Chapter 154 Never Gone
1101words
I stood under the stream of water spitting from the bronze-colored showerhead. I felt like my worries were physically melting away as my muscles relaxed under the trail of warmth spewing against my skin. I decided to live in the moment, even if that was all it was. Just a moment that would pass by all too quickly. Yet it was a moment that still managed to pull me from the reality surrounding me.
I turned off the water and wrapped my body in the plush white towel that Jaxon had stocked daily under the sink. I glared at my reflection in the mirror. I knew I didn't have much time until the presentation of the Gamma. I could have called the same maids who did Sophia's hair and makeup, but I decided against it since it would take too long. Instead, I put my faith in all the hair and makeup tricks that Bailey had taught me. I couldn't mess this up too badly, could I?
I pushed through the washroom door, and it felt like the air suddenly got sucked out of my chest. I caught a glimpse of him as he fixed his suit in the body-length mirror; he looked like an absolute god. Alpha Jaxon was wearing a solid midnight black suit with gold buttons adorning the front and a red regal sash over his body. His shoes even shone so brightly, I swore I could see my reflection in them. He must have caught sight of my mouth hanging wide open because he turned to catch me in the act. A playful smirk invaded his face, like he was proud of himself. I shook my head and started strutting toward the closet. "Hubba bubba," I said with a small smile.
Before I could turn to see the dress I was expected to wear, I felt large hands slam me against the mirror. Jaxon's lips sat inches away from mine, desperation filling both of us. My wolf winced inside; she wanted her mate to close the distance between us, but he didn't. I couldn't say I wasn't feeling irritated, so I dropped my towel. I felt the towel hit the floor, brushing against my legs as it fell. Jaxon's wolf peered through, gold flakes now flashing within his honey eyes. "Hubba bubba to you too," he responded.
I wanted him to make a move already, dammit. I wanted to feel him inside me. My eyes went wide when a small growl escaped my chest. Alpha Jaxon grinned, and I could hear the laugh he was trying to suppress inside. "I better go before we both end up late for the presentation," he said as his warm breath danced across my lips. I wanted to object, I wanted to beg him to stay, but instead all I could do was respond with a small nod. "Good girl," he whispered in my ear, and I swallowed the lump now sitting at the back of my throat. There was no doubt he knew what he had managed to do to me.
Like a bolt of lightning etched across the night's sky, he pushed off me and exited the room. I stood there alone, feeling the wetness creep down my thigh as I panted, trying to catch the breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Fuck, what was that?
My wolf winced inside; if it had been up to her, we would have been his personal sex doll—ready at his disposal to be used and abused as he and his wolf pleased. I let my body go as my back slid against the mirror and down to the floor. That was when I caught sight of it: a crimson red satin fabric floating just above the hardwood floor. My eyes lingered toward the top of the gown, and I found myself speechless. The gown was stunning; it was fit for some sort of queen. It had black lace along the sides with a long slit that ensured I wouldn't be able to wear panties underneath. I giggled at the thought, thinking of all the ways I could serve some sweet revenge on my mate, who must not have thought this through very well.
I rushed to stand up and bolted to gather my curling iron, a few pins, and my makeup bag. I returned to stand in front of the large mirror and tried to remember exactly how Bailey had taught me. She was the true fashionista, after all. After a few minutes, I thought I'd gotten the hang of things as I wrapped my dark hair around the large barrel over and over, watching each curl fall gracefully over my shoulders. I quickly finished curling my long, thick hair and reached for the pins, intertwining each curl with the others until I was satisfied with a low updo, with a few pieces framing my face.
It didn't take long for me to apply my makeup. I opted for light eye makeup with black mascara and eyeliner to pair with the crimson red lipstick I'd matched to my dress. I slipped on the black heels and turned to see myself in the mirror. I noticed the small clear bag attached to the back of the mannequin and reached for it, opening it and pulling out elbow-length black gloves. I had never felt so beautiful before. I looked elegant and sophisticated, yet so irresistibly sexy. I glanced at the time and realized that I was minutes away from being late. I sprinted for the door after taking one last look in the mirror and reached for the doorknob. I pulled the door open, and that's when it hit me—I became nauseous, and the room began to spin. Anxiety rushed through my veins, and I started to panic. It was as if something was tugging on me, urging me not to leave the room. I closed the bedroom door, and my head became too heavy to hold. I laid my forehead on the door and heard that little voice I had grown accustomed to hearing in the distance. It was so far away that I wondered if I had even heard it correctly.
"Protect the Alpha."
"The Alpha... Protect the Alpha."
The saying repeated as if on a continuous loop. That was when I remembered and rushed to the dresser, pulling out the necklace that Luna Freya had gifted me. I held it in my palm for a moment and felt an unspoken energy surge through me. I took a deep breath before undoing the clasp and placing it around my neck.
