"as we reached his mansion, a line of well dressed people were waiting for us as i though ran through me mind "who was this man, and what does he want with me a run away".
Ahicia's head rested against he's shoulder as he carried her through the grand gates of his estate. The night air was crisp, and the scent of earth and pine clung to him, mingling with the faint medicinal tang from her freshly treated wound. Though her leg throbbed with a dull ache, the immediate danger was gone. Still, she kept her body relaxed, her lips curling into a faint smirk as she studied his profile from beneath half-lowered lashes. Let him think she was compliant—for now.
The towering iron gates creaked shut behind them, and the long driveway stretched out before them, lined with ancient oaks whose shadows danced under the pale moonlight. The mansion ahead was imposing, its dark stone walls seeming to absorb the light rather than reflect it. Ahicia's mind raced, calculating her next move. he might have saved her, but he was no hero—he was an Alpha, through and through, and Alphas always wanted something.
"You're lighter than you look," he murmured, breaking the silence. His voice was deep, steady, and laced with an undercurrent of authority. "But you're going to need more than patched-up legs to survive."
"Oh, I don't know," Ahicia drawled, her tone soft but laced with sarcasm. "I've managed this long."
The heavy wooden doors of the mansion swung open as they approached, revealing a grand foyer bathed in golden light. The polished marble floors gleamed, and the walls were adorned with intricate tapestries and imposing portraits. he carried her through the space with purpose, ignoring the opulence that surrounded them.
A servant appeared, their head bowed low. "Shall I prepare the guest quarters?"
"No," he replied curtly. "She'll stay in my room for now."
The servant hesitated for a moment, then bowed and disappeared down a side hall. Ahicia's smirk deepened. "Your room? How bold."
he's grip tightened slightly, though his expression remained unreadable. "You've got a sharp tongue for someone who was bleeding out a few hours ago."
"And you've got a lot of nerve for someone who thinks he can keep me here," she shot back lightly, though she didn't resist as he ascended the staircase. Her tone was teasing, but her eyes were sharp, assessing every detail of her surroundings.
When they reached his quarters, he kicked the door open with ease and crossed the threshold, laying her gently on the massive bed that dominated the room. Ahicia stretched out, wincing theatrically as she adjusted her position.
"Comfy," she muttered. "I could get used to this."
he crouched beside her, his Golden eyes narrowing. "You're playing a dangerous game, Ahicia."
She tilted her head, her smirk never wavering. "Am I? Or are you?"
For a moment, neither spoke, the tension between them crackling like a live wire. Then, his rose, his gaze lingering on her for a beat longer than necessary. "Rest. We'll talk more when you've recovered."
As he turned and moved toward the door, Alicia allowed herself a brief moment of satisfaction. Let him think he had the upper hand. The real game was just beginning.