THE SIGMA'S MATE

CHAPTER 12 - STARES

My mind is somewhere between consciousness and the peaceful bliss of sleep. I'm happy to lie here a little longer, however the nagging feeling that I should wake up persists to the point that I cannot ignore it any longer. My eyelids slide open to reveal a room that I am unfamiliar with. I lift my head off the snow-white pillow that I have been resting on to scan the interior of a neat bedroom three times smaller than my own at the Halmara Palace. While obviously and painfully plain, it is clean and somewhat comfortable. The only problem is that I have no recognition of it in the least... Nor is it the apartment I remember rushing Alaric to. Alaric. My heart tightens at the thought of him. I remember his last words to me, but somehow I cannot fathom how he would have survived. More concerning is that I have no recognition about what transpired after. What happened and where the hell am I? What happened to Alaric and Jayden? My heart squeezes painfully at the thought of Alaric not surviving. The only thing that reassures me is that I am certain that I would know immediately. With that being said, I gather my thoughts and untangle myself from the white sheets. I'm not going to get my answers lounging about in someone else's bed, so I make my way over to the door that separates me from whatever lies beyond. Hesitantly, I reach out a small hand and grasp the cold silver knob, turning it softly and slowly before pushing the door slightly open. I peak through the narrow gap, finding a passageway with multiple doors, much like a hotel corridor. Cautiously, I swing the door wider. Approaching the door opposite the one I find myself in, I test the handle to find it locked. So I try the next and the next and the next, until I have rounded the corner. Distant noise catches my attention. Putting on a brave face, I decide to follow the promise of answers. I reach a flight of elegant steps, disappearing to the next level along with an elevator showing the buildings more modern aspects. I take the stairs, finding myself at the entrance of what could only be described as an assembly of people. Nobody pays attention to me as I enter the large space. They are all focused on something or someone ahead. I analyze the people closest to me, realizing that they all wear the same uniform. A battle uniform that I've seen only twice before in Barcalou and at the Lake where I had been taken after being kidn*pped. These are the Sigma's people, his warriors. I instantly feel relieve. It's as if something had been sitting on my chest and now that it's gone, I can breathe easier. Alaric must be alive and well if I am here. There are a lot more people than I previously expected in the den of the lone wolf. The commotion dies down and as if I have called him with my thoughts, the Sigma appears above the crowd. He is elevated upon a podium so that even the people at the very back beside me would not miss the opportunity to lay eyes on the masked master. He is clothed in his usual dark colours, ready for anything in his combat suit. I fight the urge to push through the thickening crowd to get through to him, however I am unsure of myself here.

Any thoughts about approaching him fade as he begins his speech. "Each one of you has come here for your own reasons. Some of you had nowhere else to go and others have wanted to be here from the very start. Whatever it is that brought you to our doors, we have welcomed you in and given you a home." The masked Sigma says. "It is a privilege that should never be forgotten or under appreciated."

Mumbles break out and I hear the whispers speculating as to what this is all about. The energy throughout the meeting room sparks fill bloon speculation and theories from a new battle to a cull to rid the weak.

"Today, we welcome someone new." He tells the crowd gathered.

The excitement in the crowd immediately lights up with the expectation of a new recruit. Obviously this is not a usual occasion if everyone is so inclined to celebrate.

The Sigma only has to lift his hand to silence them. He continues, "Many of you will recognize her as she is a public figure well known in this country." Again whispers break out. "However, it is my hope that we will treat her the same as any other that has joined before. Remember, my will is your command. Don't disappoint me."

With his last words spoken, the Sigma steps away from the microphone and turns fast on his heels, disappearing completely from view. I try to search for him with my large eyes but I don't see even a glimpse of him again and I am reluctant to go looking for him just yet nor do I retreat back to the bedroom I found myself in earlier. Instead, I watch the crowd of supernaturals channel through to another room off the one Alaric has just spoken in. There is an excitement buzzing in the air that even I as an outsider can feel. I consider following, eager to find out where they are all going when a dark figure steps into my way, blocking my pursuit. I lift my dark head to meet the gaze of the man that haunts my dreams. My breath gets stuck in my throat and my lips part on their own. Suddenly he is so close, so in my space. I have to practice great restraint to keep myself from closing the narrow gap between us.

