Capítulo 11: Chapter XI
RED
I watched Erik leave, gesticulating irritated with himself. Wondering what was he thinking about, I followed Mary around the house. We climbed the marble staircase to the second floor. All over the walls were enormous paintings of Erik's family, I assumed. Rich people of different ages, dressed in silks and jewelry. In one of them was a couple with two little kids, all smiling lovely. The older boy was clearly Erik, because of his platinum hair and blue eyes. He looked just like his father. The other little one, which probably was his brother, resembled the mother perfectly.
The serving girl showed me to my room, which was incredibly beautiful, just like the rest of the mansion. A four-poster bed, in tints of pink and cream and fluffy pillows, dominated the view. There was a large mirror with a dressing table on the other side of the room. Lush curtains with gold details framed the tall windows, completing the entire design. There was also a door that led to the balcony, but it was locked. I had a feeling there was a reason behind this and I became slightly annoyed. They probably thought I was going to run. Which was not completely wrong, but I had nowhere to go at the moment. There was no need to keep me caged like a bird.
In the center of the chamber, a wooden bathtub was already prepared, the steamy water looking very inviting.
" Let me help you out of these clothes, my Lady! I will fetch you a fresh set while you wash. Or would you like me to wash you, my Lady?" said Mary with a polite smile. " My Lady, huh?" I thought amused. No one has called me that before.
" Thank you, Mary, but I can handle both tasks. Although some clean clothes would do! " returning her smile. She seemed surprised, probably used to help the lady of the house with everything, but didn't press the matter further. She left the room, while I quickly undressed. I placed my wolf head and weapons safe, by the bed. I placed that sharp, small knife that was usually hidden on my inner tight, on the edge of the tub, ready to use at all times. I trusted no one, now more than ever.
" Oh my God! " I thought when I stepped into the hot water and leaned on my back. I relaxed on the spot and let myself slowly to submerge. For a moment, the muffled deep silence made me forget everything that happened these past few days and I felt lighter. There I wanted to remain and I held my breath as much as I could.
When I surfaced, I gasped for air and life came back down, piercing me like a hot iron. I started crying, being the only way I could let the pressure out. In such a short time my life turned upside down. My best friend became the bad guy and the nightmare creatures were real. I was trapped in an unknown place full of strangers and I felt like one myself. My dream was to become a hunter, but now it seemed impossible, as they tried to use me as bait and I chose to run with the Lycans, with Erik. I wished to leave in this adventure so much and now I felt homesick like never before. Mary came back into the room and froze when she saw me crying.
" My Lady, are you ill? Is the water too hot?" she hurried to my side, sounding worried. I would have laughed if I wasn't so miserable at the moment.
" No, no! Everything is fine, thank you! I just...wish to be alone" I sniffled, whipping my tears away. She left the new clothes on the bed, bowed and left without saying anything. I sighed and tried to enjoy my warm bath, by emptying my head of thoughts. Who knows what would come next. I knew I had to think of what I should say at the questioning and devise some kind of plan, but I felt too tired to be smart.
I watched absent-mindedly how the ends of my hair floated gently on the surface of the water. My brain could only produce one image at the moment - Erik's face. I closed my eyes and blushed, remembering the way he traced my lips with his long fingers mere moments ago, his taut, tattooed chest, his...
" Shit! What I am doing? " I thought ashamed, as a soft moan escaped my lips. I was so heated, that I started touching myself, only by thinking of him. My skin felt soft and sensitive underwater. I squeezed my thighs together and withdrew my hand, trying to ignore that deep aching need. It was true that I held crushes for other men before, I was no saint. But it was nothing compared to this. Erik made my brain to literally stop functioning and my heart to take control of my actions. But this had to stop. I could not fool myself. A bath and a comfy room were not enough to trust him and throw caution to the wind. I had to clear my head. I still didn't understand why we had such an effect on each other. Because I've seen it in his eyes. He felt the same way.
Then again, I trusted Theon like no other and look where it got me. I could only count on myself and Grams. I wondered where she was, if she was alright or worrying about me. I had to reach her somehow, send her a letter.
I stayed in the tub until the water got cold. The servant left for me a bathrobe, a night shift and some dresses. They all were of the best quality, full of delicate flowers and precious stones. Somehow I felt unworthy of such refined things and I planned on asking for my own clothes as soon as they came back from the wash. In truth, I hated wearing dresses and tight corsets. How could I fight and hunt in those damned things? So, I just put on the nightgown and the robe, enjoying how the soft silk felt on my skin.
