Mated After Redemption {Alpha Mate's Series}

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

Adjusting her gown, Naomi prepared to leave the car. In a split second, an idea occurred to me. I wondered why I had not thought of it before. It would have been easier to execute it while at the shopping mall when it was only Naomi and me. Now we were back at the house with hundreds of eyes- Kane's probably- watching my every move.

I grabbed Naomi's arm. She turned to me, startled. She took my expression for fear, and she clutched my hand, her eyes scanning the vicinity, searching for danger. With an effort, I smiled at her.

"It's fine, Naomi," I whispered.

"Then, what-"

"I just want a quick word with you," I said, sinking my voice even lower. At her blank expression, I added "In private." My eyes swiveled in the direction of the guard.

"Oh," she said, her brow clearing.

The guard standing by the car door and conscious of the delay bent to look in on us. He looked at Naomi, his brows raised in inquiry. I kept my expression blank when he glanced at me. I didn't want to give myself away.

"It's alright," Naomi said to the guard, rolling her eyes. "Just girls talk." The guard grinned at that.

I was startled despite myself. I had almost come to think of Light Moons' guards as robots without emotions. Turns out they could smile and interact, but just not with me. Probably on Kane's orders too.

"You can help us take the bags inside. Thank you."

The guard nodded, straightened, and shut the door. A second later I felt the boot open. I waited until the last guard had taken the bags inside, signaling to Naomi to wait.

"Naomi," I said, my words getting jumbled in my haste to finish before we got interrupted. "I . . . I have a favor to ask of you."

"Anything, dear."

"I want to use your phone." She sighed and her expression became hooded.

"Just for a minute." I hastened to add. "Please, listen before you say no. I've been away from home for- I don't know how long. My parents will be worried about me. I just want to let them know I'm okay and safe. I promise I won't tell them where I am." I wasn't used to begging and I hoped I had infused the right tone of pleading in my voice.

My plan was to call Alistair using Naomi's phone. I knew he would listen to me without interruption. It was too much to hope that Naomi would leave the car, giving me privacy to make the call. Alistair and I had our system of communication which had been improved on over the years when I didn't want my parents to grasp what we were discussing. I would try to tell him where I was and who had kidn*pped me. He may not understand everything I would say, but he was smart and I felt sure that he would understand eventually.

What I was not so sure of was if my plan would work. With the way Naomi had defended Kane, I could tell that she and her mate were loyal and devoted to him. I could only hope that the time we had spent at the mall would make her inclined to help me. With a sigh, I wished I had made myself more likable and friendly to her. I had enjoyed her company, but I didn't want anyone to think that I was resigned to being kidn*pped.

She frowned and appeared to consider for a while. I got the impression that she was going through the charade of appearing to consider the request for my benefit. She probably thought that an outright refusal would upset me.

Her brow cleared. Studying the set and determined expression on her face, my heart sank.

"I'm sorry Eleanor." She sounded genuinely sorry. "Alpha Kane instructed me not to allow you access to a phone. I can't disobey his orders."

I held out my wrists to her.

"Why don't you all put me in chains then while you're at it? There's no need to pretend now. I'm a prisoner here."

"I'm really sorry about-"

"Save it," I said, reaching for the door.

Undeterred, she touched my arm lightly. "I really enjoyed our time together today. I look forward to spending more time with you but Ryan is waiting for me. We'll catch up later." With a smile and a pat on my arm, she left.

I got out of the car, slamming the door as hard as I could. It rocked a little. Good. I really hoped I had damaged something. Ignoring the curious glances of the pack, I stomped to the door. I did not get a chance to try my strength on the great iron ring of its handle. A guard had arrived as I was putting out my hand and hastily opened the door for me. I was sure he had seen me slam the car door.

The sheer size of the hall almost took me by surprise again. My room was upstairs, and there were a lot of staircases to choose from. I shrugged and made my way up to the closest one. The pictures and artwork on the wall panels seemed familiar, so I guess I was headed in the right direction.

There was a guard on the landing. I wasn't sure but he looked like one of the guards in the dining room earlier.

I contemplated him. He was sure to have information that could help me escape. The guards had to have a weakness. They were not machines after all. I knew I was good-looking and used my charms on some occasions to let my dad's strict guards allow me out of the pack house. Men would be men and few could resist a beautiful woman.

I adjusted my dress and patted my hair in place. For a moment, I wished I was wearing something more revealing.

As I approached, he took no notice of me, staring straight ahead.

"Hello." I said, looking up at him from under my fluttering lashes."I seemed to have lost my way. I'm going to my room." I gave what I hoped was a girlish enough giggle. "There seem to be a lot of rooms in this house. . ."

I let my words trail off hoping he would take the hint and volunteer more information. Nothing. He just dipped his head a little in a bow.

I decided to ask him a direct question instead. "Exactly how many rooms are there in this house?"

"A lot, Luna."

I stepped closer to him, letting my fingertips trail lightly on his arm.

"Don't be too formal. You can call me Eleanor." Nothing.

"Where exactly is this place?"

"It is Alpha Kane's house. It is within the premises of the Light moon pa-"

"I know all that," I said, cutting him off. My voice had come out sharper than I had intended. I took a breath to calm myself. It was no wonder the guards here were annoying. Their leader had obviously influenced them. This wasn't working out as I hoped. My light touch on his skin earlier should have reduced him to putty in my hands.

"Could you show me to my room instead?" I said, smiling seductively at him.

He bowed. "Of course, Luna."

I gritted my teeth in annoyance. He made a move to lead the way. I grasped his arm, softly kneading the huge muscles underneath his shirt. I brushed my fingers over his chest, leaning in to fasten the topmost button on his shirt. He stood still staring straight ahead of him. I could have been a fly perched on his shirt for all the notice he took of me.

"Before we go," I said in a whisper. "Do you have a phone I could use for a minute?"

He bowed again and stared straight ahead. "I'm sorry, Luna but-"

"What do you think you're doing?" Kane's voice was like a whiplash. I hurriedly dropped my hands, taking a step back from the guard.

He bowed in Kane's direction and retreated. I turned to glare at Kane.

"Why are you still keeping me here? What do you want from me, Kane?" I knew I was yelling loud enough for guards and maids to hear, but I was past caring at the moment.

Kane took two steps towards me, placing one cool finger on my lips. He leaned in and brushed aside my hair.

"Eleanor," he whispered in my ears. "If you ever feel the need to flirt with someone, do it with me."

With a featherlight touch, he trailed his lips across my ear and neck.

Damn, he's hot Kiara spoke up. Those lips should be on mine.

"I could kiss you on your lips if you want," Kane whispered again. I winced. He had obviously heard Kiara.

I felt something wet and warm touch my earlobe. A second later, I realized it was his tongue. He blew softly into my ear making me shiver in pleasure.

"Ahem" It was the sound of someone clearing his throat. I stepped back quickly and looked over my shoulder.

It was Kane's Beta, Ryan.