiding! I am not taking that role! Do you understand the risks!?" I snapped. "Matebond or not, it can't happen. They will find me and they will torture me." I leaned forward. "I can't risk it Alec."
"Not even for me!?" he asked quietly, his eyes silently pleading with me to think of him.
"What do you mean Alec? Since when did any of this concern you!?" I stood up, shocked when he matched my energy.
"SINCE YOU ARE MY MATE!"
My eyes widened and I stepped back. My frown evident, eyes tired but face red. Who in the hell does he think he is talking to!?
"You are in my territory. What I say goes. You will remain here until further notice."
"You can't command me Alec. I am your equal." I spoke low enough for him to hear, his features softened slightly before his annoyance returned.
"You lied to me." he growled. "Typical."
I bit down on my lip, my teeth slowly piercing my skin as blood slowly made its way to my tongue.
Holding back a laugh, I pressed my tongue to the top of my mouth before pushing myself away from the chair and walking towards Alec.
His eyes shifted, the darkness reminding me he is an Alpha.
But he's an Alpha that can't take me down.
"Typical what?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
"Vanderbilt. You're a Typical Vanderbilt. Selfish, arrogant liars who only support themselves." he glared down at me and I clenched my jaw.
His brown eyes are black, his face slightly flushed from his anger.
I poked his chest, my gaze now on his lips and how pouty they are. Big, plump, pink lips. Ugh Goddess, this stupid matebond.
"I'm not my parents." I whispered. "But I do support myself and there is nothing wrong with that."
With that, I walked away.
The second day in a row.
-----
Sprinting through the woods, I clutched my dagger closer to me as the smell of blood started making its way through my nose.
Leaping over the forest wall, I hold back my tears as I see Arianna and Lyle covered in blood fighting amongst fierce warriors, they're winning but its a gory sight.
Lily howled as our eyes dart towards the cabin, Alec's cinnamon scent surrounds me, my fear quickly being replaced with anger as I charged at the cabin.
Kicking the door of his hinges, I cry as I see Alec, beaten, blood smeared all over him, dripping from his new wounds.
"I'm sorry! I'm so so sorry!" I stressed as yanked the wolfsbane infused cuffs off him.
A small smile played on his lips as I cupped his face.
"Alec, we need to get out of here. Arianna and Lyle will be fine. Can you walk?" I asked.
"Don't think about it. You are coming with me- if you refuse, he dies."
"What- No! You can't keep me! I'm his Luna!"
I cried out and screamed, my tears falling freely ad I see them start their abuse on Alec, I feel my own body start to give in, Lily howls in anger before-
"NO!"
No!
What was that?
Sweat dripped down my forehead and chest, tears fell freely down my face, my hair is damp, clothes soaked.
What an awful way to wake up.
"Goddess you're that panicked you can't even focus."
Snapping my head towards the door, Alec stood with his hands in his pockets, his tight shirt sticking to his muscles like a Greek God.
He looks delicious.
"What?" I asked, shaking my head as I ran my fingers through my hair.
Taking in the scenery, this isn't even my room.
"Where am I Alec?" I asked and he smiled softly.
"The room next door to mine."
"Why?" I whispered, my voice defeating me as I leaned into the bed, tears pouring out of my eyes.
"Because the only time you stopped crying, was when I held you." he walked over to the bed. A grin on his face. "That and I want you as close as possible. I won't push you, if you don't want to be in my room, thats fine."
I held back a snort as the bed practically lowered an entire level when he sat on it, his legs almost hanging off.
"Do you want to tell me what happened Emmy?"
"Emmy?" I asked and he nodded.
"That is my nickname for you, I can call you other things?" he laughed. "Hot stuff, Sugar, Sweetcheeks?"
"Emmy is fine." I laughed and he smiled before pulling out his phone and handing it to me.
Seeing a few restaurants on there, I furrowed my eyebrows and he just smiled at me.
All this smiling as if we weren't yelling at each other earlier.
"Order what you like. I'll eat whatever. We both missed dinner before so we can eat up here." he lay back, his arms flexing as he rested his head on his hands. "And don't say that I don't have to. I want to. So order away, Princess."
I just went for a pizza, I added chicken, peppers and bacon.
He eyed me skeptical before taking his phone back. Watching him click away, he tucked his phone back into his pocket.
'Lily, what do you think that dream was?'
'I think its our gift. Remember how every royal has a gift? I think you unlocked ours. I think we get visions of potential outcomes.'
'Like a Seer?'
"Yes but without the title."
Groaning, I pulled the hair bobble from my wrist and shoved my hair into a messy bun, my curls are contained a little better this way.
Feeling a finger trace along my jaw, I turned my face, straight into Alec's hand. His touch warm, sending tingles across my face. Surprisingly, I leaned into it, the feeling of being somewhat safe with him taking over.
Which is ironic since I'm here to protect him.
"You are so beautiful Ember." he gushed. "Incredibly beautiful."
"But I'm also a selfish liar right?" I raised an eyebrow and his face paled. "I'm kidding."
"What I said was so uncalled for. I never should've said it. I'm sorry." He took my hands snd kissed both my knuckles. "I understand why you hide your identity. I wish you felt like you could come to us."
"Our families have been at war, for centuries. Telling you, would make my father believe he isn't in control. Those Dale Villages? Those packs? They're my people, they're brainwashed but my people." I leaned back and sighed. "My father needs to think he is control, then- you strike. He is weak but clever."
Alec nodded, the cogs in his head turning, finally making solutions and sense to the questions in his mind.
I see his eyes keep drifting to me, wanting to talk, to ask me a question but he's scared, not of me, but the answer I'll give.
"Whats troubling you Alec?" I asked and he faced me, his eyes focused while his hands toyed with my fingers.
"Would you mind telling me your dream? Or whatever it was that make you scream?"
- Writer
