Chapter 66
Chapter 66
66. Losing Control
YILEYNA
I was so confused… I don’t know what happened, but I was unable to shake the king’s reaction from my mind. Why had he looked at me like that?
“I’m fine…” I whispered to Charlene, giving her a tight squeeze.
Where would i be without her?
She moved back slowly, concern and sadness in her eyes as she brushed a strand of my hair from my face.
“You look beyond beautiful tonight, so beautiful that even the moon does not compare.” Charlene complimented me, trying to cheer me up with a small smile on her face, and I tried to smile back. 1
This wasn’t what I was expecting. This wasn’t how it was meant to go.
Sure my dress was revealing but so were many other dresses here tonight, the only difference was mine was in the fabric and designs from Aerean Kingdom. The Fae kingdom Zarian hails
from.
“Thanks.” I said trying to regain control of myself.
I could still feel Theon’s burning gaze upon me. The intensity of it making me a little confused. We parted, and I gave Charlene’s hand a gentle squeeze as Ryan let out a low whistle. “I wonder if the king is ok, that was… strange.” He said, massaging his jaw.
“Don’t let Mom’s words get to you, I’m sure Dad just…” Charlene tried, but even she had no answer.
“I don’t think the Luna was wrong, what was your aim De’Lacor by dressing like that?” Theon spat coldly, his voice full of rage, resentment, and venom.
My heart skipped a beat, a flash of pain filling me as I looked into his amber eyes. Amber eyes that were so similar to the shade of the pendant I wore that I wondered if that was why I subconsciously kept it close? Because of the colour? A colour that reminded me of him… 1
I glanced down at the floor, trying not to let his words get to me.
You should know me better than that Theon…
Focus Yileyna, remember the plan.
“My only aim was to look good for my date, besides, I don’t need to dress in a certain way for men fall at my feet, right Theon?” I mocked, knowing I sounded horrible, but the urge to make a jab at his infatuation with me was far too strong for him to deny.
And as much as I hated behaving like this… He deserved a taste of how it felt to be mocked.
His eyes burned gold, his anger rising, and Raiden pulled me close.
“Good is by far an understatement, Yileyna, you look so stunning even the moon would be jealous of you.” He said, trying to defuse the rising tension between Theon and I.
Theon scoffed, and from the corner of my eye, I saw him turn his gaze away. It showed that my plan was working, Theon’s anger was radiating off of him and I wondered what exactly it would take to break his self-control… “How about we go take our seats? Dinner will be served soon…” Ryan trailed off as Theon turned and stormed away.
He looked at Raiden, his smirk vanishing.
“Raiden, you know you are slated to be beta, why are you doing.”
“I already said I don’t want that position, so I’ll behave as I deem fit.” Raiden cut in.
My heart skipped a beat as I looked at him in shock. Why didn’t he tell me? “What?” I asked
“With Theon’s engagement the beta position.” “Enough Ryan.” Raiden said, his voice was calm, yet the finality in it made Ryan shake his head.
“No offence, Yileyna, but it would be beneficial for us all to see Raiden in that position. If -”
“Ryan, I said enough, this has nothing to do with her.” Raiden growled.
It was the first time I had seen him so angry, his eyes flashing as he glared at Ryan. “Ok stop. The both of you.” I said, pulling Raiden away. “Excuse us for a moment.” Charlene nodded as Ryan crossed his arms with irritation clear on his face. I led Raiden away towards one of the doors leading to the courtyards. “I’m fine.” He said giving me a small smile that didn’t reach his eyes as we stepped out into the cold. “Let’s go back inside, Leyna, you know you aren’t even wearing a coat.
“I don’t feel cold.” I said, refusing to listen to him. I tilted my head and raised my eyebrows, crossing my arms. “But I’m upset with you, Raiden.”
He looked down before shaking his head. “I’m sorry, but know that I would never accept that position, I would never-” “Raiden.” I cut him off, placing a hand on his arm. I smiled at the man I considered a friend and smiled gently. “I’m upset because you are letting an opportunity you deserve slip from your fingertips.”
He looked up at me sharply as fresh snow landed in his hair. “That’s your birth-right, Yileyna, and no matter what, it feels wrong to accept it. I won’t do that to you.” He said quietly.
A serious Raiden made me nervous. I often forget that he was indeed a man, one who could be many things…
“It was, but I am not fit for the position. We need a beta who is just, loyal and hardworking. In fact, you remind me a little of Dad. He was always caring, wanting his best for our people and to work hard… I’m sure he would have been proud to know you would be his successor.” I said
quietly.
The ache in my chest was because of my parents, as for the beta title… A few months ago 1 would have been hurt, but it all felt so childish now.
A title was a title, one that should be held by who was worthy, and although I once felt it was my only attachment to my parents, I now realised that regardless of the beta title I was still their daughter. I was still Yileyna De’Lacor and I would still make them proud.
“Yileyna, it just doesn’t feel.”
I placed a finger on his lips and shook my head.
“No. It’s the right thing to do. If I had known, I wouldn’t have come with you tonight… I can’t let you ruin your life and opportunity because of me. I thought we were friends, Raiden, you should have told me.” I said quietly as a sharp wind blew through my hair, but I ignored it. 1
“I’m sorry, but it was not necessary when I wasn’t going to accept it.” He said flashing me a charming smile. “But if you want to make it up to me, you could honour me with one dance.”
“Raiden…”
He was trying to change the subject.
“One dance with the most beautiful woman around. Although I’m uncertain if your appearance is a luxury or a punishment tonight…” He murmured huskily, his eyes dipped to my dress, and I felt my heart skip a beat as I blushed under his obvious meaning. It was nothing like Theon, Raiden was far different… warmth, comforting and security, and that was why I would never hurt him. But I could tease him, right?
