Chapter 5: Standing In The Shadows
512 Words
I held my breath, flattening myself against the cold stone wall. Silas didn’t move. His massive frame completely blocked me from the hallway, trapping me in a cocoon of his intoxicating scent. I could feel the heat radiating off his skin, the subtle rise and fall of his chest just millimeters from mine.
"Father? Are you in here?" Julian’s voice echoed down the corridor, sounding closer by the second.
The heavy thud of his boots slowed as he approached the entrance to the private wing. Beside him, Vivian’s high-pitched giggles punctured the silence.
"I thought I smelled that pathetic omega heading this way," Julian muttered, a tone of pure disgust dripping from his words. "If she’s trying to beg for her place back, I’ll have the guards throw her into the dungeons."
A fierce spike of anger flared in my chest, but before I could make a sound, Silas shifted. His hand, still wrapped firmly around the back of my neck, tightened just enough to ground me. He leaned his head down, his lips brushing against my temple as he whispered, "Be still, Clara."
The command wasn't laced with Alpha compulsion, yet it made my entire body melt into submission.
"Julian." Silas’s voice boomed out into the corridor, cold, powerful, and utterly detached.
The footsteps stopped instantly. Even through the wall, I could practically feel Julian freezing in his tracks. No matter how arrogant the rich young master was, he still feared his father.
"Father! I didn't know you were back in your quarters," Julian said, his tone instantly shifting from arrogant bully to eager-to-please son. "I just wanted to let you know the rejection is finalized. Vivian and I are making the arrangements for the pack alliance."
"I am aware," Silas replied smoothly, his golden eyes never leaving my face. A dark, wicked amusement danced in their depths as he stared down at me. He was actively hiding his son's rejected mate in the dark, and he was thoroughly enjoying it. "Go back to your guests, Julian. We will discuss your... choices... in the morning."
"Of course, Father. Goodnight."
Julian didn't hesitate. He turned and practically scurried back toward the grand ballroom, Vivian trailing quickly behind him.
Only when the heavy doors to the main hall creaked shut did I finally let out the breath I had been holding. The tension in the alcove broke, leaving behind a thick, lingering heat.
Silas slowly stepped back, releasing his hold on my neck. The sudden loss of his touch left my skin tingling, feeling strangely cold. He looked down at me, crossing his powerful arms over his chest.
"You see how easily he bows?" I whispered, looking up at him with a triumphant smile. "He doesn't have the spine to rule. You need someone who isn't afraid of the dark, Alpha Silas."
Silas stared at me for a long beat, the dangerous smirk returning to his lips. "You've proven you have a reckless amount of courage, Clara. Very well. You want your alliance? Tomorrow morning, my driver will collect you. Don't be late."
- Writer
