Chapter 4 4

Odette

I was surprised when Aaron bit my neck. But what surprised me was when I realized I liked it.

It was weird that he bit me but when he told me I belonged to him and kissed my shoulder, I wanted more of it.

I felt heat pool between my thighs and my body felt like it was on fire. I'd never felt this way ever. Like I needed, not wanted, someone ever. What is wrong with me?

My wolf whimpered when he pulled himself away from me and growled in an otherworldly voice. Believe me, I was terrified about his sudden change of voice but what I didn't understand was why he pushed me away. Did I disgust him too like the others? Why did he stop?

“Aaron!” I called after him as the guards rushed in and pulled at my arms.

“Get her out!” Aaron had yelled. Odette… was that my name? I didn't get the chance to answer when the guards successfully pulled me away.

I sat in my room, staring at the mirror. Staring at the bite mark Aaron left on my neck.

“Did I disgust him? Is that why he left?” I asked myself in a whisper.

A knock startled me and I rose to my feet. “Aaron?”

Mama peeks her head in and looks at me with a small smile. “Are you alright, darling?”

I nod quietly.

She entered the room and shut the door behind her. “Are you sure?”

I held that thought and looked down. I was worried about Aaron. But why? I barely knew him.

“Aaron isn't feeling well. He'll be fine.” Mama smiled and took my hand.

“Are you sure?” I throw her question back at her.

“Yes. Why don't we get you ready?” She rose to my feet.

“For what?” I asked, confused.

“Something special.” She said.

Mama and a few other women wearing her back and white clothes, helped me get dressed and pinned up my hair. I wonder why they have to bathe me but mama told me she did it to take care of me.

After mama painted my face, she led me downstairs to the dining room.

“No matter what you do, don't get terrified or panicky," Mama stroked my hand as we stepped into the grand dining room.

“I don't understand,” I turned to her.

“Where is she?!” A deep voice I didn't recognize, thundered through the air. It wasn't a raging tone but carried such authoritative air I nearly flinched. Aaron didn't speak like that. Who is this man?

Mama entered the dining room and left me by the door.

I heard her as she said softly. “His Majesty is away for a meeting but Her Highness is here.”

“That's who we want to see!” The man from earlier snapped. “Bring her to us! I want to see the woman Aaron married without my permission.”

“Yes, Lord Alpha.”

Mama stepped out of the dining hall and reached for me. “It'll be okay, Odette.”

“Odette, is that my name?” I asked her softly.

“Yes, love,” she led me inside.

“It's such a beautiful name.” I said, nearly forgetting I had just entered the Lycan's den.

“She is a beauty.” A ginger haired man said from his chair with a dirty grin.

My body freezes in sight when I see Aaron. No, it's not him. This Aaron is much taller, older and used a cane to stand upright.

His gaze bore into mine and he grimaced. “You’re the woman Aaron left the pack to find?”

I blinked. “Who?”

He stalked towards me and for a moment, I feared he'd hit me. Only he didn't. Instead, he held out his arm and asked me to join him for dinner.

I'd already eaten so I didn't eat anything. I only watched the Blackwood’s.

Aaron had four brothers and each of them had a wife or as the eldest brother usually calls them ‘mate’. His name was Adam, the second was Dante, and the third was Jake. Aaron was the last or as Adam called him “a bastard.”

I didn't want to be here. I wanted to leave. I wanted to see Aaron again and make sure he's okay.

Where is he?

As if conjuring him up, Aaron pushed the door open and entered. Relief washed through me in waves. I would've stood to my feet if not for the arm wrapped around my shoulder.

“Where are your manners, Aaron? Won't you welcome your own family?” Aaron's father, Lycan King Damon, said harshly.

I was stunned at his tone. He didn't wait till morning to meet his son but barged into his castle at night. By all accounts, he was the mannerless one.

I waited for Aaron to reply to his father but he ignored the man and walked right to where I sat. I waited for him to grab me and take me away from this scary room but Adam wouldn't let go of me.

He tightened his hold around me despite his mate sitting next to him and smiled. “Easy there, brother. Why the rush? Take a seat.”

Aaron clenched and unclenched his fists as if ready to punch the daylights out of his brother before he gave in and sat down.

I opened my mouth to excuse myself when King Damon suddenly asked. “I heard this woman is your wife and came to see her.”

“We came to see her.” Adam added before he turned to me. “Are you aware that you're not Aaron's only wife?”

My eyes widened. “What?”

The other brothers share quiet snickers as Adam asks that question.

When Aaron couldn't answer that, Adam rose from his seat holding his wine glass delicately in one hand and a spoon on the other. He tapped the spoon on the glass to grab everyone's attention.

“We gather here today to welcome the…” he began, “Aaron’s partner.” He said with a scoff.

I felt offended by the way he said that.

“You will not say another word, Adam!” Aaron growled.

Adam smirked. “Oh really?” Then he looked down at me. “Dear Odette, do you know our brother has a wife at home?”

“I don't!” Aaron snapped.

“Really?” Adam smirked at him.

“Tread carefully, Adam.” King Damon said in a warning tone.

“I am being careful, father” Adam rolled his eyes. “I just wanted to tell this innocent girl what she's getting herself into. Aaron is a crazy motherfucker! He killed his ex-wife.”

Aaron is about to lunge at him but the other brothers hold him down. King Damon who should've stopped the commotion did nothing to stop them. He only twirled his wine and watched them tear at each other. I felt the need to put an end to this so I did.

I pushed back my seat, making the chair scrape against the floor. Everyone paused and looked at me. This time, I froze. What do I say for interrupting them?

“Yes?” Adam quirked a brow.

“I…” I clenched my fists. “I'd like you to stop fighting. Please…”

“You're siding this cursed asshole?” Jake quirked a brow.

I couldn't believe my ears. How could he say something so cruel to his own brother?

I noticed Aaron’s entire body tensed up, ready to spring at the brother sending cruel taunts to the both of us but I shook my head at him.

“Yes. I'm siding Aaron,” I replied to Jake. “After all, I'm his wife.”

I'm surprised at the way I felt protective of him. I'm surprised at the way I walked to where Aaron was and grabbed his hand.

Then I bowed at the Lycan King. “I apologize, your highness, but we have to retire now. We hope you're well rested.” then I took him with me to heaven knows where.