Chapter 17: Chapter 0017

590 words

<html><head></head><body>Athena His words make my stomach twist into knots. He remains facing away, yet his intent is palpable. His patience is clearly thinning. The others likely slept with him their first night. He admitted he had to restrain Titan himself. He moves to the grand bathtub and starts the water. He pours colored liquids into the stream. “You need a bath,” he states without turning. I sniff my armpits. He’s right. I smell awful. He fills the tub until bubbles nearly spill over. “Get in.” “I… I can just shower,” I say weakly. At least I could hide myself somewhat. He crosses the room and yanks the blanket off me. His eyes lock onto mine as he lifts me effortlessly. He carries me to the tub and lowers me into the hot water.  His gaze never wavers from my eyes. It doesn’t roam my face or body like his brothers’ did. It feels like he’s making a point. “You bathe. I need to change the bedding.” He returns to the bed and strips the sheets—a task my brother would call mine. I stay silent and motionless, just watching him. He moves around the bed and fetches fresh sheets from the closet. He pays me no mind. He doesn’t ask questions. His eyes don’t even flicker my way. Once done, he goes back to the closet. He rummages through the clothes ordered for me.  “I assume you feel the cold.” “Sometimes,” I murmur. He pulls out jeans and another sweatshirt. He places them on the bed. “I’ll be in the office when you’re ready.” He doesn’t wait for a reply, slamming the door as he leaves. His sudden anger makes me nervous. I dread meeting him in the office. I don’t linger. I wash quickly, dress, and hurry downstairs. Julian blocks the hallway. “Someone’s feeling better,” he grins. I nod, trying to stay respectful.  “How’s the wound?” “Better. I have to meet Alpha Alexander,” I murmur, attempting to slip past him. “Alexander won’t mind us talking. If you’re marrying my brother, we should know each other. You’ll be family.” What can I say? Alexander didn’t want me alone with him. But escape seems impossible. “Hey, no need to panic,” he says, draping an arm over my shoulder. My whole body tenses at his touch. “Seriously, Julian!” Isabella shrieks from down the hall. “What is it with you and our brother’s brides?!” She strides over and pulls me from his grip. “I’m just being friendly,” he mutters, annoyed. “A little too friendly. You’re always like this!” She glares, growling as she guides me away. “Where are you going?” she asks once we’re away from her twin.  “Alpha Alexander wants me in the office.” “Funny, he asked for me too,” she says with a small smile as we stop at the office door. Beta Sebastian is with Alpha Alexander. They halt their conversation when Isabella opens the door. Alpha Alexander’s eyes go to my wet, tied-up hair, but he says nothing. His look almost makes me want to let it down. “How are you feeling?” Beta Sebastian asks softly. He always uses a kind tone, never invasive like Julian. I nod. “Isabella, check her wound,” Alpha Alexander orders. I turn to her before she can speak and lift my top just enough. Her fingers press gently around the forming scar. She smiles. “It looks really good. I’d say the blood tie is definitely broken.” “Good,” Alpha Alexander says, still sounding annoyed. What did I do? Did I say something while I was out?  </body></html>