THE ALPHA’S VENGEFUL LUNA

CHAPTER 9: CHAMBER OF GOLD

FREYA

I stared at Icarus, blankly. I hoped I had not heard right, but he opened his mouth and spewed the same enticing words again.

“Stay with me for the night, Freya.”

I scowled at him, not because I hated the words he spoke, but because I did not understand the loud hammering of my heart in my chest. Or the blush that threatened to creep into my cheeks.

I yanked my hand from his grip and tucked a strand of stray hair behind my ear. Why was I suddenly shy to meet his gaze?

“N…no,” I quickly cleared my throat to clear my stutter. I did not like this mate bond thing, it was beginning to mess with me way too much. “I can’t.” I replied more firmly this time, my fingers playing idly with each other.

Icarus moved closer to me. His forefinger trailed my chin, causing my breath to hitch in my throat as he caressed my jaw tenderly and tilted it so I looked him directly in the eyes.

“Why? Is it because you are still a virgin?” He inquired, eyes watching me intently, adoringly, like he was thirsty and I was the only drop of water in the world to satisfy him.

Normally, I would have been offended by his question, but I felt my cheeks heat up. Why on earth was I blushing?

“Huh, Freya?” He prompted when I just kept gaping at his rather handsome face.

Something was definitely not right with me today. I would have never admitted to myself that Icarus was good looking, let alone handsome. But here I was, almost drooling at his feet. Damn this soul tie.

“I am a virgin, alright, but that has nothing to do with me not wanting to sleep in your chambers tonight.” I responded, rolling my eyes.

His brows drew down in confusion. “Then what is the reason?”

“Because…because I am allergic to sleeping in the same bad with someone else.”

He watched me for a brief second and burst into a fit of laughter the next. “What will happen if you do? You will scratch until your skin falls off?”

I smiled lightly at the reference he made. “I am being serious here.”

He sobered up and spoke. “I can give up my bed for you tonight. I just need you in my space.”

Those words almost melted me to puddle. His eyes raked my body and it made my heart leap and my skin crawl at the same time. Gosh, what were these mixed signals I constantly got when he was around me?

“So this is me seeking your consent. Would you, Freya, spend the night with me?” He asked again.

I scoffed, even though the gesture made my heart flutter. “You make it sound like some marriage proposal.”

“Wouldn’t you like me to propose to you before the mating ritual?” Icarus asked, amusement dancing in his eyes.

I shrugged. “Do whatever makes you happy.”

He shook his head, still smiling. “Such a cute feisty fireball…”

“Who the hell are you calling cute?” I narrowed my eyes into slits, my hands balling into fists beside me.

Unfortunately, I had to be reincarnated in a petite body, and now I was an object of mockery to Icarus.

He rose to his full, imposing height, patting my head like he was petting his favourite wolf.

“Now this is why I call you cute.” He chuckled “Feisty, but cute.”

“Would you cut it out!” I snapped.

“Hey, I am just teasing.” His smile slowly faded, but traces of humour still lingered in his eyes.

For some reason, I detested this part of Icarus. It made him look so humane, like he was not capable of any form of wickedness. Like he would never hurt a fly.

But I saw beyond the façade. I have seen him as the beast he was and that memory was forever etched in my head.

“So...my offer still stands, Freya. I await your response.” Icarus said, awaiting my response.

Then it hit me. This was it. I had been so carried away that I did not realise this was just what I needed to have access to Icarus.

I came to the realisation that this could be my chance. He was going to be taking me to his chamber, where I could uncover all his hidden secrets lurking in the shadows.

This was my opportunity to get all the information I needed, both from him and from all he possessed. All I needed to do was to play along till he was most vulnerable, then I shall strike!

A sweet smile grew on my lips and I stared into his pleading eyes. “Well, since you asked nicely...I guess it will not be so bad to have someone to hold for the night.”

His entire demeanour brightened and without warning, he swooped me up my feet amidst my squeal of surprise and he laughed heartily.

At first I struggled in his grip, but I found myself slowly giving into the comfort of his strong arms. His strong, woodsy scent filled my nostrils and with my face hidden in his broad chest, we quietly headed for his chambers.

“Good evening, Master.” The guards positioned at the entrance greeted us as they pulled the door open for us.

I turned my face so I could take in my environment and a gasp escaped from my lips. “Wh-what is this place?” I asked, mouth agape as my eyes wandered about.

The marble floors sparkled and every inch of the wall, up to the roof was covered in some ancient art, all patterned in gold. The giant chandeliers hanging from the high roof cast a soft golden glow, giving it a magical aura.

Furniture made of gold was arranged in the living area, with a golden centrepiece positioned in the middle.

“Welcome to my tower, Freya.” Icarus said, putting me down on my feet.

“The bedroom is this way.” He took my hand, gently, leading me to his bedroom and that was when uneasiness started to seep in, tainting the glee I had walked in with.

And Icarus added to it by taking off every layer of clothing covering his torso.

I barely nodded, looking away from his well-built back and toned muscles which pulsed as he moved. I needed to stay focused on why I was here in the first place.

I felt his eyes on me and when I checked to confirm my suspicions, I was right. Now was the time to play my cards right.

I turned around and tugged on my dress. “The zipper, please.” I beckoned in my most seductive tone.

I heard his steps fall behind me, every move heightened my anticipation and my breath came out in harsh puffs. When he stood in front of me, I looked at him with deep confusion. And hunger?

“Let me help you with your shoes first.” He offered, kneeling in front of me.

“No, I have... got that.” I strained out, trying to bend over the tightness of the dress I was wearing but it proved difficult.

I lifted up my eyes to see Icarus staring at me, lips turned up and brow raised.

“Ready to let me help you?” He asked and I rolled my eyes.

“Fine.”

With a gentleness I did not know he possessed, Icarus untied my shoe, slipping it off my feet with ease. His fingers grazed the sole of my feet, his eyes locked on mine and I shivered, both in pleasure and disgust.

It was hard to decipher if that was a mistake or if he touched me on purpose. I was beginning to feel uncomfortable having him so close to me.

After taking off my shoe, he still knelt there, his eyes drinking me up. I could feel my heart drum in my ears as he reached out to touch my face.

“Your beauty is so mesmerising, Freya.” Icarus said, his fingers caressing my chin. His voice had taken a husky undertone and he ran his knuckles slowly down my face.

As I stared into his devilishly beautiful face, for the first time, I did not swat his hand away. I sat frozen on my feet, burning with the fear that he might overpower me if I tried to fight him. I was in his chamber after all.

His darkened eyes lingered on my plump lips and then back to my eyes. Slowly, he leaned forward until I could feel his warm breath tickling my face. It made me blush, it made me hot for him. I felt my core pulse too. What the helluva was Icarus doing to me?

The thought of Icarus' lips touching mine made nausea rise up in me. How could I let him after all that he had done to me and my family?

The more he drew closer to me, the more the image of his bloodstained lips flashed before my eyes and the food I had just eaten rushed up my throat, threatening to spill out of my mouth.