The Alphas Nightmare

Chapter 11

The next day

Even though it might surprise many, it felt kind of weird sleeping with Daniel here. I have found it quite peculiar. After what feels like ages, I’ve grown so accustomed to curling up and sleeping in our cozy bed at the pack house, our haven, our nest, surrounded by the scent of pine woods and earth, resonating with the rhythm of nature and the delicate hum of the pack around us. Its texture, the soft worn-in sheets that wrapped us in their familiar scent, and the quiet whispers of the night that lulled us to sleep, all of this had become a part of me.

The thought of all those memories nearly caused me to forget the feel of this particular bed, the texture of its hard and cold sheets, the alien silence of our old room. It felt almost like an experience from another life, a memory so distant and detached that it took some time to graze the surface of familiarity. But last night, as I lay down, the reality of our former life, the stiffness of this bed - it attempted to overwhelm the comfort of my present.

Today, though, is a very significant day for the whole kingdom. It is a special day filled with remembrance and respect, marking a solemn observance on everybody’s calendars, shared by one and all. It is a day when we gather, united in our emotion, to celebrate all our fallen; honoring those brave souls who laid down their lives serving our kingdom, upholding the honor and safety of our land and people. It’s a day when we remember, with gratitude and pride, the courage and sacrifice of those heroes who stood undefeatable even in the face of the tryst with death.

For this important occasion, I had carefully chosen a very simple dress, minimalistic in its design yet deep in its symbolic significance. It was a humble purple dress, with soft lines and a delicate fabric. The lavender color symbolized the pride and gratitude we held for our heroes, while its simplicity expressed the somber tone of our commemoration. After all, today wasn't about bright colors or extravagant statements, it was a day of remembrance, of respect and of deep, heartfelt gratitude.

Tonight, Daniel decided to mirror my attire. He decided to don an impeccably designed button-up shirt that was an attractive mirror image of the color of my dress. It's an unusual yet alluring contrast. He didn't do the top two buttons, giving his style an air of a curated, casual look that was simultaneously disarming and eye-catching. I found myself observing the sharp contrast of his personal style with our surrounding environment.

His rolled-up sleeves did not escape my attention either. They were pushed all the way up to his elbows, openly revealing the bevy of tattoos that adorned his muscular arms. Each stroke or brush of ink seemed to tell a unique story, adding a chapter to the enthralling book that was his life, a book I found myself longing to read. His tattoos were as mysterious as the man, my mate himself.

It wasn't just his attire or his body art. Something about the way he carried himself started inviting an onslaught of thoughts that were undeniably salacious. My imagination ran wild, and I found myself anticipating the end of the evening with increasing fervor. The everyday norms and boundaries seemed to dissipate, replaced by an intoxicating urge.

A truth dawned on me, an inevitable, thrilling fact. There was no doubt about it; I was on the brink of being hit by an all-consuming heat that would soon overcome me. The very prospect had me tingling with an intoxicating mixture of anxiety and excitement.

All these thoughts and sensations were making anticipation of our return to the pack house an excruciating wait. The taste of what could be carried an edge sharper than the most honed blade. The mere thought of our intimate return had me bubbling with a heat that would be hard to extinguish. The pack house, our abode, was waiting for us, and I couldn't help but long for what was to come.

The sun had begun to set, which meant the party would be starting very soon. When Daniel suddenly ceased all movement, his feet were planted firmly on the floor of my bedroom. Every muscle in his body locked into an abrupt freeze, his eyes fixing a heated gaze filled with an intoxicating mix of desire and anticipation in my direction. His face, usually relaxed and carefree, transformed into an intriguing combination of amusement and speculatively fierce hunger. He was riveted, all his focus centered on me in that bewitching moment, adding layers of intensity to my attraction to him.

Those brilliant eyes of Daniel locked onto mine with such hunger that it was almost tangible. They shimmered with unrestrained lust, mirroring the thoughts that danced blatantly in my mind. Each gaze was a vivid declaration of his innermost desires, like a window pane reflecting an unfolding mystery, beckoning me to unravel.

Complicated in this game of teases and tacit understanding, I too had my fair share of the blame. My desires, my longing for him were no secret. I often found myself lost in deliciously tantalizing thoughts of him and me, immersed in a world where just the two of us existed. It thrilled me to know my mental musings never went unnoticed by him, and it seemed our silences spoke more volume than any word ever could. My desires teased him relentlessly, fuelling his insanity with equal intensity.