For a while I snooped around the room, searching all the drawers, touching the gold-made objects and trying the cosmetics that were placed on the dressing table. I looked at myself in the mirror. The cut on my cheek was barely visible now. I always healed up rather fast and I could not remember the last time I was sick, which was great considering what I did for a living. I also never felt so clean before. My hair was shiny and fluffy, and my skin was smooth and fragrant.
" Would Erik like the way I look?" I thought, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, studying my reflection. Damn! I shouldn't even care about that!
Then, I remembered something Theon said: " You don't know it yet, but you are forever tied to one of them, your fucking Lycan lover". Like a missing piece of a puzzle, the memory of those cave paintings I found came back to complete the big picture as well. Could it be true? Was there a destined bond between us? Even so, when Erik will hear my truth, he probably won't like me anymore. Not that I did! Certainly not! Maybe just a little?... God, I was doomed.
Eyeing the closed door of the balcony, a wicked idea crossed my mind. I found in the drawer some hairpins, which would work perfectly for lock picking. Yes, I knew how. Still, I was a bit out of practice, because I learned it when I was a kid. I used to sneak with the other children and steal sweets from the village bakery. Until we got caught, of course. It was the only time my Grandma spanked me and I learned my lesson: to never steal again! I quickly made my way to the door and started working my magic. I struggled for a bit at first, cause the pins were not exactly great. But then, with a satisfying click, the door opened.
" A-ha! You still got it, baby!" I praised myself, smiling devilishly and stepped outside. It was cold and I shivered, tightening the robe around my body. December was almost here and I wondered if I will get to spend Yule with Nana. The fresh air calmed my nerves a little, while I took in the surroundings. The city view was breathtaking. I've never seen so many houses and crowded streets before. The snow-covered roofs, made it all look enchanted. Which was not far from the truth, as it was filled with all sorts of supernatural creatures. I was still grasping the whole notion, Erik's transformation replaying vividly in my mind. I wondered what other beasts were real, maybe something cool like dragons or vampires.
I looked around the balcony and over the edge. It was made of solid rock, slippery now because of the ice. No plants to hold on to either. So, even if I wanted to escape, climbing down from this height and in these conditions seemed like certain death. An inner naughty voice made me ask myself if I really wanted to get away from Erik. I sighed in surrender, pushing the thought aside, not wanting to admit the answer.
After a couple more minutes, I returned inside frozen and closed the door behind me, teeth clattering. I quickly jumped on the bed and covered myself with the thick blanket. Clearly, the mattress was incredibly comfortable. It felt like I was sinking in it and the sheets smelled fresh. Slowly, I started to warm up and my eyes became heavy. I had no desire, but to sleep.
A morning ray of sun shined through the window. My whole body felt so hot like Nana forgot to get the warmer pan from under the blanket. I wanted to call for her, so I would not burst into flames, but it felt so good. I was also pinned under something really heavy, but I was too dazed to complain.
When that something wrapped around my waist and pulled me back, I opened my eyes wide, panicking. I turned my head and almost screamed when I came face to face with Erik. But no sounds came out of my mouth, just stared at him dumbfounded. He was sleeping soundly, hair disheveled on his forehead and lips parted. The heavy thing was actually his thick muscled arm, which squeezed me closer and closer to him. His skin was hot and sweaty, but he smelled like cinnamon as same as before, which made me lick my lower lip hungry. I blushed like crazy when his chest was finally glued to my back and I felt his hard member on my butt.
"Oh, no, no, no! This won't do at all! Your virtue goes to hell, Red!" I thought, ashamed of the desire that spread in my body. I caught his arm and tried to push it away. He furrowed his brows and mumbled displeased.
" Just...one more... minute" I heard him rumble in his sleep. It would have been cute if we were in another situation, where he and I actually knew each other. He tried to hold me in place, but I squirmed restless and that's when he finally woke up. He stared right into my flushed face and let go of me quickly.
" Fuck.. I...I know I'm not supposed to be here, but..." he started awkwardly, scratching his head, his voice groggy from the sleep. I jumped out of the bed to put some distance between us.
" But? What are you doing in my room? No, better, what are you doing in my bed?" I asked, my voice sounding more high-pitched than I wanted. I should have been angry at him for this indiscretion, but I was just... turned on. He sat up in the bed and looked at me with those bright blue eyes. His broad shoulders flexed when he leaned back on his hands and I swallowed, shameful thoughts crossing my mind.
