An Alpha's Favor

Chapter 10: Remember, He Is Bad

-Angela-

The drive after we landed wasn’t long, and we quickly arrived at his… castle. Sh*t, it really was a castle. It resembled something out of the Middle Ages, older and more imposing than a king’s palace. I sat there with my mouth agape as the car stopped in front of it.

When I turned my head and saw the smug smile on his lips, I quickly masked my shock, turning away to unbuckle my seatbelt before getting out of the car. It was chilly and drizzling, but we were soon inside, with Hunter holding the door for me. His yellow eyes watched me intently as I stepped in.

The others were already walking ahead, likely heading to get something to eat. It had been a long flight, yet I wasn’t hungry at all. I felt a wave of fear and nerves about everything that had happened, now standing in this intimidating man’s house—someone who had tried to ruin not just my brother’s life, but Madeleine’s, Evan’s, and even the king’s.

He wasn’t good, and yet the intensity of his gaze sent a thrill through me. I shouldn’t feel excited. I should want to leave, and I did want to leave!

“Don’t be scared, love.” Hunter appeared by my side as I stood in the hallway, staring at the many old pictures hanging on the deep brown walls, marveling at the ceiling painted like a night sky filled with moon and stars.

I turned to him, our eyes locking, and a strange heat spread through my body. Why did I have to react this way? Why couldn’t I just hate him like everyone else did? I didn’t want to want him, so I quickly looked away, my eyes landing on the doors leading outside.

“Don’t even think about it,” he warned.

I didn’t look at him but continued to stare at the doors. “Think about what?” I inquired.

It was then he saw his chance to advance, walking straight up to me until I could feel the warmth radiating from his body. He placed a hand on my hip and pulled me closer. Goddess, he was practically burning me through my clothes, reminding me of the feeling of his lips on my neck.

Heat coursed through me in seconds, making it hard to breathe as all I could think about was wanting to feel those soft lips against mine… and other places. I looked up into his eyes, unable to stop myself, and my heart raced so fast it hurt.

“You are mine, love, and you aren’t going anywhere,” he said.

“I’m your prisoner?” I asked, my voice shaking a little—but not from fear.

He smiled at my question and shook his head slightly. “No, but you are my mate, and I can’t protect you if you try to run from me.”

“I told you I would take my chances,” I replied.

“Angela,” he said my name, his tone almost disappointed. “You are safer here.”

“You were willing to split up Kate and Chris,” I said, crossing my arms.

“I didn’t know about those two at the time. Her father offered her to me,” he explained.

“And Madeleine and Evan?”

“Madeleine offered herself, remember? Evan just got in the way,” he said calmly.

I shook my head in disbelief. “I can’t believe you accepted. You must have known Kate’s father wasn’t on the king’s side, which means you were willing to hurt him.”

Hunter sighed, and I felt his thumb start to soothingly stroke my hip, making me suck in a breath as I fought to stay focused on why he was a bad person. I shouldn’t trust him, even as my wolf purred inside me, craving his closeness.

“At the time, I didn’t really care,” he admitted.

“At least you’re honest about it…” I mumbled.

“The king and I were not friends. We still aren’t. You can’t blame me for trying to gain more power.”

“But I do! My brother supports him, and I know he’s good! So, yes, I blame you,” I said, straightening my back.

“You want me to be the bad guy,” he said, pulling me even closer until my body was aligned with his, and I felt every… hard… inch… of him. I gasped, shocked. “Then I’ll be the bad guy… for now.”

“What?”

Before I could process his words, he leaned down and threw me over his shoulder. I immediately started to thrash and punch his back.

“Hunter! Put me down, right now!” I yelled.

He ignored me and simply walked up the stairs to the next floor, then continued all the way to the top. By the time we reached the third floor, I gave up the fight and dangled over his shoulder. I felt a rush of relief when he finally set me on my feet—but then I noticed…

Oh sh*t.

This was his bedroom. His powerful scent hit me like a wave, momentarily making me forget why I was troubled about being here. I wanted to inhale deeply, but then I felt his imposing presence right behind me.

Scared, I turned around, only for him to move closer. I stumbled backwards, trying to escape, until I found myself pressed against the wall, feeling trapped. He smacked both hands against the wall on either side of my head, holding a strange but beautiful cane.

I looked away as his face inched closer to mine, but it didn’t help. He was everywhere, and when I felt his hot breath against my cheek, I nearly whimpered, my thighs pressing together to try to relieve the ache between them. I bit my lip, desperately trying to remember all the reasons why he was the bad guy—why I shouldn’t let him get this close.

“Goddess, the things I want to do to you,” he whispered, his deep voice resonating through my entire body.

I heard him inhale deeply, hovering near my left shoulder, right where the marking spot was. Then he leaned down and pressed his hot lips against my covered shoulder. A small whimper escaped me, triggering a pleased growl that made my core burn hotter.

This is not good, I thought. Remember, he is the bad guy!

“Please… give me some space,” I said, placing my hand gently on his chest and pushing slightly.

I knew I was no match for him, so it didn’t matter if I tried to push him away. He had to choose to move, or he wouldn’t. I turned my head slightly, and his face was only inches from mine. I could count every eyelash. We were so close… and those lips. I wanted a taste… so badly, but I shouldn’t. He was evil.

But then, slowly, he moved away. Not very far—just enough for me to breathe again. He lifted his free hand and ran his knuckles over my cheek. I swallowed hard, feeling lost for words. What the hell was I supposed to do with this predator?

That’s exactly what he was. The way he looked at me made me feel completely exposed. Normally, men’s gazes didn’t intimidate me. I was born a luna. Only my father had ever truly scared me. But standing in front of Hunter, I felt the power radiating from him.

“You make it very hard to stay in control,” he said. “And I’m always in control.”

I gently took his hand and moved it away from me, stepping to the side, then taking another step. He noticed what I was doing but didn’t try to stop me. I ended up bumping into a dresser before making a run for it, darting into the first room I found and locking the door behind me. I knew a simple door wouldn’t hold back an alpha, but I just needed something to put between us.

I reached out and flipped a switch, realizing I had locked myself in a bathroom. The heated floor and spacious layout made its purpose clear. A large shower was at the far wall, and a jacuzzi sat to my right. I shook my head at the display of wealth.

He was definitely flaunting it. I had always felt a twinge of guilt about the privileges I’d received and constantly gave away. A knock on the bathroom door jolted me from my thoughts. I turned to face it, half-expecting a monster to jump through. In a way, he was a monster, so I wasn’t completely mistaken.

“I’m leaving to do some work, love, so you can come out. I’ll have someone bring you some food, but you’re welcome to take a shower first. I hope you’ll rest for a while. I know you’ve had quite the night and day. I’ll see you a little later.”

I didn’t respond, fearing he wasn’t really leaving. But then I heard his footsteps retreating and a door close. I breathed a sigh of relief and leaned against the large sink, unsure of what to do. There was no way I was getting naked to take a shower—not knowing his plans for me. That’s when I reached for my pocket to call Chris, just to hear his voice. But I quickly realized I’d forgotten to get my phone back from Hunter.

Dammit!