Chapter 4 Aftermath
Lara
I woke up a little confused. It was still dark out. It took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust, but something shifted under my head, and I realized it was someone’s arm—specifically Elijah’s arm. Memories of what transpired crashed into me, and I felt my face burn in embarrassment.
I slowly stood up from the bed, naked. My wedding dress was barely a dress anymore. All I could remember was Elijah tearing it off of me a few hours ago. Who knew expensive silk was that weak? I looked around the room and found Elijah’s shirt discarded on the floor. I quickly picked it and threw it over my head. I didn’t even want to recall what happened. Whatever bond that exists between mates was dangerous. Dangerous enough to make a person lose every ounce of self-control.
“Well, that’s an interesting view.”
I froze by the door as I heard his voice but I didn’t turn around. I couldn’t afford to. Instead, I opened the door and decided to head to my room and sleep it off.
“Is this what they call the walk of shame?”
That’s it.
“You and I know I would have rather eaten stones than sleep with you.” I spat at him, but he just had a smug smile on his face. The blanket barely covered his lower body downwards, but I didn’t let my eyes stray.
“But here you are.” He replied.
“Not by choice.”
“Says the woman who came in here herself.” Well, that part was true.
“Fuck you.” I cursed and his grin widened even more.
“Just did.”
I almost let out a scream. Talking to Elijah was like talking to a five-year-old. A very annoying one. I stormed out of the room and made sure to slam the door very loudly. I had just one thought in my head; I have to leave here as soon as possible.
"Good luck trying.” A voice replied to me and I realized that the douchebag across the hall could hear my thoughts. That was the breaking point before I let out a toe-curling scream.
I entered my designated room and plopped on the bed. By morning, this whole thing would be resolved. My pack would come and find me, the priest would break whatever mistake tie that was created and it would all be back to normal.
You slept with him.
I groaned into the pillow when my voice of reason reminded me of what happened a few hours ago. In my defense, it was beyond my control. Mistakes happen although I walked into this particular mistake. I shook my head. It will be solved by morning.
I heard tiny voices and furrowed my brows. I couldn’t move my body because it seemed as though I was glued to the bed. Oh, moon goddess was this bed comfortable? The voices became a bit louder so I summoned the strength to open my eyes. The sun was already out in the sky and from the little noises, everyone was awake too. Everyone from this part of the world.
“Stop shoving me!” A voice warned.
“You shoved me first!” Another countered.
I followed their voices and looked out the large windows of my room only to see two small boys downstairs by the flower beds. They looked like they were watering the flowers but that chore seemed discarded with the looming fight. The two looked identical so I had to pinch myself to be sure I wasn’t hallucinating. The shorter of the two tried shoving the other and I knew I had to cut it short before a fight broke out.
“Knock it out you two,” I said and their heads snapped up.
“He started it.” The shorter one quickly reported and the taller one folded his arms in defiance. “We were supposed to water the entire flowers here but he cheated and finished before I did.”
“Not true! I won fair and square,” The taller one retorted, “you’re just slow.”
“I’m not!”
“You are.”
I closed my eyes and prayed for patience. I wanted to laugh at the childish banter but seeing how seriously they took it, I wouldn’t want to be the crazy adult who laughed at their expense.
“Okay, listen you two.” I started and a yawn escaped my lips. I pointed at the taller one and he frowned. “You may have won but those flowers don’t look like they were watered.” His eyes followed my fingers and true enough, there was more water on the ground than on the flowers. I turned to the other one who was already smiling victoriously. “And it will take you ages to finish your part. The sun is already hot and you’re barely done.” He looked at where his watering can was discarded and he knew I was right, he was slow.
I stretched my hands feeling fulfilled. “Now you two get back to work and don’t fight. You might get a heat stroke if you stay out too long.”
“Okay, your highness.” The taller one said and I froze.
Your highness?
“Papa said not to call her that.” The other one spat and the taller one shrugged.
“Mama said she’s the leader’s wife now..”
They both continued their conversation and headed off to do their chores. I decided not to overthink it after all Elijah declared in front of his soldiers that I was his wife. Of course, rumors will spread. My stomach rumbled in hunger and I decided to have a bath first. I opened the closet door and to my surprise, there were clothes there. Old clothes probably. But I picked the first two and realized they were oddly my size. Random shirts and combat pants, nightgowns, sandals. They all looked my size. A laugh escaped my lips. Bold of Elijah to assume I would still be here by nighttime. For now, I picked a t-shirt and a pair of pants and headed to the bathroom.
Shower, eat, and plan my way out of this place.
Easy.
