Sold as the Alpha King’s Breeder

Chapter 41 : Ready for What?

When I felt Soren pull back, embarrassment flooded through me again. I clamped my eyes shut tightly and looped

my arms around my waist. I could barely sense him anymore.

What had come over me? Why was I acting like that?

Had I really been… horny?

That's what it seemed like. And Soren was the one I wanted. What was worse, now he knew it!

I shuddered and hugged myself tighter. Disappointment and unfulfilled desire stuck to me like tar. I was

disappointed in myself for showing the way I felt but I was also disappointed in Soren for not doing anything about

it.

When had he become so prude? It wasn't like he hadn't done all that and more to me already…

I shook my head to push those thoughts aside. Maybe he was purposefully trying to torture me. That was all I could

think.

The room was quiet. Almost too quiet.

I wondered if Soren had left after my embarrassing display. Squinting one eye open, I checked to see if he was still

there.

Soren was still sitting on the edge of the bed, his gaze steadily on me. Those blue-gray orbs were penetrating,

seeing straight through the sheet and his t-shirt.

My insides squirmed and my cheeks flushed again. I covered my face with my arm.

“Drink a little more water, just to make sure you are staying hydrated," Soren said.

I uncovered my face and saw he was holding out a cup of water this time. Pulling myself up, I leaned back on the

pillows, semi-reclined, and I took the cup of water. This one, I drank slower, hoping the awkwardness I felt would go

away by the time I was done.

Soren remained where he was, watching me. He didn't seem upset by my earlier behavior but he seemed cold and

distant now. Soren didn't move or speak as I drank my water.

When I was done, I handed the cup back to him and sighed.

“I'm feeling much better now, thank you," I said.

“You're welcome," Soren replied warmly.

“How is Miltern pack? The curse was lifted, wasn't it?" I asked, looking out the sunny window again.

I must have woken up later in the afternoon because the sun was already setting. I could see brilliant, vibrant colors

across the sky.

“The curse was lifted, thanks to you, and the pack is already on the mend," he said.

A little frown touched Soren's lips.

“What is it?" I asked, leaning forward more.

“You figured out how to use the Feather of Justice. Unfortunately… it seems like it was a one-use artifact," he said.

Soren held the box out to me, the lid opened.

Had he gone through the other items there while I had been sick? The other things seemed undisturbed but there

was a small pile of ash in one of the corners.

The letter, the spellbook, and the map hadn't been moved or touched.

Sighing, I reached out and touched the light, fluffy ash. That was probably one of the only things my mother had

ever left me and it was gone, destroyed. I had to use it to save Miltern but my heart ached at thinking one of my

last links to her was gone.

“Your mother would be proud of you. I know that much from your memory," Soren offered, pulling me from my

thoughts.

I smiled dryly at him and nodded.

“What are you going to do now? You lifted the curse and found out about your past…"

I lowered my gaze to my lap and twisted my hands together.

“I'd like to make a trade with you," I said, lifting my gaze to his.

Soren arched an eyebrow.

I reached into the box and pulled out the map that had come with the letter. I held it between my fingers, stroking

my thumb over the soft parchment.

“Everyone was looking for that artifact, the one they talked about in my memory," I said.

“Yes. I doubt they ever found it because it is still a mystery," Soren said.

“I know they didn't. Because my mother broke it into separate parts and hid them all over where no one would

think to look," I said, holding up the folded map.

“Why do I get the feeling that you know?" Soren asked, eyeing the paper in my hand.

“My mom marked it on the map. I'll trade you this map and the artifact but I do need one thing," I said.

“You're keeping me quite busy with your pursuit of Helen and taking care of that poison," Soren said smugly. He

crossed his arms but I got the feeling he was teasing me.

“I know… I," my cheeks turned crimson. “I know I'm asking a lot but… Please?"

“What is it that you want?" Soren pressed.

“I want revenge!" I snapped, looking straight into his eyes. Anger flared in me. I thought I'd buried it after that

dream, but it came flooding to the surface. “I want revenge on those that killed my parents and my pack. The ones

that tortured my mother and… The ones that stole from the dead!"

I unfolded the map and held it out to Soren so he could see.

“I swear, I will make them pay. But I need your help," I said.

Soren glanced at the map and pursed his lips. He snatched the map from my hands and immediately folded it up,

tucking it into his pocket. He stroked his chin and nodded.

“In that case, you need to get back to your full strength. You can't seek revenge with a weak body."

“But…" I pointed to the pocket where he'd hidden the map. How did he expect to help me if he didn't know where

the pieces were hidden?

“Be a good girl, Mila, get some rest," he demanded.