I see the curve of his lips as he says, "You're awake." He says smoothly, his masculine voice capturing my full and undivided attention.

"Obviously," I drawl, "and you aren't dead." I state matter-of-factly.

"Obviously." He replies with a grin spreading his richly coloured lips, unhidden by his selfish mask.

"I suppose your little speech is for me, which means that you have accepted." I say, trying to clear my head of improper thoughts.

"I will collect one day." There's a sternness to his voice that sounds threatening, "A favor for a favor."

His words are a bitter thing to hear. However, I have not lost hope that the Mating Bond will conquer his stoney heart. I just need time. I need time.

"Right, I understand." I say, lifting my chin and holding his haunting gaze.

"Good." He says, leaning closer as if to intimidate me.

There are a few people who I have lowered my head for, but my mate will not be one of them. Instead of intimidating me into submission, he fills my nostrils with his divine scent, scrambling my thoughts. He c***s his head, tilting it as he fixates on the blush creeping into my cheeks and the lust showing in my bright green eyes. He frowns unhappily, drawing back and away from me. I consciously scan the people passing us. Many have curious looks on their faces, wondering at the Sigma's interaction with me. Until they get a clear view of my face. Mouths instantly drop open and others trip over their own feet.

"You'll also have to give a magical oath swearing to never disclose this location." Alaric's words are close to my ear as he lays out his demands.

"Not unreasonable, fine. Is there anything else?" I ask without looking at him.

"Yes, don't make me sorry that I brought you here." He warns with a sinister tone, promising horrors if I were to fail.

I turn away from watching the astonished faces of strangers to meet honey coloured obs hiding the other half of my soul in their depths. I don't say anything. I am not afraid of him.

He narrows his eyes, watching my expression closely, "Your brothers are either madly loved or completely hated. You will feel the effects of their influence even here." He warns, promising an interesting few months.

He begins to follow the rest of the crowd through to another large room and I keep to his heels, wanting to stay with him as long as he will allow. The next room has benders, witches and other supernatural creatures grouped around tables, laughing and eating breakfast with their companions.

"I am not afraid of the comments of others. I have lived my life listening to the gossip of others who have nothing better to do." I tell him with surety. In fact, I myself have encouraged it when it suited me to do so.

The Sigma smiles as if understanding something I haven’t quite grasped yet, "You are here to learn how to fight. Training will require you to have sparring partners. Who do you think will be your fellow students and teachers?" He asks.

"You are not training me?" I ask sharply, surprised.

That is not our deal. The deal is for him to teach me, otherwise what is the purpose of this all? Why have I then come here and left the security of my home? If just anyone will be training me then I might as well have stayed where I was and used the trainers at the palace.

At my stern look, Alaric sighs deeply and says, "I shall on occasion, however you will learn the basics amongst the rest of my people."

I frown, unhappy with the news of joining the others instead of spending more time with him. I’m not sure what I’m more annoyed about.

He seems to catch my unspoken words. "I am a busy man, Lyra. I cannot give you all my attention when I have responsibilities of my own." He says sternly, walking towards the front of the dining hall.

I cast nervous eyes around the room, noticing more and more stares and looks of astonishment. The hall has become increasingly quieter.

"It will be good for you to spar with others too.” He continues as if he hasn't noticed anything amiss, “You won’t be receiving any special treatment Lyra, you will be treated like any other."

I swallow, wondering exactly what that entails, “I understand. So, when do we begin?” I ask, ready to get the show on the road.

“After breakfast." He says, pausing. He indicates with a long finger the waiting line for breakfast. "Make yourself at home."

I look at the line queuing with distaste. I've never had to que for anything in my life. I find it strange that there are servants of sorts, dishing out food, but that they cannot simply deliver it to the tables in a more seemly manner.

"Where do you eat?" I ask curiously.

"Not here." He says smirking, "Enjoy princess. It'll be a new experience for you."

*FROM AUTHOR

Dear readers : thank you for being so patient. As I have said in the comments, it's been a difficult time lately. I hope you will enjoy the new chapter... Exciting moments are on the way!