Chapter 161 Playing for Keeps
870words
The creak of the door startled me, and I struggled to regain consciousness. I didn't hear footsteps coming toward me, but I could feel his presence. I knew he was here with me. I could feel the coldness of his eyes lingering across my bare skin, and my eyes shot open. I didn't dare turn over, but I began to recognize the room I was in; the scent was so familiar that it took me back to my childhood. I glared at the photos above the oak dresser across the room and couldn't stop the smile from tugging at the corners of my lips. One picture caught my attention in particular. A middle-aged woman with gorgeous fire-red hair stood proudly beside her daughter, engulfing her in a side hug. I'd never forget that day. It was the day Bailey and I came together and shared the role of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz at the school play. We had argued for months about who would take the lead role. Bailey's mom was so proud of us that she even brought us both a bouquet of wildflowers.
It was one of the last good memories I had with Bailey's mom, Clarissa. It was just before she fell back into her addiction to alcohol and met Bailey's stepfather. I felt my eyebrows knit together as the realization hit me—why was I in Bailey's mother's bedroom? I didn't dare move, fighting the urge to make the smallest motion. I wasn't sure why, but in my mind, I told myself that if he thought I was still knocked out, he might just leave me alone.
It wasn't until I felt fingertips graze my bare skin, running from my shoulder down to my lower thigh. My blood ran cold at the thought of him so close to me.
"Well, good morning, Luna," he said into my neck, taking in a deep breath. I couldn't stop my body from trembling in response to his words. They were laced with pure sin. He let out a small moan as he inhaled my scent like I was a freshly lit candle. It was as if he was memorizing it, saving it for his own wicked enjoyment later. I knew I should keep my mouth shut, but I couldn't. I flipped over and sat up on the bed, turning my body to face the devil himself. He had dark bags under his eyes that made me wonder how long he'd been keeping me captive and why he looked like he was wasting away.
"Why are you doing this?" I demanded. I was careful to keep my voice even. Now wasn't the time to show weakness.
He let out a sinister laugh and pressed his lips together. I could tell he found amusement in my newfound confidence. "I don't believe you're in the position to be asking questions, my beautiful little Luna," he responded casually.
"But what about Sophia? She's your mate. I could never give you what she can. She's your fated mate; the two of you hold a sacred bond that can't be replaced," I begged. The words flew out of my mouth so easily that I had no time to mask my emotions. His eyes darkened as he cocked his head, catching the desperation in my pleas.
Alpha Christian stepped toward me, separating my legs with his own. I couldn't help but feel violated and exposed to the devil himself. He towered over me, staring down with those big hungry eyes.
"You can and you will... or else," he threatened. He was so close I could taste the mint on his breath as he presented my options. Or rather, the lack of them. This must be one of those glass half-full situations everyone talks about. Every inch of me was disgusted by his presence, but I knew better than to throw a tantrum and be dosed with more of that bloody liquid he kept mercilessly injecting me with.
"Or else?" I questioned, biting down on my bottom lip. He reached for the necklace and toyed with it in his fingers for a moment. My heart pounded in my chest as I begged the Moon Goddess for mercy, *please don't take that,* I repeated inside my head. I felt my palms become sweaty until he finally let go of the pendant and smirked.
"You wouldn't want to find out what 'or else' means for you, angel."
"You know, I pity Sophia. It's always the good ones who get mated to alphaholes, isn't it?" I said. I knew I was balancing on a tightrope, but I couldn't help myself. He remained unaffected by my words as he pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. I felt my breath hitch as his fingertips made contact with my face. A smirk played on his lips, which infuriated me even more. I called out to my wolf, but I couldn't feel her. It was like she was suppressed.
Wolfsbane. I knew this feeling. I remembered feeling this way before. This douchebag was drugging me with wolfsbane to suppress my wolf. Which meant only one thing: he didn't intend to kill me. He wanted to keep me... all for himself.
