Miatta
“Fine,” the King concluded. “She is in your care as of now till the end of our festivities. But one slipup, one scene from Miatta and you will not have to plead her case another day because I will have her hanged.” His words were cold and mean that I was sure that he meant every word. I heard Lucas’ sigh of relief float to my ears and I almost punched the air with my fist in joy.
“Thank you, Father. Miatta, you may now show your appreciation.”
I froze in place for three seconds, shocked to be included and as a result, I was caught off guard. At least, I had not forgotten to keep my head bowed. Quickly getting my head into the game, I fell to my knees gracefully and bowed my forehead to the ground. The Alpha groaned deeply, pleased by my humility. I kept the pose in place even when I felt his presence before me. I was determined to play my part perfectly from start to finish, unwilling to disappoint Lucas.
“Rise, slave,” he said, the insult a blow to my pride yet I rose slowly, taking my time so as not to seem overexcited. I still kept my gaze lowered, partly to respect him and partly because he scared the hell out of me. “I don't know why my son is hell bent on saving you but I will grant your reprieval for his sake. Don't make me regret this, Lucas.”
I waited till I felt Lucas beside me and he ushered me out of the throne room, following immediately after me. My joy knew no bounds but I managed to keep it together until we are out of earshot.
“That was nerve wracking. I almost passed out twice,” I informed him jocosely but when I didn't see the grin I was expecting, I sobered up immediately. He pointed to the guards parading the courtyard and gestured at his ear, reminding me that lycans were modernized than mere werewolves and thus, their abilities were more heightened. He nudged me along until I realized that we were heading in the direction of his bedroom. I planted my feet and came to a halt.
“No, absolutely not, Lucas. I have to return to the slave room at once.”
He pouted and shook his head in disagreement with my reasoning. He stepped forward and I took a step backwards, wanting to remain out of reach. I understood that my body wanted him and if I allowed him get too close for comfort, within a minute, I would be on my back, getting familiar with his bed.
“Miatta, be reasonable,” he urged, pushing his hair out of his eyes. “Besides, I just told my father I would keep my eyes on you. You were in there too and you heard me say it, didn't you?”
I had heard him loud and clear back then and I had not forgotten his exact words. However, I had to let the others know that I was okay and I needed an explanation from Ryan. She was not off the hook just yet. I bit down on my lower lip, wondering how to explain myself to the man before me. He had fought valiantly to buy my freedom and it was only proper that I did what he said. On the other hand, it was his fault that I had gotten into trouble in the first place.
“I did but there's something I have to do first. I want my group to know that I am alright and I have some unfinished business with someone.”
“Miatta—” he started to say but I drew closer intentionally and placed my palms flat on his chest. I could sense the quickening of his heartbeat underneath my palms and startled, I snatched back my hand but I was not quick enough. He gripped my wrist and placed it in the spot it had been seconds ago. He covered it with his bigger palm and gazed down at me with hungry eyes.
“I won't start any trouble, I promise. Now, will you let me go?” I insisted, tugging lightly at my hand.
“Not just yet,” he stubbornly insisted too and ran a finger under my collar. “I have to take this off first but I need to seriously promise me that you will behave this time. I don't want to regret doing this.”
I was about to remind him that I had just promised him but instead, I held my tongue for a moment. His stare did not waiver from mine and I suddenly realized that I didn't want to make him a promise I didn't mean. Turning around, I gave him my back.
“I can't predict what I will do or won't. It is up to you to learn to trust me as I have trusted you.”
My words hung in the air and I made no attempt to leave, waiting on him to make up his mind. With or without the collar, I was glad to be free again and without realizing, I had already promised myself not to get into any more trouble. I had already decided to change for good. The moment I felt Lucas’ warm fingers on the slope of my neck, a rush of emotions flooded within me, like an opened dam. He had given me his trust after some questionable amount of time. The collar slipped off my neck and fell into his big palm. He hastily squirreled it away in one of the many hidden compartments of his ever-present pelt.
“I shall return soon,” were my parting words with him and immediately I left the safety of his presence, a part of me ached from the loss. I made my way to the slave room, guessing that by then, they would have returned from their chores and were possibly having their single meal of the day. I did not expect the feverish frenzy I met as I walked into the room. They were all clothed in the various colours of their group, some sort of woolen affair that was soft to the touch and elastic as well. I heard Addy's old laugh and my eyes found her almost immediately. She was showing her group a dance routine and they were trying to mimic the twists and turns she passed off as a dance tutorial. She was graceful and confident in everything she did, not minding the envious glares she was getting from other group heads. She manipulated her athletic body to the sound of nothing, smiling as she did what made her happy. It took some time for my presence to be noticed but once it was, Ramona left her position in the dance troupe and hugged me tenderly like a sister.
“Miatta?” Elena, my group head called out and before I knew it, I was enveloped by hugs and kisses. Most of them were glad to see me and were speaking at the same time, causing a rowdy hubbub. I raised my head amidst theirs and locked eyes with Yvette.