Chapter 2
: Sophia
Sitting out in the lobby I chewed on my bottom lip as I mulled it over. I didn't know what to do with myself. I had complete and utter freedom. But I had no clue what do to.
"Why so down little lady" I glanced over at the man who sat down beside me.
"I'm not down" I shrugged.
"Then why the frown?" He asked curiously as he reached out and touched my cheek. It was tender but thankfully with enough foundation it was hard to see the bruising, "If your not down you shouldn't have a frown"
I shrugged again shocked by his tender touch. "I don't know"
"I'm Darcy by the way" he smile flashing a set of pearly white teeth.
"Sophia" I whispered softly.
I had done it. I was talking to someone other then a pack member.
"Whats got you upset Sophia?"
"Nothing" I let out quickly.
"Oh don't lie to me, I can see your upset. Its in your eyes, my wo-I mean I'm just good at reading people" He quickly corrected.
I felt my brows shoot up. "your a wolf" I whispered out softly.
His eyes widened. "I don't know what your talking about" He stood up and looked like he was about to leave.
"Its okay, I know-my Alpha-I mean I use to belong to a pack" I stated in a very small voice as a few people passed by.
He sat back down looking hesitant. "A pack you say?"
I nodded. "Yes" I shifted. "I use to live with one till a couple of hours ago"
He looked around before holding his hand out to me. "Lets go to my room where there is no other eyes and ears around"
I nodding knowing how important secrecy was and took it as he lead me to his room which was pent house level.
"Now explain"
"I was adopted into the pack when I was 10, the Alpha took me in and kept me for 7 years but it was hard to follow the rules" I admitted.
"You said a couple hours ago what happened?"
"I asked another human what lunch was, that's against the rules. He got upset with me, and I lost my temper and spoke against him. In return he had kicked me out of the pack house and moved me to the wasteland" I looked over at him as he sat me down at the soft couch. "I didn't want to live there so I left"
He looked troubled. "Humans cant follow our rules, they can try but its pointless. They do not feel the need to accept and follow rules and orders blindly" He muttered out to himself. "It is near impossible, for you to last 7 years in a pack" he combed a hand through his hair. "Most humans end up dead after the 1st year . How did you survive this long"
"I did what I was told as best as I could." Meeting his gaze I looked into his eyes.
There was a loud bang on the door before it was flung open and I froze my eyes locked onto Zachary as he came gliding into the room his eyes flickered between us before he let out a thundering growl and pulled me into his side holding me closely.
"Sophia" He buried his face into my neck before growled at Darcy. "I thought we talked about this little mate" he let out coolly. "You were not meant to have any contact with another male"
I froze as I pushed at his chest with cheeks burning with embarrassment. "Zachary-"
"Mate?" Darcy let out curiously as I turned to face him. "Is that right?"
"Or what I was told" I let out earning a growl as Zachary shoved me behind him.
"Yes mine" He let out darkly. "Stand down"
Darcy snorted as he crossed his arms. "I'm not the one leaving my mate unattended and unprotected. From the little I have heard you have been absent for the most part" he mused.
"That isn't any of your concern" Zachary growled.
"I suppose not. But at least she had someone to watch over her while she stays in this hotel" Darcy let out. "Why there were a few questionable men who left after I shewed them away."
"Your staying in this room with him" Zachary growled.
"No-I have my own room" I rushed before glaring up at him. "I don't think you'd care with how you let me be treated in the pack" I jerked away from him. "So why do you care now"
"I didn't know how you were treated by the Alpha" he tried to soothe.
"Because you were never around like you were supposed to be. You were off being around girls like Bonnie instead of me" I whispered "If I had the power I would hurt you just as much as I have"
"Like you haven't already" he rubbed his face. "My wolf struggles to control himself around you Sophia. And you make it hard because those humans you so dearly wish to know. " he growled out. "I was 16 you were only 10."
"I've heard mates wait for their other no matter how bad the lusting is" I shot back.
"Because they were the same age. I have 6 years on you Sophia"
"Yes and I was of age sense I turned 15" I held my head up high. "For two years I have been of age for you, yet you never showed" I whispered hating how weak I felt, how hurt I was with the ache in mu chest and anger that filled me.
"And be a pedophile? I was 22-"
"All that sounds like is that you where afraid to settle down. Was the bachelor life more appealing then having your mate by your side night after night?" Darcy questioned skeptically.
