A bite from an Alpha King

Book 4 Chapter 7: A Promise

-Selene-

I sat in my room with a hairbrush in hand, dressed in a long white nightgown, staring at my reflection in the mirror. I looked the same, yet I wasn’t. So much had changed. I was no longer the person who had left this home to become the king’s mate, believing it was the right path and that everything would work out.

I had truly thought that by obeying my father and not complaining, I would achieve everything I wanted. But I was wrong. Despite returning to what I knew, I no longer fit into my own world, nor did I belong with Valerio and his family now that I had severed ties with him. I was on my own. Even my own pack felt foreign.

“Who are you?” I asked the reflection, but it remained silent.

I slowly lifted my hand to the neckline of my nightgown. Pausing for a moment, I then pulled the fabric down over my shoulder. The bite mark Valerio had left was now just a painful reminder. It had faded somewhat, but it still ached to see it. How did I end up here? What did I do wrong?

I quickly covered my shoulder and looked away from the mirror. It was too overwhelming. Tears began to stream down my cheeks, and I wiped them away swiftly. I just wanted the pain to end. I wanted everything to stop. I wanted to finally sever my ties with Valerio and be free.

***

The next day, I was filled with determination as I walked into the home for abused and abandoned mates. I didn’t stop to greet anyone or check on the people in the kitchen or living room on the ground floor. I headed straight upstairs to Cecilia’s room.

When I arrived, I paused. The door was open, but the room was empty. “Cecilia?” I called out, but there was no response.

Had she already left? Panic began to rise as I hurried back downstairs and checked the large living room. A few women were scattered about, relaxing with books or watching TV. Damn it, where was she? I retraced my steps to the hallway and then into the kitchen, where I heard…

“It tastes amazing!” Sara exclaimed.

“I know, family recipe!” Cecilia replied.

“A secret recipe?” Sara inquired, standing on a chair next to the stove and peering into a large pot.

“Exactly, but I might just consider sharing it with you,” Cecilia said with a playful wink.

At that moment, Cecilia noticed me in the doorway. She smiled and waved me over. Sara looked up and saw me too.

“Miss Selene! We’re cooking,” Sara said excitedly.

“I can see that,” I told her, stepping closer. “Isn’t it a bit early for dinner? It’s only three in the afternoon.”

“We’re just keeping it warm for later,” Cecilia explained, sprinkling oregano into the pot. “Were you looking for something?”

“I was,” I said, determined not to back down. “I was hoping you could finish your story.”

“What story?” Sara asked, her interest piqued.

“A secret story,” Cecilia replied playfully.

“Can I hear it?”

“Then who will watch the food?”

“You mean I can keep an eye on it myself?” Sara asked, eyes wide with excitement.

Cecilia gave her a wink but didn’t give a direct answer. It was clear Sara wasn’t ready to manage something so hot on her own, but it was sweet of Cecilia to indulge her sense of responsibility.

“Find her mother, and I’ll continue the story,” Cecilia whispered to me.

I nodded and left to find Sara’s mother. She was easy to locate, comfortably nestled in the living room with a book. I called out to her, and she looked up with a smile before setting her book aside and coming over.

“Could you help Sara with the food for a bit? I need to talk to Cecilia,” I explained.

Sara’s mother agreed with a nod, and we both returned to the kitchen, where she took over from Cecilia.

“I thought I was doing it on my own!” Sara protested as her mother approached.

“You are,” Cecilia assured her. “Your mother is just assisting you.”

Sara beamed with pride, convinced she was still in charge. It was heartwarming to see her so happy. I couldn’t help but wish for a child of my own, but that would only be possible if I could finally move on from Valerio.

“Come, let’s go to my room,” Cecilia said.

She seemed much stronger today, likely due to a few days of rest and proper meals. Her complexion had improved, and she navigated the stairs and her room with ease. She settled comfortably, requiring no assistance.

“Come,” she urged, patting the spot beside her.

I walked over and took a seat next to her.

“What I’m about to tell you might sound a bit crazy, but you must promise me to keep it a secret, all right?” she began.

I stared at her, feeling puzzled. “Why?”

“Because they don’t want people to know they exist.”

“They?”

Cecilia nodded. “Just promise me you won’t tell anyone about what you hear today.”

“Why are you telling me about ‘them’ if they’re supposed to remain a secret?” I inquired.

“Because I know you need to hear this. I know it’s your only hope for a happier future, just like it was mine.”

I mulled over her words for a moment but then nodded. “Okay, I promise.”