Chapter 57: Chapter 57: The Pull I Cannot Fight
SONIA’S POV
I was standing at a corner with Alpha Daisy, since she insisted on keeping me company, when Cade found me. The night air felt cool against my skin, carrying the distant smell of smoke from the bonfire and the faint sound of drums still playing somewhere in the festival grounds.
Swiftly, I rose to my feet and went to him. "Cade," I called, my voice catching a little.
"Princess. I wanted to tell you I’m leaving."
"Just like that? Can’t you stay tonight, and leave tomorrow?" My eyes twinkled rapidly, and out of my control. A lump formed in my throat as I looked at him, hoping he would change his mind.
"Is there a reason you want me to stay back? Are you in trouble?" His voice took a suspicious tone, his eyes narrowing as he studied my face.
"No," I shook my head vigorously, chiding myself for continuously falling into the trap. "I just think it’s really late."
"When has that ever been a problem?" I watched him smile, and it touched my heart. "Your brothers are creatures of the night."
"Careful. Father said never to describe ourselves with that language. I could never understand why," I said. The words felt familiar, like something from our old life that now seemed so far away.
He stroked my hair gently, then my cheeks with a long finger. His touch was warm and careful, the calluses on his hand rough against my soft skin.
"You look so much like her," he blurted out. Then as if he had not said anything, he stepped away, just as Seth arrived.
Today was definitely a strange day. I had heard more mention of my mother than ever before. The last person I expected to talk about her was Cade. In fact, he had been the most evasive when it came to talking about her.
"We’re leaving, Sonia," Seth said. His voice was gentle, but I could hear the worry underneath it.
"Yeah. Cade just told me. I had hoped you’d stay the night, but I guess you have to leave." My chest felt tight as I spoke, like something was pressing down on it.
He grabbed my hands in his. His palms were warm and steady, grounding me for a moment. "If it ever gets overwhelming, find the waters. I’ll hear you."
"I will."
He pulled me into his body, and hugged me tightly. His arms wrapped around me like a shield, and for those few seconds, I felt safe again. The fabric of his tunic was soft against my cheek, carrying the familiar scent of home — pine, earth, and a hint of leather.
Behind him, I saw Cade’s eyes resting on Alpha Daisy, whilst she did everything to avoid his gaze. The tension between them was thick, like invisible sparks in the air. I really didn’t know what the story was, but there was definitely history there.
With Daniel escorting us, which was really just keeping an eye on me, I followed my brothers to their car. The ground felt uneven under my feet, small stones pressing through the thin soles of my shoes. The night wind tugged at the hem of my cream silk gown, the light fabric flowing around my legs with every step. The gown was simple but elegant, with thin straps that left my shoulders bare and a neckline that dipped just enough to feel delicate against my skin. It made me feel both beautiful and exposed at the same time.
We hugged again, and I bade them goodbye. My arms lingered a little longer than they should have, as if my body knew this might be the last time for a while. Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them back.
As I turned around, I saw Ivy. I didn’t think, as I ran towards her, and stopped just in front of her. My heart felt heavy, like it was carrying too many unspoken things.
"Come here," she said, and pulled me into a tight embrace.
I cried with my head resting on her shoulders, and she patted my back gently. Her hand moved in slow, soothing circles, and the warmth of her body helped ease some of the ache in my chest.
"I’m sorry I didn’t come earlier. I should have been here."
"You’re here now," I said amidst tears, and she hugged me tighter. Her arms felt like the only safe place left in this pack.
Daniel escorted me back to the room I had woken up in twice. Once, to find myself naked and tied. And the second time, I was suddenly clothed and untied. The walk felt long, each step echoing my tired limbs. The night air was cool on my bare shoulders, making the silk gown feel even lighter.
Ivy couldn’t follow me into the room because Ramon’s order was for everyone that wasn’t me to stop by the door.
I entered the room, and waved Ivy goodbye.
"I’ll be around just in case you need me," I heard her say, as the door shut behind me with a soft click.
I went to the bed, and sat on its edge. My limbs felt weak and tired, like they had carried too much weight for too long. Days like these I just wanted to sleep for eternity. But I had a feeling I couldn’t get that peace I craved. The mattress dipped slightly under my weight, the sheets cool and smooth against my palms.
