The Alpha Can’t Sense His Mate

ITHRA

I sat across from Zadok with a bored look on my face. I didn’t know why I needed to have dinner with him.

My room was more than fine and I honestly could do without seeing his face. For some reason, he demanded that I eat with him.

With what happened the last time I came here, I wasn’t ecstatic to be in any more dinners with him. But apparently, my opinion didn’t count.

Our table was layered with all sorts of food. Meatballs, pies, soup, every single food found in mother earth.

At this rate, it seemed we were having others join us because this couldn’t be just for both of us.

The maids set up the table and left us to our devices. I waited for sometime, expecting guests to join us but Zadok dug into his food, surprising me.

I watched in fascination as he tore into a chicken, he looked good, his canines were sharp and pointy. I couldn’t believe I just thought he was good-looking.

“Doesn’t meet your taste?” He broke the silence after taking a sip of water, “I could order a fresh new set of meals. Anything you prefer?” He asked,

If I wasn’t surprised before, I am now.

“This…Don’t you have guests? People who are supposed to join us.” I managed to say, unable to believe this feast was for us.

“I do. She’s seated in front of me, refusing to eat.”

His eyes conveyed his command. He wanted me to eat.

I picked up my spoon, and a plate of soup. “I thought we were having others join us.” I said, taking a spoonful of my soup.

My taste buds came alive, leaving me wanting more, and so, I continued.

“Eventually.” He said without sparing me a glance.

His tone held a promise, I wondered what went up his sick mind. I continued eating in silence, and my mind went back to the thought of visiting the dark forest.

Ever since I woke up, I had this nagging feeling at the back of my mind. Pushing me to go back to the farm, back to that green house, to find that book.

If there was anything that could help me figure out a way to the dark forest, it had to be in that book.

I found myself wishing for another dream with the enchantress. I felt out of touch, I needed something, something to keep me busy, or better still, something to make me stronger.

“A penny for your thoughts.” Zadok interrupts my thoughts, and I let out an inconsistent shrug.

How do you tell your captor that you are looking for a way out of his hold?

“Nothing much. Just wondering what the future holds.” I managed to say, refusing to meet his eyes.

“We have no control of what we will be Ithra, no one, no matter how powerful, has such power,”

I looked up, wondering where he was going with this,

“However, we have control of the present. We may not have control of what happened in the past or what the future holds, but rest assured, you are in charge of your present.”

I didn’t know what he was alluding to, but something told me I would understand with time.

The doors flew open and the leftovers and plates were cleaned up by the maids. I felt full, and ready to retire for the night.

I got up, “thank you for-”

I was interrupted by the door opening. Four people walked into the room. Four people I recognized.

Azriel, Athaliah, Morgan and Sollel.

The later three got on their knees the moment they came in while Azriel stood behind them with his arms crossed behind him.

“Are you feeling tired, Mi Amore?” Zadok said with a smile that unsettled me, “We were just getting to the good part. Have your seat.”

I knew better than to refute his orders. Zadok was weirdly out of character today, and honestly, I prefer when he was all big bad alpha than this sweet, and cunning show he was putting on.

He was angry, that was obvious from the get go. But to what extent, it was unclear.

I sat down, then focused my gaze on the women who were kneeling in front of us. I could hear the faint sobs from Sollel, which was silenced by one look from Zadok.

“You see my dear, the people before you are the ones who thought it wise to make a fool out of me.” Zadok announced as he got on his feet, introducing them like I didn’t know who they were.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“Athaliah, my trusted third in command, in unity with Azriel over there, decided to take laws into their hands and torture you without my consent.”

Azriel dropped to his knees, while I fought the painful memories Zadok’s words produced. I suddenly felt weak. Unable to defend myself, and under their mercy, all over again.

“While Morgan here, tried to kill you.” He laughed, “Again, without my consent. You know the funniest part of it? After failing woefully and ending up close to death, she decided to play the victim and have everyone testify to her favor.”

Morgan broke into tears. But Zadok wasn’t moved. He continued with Sollel.

“And Sollel here, lied to my face when I asked her for nothing but the truth. Not only did she lie, but she also put your life at risk.”

Sollel’s sobs were once again audible. Compared to the other ladies, she shook with fear as tears flowed down her eyes like a river.

“So here’s the catch. I’ve decided to punish them for their crimes, but then I thought, who is in the best place to determine what happens to these traitors?”

“Who has gone through the most hell at their hands?” He turned to me with a smile. “That’s where you come in, Ithra. These women’s lives are in your hands.”

He turned to me, “What would be the punishment for their crimes against you? Whatever you say will be granted, even if you desire their heads on a platter of gold. The ball is in your court.”

Zadok returned to his seat with a cynic smile. I couldn’t tell if this was a trap. I turned to the women and the ghostly expression on their faces told me one thing.

The Alpha meant every single word he uttered, and their lives were in my hands.