CHAPTER SEVEN

It seems impossible. Ajax, a traitor?

But I don't want to question it. It doesn't seem like the right time or place.

"I don't want to pry," I say. "If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine, but--"

"No, it's okay," he says. "I'm just not sure where to begin."

"How about the beginning?" I ask, smiling at him.

"The beginning?" he says. "It all started the day my father died."

"Your father died?" I ask.

"He was my alpha, and he was the one I looked up to-- the one I aspired to be like," he says. "He was brave and strong. I wanted to be just like him. And I was, too. But then, he died."

"I'm so sorry," I say.

"It was a long time ago," he says.

I can tell he's about to say more-- that he wants to tell me everything, but before he can, someone else appears in the cave. I can't see them, but I can hear their footsteps approaching.

I watch as they approach the cage where I am being held and am surprised when they open it.

"Come" the man says in a gruff voice.

"Where?" I ask. "What do you want from me?"

"You're needed for wedding preparations."

"For whose wedding?" I ask, confused.

"Yours," he says.

"Mine?" I ask. "What do you mean, mine? I don't understand.

"You are betrothed to the Alpha," he says. "And you will do whatever we say."

"I don't understand," I say. "I've never even met the Alpha. Why would he want to marry me?"

"Everything will be explained to you soon," he says. " But with the wedding less than a week away, we don't have any time to waste. Now, come. "

I hesitate for a moment, but then I decide it's best to do as he says. I don't know what game they're playing at here, but I don't want to get into trouble. Not just yet, at least. I have no idea how to get out of this cave, so I figure I should follow along quietly until I can figure out what they expect of me.

"All right," I say. "I'll come."

"Good," the man says. "I'd hate to have to punish you."

With that, he turns and starts walking away, taking me with him.

We walk for about five minutes-- that much I can tell, at least-- but I have no idea where we are or where we're going. All I know is that it's cold, damp, and dark. Eventually, the man stops and turns to me.

"I'm going to untie you," he says. " I'll be watching you, though. I won't hesitate to hurt you if you try anything.

I nod, and as soon as the rope is undone, I rub my wrists.

"Now, walk," he says.

"Where to?" I ask.

"Straight ahead," he says. "Just keep your eyes on the light."

I nod, then I begin to walk.

I have no idea where I am and I have no idea where I'm going, but I do as he says.

Eventually, he leads me to a mansion.

That is the only way to describe it-- a mansion.

The place is huge, with beautiful columns out front and elegant windows.

"This is your new home," the man says. "You are to be Alpha's bride."

His voice is stony, like he's reciting a well-known script.

"I don't understand," I say. "Why have I been betrothed to the Alpha?"

"He saw you, and he wants you," he says. "It is as simple as that. The Alpha always gets what he wants"

"Where will we go?" I ask.

"We're going to the chambers," he says. "You will be prepared for your wedding tomorrow."

"I'm sorry," I say. "I don't know what you mean. What kind of preparations?"

"You will be bathed.  Your hair will be done.  You will be dressed.  After that, you will meet with the Alpha."

"I-- I don't know what to say," I say. "I don't know what you expect me to do."

"You have no choice in any of this," he says. "Now, come with me. "

"I-- I don't have anything to wear," I say. "I didn't plan on getting married."

"You will wear what you're given," he says. "Now come with me, and stop asking questions" he says. "The Alpha doesn't like his women to ask questions."

I stare at him, disgusted, and then I watch as he leads me into the mansion and down a long, elaborate hallway.

"In here," he says.

"Wh-- What am I supposed to do?" I ask.

"You're going to take a bath," he says. "And then you're going to get dressed. "

"But I don't have anything to wear," I say, unsure what else to say.

"Everything you need is inside," he says. "You will bathe in this room. You will wash yourself, then you will dress."

"But--" I start to say. "I'm not going to get dressed in front of you."

"I will be outside," he says. "It's best you move quickly."

I start to say something, but I catch myself.

This is probably the best chance I have of getting out of here, so I decide I should just go along with it.

"Fine," I say.

"Good," he says. "Please take your time and follow every step to the letter. The Alpha demands perfection."

"You expect me to be perfect?"

"The Alpha does," he says. "Now I must go. When you are finished, go outside and get in line. Do not be late."

With that, he leaves the room, shutting the door behind him.

I stare at the door for a moment. I have no idea what I'm getting myself into. The only thing I do know is that, even though I haven't met him yet, I'm pretty sure I already hate the alpha. I cannot possibly marry a man like that-- a man who wants his women quiet and perfect.

I have to get out of this.

I have to find a way to escape.