Soren stood up and turned toward the door. I grabbed his arm and held him back.

“Wait… can you… stay the night?" I asked softly, casting my eyes down.

Soren sighed but he didn't pull away. He stepped closer to me and gently urged me to lie back down.

I released his arm and he pulled the blankets snuggly around me and ran his hand over my forehead.

“Are you comfortable?" he asked.

“Yes," I nodded.

“Alright, I will stay until you fall asleep," Soren whispered.

He laid down next to me, over the covers, and wrapped me in his warm, comforting arms.

I closed my eyes. Even being awake for part of the day had me exhausted. I guess I really had a ways to go before I

was fully healed.

With Soren's arms around me, I drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.

***

Bright light struck my eyes and I moaned, rolling away from it. The sun pierced through the window, covering me

completely. It was so warm and bright, I couldn't fall back asleep.

Opening my eyes, I noticed that Soren was gone and I was alone in his bed. It didn't surprise me.

Warm, golden sun bathed the entire bed. I was so happy to see the sunlight bright and warming the village. Giggling

giddily I stretched in the warm light. I felt so rested, like I hadn't slept that well in years!

I probably hadn't given everything I'd been dealing with since I ended up in Saboreef.

With the curse lifted, my mood felt lighter and I just felt like things were starting to turn around.

Yes, I wanted revenge and I still needed to find Helen but breaking the curse had been a huge achievement. I finally

felt like I could really do everything I needed to.

I got out of bed and stretched even more, doing a little happy dance in the sun patch in front of the window.

Outside, I saw people in the streets of Miltern. They looked happy and they were actually talking to each other,

laughing and playing.

That warmed my heart completely.

After another quick look around the room, I saw a new dress folded on the dresser. There was a folded note on top

of it. I picked up the note first.

“Mila,

I'm waiting for you in the hotel gardens. I think you'll be pleased with how they've transformed. Wear the new dress

I got you and we can have lunch together.

I'll see you soon,

Soren."

My stomach dropped into my feet and I giggled, hugging the note to my chest.

It was so formal and sweet. Almost like he was asking me out on a real date or something.

Soren wouldn't do that though, would he?

I checked the clock and saw I still had a little time before lunch. It was barely mid-morning.

That was perfect, because I knew I hadn't showered in a few days and if I was going to get dressed up in a new

dress, I wanted to freshen up first.

I hopped in the shower and cleaned myself. The silky soap felt so good on my dirty skin. I shampooed and

conditioned my hair, scrubbing down to my scalp.

Wrapped in a towel, with my hair drying, I found a little makeup in the bathroom and threw some on. I quickly

brushed and styled my hair and then put the new dress on. It was a sundress, nothing overly fancy.

The dress had smooth, fitted lines that clung to my curves. It was low cut in the front with spaghetti straps. The skirt

fell to just above my knees, showing off my long legs.

It was a mostly white dress with orange and black tropical flowers on it.

I examined myself in the mirror. The dress was the perfect size and the color was bold. I liked the way I looked in it.

And the way my legs and breasts looked in it.

The black charm on my bracelet matched the dress perfectly and the colors accented my skin tone and my hair.

Was Soren this well versed in fashion, or had he had some help?

A little nervous, I left the hotel room and went to the gardens. I gripped the handrail on the stairs to keep myself

from running headlong all the way down. Excitement made my skin hum and buzz.

So few times in my life had I gotten dressed up and really pampered myself. Even if it wasn't a real date, I still

expected to have a good time and I was loving the excuse to actually look good for a change!

I went to the door that led to the gardens and Soren was waiting there for me. He smirked when he saw me and

held his arm out.

Soren was dressed in a nice black suit with an orange pocket square. His outfit complimented mine perfectly.

He had on a black silk tie and I was certain he'd showered and actually combed his hair. He didn't look anything like

the gruff rogue I knew. He almost looked… like a gentleman.

My mouth dried out as I got closer to him and my stomach fluttered.

I'd never seen anyone so handsome. Like a Greek god standing there in all his glory.

Heart racing, I met up with him, unable to pull my eyes away. I was transfixed like a moth to a flame as I stared at

him and his undeniable handsomeness. I didn't think I'd ever seen him look so good!

My breathing was shallow as I reached him and I flushed, hoping he wouldn't notice.

Soren took my hand and kissed the back of it. He placed it in the crook of his elbow and we walked out the door.

I trembled as I followed along, stealing sidelong glances at him.

“I'm glad you wore the bracelet," he said, grinning.

“It goes with the dress," I teased.

“I don't want you to take it off. It looks too good on you," he purred.

I almost squirmed right out of my dress at the compliment!