Rich Blood

Chapter 13: An Offer

Selene's POV

"Me? Why me?"

"He is trying to play mind games." He paused, trying to gather his thoughts, "I am going to be transparent for you, Selene. And I am hoping you will do the same."

It's odd to have a man, especially one with such authority not just demand something. "Of course."

"He also knows about your father's plan. And he knew you by name, and that you have a gift with healing and medical care."

"So, chances are, I know him."

"Exactly." He shifts himself in his seat. I can see the tension in his jaw, his shoulders. There is more he isn't sharing.

"So he mentioned me, my father and the High Priestess' location?" My stomach knotted.

"Is there anything else he would have mentioned, do you think?"

This felt like a trap. A lump forms in my throat. But he asked for transparency and I would give him anything he asked for, if I am being honest with myself.

"Well, remember when I first got here and said regardless of where I was that I was dead already?" I pause, his face looked pained. Was it because I implied that it pains me to be here with him? I slowly continue, as I feel my emotions starting to rise.

"Let me explain, coming here means living in servitude and that is not at all what I had dreamed for myself, but it is far comparable to the other option. If I return to the southern territories, My father arranged it to where I will be married to Demetrius Veer.

It's the first time I've said it out loud. Despite my trying, tears begin to flow. I've held onto them for so long, I bury my hands in my face, and the next words come out as a sob, "I can't marry him. He'll kill me. And if I don't complete what is expected out of me, my father will have me killed, so it's just a matter of time."

I feel Richard coming near me. He speaks in nearly a whisper. "Selene."

"I'm sorry, I'm okay." I try to pull myself together. Get my words straight, there are many expectations out of the women in this society and speaking out against her elite father or future husband is equivalent to treason."I didn't mean to, I mean I should say...."

When I finally look up, I realize he is mere inches from me again, but unlike before giving me a respectful distance. I wish he'd come closer. Even just a hug would probably make a world of difference right now.

Then, almost like he could read my mind, he pulled me into his strong arms and let me bury my face into his chest. I could feel where his chin rested on the top of my head and his arms wrapped securely around my body. I wrap my arms around his, as far as they can reach.

I feel my whole body relaxing into his. I could stand here forever. We stood there in silence, I didn't know what this meant exactly but I also didn't care.

"Selene?"

"Hmm?"

"What if I we came up with our own plan?"

Only half concentrating on what he was saying and more focusing on the sound of his heartbeat, I reply with "Like what?"

He lifts my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes and says "What if you marry me first instead, what if I mark you and make you mine?"

My heart flutters, fast. Rarely am I at a true loss for words. I look into his eyes and try to search for a hint of sarcasm, joking. This has to be a prank.

"Take some time to think it over." He says, confidently. "It doesn't have to be forever. Just until you're safe. But I don't want you feeling trapped here."

He kissed the top of my head and pressed his forehead into his. I had a sudden flashback to my black wolf by the lake.

What if Richard... no. That's silly.

"Could I have the night to think it over?"

"Of course." He smiles genuinely then pulls.oit of the hug, much to my dismay. "Now, back to the Feral."

"Ah, yes." I straighten up. "Is he...confined?"

"Completely, and I will be there with you the whole time."

"What are his injuries like?"

"Well, my men, definitely broke his nose, he has some deep scratches from resisting, nothing too permanently. But, by this time he is most definitely in withdrawal, so he may be hostile."

"That's fine. I've deal with my share of hostile weres, Feral and non."

I can tell he isn't a fan of this but I also understand his need of the information this Feral is withholding.

"Well, let's get to it, and Richard, let me do most of the talking. I probably know how to deal with Ferals better than you, no offense."

He smiled and we were on our way.