Abruptly, and with a look that managed to be both warning and tempting in one, he let out a low predatory growl, raw and potent, that sent a shiver running down my spine. The sound was enticing, radiating an animalistic intensity that was near impossible to ignore. His voice, deeply sensual, promised an insurmountable pleasure, a barely veiled threat of his intentions should I fail to 'behave'. That is when he said, “Be a good girl. Or I will have my way with you wherever we are.”

A wave of exhilaration washed over me, painting my cheeks a vivid shade of red, the early evening sun casting long shadows that hid my blush from view. So I knew going out into the crowd would not cause anyone to question. His words, laced with a mix of playful reprimand and titillating invitation, sent my heart into a flutter. The mere thought of Daniel having his way with me was simultaneously thrilling and terrifying in its intensity.

As the time got closer, it dawned upon me that it was time to start heading towards the highly anticipated celebration for the fallen. I let Daniel know it was time to head downstairs and, with an air of exuberance, he gently made his way to the door of my bedroom that he anxiously opened for us, his chivalry radiating with every movement. I was the first to make way, stepping out into the vibrant corridor.

But, not without indulging in some light-hearted tomfoolery. As if it was our secret little tradition, he playfully gave me a little smack on my ass as I made my way past him, a mischievous spark twinkling in his eyes, making the moment that much more intimate and exhilarating.

Soon enough, we found ourselves going onto the kingdom grounds. We were here to commemorate the sacrificial deeds of our fallen brethren, their grandeur echoing in the grandiloquent architecture around us. It was a grand celebration, the atmosphere pulsated with grateful energy and heartrending remembrance.

As I inhaled the familiar air of the kingdom grounds, I was met with the happy greetings of some of my old high school friends. It was a heartening sight, the reunion brought waves of pure nostalgia that flooded over me. Conversations flowed, fluttering around old stories, hearty laughs, and the teeny-weeny secrets shared in the dormitory halls.

The scent of delicious meals wafted through the air, the tantalizing aroma leading us toward an array of lavishly laid tables. This was truly a feast that was, frankly, worth dying for. If I am being completely transparent, the divine savoriness lured me into filling not one, but two plates full with the tantalizing food.

Daniel remained by my side throughout, his unwavering support a comforting presence amidst this vast sea of familiar and alien faces. His gaze was locked onto me, soaking in my every move, his eyes speaking volumes even when his lips remained sealed. He linked me a few times asking me to join his playful endeavors, he was really trying to coerce me into sneaking off with him. He playfully hinted at the wild adventures that awaited us - giving me a taste of my own medicine and of what was to come when we step foot back into the refuge of our home in merely two days.

As Heath emerged hesitantly from the towering, cold stone walls of the age-old castle, he was struggling to balance a number of heavily laden trays in his strong, yet trembling arms. A bounty of food was spread across each tray - cuisine fit for royalty, laden with fresh fruits, succulent meats and an array of other delectable treats that held the potential to make even the most gluttonous individual pause in awe.

His head was bowed low, just as mom had predicted it would be, almost as if he was burdened by some unseen weight. His eyes, once brimming with life and laughter, were now downcast, firmly fixed on the castle stairs leading him to the kingdom grounds. He didn't make eye contact with anyone; it felt like he had built impregnable walls around himself, walls that he himself put up after his betrayal to my whole family.

In particular, he didn't glance my way even once. He hadn't noticed me amongst the throng of people, thank the Goddess, or he might have believed he could convince me that he was truly sorry. Yet, I was there, watching his every move, stalking him like a specter while he moved oblivious to my presence. I found a strange satisfaction in this, the anonymity that I had been blessed with.

A sardonic grin tugged at the corners of my mouth, for it struck me - even if Heath had noticed me, what would I have to say to him? How are you supposed to have a pleasant conversation with the one person who has betrayed not just me, but our entire kingdom? Daniel also kept his eyes on Heath. I walked right over to him and assured him that Heath was no threat to him or me.

As the party was drawing to a close, the torches flickered sporadically, their fiery flames dancing a solemn ballet as the castle courtyard prepared for the finale of the evening. My parents were all set to address the throng of nobles, peasants, and everyone in between before the crowd gradually melted away, reluctantly disappearing into the welcoming embrace of the night.

This was a time-honored castle tradition that everyone was looking forward to. The tradition of letting the balloons go, and lighting candles, that added a personal touch to this event. It was these passing moments, drenched in silent anticipation, that made this annual celebration unforgettable.