" I came last night to check up on you as I promised and I just fell asleep" he explained, but I laughed ironically.
" So, you fell asleep and suddenly appeared in my bed? That's rich" I crossed my arms on my chest. He smirked and slowly raised from the bed, coming closer. He looked like a big, bad wolf on the prowl, his sapphire stare fixed on me.
" Well, I might have admired your beauty a bit in the process, little flower" he admitted without any guilt. I blushed, secretly enjoying that endearment he kept on using.
" I'm no flower, my Lord " I said cocky, holding his gaze. He eyed my little leg knife, which I forgot on edge of the tub. Damn it! Erik picked it up, playing with its sharp tip between his fingers. It looked like a toothpick in his large hands.
" Clearly" he whispered, his voice deep and sexy. "More like a cat with sharp claws". A little sigh escaped my lips, as he now stood way too close to me. Again! He looked down at my cheek, his eyes narrowing.
" Your wound is almost gone!" he said in a surprised tone. I was not sure what he was getting at.
" I usually heal fast, nothing strange about it" I responded a bit irritated. He only said a suspicious " Hmm ", which annoyed me further. What was he suspecting me off?
An intense silence settled, only our breathing audible. That electricity between us was constantly present. I didn't know if that was the bond or not, but there was definitely something very strong at work here. I tried not to look in his intimidating eyes and instead looked down. Which didn't help at all, as I could clearly see his morning hard-on through his pants. I squealed embarrassed and turned around quickly. He noticed that too and stepped back.
" Oh shit, I'm sorry!" he laughed nervously and covered himself with the shirt he left on the floor. " Look… Red, I need to explain some things. About us. I'll let you change first, while I bring some breakfast. Sounds good?". I nodded slowly and he left the chamber, a bit embarrassed as well.
Now that I was alone I started giggling. I was sure that this tiptoeing around each other would soon lead to something more. And deep down I wanted it badly to happen. Something about Erik made me trust him. He didn't feel like a stranger to me. But I was not sure if that was wise.
I took a look at the dresses left for me on the bed and I frowned. They were all so shiny and flowery that I didn't even want to try them on. They were not ugly, of course, but I would have felt like a complete fool wearing those. Just when I was starting to pace around nervous, Mary knocked on the door and entered, carrying my clothes, freshly laundered.
" Ohh Mary, thank God! You saved me! " I sighed relieved, taking the pile from her.
" I happy to be of service, my Lady!" she smiled happily. " Also, I took the liberty to mend them too".
" You're an angel, thank you! Please, call me Red. I am no Lady" I said, touching her arm kindly. She looked taken aback by my friendliness.
" I'm not sure if that's appropriate, my Lady!" she added quickly, gazing at her feet.
" Then, you can call me by my name when we are alone, deal?" I laughed, amused by her politeness.
" Deal! Should I help you change, my L...I mean Red?" she corrected herself awkwardly.
"It's alright Mary! You already helped me so much!". She smiled, bowed her head and went to her chores.
I put on my pants and buttoned the beige shirt that Gran recently bought me, smoothing the material with my palms. I also combed my hair quickly in the mirror and hoped I didn't have a morning breath. Jesus… why was I trying so hard? It's not like I wanted to impress Erik...right?
While I was judging myself, he entered the room holding two plates of food. Speak of the Devil! He changed his clothes as well. A black shirt hugged his big frame and muscles perfectly, a bit of chest showing. His grey breeches were tight, making his ass look so...shit, stop swooning Red! Erik placed the plates on the bed and we took a sit in front of each other. He eyed my outfit, then the dresses that I'd thrown away on the armchair.
" So, you wear the pants, huh?" he grinned at me, taking a piece of cheese in his mouth.
" Mortifying, I know. Such things don't befit a Lady " I said ironically and looked at the food. The silver trays were full of tomatoes, ham, cheese, and boiled eggs. My stomach growled at the sight. I realized then how hungry I was.
" Eat! " Erik commanded on the spot. He was probably using this tone with others every time. Well, he didn't need to ask me twice and I started to eat famished.
" Mmm, this tastes amazing!" I moaned in pleasure while trying out the ham. He smiled pleased, watching my every move. For some time we eat in silence, but I felt that serious talk was coming. When our plates were empty, he put them away and gave me an intense look. Shit, here we go!
REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES 
Glory_Ralle
Glory_Ralle Thank you very much for reading my story!
As always let me know what you think about the chapter, characters and plot!
Don't forget to vote if you liked it!
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder