Page 11 of Aine

Rolling myself to the table, I come to a stop next to the pushed-in chair and look out the window, noting that the view is of Damien’s house. I’m unsure what I’m supposed to do while I wait for him, especially given that I’m currently limited in my movements.

I debate trying to go outside and explore, but fear of getting lost or stuck keeps me still. With a heavy heart, I opt instead to stare out the window and watch the wildlife.

The sky gradually grows dark as I wait for Damien, the lack of sun cooling the air and causing goosebumps to pebble along my skin. I hug myself in an attempt to stay warm, careful to avoid touching any of my injuries.

I want to grab the sheets off the bed and use them, but I’m still wearing the dirty clothes from when I was attacked. I’m not sure if I’ll get the opportunity to wash my sheets often, and I want to keep them clean for as long as possible.

Lights occasionally turn on and off inside the main house, Damien’s large shadow visible behind the thin curtains. Every once in a while, I spot the fabric move to the side and two dark eyes peer out in my direction, but that’s the only attention I receive.

I squeeze my legs together as a painful pulse rushes through my body, my bladder screaming to be emptied. It’s been hours, and nobody has come to take me to the bathroom.

At one point, the ache grows so intense I attempt to stand and walk outside, but I can only make it a small handful of steps before growing too fatigued and needing to turn back so I can sit.

My body curls in on itself as I attempt to hold in my pee, small tears pooling in my eyes at the pain. I spot a light going off in the house and crane my neck to watch it, hopeful it’s Damien coming to take me to the bathroom.

Nothing happens for a long minute, and my hope fades as a light on the top floor flickers on, exposing Damien in a bedroom. There are no curtains over these windows, leaving the view into the room completely open, and I watch as he strips to his underwear and shuts off the light. The realization that he’s going to bed and not coming to get me feels like a stab to the gut.

My body shakes as I grip the arms of my chair and stand, my knees buckling before adjusting to the weight. I slide my feet along the floor as I head toward the door, painful gasps slipping from my throat as my wounds are stretched.

My goal is to make it just outside the door so I can relieve myself in the forest. I grunt as my foot catches on a floorboard and pivots me forward, the action surprising me and making me lose control of my bladder.

I hiss as I catch myself on the wall, humiliation washing over me as I try and fail to stop my pee, the hot liquid rushing down my legs and pooling onto the floor. It stings as it enters my cuts, forcing another whimper out of me as I lean against the wall and sob.

Shame warms my cheeks as I timidly return to my chair, unsure what to do now. I can’t make it to the house, I have no other clothing to change into, and it’s far too cold to remove what I’m wearing.

Eventually, I sit back down in defeat, the entire lower half of my body covered in my pee, and stare at Damien’s house.

Chapter Four

DAMIEN

I can feelher watching me from the rickety cabin window, stalking my every move. It takes all the willpower I have not to look in her direction as I get up and leave my office. The floor creaks as I walk across the hall and up the stairs.

Olivia moves around in her bedroom, humming quietly to herself as she unpacks her belongings. I don’t like having her in my home, but I’d rather it be her than the female my beast has infuriatingly claimed as his mate.

Drawers slam shut as I knock on the door, and there’s a quiet smacking as she pats her cheeks to bring color to them. She’s always been nervous around me, but I could care less about how she looks. My patience thins the longer she takes to pamper herself, and I raise my fist and pound at the door when another minute goes by and she still hasn’t opened it.

That seems to do the trick, and a second later, the door’s ripped open.

“What’d she say?” I ask.

She was alone with my mate and as much as I tried not to care, my interest has turned into desperation. My beast is livid his injured mate’s being taken care of by another, and it’s messing with my head.

Olivia’s face reddens as she meets my gaze. “Not much. She’s pretty quiet.”

I frown, unhappy with that response. “What did you say?” I probe.

My people value the mate bond too much to let me send her away, their outward frustration with me for putting her in the cabin proving that point. Still, I don’t know what to do with her.

“I asked why she was sent into the woods and told her where the bathroom is,” she admits, avoiding my gaze.

“Did she say why she was sent into the woods?”

Olivia shrugs, staring at her feet. I can tell she doesn’t want to answer me, her fear clouding the air. My beast rumbles at her reluctance, the deep sound furthering her scent.

“She wouldn’t tell me.” She crosses her arms over her chest.

I frown, already knowing it’s going to be a hassle to get that information. The humans are always reluctant to share their secrets, but it’s only a matter of time before I get my answers. I already sent my beasts to kill the leader of her old village, and I bet they’ll be able to find some documentation among his things.