Sworn Enemies

Chapter 9: A Change In Plans

“I don't take orders from you," I replied, my eyes flaring red in anger. I kicked my legs over the bed, the pain diffusing throughout my body enough to make me nauseous. He stood there, watching me in silence which just infuriated me more.

I pushed myself up to stand, my body betraying me as my limbs folded beneath me. I braced myself for a fall that never came, feeling his arms wrap around my slim frame.

“Don't touch me," I snapped, pushing him back with the little strength I had. My body buzzed at his touch, every nerve in my body igniting in response. I gasped as my fangs jutted out, more painful than usual. His firm grip didn't loosen, not until as he guided me back to the bed.

“I don't need your help. You should've let me die."

“Maybe I should have," he said coolly, his eyes full of regret. as he turned on his heel and walked off.

I glared at his fleeting figure, my insides boiled up at his words. I hated him. He was my enemy, like everyone else. He's the reason I was still here.

“You should drink," a familiar voice offered, breaking me away from my murderous thoughts.

“Thanks," I said, grabbing the cup from Dana's hands and downing it quickly.

She smiled sadly, averting her gaze to the ground as I watched her.

“You know who I am, don't you?" I asked.

She was the most tolerable werewolf I'd met so far. By now, she no doubt discovered who I was yet her kind persona hadn't faltered. Either she was a master actress or she was genuinely pure hearted.

She nodded quickly, hesitation in her eyes almost as if she was too scared to speak it out loud.

“Why aren't you scared of me?"

“You're injured."

I reached out, grabbing her hand swiftly and pulling her closer to me.

“I could still rip your throat out," I threatened, opening my mouth wide to give her a clear view of my fangs. I could see her tremble slightly in fear.

I felt a hard punch sink into the side of my face, catching me off guard. I let Dana go, turning to the guard who had struck me.

“Next time you touch one of the werewolves, you're dead," his voice rumbling with animosity. I

“It's fine," Dana butted in, nodding at the guard. The guard eyed me suspiciously before slowly returning to the spot he was posted.

Dana left, quickly returning back with a bag of ice in hand. She handed it to me, gesturing at the side of my face that was slowly starting to swell.

“You shouldn't be so trusting," I said, taking the ice from her hands.

“I'm not," she denied, her face reddening.

“Well well well, look who woke up," a shrill voice mocked.

I couldn't help but notice Dana tense up at the sound of Star's voice, her face hardening as she quickly walked away. Star walked up, smiling cheerily as she took me in.

“Why don't you come a little closer?" I suggested, noticing her standing at an arm's length.

“Still making threats?" She said, laughing dryly.

“Unlike you, I'm not all talk," I retorted, reminding her of how she chose to watch instead of attack like the others.

“If you keep talking, I might just-"

“Star," Leo's voice yelled out. The hostility in eyes melted away at the sound of his voice as she turned around and walked towards him. I watched them, huddled together whispering as they eyed me. I narrowed my eyes at them, focusing to see if I could make out what was being said.

Star's eyes suddenly widened as she glared at me angrily before turning back at Leo.

“I won't do it," she said decidedly to Leo, taking one last look at me before storming off.

Sighing, Leo made his way towards me.

“What?" I asked, noticing the indecision in his eyes. Were they going to kill me? No, it couldn't be. If they wanted me dead, they wouldn't have brought me here to recover.

“Can you stand?" He asked, avoiding my gaze.

“Why are you asking?"

“Just answer the question," he barked, his voice sharp with annoyance.

“Where are you taking me?"

“It's not my place to say," he replied vaguely.

I looked around, noticing the guards watching me distastefully. Groaning, I pushed my legs over the bed before trying to stand. I gulped, remembering how I'd fallen earlier. Ignoring my body screaming for me to stop, I rose despite the pain.

“Hold on to me," Leo offered, noticing me struggle.

“No," I said, shaking my head.

“You can barely stand," he pointed out.

“Give me that," I said, pointing to a tall stick a couple feet away, resting against one of the beds.

He walked over, grabbing it before handing it to me. I gripped, hard enough for my palms to slightly redden. I braced myself before taking a step forward. I felt tears prick the back of my eyes, the pain worsening with every movement. It felt as if my entire body was on fire. But I knew I had to do it on my own. I couldn't afford to be weak in enemy territory.

“I'll follow you," I managed to make out, nodding for Leo to go on.

He walked forward at a normal pace, yet it felt like he was running. I took shaky steps after him, clenching my free hand tightly as my nails cut into my palm.

We made our way out, leaving one of the doors. Outside, Abel and Star were deep in conversation with one of the elders. As they noticed us approaching, they stopped talking.

They waited as we approached, my dull pace making it take us longer than usual.

“My, my, you look awful," the elderly woman commented, looking me up and down.

“Go to hell," I snarled, gripping the stick with both hands to balance myself.

“Even after a beating like that, you still have the energy to fight," she commented, shaking her head in disbelief.

“It'll take more than a little beating to break me," I forced out, plastering on the most threatening smile I could muster as my body heated up in pain.

“You'll be moving to the Alpha Residence," she declared, ignoring my remark.

“The Alpha residence?" I asked, confusion evident in my tone.

“You'd be protected in Abel's residence. Despite the people's hate for you, their love for him is stronger. We can't afford to have you die before using you as leverage against Resmer," she stated bluntly.

Abel's residence? My shoulders tensed, finally putting the pieces together. That explained why everyone swooned over him. I figured he was important but I wasn't expecting this. He was the Alpha.