Serafine POV
The water is cold now, and I finally admit defeat and get out. My skin is red and tingling from how harplysoned acr doesn’t matter though. I dry off with one of the thick towels and wrap it around myself as mep back and the ethos
I stop walking, my breath catching in my throat as I realise what’s happened. The bedding has been conget is at de and new. There are no stains on it. Sitting on top of the bed is a pile of clothing.
As I walk over, I lift them and notice the tags on them. They are brand new. Why would he give tHE THEN THEs ste and lace; it’s lingerie, mostly in blacks and deep reds. There are delicate nightgowns and chemises. These things are meant to be worn for a man’s pleasure. None of it is normal nightwear, but it’s still better than the summer test was
wearing.
My stomach twists as my fingers trail over them hesitantly. These weren’t given by another woman or handed to me as a quick fix. The fact that they are new confuses me. My lips part slightly as I pick up the black chemise
I want to see this as cruelty. Sure, these may be to help him gain what he wants, to gam sex it’s far from cely trough r s kindness. At least in my eyes, it is because I’ve never been given anything new.
Still, it makes no sense. After what he did to me, why would he do this? Why did he have the sheets changed? Most would have made me change them myself.
Exhaling slowly, I push down the thoughts. None of it matters right now. All that does matter is that I need to get soNTE sleep.
Pulling on the chemise, I feel the soft fabric sliding against my sore skin, making me shiver it’s such an unfamiliar sensation. It clings to me, the hem brushing mid–thigh. It’s comfortable, possibly the most comfortable thing fear Nom Hesitating briefly, I grab the clothes and place them on the drawers before I climb into bed. The sheets are cool clean and smooth against my skin. As much as I want to stay awake, I can’t. My body is too exhausted. My head just about hits the pillow before I’m dragged into sleep.
A sharp knock startles me from my sleep, and panic climbs into me. He’s back already? My eyes fly open, and my heart lurches as I sit up quickly. Stopping, I look around and realise it’s morning. For a brief moment, I almost forgot where I was. The heaviness in my limbs is still there from last night.
I hear another knock.
Swallowing the panic, I push the covers off me and force myself to stand. My body is still sore, but the sharp pain from last night has dulled into more of just an ache. Crossing the room, I hesitate for a second before opening the door
A woman stands there, dressed simply. Her face is calm but unreadable. “Alpha said you need to come for breakfast
I blink at her, my mind catching up slowly. Alpha, as in Xander? So, he does have a pack? “L” My eyes ficker dow The thin chemise I’m wearing barely covers me. “May I get dressed first?”
“There’s no time. He’s requested that you come right away” she says flatly.
I hesitate briefly. I don’t want to go like this. If there’s no time, then arguing won’t do me any good. I will also be defying one of his orders. My eyes flicker back to the drawers, toward the pile of clothes that they left for me.
Grabbing a silk gown, I slide it over the chemise. It’s not the best, but it will have to do. It’s not long, it still only goes to my thighs, but at least it’s not see–through like the chemise. It’s something, at least.
The woman steps aside, waiting for me to follow. Taking a deep breath, I step out into the hallway and follow her. This place is too big, and I’ve got a lot of questions, but I don’t think Xander will give me any answers. Actualy I know that he won’t because why would he tell me anything when everyone else believes he’s a rogue?
Being his wife doesn’t entitle me to the truth, far from it. If anything, it probably means I’m less likely to be told to get an honest answer. The state is quiet, and she says nothing as she guides me the way. Stopping at the end of a large ha pushes open a set of heavy doors.
When I step inside, I see it’s a dining room, nothing small either. The table will seat at least twenty people. I can feel him, Xander, before I even see him.
My eyes look across the table, and I see him already seated. His eyes lift to mine the second I walk in. I stop, only for half a second, before I make my feet cooperate and move. My pulse thunders as I approach him. I’m not usually allowed to eat with others or at the table. The woman points to a chair that’s directly opposite him, and I lower myself on it. My hands rest stiffly on my lap, and Xander watches me.
His expression is unreadable, and I sit confused as I watch them bring in breakfast and place it down. There’s fresh bread, eggs, fruit, all foods that look far too good for me. I’m not used to this, so I don’t move or touch anything, I might have been invited here, but that doesn’t mean he gave me permission to eat.
1/2
