The mattress squeaks as I toss and turn while the words of Cree circulate in my head. I roll on my side and slip my hands beneath my head as I stare at the small window. I watch the moon slowly cross the midnight sky, sending the lines from the shadow of the bars on the window across the hardwood that ensures I don’t escape.
The floor above me creaks. I swallow, thinking Cree could return and torment me again. It makes me feel icky. Last night he was so caring and protective, and it’s like a switch flipped, and he is an entirely different person. Or should I say wolf? I don’t know what I was thinking. He’s a werewolf; he’s only toying with me until he’s ready to kill me.
I push the thoughts aside, glance back out the tiny window, and sigh. I want to find my brother and get us as far from this place as possible. Cree made me feel worthless. How could he just walk away? He can’t say he didn’t like it because his erection says otherwise. Ugh, Sakari, he’s an asshole. Stop thinking about him. I scold myself in a huff. I shake Cree from invading my head and turn towards the wall, hoping sleep takes over. I’m so tired of him.
***
The following day, my eyes flicker open, only to be surprised Cree is sitting in a chair gaping at me. My eyes grow wide. What the actual fuck? How long has he been watching me? Quickly, I press my back against the wall. “What do you want?” I ask, pulling my knees against my chest. I’m so tired of these games. Why can’t he just leave me be?
Cree leans forward, placing his elbows on his thighs, and I flinch, tightening my grip around me. He almost looks hurt that I am now wary of him. “Let’s go,” Cree orders and gets up, coming toward me. I try to lean back more but can’t go any further. He frowns. “Now,” He groans, grabbing my arm, and I yank it away.
“Just leave me alone!” I snap back. Usually, I would regret my loudmouth, but this time I had enough. He needs to stop toying with me. “Either you kill me or let me go!” I demand.
Cree grabs me faster than I can imagine, throwing me over his shoulder again. “Damn it, Cree, I am not a fucking toy. Your games are worse than a teenage girl with bipolar disorder,” I shout.
We walk through the living room. All the pack sits, eyeing us as we pass. Laughter fills the room. Fucking dickfaces. I roll my eyes at them and send them the bird. Where is my brother? I think, glancing around the room before Cree starts up the stairs.
At the top, I continue my insults. “Asshole!” I sigh angrily.
“Always back talking,” Cree sighs and slaps my ass.
“Ah!” I squeal. “Hey, dickhead!” I bark.
“Aw, that hurts,” Cree chuckles.
Oh, the nerve of this fucking wolf. I swear I’m going to punch him.
He pushes his door open and walks to the bathroom. He places me on my feet and nods towards the shower. “Get in,” Cree orders.
“No.”
Cree’s head tilts at my defiance. “Excuse me?”
I glare at him. “I. Said. No,” I repeat each word slowly, so maybe his tiny wolf brain can understand. “My brother,” I cross my arms.
“You get in the shower, or I kill your brother. How’s that sound?” He retorts with demanding eyes.
My stupid ass smirks. “You can’t remember,” I taunt Cree. I wanted to stick my tongue out but refrain.
He grips my jaw and forcefully brings me closer. “Little girl, my patience is running thin,” Cree snarls. “The exception means nothing. My grandfather only put it in place for Takoda,” he says, lifting his brow as a devilish grin appears.
I gulp, regretting my attitude. “Fine,” I huff, almost like a toddler throwing a tantrum.
Cree smiles, pleased. “Good girl,” He nods again towards the shower, then leans against the wall, crosses his arms over his chest, and watches me intriguingly.
“Um, privacy, have you ever heard of it?” I say harshly.
“Get in now,” Cree says roughly.
The air feels stuck in my throat. Is he going to watch me shower? “But...”
Cree cuts me off. “No buts get in the fucking shower,” He rumbles.
My body jolts at his aggressiveness, and I take a deep breath, exhale, close my eyes, turn away from Cree and unbutton the shirt he put on me the other night, then let it fall to the floor. I can feel him staring at me as I unclasp my bra. My chest rises and drops. The pounding in my chest makes me woozy, but I push through and slip my panties off, letting them pool around my feet, and step away from them.
The knob squeaks as I turn the hot and cold water on. I enter, and the scolding water hits my skin, easing the pain away from the last few days.
“Turn,” Cree orders in a whisper. The sound of his voice is closer now.
My eyes clench shut as I turn to face him.
“Open your eyes,” he demands.
My cheeks blush as I open them. Cree stares in a trance over my hourglass figure. His eyes linger on my breast before they move up to meet my emerald eyes.
My body twitches as Cree steps into the shower with me, still wearing his jeans. “Don’t worry. I won’t fuck you now. Not until you’re eighteen,” He declares.
As if that makes me feel any better.
“How is that any better? I’m naked in front of you now,” I reply smartly.
“It’s against our rules,” Cree says as his eyes roam over my flat stomach and broad hips.
“Oh, you have rules now,” I retort.
His eyes snap back to mine. He leans in closely, and I try to back away, but he pulls me toward him. “The moon goddess does not want mating to happen until the female is old enough to carry a child.”
My eyes grow wide. “What?”
Cree smirks. “These are perfect for bearing offspring,” He pronounces, his fingers trailing across my hipbone.
Not sure what the hell I’m thinking, but I get smart like always. “I was old enough to carry a child long ago,” I retort. I need to learn just to shut my mouth.
“Not a child of a wolf,” Cree responds as he steps forward, and the water splashes against his chiseled frame, and my eyes watch it run down every crease of his sculpted abdomen, making my mouth water.
Oh lord, really? You’re pathetic, Sakari. Stop getting horny over this asshole!
I tear away my thoughts when Cree slides his long index finger over my bottom lip. I close my eyes, taking in the electric surges that jolt through my veins from his touch.
He calmly grabs my hand and places it at my center. “If I can’t have you. Show me how you Cum,” his tone full of lure.