I smiled brightly and stepped closer, wrapping my arms around his neck and almost laughing when he tensed.
“So tell me, shall we dance here? All alone, away from hundreds of prying eyes or… want to go inside?” I whispered, pressing my chest against him. He looked at me suspiciously before a smirk crossed his face, clicking on to exactly what I was doing
“Ever the tease Ms De’Lacor. I think you forget that Raiden Bolton is rather experienced in this field.” He replied, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me against him firmly.
I gasped, tightening my own hold on him as our bodies pressed against one another entirely. His scent invaded my senses and I laughed softly. “Who can forget that Raiden Bolton was the biggest playboy in Westerfell?” I raised an eyebrow, looking into those deep blue eyes of his.
“I would at least have hoped that you would.” He said with a wink, as he began swaying to the music that was playing inside the hall.
I raised an eyebrow.
“I actually remember you grabbing your pants as a certain she-wolf’s father chased you away onto the streets. Me and Charlene laughed over your naked butt for a good few weeks.” I smirked as he groaned.
“Damn, fathers hate me.”
“Well is that why I’m your latest pursuit, because you don’t need worry about a father?” I asked, amused, despite the small pang inside at the reminder that I was an orphan.
His smile vanished and he shook his head. From NôvelDrama.Org.
“Actually, you were never just a pursuit…” He reached up, brushing his knuckles down my cheek. “You aren’t just a pursuit. You are different, Yileyna. I know that you only see me as a friend, so I shall respect that, but you will always be my favourite girl.” My heart thumped as I looked into his eyes. He meant it, I knew that, I just wished I wasn’t. I wished I wasn’t the one he wanted…
“You have a mate out there.” I whispered. “She may be waiting for you.” “We both know a mate does not equate to love. I’m not asking for more, Yileyna, I just hope you know you are worth so much more. Never settle for anything less.”
Our faces were inches apart as we gazed into each other’s eyes. “Thank you, Raiden.” I whispered. “Any girl would be lucky to have you as their mate.” “Yeah?” He said, but his eyes said more.
Just that the one girl he wanted wasn’t interested… I felt guilty as I stared up at him.
“I’m-”
He cut me off, placing his finger on my lips. “It’s fine, don’t say anything.” He whispered, his hair tickling my forehead. My heart thundered, and suddenly I was very aware of how close we were; our bodies moulded as one, his left arm wrapped around me as he pressed me against him, his right hand lingering on my neck as he cupped my face. “Ok.” I whispered back, as our noses brushed.
Just enjoy the moment…
Deep down I wished I didn’t fall for the one man who had only caused me pain, but we didn’t get to choose who we fall in love with. My obsession with Theon was born the day I first saw him, he was
within inches of losing his life as I braved fighting that Naga to save the young man in his hold. And then, the moment he began to give me attention, I fell hard… I closed my eyes, pushing the thoughts away. I will no longer let him make the choices in my life…
The heart, mind and body wanted different things….
My mind wanted to be loved and protected.
My heart wanted Theon. It desired him, his touch his caress, his embrace…
And my body… my body craved pleasure… I could hear Raiden’s heart racing, and I made the mistake of opening my eyes. The depth of the emotions in his blue orbs knocked the breath from me, and without realising I tilted my face up. A look of confusion flashed in his eyes, but it only lasted for a mere
fraction of a second before his soft lips pressed against mine. A soft whimper left my lips as tingles of pleasure rushed through me, before his grip on my neck tightened, pulling me closer. His hand slid to the small of my back as he pressed me against him firmly, his lips moving against mine in a soft kiss as if I might break. I tightened my hand around his neck as I deepened the kiss, kissing him harder.
For a moment… even if it’s just a moment, I wanted to forget… I felt him throb against me, my own core aching with need. My stomach was fluttering like crazy when his hand dipped an inch, before he froze, tightening his grip, I knew he was fighting to control himself.
I reached behind me with one hand, grabbing his wrist and guiding his hand to my ass, satisfied when I heard him groan. Neither of us cared that we might be seen. Right now all that mattered was the pleasure and sensation that rippled through us.
He ran his tongue along my lips slowly seeking entrance, and I parted them. Kissing Raiden was different… The fresh sweet taste of his mouth was pleasant. I gasped when his tongue slipped into my mouth, but before I could melt into it, I was violently ripped away from him and thrown to the ground
roughly. I gasped as pain shot through my arm, the biting cold sinking into me as I lifted my head from the ground. “Theon.” Raiden growled, his eyes blazing with anger. His gaze snapped to me, as the smell of blood reached my nose and I looked down to see blood staining the snow. I sat up slowly, looking at my elbow to see that I had hurt it. But I didn’t get to ponder on it as I felt the dangerous aura that now surrounded the man who had pulled me away.
Theon.
“No one touches what’s mine.” He hissed, his voice more animal than human, his words dripped with venom and rage. 2
His back was to me, but to my utter horror, I saw that his claws were out, his entire body shaking with uncontrollable fury.
Fear enveloped me as my gaze snapped to the doors to the hall, where I could see a few people were already looking our way. I knew Theon, I knew what he was capable of. I had seen him kill without a second thought… but I had never seen him this angry… ever… “Theon. She isn’t yours.” Raiden growled, but it was futile. Stop, Raiden…
He was in danger, and it was all my fault. “Wrong. She’s mine or no one’s.” Theon growled, and then it all happened so fast. My ears rang and my heart thumped as I stared at the scene unfolding before my very eyes. In a flash, Theon was in front of Raiden as several screams filled the air. The sound of a
sickening crunch followed, and the smell of blood filled the air…