Page 9 of Wolfkissed
“Just leave him outside my door, unleashed? Are you all crazy?” I feel like I might throw up. “How will I get out in the morning?”
“Do you want me to chain him up?”
“Yes!”
“Of course.” He clears his throat. “As you wish.”
My breaths are coming hard and fast. “In fact, no. Take him away. Put him back in his cage.”
“I can’t. The cage has been removed from the manor, and I… I’m following orders.”
My hands clench in helpless anger. “What else has my stepfather ordered of me?”
“My lady…”
“Is the creature going to be following me around day and night? Am I to hold his hand as I stroll in the gardens? What about when I’m taking a bath? Will he be there, too?”
Another clearing of his throat. “He did say you are expected to be with him whenever it’s appropriate. Not during bath time, obviously.”
My nails bite into my palms. “You’re not serious. This can’t be serious.”
“To get accustomed to him, he said.”
Accustomed to a monster that’s meant to be bound to me, want it or not.
Tomorrow, I think as I back away from the door. Tomorrow I’ll clear this up and unshackle myself from this new horror.
As the sky lightens outside the windows, I pace my room, striving for calm. By the time the birds wake up and sing an ode to the day, I’m exhausted and shaking.
This can’t be happening. I won’t let it. He can’t make me.
No.
It’s quiet outside my door, but fear has sunk its cold claws into my bones. Savage animals, predators, they are like that. They creep up on you from the shadows when you least expect it, grabbing you?—
“My lady?” A soft knock, a sweet, feminine voice. “May I enter?”
“Della!” I approach the door. Hesitate. “Are you alone?”
“Yes, my lady.”
I cautiously unlock the door and open it a crack. “And the wolf?—?”
He’s right there, seated on the floor, his back to the wall, face obscured by the fall of his too-long silver hair, those pointed ears poking out, marking him as a fae even in the dimness of the corridor.
“Quickly, get inside!” I hiss, opening the door wider and grabbing her wrist. I drag her into my room, slam the door shut, and lock it again, then lean against it, trying to catch my breath.
“My lady.” Della is pale, chewing on her lower lip, almost drawing blood. “I am so sorry.”
“Yeah. I know.”
“I am to dress you for breakfast. Everyone will be there, and your presence is expected. My lady…”
I stop and press the heels of my palms into my eyes. “I need to speak to Stepfather. I need to stop this farce.”
“Of course. Let me help you wash and dress.” She sets about mechanically gathering my clothes and ornaments. “Then you can make your case.”
After long moments, I nod and shrug off my dressing gown, letting her guide me to the wash basin. She pours water and helps me clean myself up, then helps me put my corset back on and a fresh dress.