"You don't know anything about this stay out of it" Zachary growled.
"I know enough. That you left her alone for seven years in the care of a pack that was horrible to her, I can see you never cared about how she would be effected by your selfish decision to keep her as clean as snow. But you never once thought about how alone, or scared she must have been" he spoke softly with sadness in his voice. "I hope my sister never has a mate as cold and heartless as you"
"Who are you exactly" Zachary demanded.
"I am Prince Darcy ruler of the Southern and Northern Kingdom" Darcy smirked as I met his eyes.
"A prince"
"Your pack didn't tell you everything I assume but for you I will explain." He looked into my eyes. "There is a realm that humans know nothing of. Filled with creatures such as werewolves, Vampires, Witches and such" He took a breath. "Just was werewolves have Alpha's. Vampires have Deacons, and the Witches have the Maiden. All answer to one ruler. The King of the Northern and Southern Kingdom. I as the Prince have been assigned to come and check up on this pack." his eyes flickered to Zachary. "To my surprise I find a little human female released from the pack knowing many of our secrets. On top of that finding out that she was treated as an omega, so deprived of attention she would accept any attention from a male"
"You know nothing of Sophia and I" growled Zachary.
"Being a war wolf your not use to having to hold that vile tongue so I will let this slid just once. But I am your Prince and you will address me as such" Darcy let out in a darkened voice. "But you my dear may always call me Darcy" his tone softened as he spoke to me with a tenderness in his gaze.
I couldn't help but grin up at him while nodding.
"Mine" Zachary shoved me roughly behind him causing me to stumble back.
"Hey watch it" I let out as I hit the floor with a grunt flinching as I glared up at him as he turned with wide eyes. He reached down to help me up but I slapped his hand away. "Your such a jerk. Cant you think for once before shoving me around" I glared.
"It was an accident." he stated softly in a tone that almost made me feel guilty. "I'm thinking of your safety, your coming home with me"
I blinked in shock at him. "I don't have a home, I wont go back there" I got to my feet slowly rubbing my bottom.
"You did have a home till you lost control of your manors and disrespected the Alpha, I told you this already things needed to be done before I could reveal our bond" He stated in a bored tone. "Your not safe anymore I have to take you to the pack lands were you will be safe, this is the grey area"
He grabbed my wrist and started to pull me to the door.
"That is were you go wrong" Darcy gave a sigh. "She's not going home with you. She will be staying here. I know all about the enemy's you've made these past years as I watched your actions cause many problems we have had to sweep up. You murdered the Deacon of the vampire coven"
"I was ordered to after he killed three of our pack members. He had no right to walk around while my mate and other's mates roamed our lands free" Zachary let out coolly.
It almost sounded rational.
"You know the laws Zachary. We have laws to keep things clean, and civil to leave no room for revenge. If he was brought to the court of the Kingdom everything would have been settled in a formal affair" Darcy gave him a hard look.
"We brought him to our council, they chose death" Zachary snarled. "He got what he had coming to him, our pack lost three good members"
"It was not in your councils power to do the handing out of justice as they have. Which is why I am here now. He was a Deacon of a young coven of Vampires. Now his Coven is running amuck in the world loose and wild. In my future kingdom. Because you were to stupid to not go through the right steps to justice. Your little pack has now brought themselves under the watchful eye of the Kingdom." Darcy cocked his head to the side. "I think as punishment it will be Sophia who will be working of the debt you now owe"
Growling Zachary's body began to tremble and his pores becoming more visible with short black hair sprouting out of his body. "You will not lay a hand on my mate"
"I didn't say anything about touching" Darcy scoffed. "Not all of us are a slave to lust. I'm sorry Sophia but you will be my maid waiting on my every wish" His blue eyes locked onto me. "But dont worry I will treat you considerably far better then those of your pack I dare say" He gave me a smile as I stepped away from Zachary and towards Darcy.
I gave a gasp as the sudden snapping and a thud I looked over and gasped as he landed on all fours a smoky black wolf in its place. I froze in fear. I had never been this close to a transitioned wolf. He was fearsome with sharp teeth dripping in saliva his lips drawn back as he growled. I couldn't help but whimper in fear and stagger away from him my body screaming to run and escape.
