Branded

Like Glue

Fraya's POV

I inhaled deeply as he leaned in closer and told me I would be with him all day. I could feel my blush steadily rise and my body heat up. My body reacted so intensely to his every movement that I constantly felt like a compressed coiled spring. What did he even mean anyway? I stuggled to make my voice function and it came out as a raspy croak.

Totally sexy Fraya.

I could die from embarrassment. I was here to do a job. I was lucky to be here and I needed to focus. If I couldn't keep this job I would be in dire straits. The convent had been difficult. I remember the beatings when you 'misbehaved'. I had to blend in and disappear to survive. I didn't want or need anyone. It had crossed my mind in the wee hours that I was going to age and die surrounded by my inevitable cat collection.

I wasn't anything special to look at. The nuns had called me hiddious and sinful and cut my hair harshly. It had grown out but even now their words still rung in my ears, 'That girls raven locks are an ill omen. Her parents should have known.' My raven hair was unusually pitch black and dense. It made my skin seem paler and almost translucent - a walking corpse. Who could love someone like me? People only use you and discard you. So I couldn't understand this connection. Was he interested in me? Or was he playing with me? Or both. I was so confused. I just need to keep my guard up. Do the job. Try and forget the tingling sensation that washed over me at the mere sound of his voice.

I was in trouble.

I took a step back and a hint of hurt seemed to flash in his eyes before they became hooded again. He too stepped away and regarded me thoughtfully.

One of us needs to speak before it gets any more awkward.

'Yes Alpha Burnwood. What would you like me to do first?' I tried to appease him, hoping to leave the room to fetch something, anything to escape.

'As it is early, it is time for Breakfast. You will eat with me and then we will need to visit the training grounds and attend several meetings with guests. You will speak when spoken to by me. You will only recieve orders from me. You are not to leave my side and you are to take notes. Is that clear?'

I nodded, 'Yes Alpha.'

'When we are alone you will call me Elkhart.'

My heart almost stopped. His name was Elkhart! I knew it! But how? My brain felt foggy as if something was in the way everytime I tried to push through. A memory out of reach.

'Well?' He looked at me expectantly.

'Yes, Al..Elkhart.' My cheeks blaze as his name passes through my lips. His eyes darken and a smile pulls at the side of his mouth in satisfaction.

'Come,' He beckons and I follow loyally behind.

We head towards the grand dinning room in which I first served him.

He reaches the table and I hoover waiting for him to sit first. He impatiently waits until he grumbles, 'Ladies first,' and pulls out a chair closest to him signalling for me to sit. Awkwardly, I accept.

He sits and claps his hands and food is served. A lavish display of fruits and baked goods are presented. Never had I seen such an array and I dare not move. Gluttony was a sin. You should only eat enough to sustain you. The nuns words ring through my ears. Sustain. More like starve.

I look up at Alpha Elkhart for permission. His lips compress and I sense a frustration and...sadness? As he nods his head. His reaction hits a chord with in me. I'm being pathetic. Screw those nuns.

I dive in, taking a little of everything to try. There are items I don't know the name of but feel too embarrassed to ask. Eitherway, it was sumptuous.

I let out a little sigh of satisfaction and glanced up at Alpha Elkhart. My heart almost exploded. He shot me the most gorgeous smile and gave me a playful wink.

'You need to eat like that every day. You'll need the energy.' He winked at me and I felt my face redden.

'Yes..Elkhart,' I smile shyly back.

He looks stunned but quickly recovers himself.

'I would like to play a game with you,'

'What game?' I didn't know many as games were for the 'idle' and was worried about showing off my ignorance.

'Twenty questions. I want to ask you twenty questions and you must answer me honestly. In return I will do the same tomorrow, but you get to ask me instead.'

He smiles encouragingly. Why would he want to know about me? But it couldn't hurt so I shug and agree. He put down his utensils and I noticed he had mainly eaten the breaded meats.

'What is your favourite flower?' He asks in real ernest.

'Sunflowers,' I say without a pause for thought.

'Why?'

'They symbolise summer and life. They are also muti purposeful. They can be used in food and medicine. It is a useful yet beautiful flower.'

He pauses thoughful. He nods, seemingly satisfied with my answer. I am filled with pleasure at meerly pleasing him. I want his good opinion.

'Who are your close friends?'

I pause, uncomfortable, should I lie? I decide not to no matter how embarrassing it was. I knew he'd be able to tell.

'I don't have friends,' I pipe up quietly.

'Why not?'

I sigh, 'Because people can be cruel and I find it hard to trust others.Friends are not required to remain loyal. They aren't family who are meant to love you unconditionally...and even then.. you can't always trust family.' I am astounded by my own honesty. It felt like a weight had been lifted from my heart.

Elkhart caught a tear that had escaped and he was shushing me. Only then did I realise sobs were convulsing my body and I could not hold it in.

Swifty, he enveloped me in a hug and crushed me against his rock hard abs. Calm washed over me as he stroked my hair and let his hand drift to my back, rubbing reassuring circles. My tears stopped and I enhaled Elkharts scent like a starved woman. He was a real comfort. I had known him for such a brief amount of time. Why did I trust him so?

He reluctantly released me, evident by his lingering hand on mine.

'You have lived a tough life my little one. Now you are here I will protect you.'

Those were the most beautiful words ever spoken to me. I could sense his sincerity through his eyes.

'We will save more questions for later. Come. We must start our duties.'

I immediately oblige, pleased with the use of our.