I laid on my back, and watched the ceiling. Drawing lines and images in my imagination, trying to escape into a world where things were simpler. The room was quiet except for the faint sound of my own breathing and the distant drums from the festival.
The door opened, and food was brought in. The smell of warm bread and roasted meat filled the air, making my stomach rumble softly. Ivy had found a way to bring the food. It gave us a few minutes to chat before she had to leave again. Her voice was soft and comforting as we talked, a small light in the heavy darkness around me.
When the door opened the second time, it was to prepare a bath for me. The water was warm, steaming gently as I stepped into it. I took my bath slowly, letting the heat soak into my tired muscles, and changed into fresh clothes that were provided for me. It was a short simple silk gown, with thin straps. The fabric was incredibly soft, sliding over my skin like a whisper. It clung lightly to my body, the pale color making me look almost glowing in the dim light of the room. Pulling my hair out of the band I always used to hold it in place, I let it flow down my back in loose waves.
I felt refreshed, because it had been quite a while since I got such a luxurious treatment. The silk felt cool and smooth against my cleaned skin, a small comfort in the middle of everything else.
I returned to the bed, and laid down again. Knowing this time, I wouldn’t be able to fight off the sleep. My body sank into the mattress, heavy with exhaustion. From a distance, I could hear the drums still playing. I didn’t get to witness what the festival of alphas was truly about, but at least I got some assurance my family was thinking about me. The drums, and trumpets, and screams began to fade in my head, as I got drowsy. My eyelids grew heavier, the world blurring at the edges.
My eyes had finally closed when I heard a knock on the door. I was too weak to respond, so I just laid there, my heart beating a little faster despite my tiredness.
The door opened, and although I was close to unconsciousness, his aura strengthened me. It filled the room like a heavy presence, warm and commanding, pulling me back from the edge of sleep.
I straightened up slowly, my eyes meeting him in the darkness. The silk gown shifted with my movement, the thin straps sliding slightly on my shoulders.
"Sonia," he called to me. His voice was low and rough, like it had been pulled from somewhere deep inside him.
I rolled out of the bed, and walked to him. My bare feet felt cool against the floor, each step making my heart beat harder. His hands stretched out and I took them. His palms were warm and strong, sending a spark up my arms.
"Why are you here?" I asked with a mix of curiosity and confusion. My voice came out soft, almost shaky.
"I couldn’t resist. I don’t know how long I can resist," he confessed. The words hung in the air between us, heavy with want. His eyes darkened as they moved over me, tracing the lines of the silk gown on my body.
My body reacted strangely to his confession. Heat spread through my chest and lower, making my skin feel too tight. I didn’t know if it was the alcohol doing the talking or really him, but the way he looked at me made my wolf stir with desperate need.
"But—"
"Shhhh." His fingers covered my lips. And as simple as that act was, my wolf woke up, purring in response. The touch was gentle but firm, his skin slightly rough against my soft lips.
"She likes to sing," he said. His voice had dropped even lower, sending another shiver through me.
"Who?"
"Your wolf. She’s mostly invisible, but I can feel her sometimes," he said, letting go of my hands. His fingers trailed lightly down my arms as he released me, leaving trails of warmth behind.
He began to walk around me, making me feel naked under his gaze. The silk gown felt thinner with every step he took, the fabric brushing against my thighs. Every word was more satisfying than the previous.
"Silk suits your skin. They’re both delicate, sensual, inviting." His voice was husky now, filled with raw hunger. I could hear the way his breathing had changed, deeper and a little faster.
Subconsciously, I tilted my neck to the side, and a purr left my throat. The sound came out soft and needy, betraying how much my body wanted him.
"I’m going to regret coming here when I wake up at dawn. Which is just in a few hours time. But I couldn’t resist, Sonia." His words were almost pained, like he was fighting himself and losing.
I felt him behind me. My body rested on his like a glove, as he sniffed my tilted neck. His breath was hot and slow against my skin, sending waves of heat straight to my core. "I tried, but I just couldn’t. You were supposed to come to me, but I had to come to you."
"I just—"
"I’m going to regret this, but I want just a taste."
"Please—" I was out of breath, and he had not even done anything to me. My legs felt weak, my body leaning back into him without thinking.
"No, Sonia. Please," he said, and a hand covered my neck. His fingers were warm and possessive, holding me gently but firmly as his other hand slid around my waist, pulling me closer.