I had always been kept away from the wolves during the times they shifted. Being so unpredictable at times such as a full moon it was safer in the house.
"Now look what you've done you buffoon, your scaring your mate" Darcy scolded.
Squeezing my eyes shut I kept backing away till my back was against the door my body trembling in fear. Feeling the heavy hot breath fan across my chest I squeezed my eyes closed tighter and whimpered out in fear. I felt the cold wet nose touch my chin and the softest whine filled the air. But it didn't fit the picture in my head of those sharp teeth, claws . I jumped and gasped when I felt the hot sticky tongue lick my cheek.
My eyes snapped open in shock. His ears were flat but as he whined again he rubbed his head against my stomach and nuzzled at my hand till I found my fingers running through his course fur marveling as my hand stroked his soft ears finding them softer then the rest of the fur as well as the very top of his head. He gave a throaty groan.
"I think I sort of like you better like this" I muttered softly.
Whining he looked into my eyes as his tongue lolled to the side of his mouth.
"Sophia" I looked up at Darcy as he called out to me.
"How long will I have to do that for" I asked softly.
"Sense I will be here for the week, I will cover your hotel bill and room service. You will be the one I will have tidying up and organizing the things on my desk. Sense you already know of our secret I don't have to dance around the human maids"
Growling Zachary's fur stood on end.
"As well as showing me around" Darcy added ignoring Zachary.
Growling at that Zachary shifted at my feet and I felt my eyes widen at his naked form as he lifted his eyes as he pushed his hair out of the way he shook his body and the fur fell around him.
"And I suppose I can lend you some clothes seeing as yours are shredded ." Darcy tsked.
My eyes drank in the creamy skin of his body that was litter with battle scars. "Honey, eyes up here" I blinked and felt my face burn with embarrassment as he caught me ogling him. He gave a deep chuckle that caused my heart to speed up.
His hand moved like a flash grabbing the pants Darcy threw at him.
"Sophia wont be staying in this hotel" Zachary grunted as he shrugged into the dark washed jeans.
"Then were will she stay? I suppose they hotel has tumble beds they could bring up for her to stay here which would be easier" Darcy mused. "Or even my bed"
Zachary growled and put his arm out to keep me behind him. "My mate will not be staying in this room with an unmated wolf, your reputation is worse then that of a pack whore" He let out roughly. My eyes flickered to Darcy. Could he truly be that bad? "She will be staying at my house" he wrapped his arm around me and pulled me against his side. "Now I will pay the debt off any other way but Sophia will not suffer for what I did"
"Why cant I stay here I already paid for the room" I let out in shock as I looked up into his chocolate brown eyes, "It costed $90.00" I frowned.
"Fine," he rubbed his face with his free hand. "We can stay for the day you paid." his eyes flickered back to Darcy. "With me, Darcy and I will talk later on settling this debt"
"It is Prince Darcy to you" Darcy reminded. "Only Sophia has the right to use my true name"
Zachary ignored him and turned us to the door as he threw it open.
"Bye-" I let out as Zachary moved quickly with me in tow my feet stumbling over themselves at his fast pace.
"I don't want you around him Sophia, he's bad news"
"But he's not all that bad" I let out as I peeked up at him. "He was nice to me-" I stumbled a bit causing him to pause. "Your walking to fast."
"Sorry" he sighed.
I watched as he slowed his pace but kept his arm around me his pace matching mine.
"Are you really going to be staying with me as well?"
"Of course I am, I'm not leaving you alone with him around" He paused as we got to the elevator.
I pushed the button and the doors closed. "Zachary."
"What is it Sophia"
Chewing on my lip I peered up at him. "Nothing" I shook my head as the doors opened and he inhaled deeply before leading us to the door I opened it and he let us in.
"I'll order room service" He let out before looking around. "On a second thought I will do it after, we have to go get some things." he looked down at me. "We'll come back"
"I don't want to leave can't I stay?"
"I already told you I wont leave you alone with him. Your coming home with me to grab some things then we will come right back okay?"
"I don't have a home" I reminded.
"Yes you do your home is with me" He leaned in and brushed his lips against my forehead causing me to gasp. I pulled away quickly holding my hand to my chest feeling the heavy pounding of my heart.
"You don't want me to be close to you?"
Blinking I looked up from under my lashes. "I-your the first person to ever kiss my forehead" I muttered as I looked down.
