Alpha's Daughter and Her Mafia Mate

5: Considering The Offer

CAMILLA

I watched my mate leave with his son and felt a sudden emptiness creeping in. For the brief moment that I had held the boy in my arms, I felt a great deal of tenderness. I must also admit that I felt pride for saving him. Not only had it saved my mate unimaginable pain, but I am tempted to think that I have perhaps earned a little respect from him. I wasn't kidding when I said there was no way he would have made it to the hospital. For the first time, I am grateful to have taken the damn course at university. My wolf agreed with me fully.

Now I am left with a choice. Not really much of a choice because I know what I want, but I can't appear too eager for the little bit of freedom otherwise Leo might mistake me for a pushover. And seeing I am the future Alpha of my pack, I can't afford to have him questioning that when I finally turn him, mark him and make him mine.

I don't know for how long I stayed lost in my thoughts, before the basement door creaked, and I scented Henry. He sauntered in looking all relaxed, unlike other times that had been regarding me as scum. He gazed at me for a while, perhaps wondering if I had made a choice. His next words surprised me. “I hate owing anyone, but I owe you one. Thank you.” I could tell it wasn't easy for him, and it made me hopeful. If his attitude towards me had begun changing, and it's not his son that I saved, I can only imagine how my mate's perception of me has changed.

“I was just doing what comes naturally to me. I mean, like you with your fetish to mangle people's faces.” I couldn't help but mock him.

“Just take the damn compliment.” He grumbled, but I didn't miss the way his tone lightened with mirth. I laughed out loud, and for once, my laughter didn't seem to annoy him. A brief silence fell upon us. “So, have you made a decision?” He blurted. Of course. But I can't tell him that. Not yet anyway.

“From where I stand, there is nothing much that has changed.” He opened his mouth to speak, but I beat him up to it. “In all honesty, I will just be a glorified prisoner.” Henry chuckled. He was with no doubt impressed.

“That may be true,” he mused. “But from where I stand,” the smug bastard stole my line. “A glorified prisoner has better privileges in comparison.” He threw me a challenging glance, like he was daring me to deny the obvious. I rolled my eyes in a huff.

“I guess it makes sense to be able to scratch my face whenever without having to ask you to do so with a nice smack.” I referred to my tied-up condition. My wolf was close to a breaking point anyway. She didn't like being bound.

“You have a sharp mouth, little girl.” Henry shook his head, exiting the basement and once again left me to wallow in my own thoughts. I kept glancing at the door hoping that Leo would show up, but he didn't, and you can only imagine my disappointment. Just when I had given up, the door creaked. I automatically assumed it was one of the security guys bringing dinner for me until my mate's scent assaulted my nostrils. A huge grin that split on my face couldn't be contained. When he got closer, he raised his brows quizzically.

“If I didn't know any better, I would have assumed you are happy to see me.” If only he knew how happy I was. He placed the tray of food he was carrying down, untied my hands and feet. “Henry tells me you have made a decision.” He simply uttered reaching for the tray and placed it on my lap. He gestured for me to start eating and when I didn't make an attempt, he huffed, picking the spoon ready to feed me, I guess.

“I need to understand how this arrangement will work because I can't be your prisoner forever,” I uttered stubbornly, making him halt and place the spoon back down as it had just dawned on him that I am indeed his prisoner. “You might as well kill me now!” His face darkened.

“I am a man of my word. And I already told you that death is out of the question since you saved my boy.”

“So what next? Uh?” I glared. “I would rather know what I am getting myself into before getting in a deal I can't get myself out of.” Leo laughed and what I interpreted as a proud smile blossomed on his face.