Bound To My Tormentor

Chapter 3: The Alpha Who Watches

RHEA

Kyros Greywood always seemed to know where I was. The weight of his gaze followed me through the courtyard, pressing against my chest like a physical force. I tried to focus on my notes, but the tension refused to leave.

A few seconds later, I looked up, but he wasn’t there. I frowned, as I thought I was just being overly cautious, but someone across the courtyard had just knocked over their cup, startled by some noise I didn’t hear.

Their eyes flicked towards me and then back to the fountain, unease spread across their faces. I could feel that somehow I was being watched.

I clutched my book, heart hammering as I wondered why he was watching me. I didn't think it was because I was an omega or something exquisite to be gazed at.

I had just flipped over to the next page when I heard the laughter. I froze immediately. The sound of heels clicking echoed off the stone pavement. I knew who was coming before I even saw them. The girls in my year who took absolute joy in reminding me that I didn’t belong.

I slowly lowered the book to my lap, my fingers tightening around the edges as their shadows stretched across the ground in front of me. There were three of them.

“So this is where you've come to hide, little miss omega,” one of them said, her voice dripping with false sweetness as she blocked my path.

“I..I wasn't hiding,” I murmured. My voice sounded thin even to my own ears.

“I...I wasn't hiding,” another mocked. “I think you are sitting where you don’t belong.” She reached for my book and flung it away.

My chest tightened as I knew I couldn't fight them. I wasn't as strong as them and I also didn’t want to risk losing my scholarship. The school wouldn’t fight for a nobody like me.

"Do you think if you came out here, we wouldn't notice you? And you could pretend like you belong?" The first girl said. Her friends circled round me, one of them tugging harshly at my hair.

"Did you bleach your hair? White isn't your color, omega. It makes you look sick and even paler than you already are,” the third girl mocked, twirling my hair round her fingers.

Before I could say anything, a loud, calming voice rang out. “Step away.”

I blinked. Standing a few feet away from me was a guy I didn't recognize. Not that I knew many people. He was tall, strikingly handsome in a soft way and had midnight hair that fell slightly over his forehead.

The girls froze. One muttered something under her breath, and the leader’s hand twitched as if to strike again.

“I said step away,” he repeated.

Finally, with a glare that could pierce, they strutted away. I exhaled with relief. “Tha…thank you,” I stammered.

He nodded, then bent forward to retrieve my book and handed it over without a comment. His gaze flickered at the pages.

“I’m Kellen,” he said, extending a hand.

I hesitated for a moment. The idea of someone introducing themselves to me politely, despite knowing I was an omega, made me wary. He didn’t drop his hand and waited patiently for me to take it.

“I’m Rhea,” I said cautiously, shaking his hand.

It got quiet between us and my awkward self didn’t know what to say, so I sat and continued reading.

“It is getting dark and there might be a snow storm tonight,” Kellen said after some minutes. “You should head back.”

I looked up, and realized I was so engrossed in reading and lost track of time.

“Yeah,” I muttered, the thought of how I’d go back to my dorm room unnoticed filled my head.

“I’ll walk you,” he added after a pause. I nodded in agreement.

As we rounded a corner, the air grew heavy and Kellen stopped. I paused, my heart drumming widely.

Kyros leaned against the stone archway, arms crossed, eyes on Kellen’s hovering hand near my elbow. He looked more predatory than any wolf I had ever seen, despite him being in his human form. My chest tightened as I realized I had done nothing wrong yet feared his wrath.

“Kyros,” Kellen said, his voice a bit louder. He stepped slightly in front of me.

Kyros turned his gaze to me and I retreated without thinking, my head brushing Kellen’s chest. Kyros didn’t seem to like that as his gaze hardened. He stared at me like I was some piece of his property. Kyros didn’t speak for a moment, the silence stretching till I felt faint.

“Go,” Kyros said to Kellen. His voice was flat.

“I was…....” Kellen started.

“Go.”

Kyros's eyes never left me. Kellen hesitated, then stepped back. His eyes met mine and something like an apology flickered there before he walked away.

Kyros walked towards me, his movements slow. The sheer force of his presence pushed me till my back hit the stone wall. He leaned in, his face inches from mine.

I saw anger and simmering frustration in his eyes, but it didn’t feel directed at me. He looked at the spot where my head had touched Kellen’s chest, his jaw tightening with controlled anger. He didn’t say a word and simply stared hard at me for a long, agonizing moment before pulling back and walking away.

~

I was hot, tensed, heart racing, and aware of someone dangerously close

“Mine.”

The voice was filled with possession, and it didn't look like a declaration of affection, instead it felt like a claim of ownership.

Just as teeth sank into my throat, I screamed.

~

I jolted awake, gasping for air, sweat dampening my hair. My hand frantically pressed the wall until the light turned on. The dream looked so real. I curled my knees, tears streaming down my face.

“Why?” I whispered, my voice filled with fear. “Why do I feel this way?”