His bare feet came into view causing me to stiffen. His hand rested on the top of my head. "Don't be ashamed of that, there with be many more firsts" my head snapped up quickly.
--
His house was beautiful, surprisingly clean for being a loner's house. I looked around and froze as my eyes landed on a neon pink bombshell bra thrown carelessly on the floor of his room. I clenched my hands with a growl and stomped out of the room leaving him there.
His heavy foot steps echoed behind me his voice a blur as the anger consumed me. An irrational response. Was it the bond?
"You can't still be mad"
I ignored him as I sat on then damp grass pulling my knees to my chest as I bit my lip hard.
"Your going to make your lip bleed honey" He begged as he pulled at my arm.
I attempted to push it away and glared.
"Come on don't give me that look." he groaned
Continuing to glare at him he sighed.
"I haven't done anything with her for months." he stated in a even voice.
"Then why was there a bra in your room on the floor" I demanded.
"Bonnie stayed there while I was out of state, she had a key and kept on the house keeping while I was gone" he explained. "Look I can have the house cleaned professionally from top to bottom baby"
"Get a new bed" I snipped with a quivering voice.
The thought of her in the house with him made my stomach roll and I hated it.
"We didn't use the bed" his voice trailed.
"New carpet then"
"Okay, I cam have everything replaced. I needed to anyways. How about I have you go through a couple books and pick out everything just so it will be the way you wish" He pulled me into his arms and stroked my back. "How does that sound?"
Sniffling I nodded. "Just-what room is safe to be in that hasn't been-"
"kitchen" He tilted my chin up as he leaned in, the lite mist of rain clung to his hair his eyes ran over my face and lingered on my lips as he leaned in and kissed me. I froze shocked at how smooth they felt, how warm. His lips were like a spark to gas fire flared in my blood and roared through my body. All the anger melted and turned to a yearning and lust as I gripped onto his arms as he pulled me tighter his lips seeking a response that I gave in a clumsy way following his lead. I was confused by it all and shocked when he suddenly grasped me tighter molding me to him as he sucked on my bottom lip causing me to shudder.
"What are you-" I squeaked out.
He took a deep breath his arms trembling as he kissed my forehead. "I lost control for a second. I didn't mean to scare you" His voice gentle as he let out a deep breath. I inhaled deeply finding his scent intoxicating. "That fire you feel, Sophia that is why I kept away because my wolf is clawing for control to taste more." his arms slipped away and he stepped back. "I didn't want to rush you"
Blushing I touched my swollen lips as I watched him turn and start back into the house. I followed close behind him.
"I have to grab my bag and I will be right now" Nodding I watched him leave and waited. He came back with a back thrown over his shoulder. "Lets go" Nodding I watched for a moment before hesitantly wrapping myself around his arm.
He froze for a second but smile and walked us out to the car and helped me in before putting his bag in the trunk.
--
"So this is what you planned on? Just laying here?" Zachary asked as he walked over to the bed and sat down beside me.
I nodded with a care free laugh. "Well we could see if Darcy wants company"
He gave a growl and pulled me to him I gasped when I landed on top of him I held myself up stiffened.
"Mine"
I gave a little sigh as he said it in that husky tone. "Its just nice to be able to relax. I don't have to worry about moving from house to house to help clean or watching over pups" I let out softly. "To have some time with someone with me" I admitted while blushing.
Cupping my cheek in his hand he gave a soft sigh regret clear in his eyes. "I never meant to hurt you by trying to protect you" I leaned into his warm palm and my eyes fluttered closed. He kept his hand there for a moment. My stomach chose then to growl loudly ruining the moment causing me to blush with embarrassment. "Hungry?"
I nodded. "we forgot room service"
He chuckled. "Want to go down stairs to see if the café has anything good?"
Grinning I nodded quickly.
Chuckling he sat up coming face to face with me he brushed his lips against mine tenderly. "I'm glad your not yelling at me anymore"
Blushing I scrambled off of his lap before looking down at myself and back at him. "Do I have to change?"
His eyes skimmed over me as he licked his lips. "Put a t-shirt on at least that tank top shows to much" He gave a throaty growl as he licked his lips. His gaze filled with lust.
Blushing I grabbed a black shirt to throw on over the tank top and eyed my Grinch pajama pants but decided to keep them on and slid sandals on.