CHAPTER 7: PULL OF THE MATE BOND
Elodie's POV
Three days had passed since Ryder saved me from drowning. I couldn't leave the room because he ordered the guards to place me on complete room rest.
He never checked on me after that and it was fine. I had the time to myself but was bored out of my mind.
Trying to keep myself company, I folded the blanket on my bed and fixed my pillow again.
Someone knocked on the door and I muttered cheerfully, "Come in."
Viktor stepped in, dressed in a dark jacket and jeans. He smiled. "You're better."
Then he looked around and glanced at me. "I bet you're bored. Would you like to go out with me?"
My eyes danced with joy and I smiled happily.
"Don't get any ideas. You're my nephew's fiancée," he teased. "I'll show you around."
Then I remembered Ryder's warning. "I don't think that's a good idea."
"Nonsense. Because the Alpha said so or you think so?"
My silence followed.
"That's what I thought," he said. "Get dressed. You're going out with me. He can shout all he wants, but a Luna should be made to walk freely in her new pack."
Something in his voice made it hard to refuse. He was calmer and made it easier to breathe.
"All right," I said quietly.
Viktor grinned. "I'll be waiting outside. Don't keep me waiting, and wear something warm."
~
We drove around the town. Viktor talked about the pack, telling me everything I needed to know.
We stopped near the square and got out of the car. People were walking around, talking, eating, and buying things.
"This is the heart of the pack," Viktor said. "Ryder doesn't come here anymore."
I glanced at him. "Why?"
"He's been through a lot. This used to be his favorite spot until his parents died in an accident." He looked at me and continued, "Then his mate left him."
I felt bad for him. That's why he was so cold.
"Oh, well. I'm counting on you to warm his heart."
"Me? He doesn't want me."
He snickered. "Oh, yes he does."
"Huh?"
"You survived till now and he didn't send you out of the pack house, did he?" he asked.
Then he kept talking. "And he saved you from drowning. He's not as cold as he makes himself out to be."
Viktor had a point. Not once had Ryder tried to forcefully make me leave. Maybe he wasn't bad after all.
"Over there," Viktor said, pointing to a training ground. There were young wolves practicing hand-to-hand combat.
We walked to the sanctuary. Two beta wolves were playing with their sister. I smiled at the warmth.
"So, what do you say?" he asked, confusing me.
"I don't understand."
"Will you marry my nephew?" he asked, and I swallowed.
"I…I can't."
"Elodie, I know you feel trampled on. But only you can help him. He thinks I'm his enemy, but I love him."
"Even if I wanted to, I can't force him to be with me."
"You don't need to, Elodie. I can tell there's a connection between you two. I'll make you an offer. You get my nephew to fall in love with you and marry him. Then I'll cancel your debt to me."
"I don't owe you…" I said, my voice breaking.
"I bought you from your father. You practically belong to me."
He was right. I was sold to him to be the Alpha's wife, but I couldn't do it. I couldn't bring myself to accept it.
"I'll pay you back. Everything. I just can't…"
"I wasn't asking you. I want you to do it. Get my nephew to fall in love with you, and I'll let you go free."
I heard my heart beating wildly and I swallowed. His voice was clear as he stared at me. "Do we have a deal?"
His hand stretched out, waiting for me to receive it. I hesitated, panicking on the inside, my mind racing.
"And if I fail?" I asked.
"You serve me as my slave," he said firmly. "Forever. What do you say?"
He left me no choice. I took his hand and answered, "Deal."
He smiled and shook my hand. "Great. Try not to fail."
~
We were back in the pack house, and I took my coat off. I walked into the living room and gasped in shock, moving back.
Ryder was seated on the single couch, and he stood just as Viktor walked in. Ryder's eyes turned cold, and they rested on me. "I thought I gave an order."
Viktor came to my defense. "I took her out."
"I wasn't talking to you," Ryder's deep voice clapped back.
"Well, I'm talking to you. She's not a decoration. She needs to see the land."
"Stay out of this," Ryder warned, and I noticed Viktor's fist clench tightly by his side.
"Or what?" Viktor dared.
Ryder turned his gaze to him and I trembled. They couldn't fight because of me.
My voice broke as I spoke out. "It…it's not his fault. I wanted to go out."
"Be quiet. I'll get back to you," Ryder's voice thundered.
"Now listen, lad. That's no way to talk to your Luna."
"She's not my Luna."
"She is now. For bloody sake, do you realize that disrespecting her gives the others room to do the same? Do you have any idea how they treat her?" Viktor lashed.
"That is none of my concern. I didn't ask for her," Ryder said coldly.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Viktor said.
Ryder stepped closer, his face close to Viktor's.
My wolf, Clara, was scared. This is bad. Very bad. She cried and I stood there shivering.
"Next time you go against my orders, I won't be nice," Ryder said and walked past Viktor, climbing the stairs.
Viktor breathed out and his face twisted in anger. "Son of a…!" he cussed but stopped and kicked the wooden stool, startling me.
His eyes locked on mine and his lips moved. "You have three months to change him."
His words felt like a threat and I gulped down. There was no escape.