The Alpha's Prize
Chapter 20: Secrets

Cain's eyes burned into mine as a devious smile placated his plump lips. I didn't know what was instore for me, but I was excited to replace out. Then, finally, he reared back and stood to his feet, thencasually strolled into the closet. I continued to lay there, waiting for him to come back, but it hadnow been a few moments, and I started to wonder, what in the hell he was doing?

I stood up from the bed and crept towards the closet, trying to peek in as I got closer. Just as I wasabout to cross the threshold, Cain emerged from the closet. He grabbed me by the wrist and spunme around, slamming me face-first into the wall. Cain held my hands together behind my backbefore wrapping my hair around his other hand and tugging it back slightly.

His soft, plump lips brushed against my ear. “Did I say you could move?” He asked in a husky tone.I bit my lower lip. “No, but I was becoming bored waiting for y...."

Cain cut me off by pulling my hair tighter and causing my head to jolt backwards. He then brushedhis lips down my neck and nipped at my overly sensitive flesh, sending shivers throughout my body.“You disobeyed me once again. I don't like being disobeyed, and now you are going to be punishedfor that, Freja.” He whispered oh so sweetly.

My chest heaved, and my bottom lip quivered as the pool of wetness between my legs had nowsoaked through my panties.

Taking in a deep breath, I asked in a daring tone, “What's my punishment?”

A rumble vibrated from his chest. “You'll have to be a good girl and wait and see.” He whispered.Cain released my hair, and I could feel him now binding my wrists together. After he bounded myhands, he tied a piece of silky material over my eyes, restricting my sight. The anticipation was nowoverwhelming as I waited for him to make his next move.

He turned me around so I was no longer facing the wall; his hands started to explore my body,touching every inch of me. Suddenly, Cain gripped my shorts and tore them from my body, causingme to gasp. His hands ran down the length of my body, going lower and lower. Cain's hands werenow firmly caressing my thighs as he nipped and kissed at my neck, making me moan and thrivewithin his hold.

Cain's grip tightened, holding me in place. “Don't move and be quiet.” He said sternly.

I stilled myself, attempting to remain motionless and silent, but that was something that I wasn'tsure I would be able to do, especially with his touch. Cain continued to torture me; his hands slid upmy thighs and to my ass, gripping it hard and possessively. His one hand then gripped the seam ofmy underwear and tore them from my body, making me shudder.

Cain tugged my lower half closer to him, then bit and licked at my sensitive flesh. His hand camearound and reached between my thighs, Cain's fingers then glided against my wet folds, andanother shuddering breath escaped from my lips.

He continued gliding his fingers across my aching pussy, then slipped a finger inside of me,thrusting it in and out. I let out a lust-filled moan and writhed from his touch, but as I did, heremoved his finger and stood up.

Cain gripped my hair firmly again. “I thought I told you not to move and to be quiet? You just don'tknow when or how to behave, do you?" He asked in a teasing tone.

I shook my head. “No, I don't. I guess you will just have to punish me some more.” I said seductively,then bit my lower lip.

Cain let out a low growl before releasing my hair and gripping my shirt, and tearing it from mybody, leaving me completely exposed now.

He turned me around and pushed me against the wall, his erection pressing into my ass. His armsnaked around me, reaching up to clasp around my neck. Cain then tilted my head back and bit myneck before whispering. “Oh, I promise you, I will.” He said in a husky tone.

Cain pulled me away from the wall and threw me onto the bed. I could hear his large feetapproaching the bed; then, he smacked me on the ass with something cold and hard.

I gasped loudly. “What the hell was that?” Whatever it was that Cain had smacked me with, it wasn'this hand, and I was unsure of how I felt about it.

He smacked me again, a little harder this time. “Shut up!” His voice was growly now as he flippedme over and pulled me up into a sitting position. “Be a good girl for once and follow my orders.” Ijust smiled at him in response and mentally gave him the finger.

I heard his zipper undo, and the anticipation was consuming me now, waiting for his next move. Ilistened to the sound of him shuffling before Cain gripped my hair. “Open your mouth.” Hedemanded in a feral tone.

I tilted my head. “What?” I had never done anything like this before, and although it was turning meon, I was a bit nervous.

"Open your fucking mouth.” He growled out, his wolf now on the surface, as the lust and desireconsumed him. My wolf damn near purred at his wolf's presence.

I opened my mouth, hesitantly and he eased his hard cock in, grazing my lips with his soft skin. Itried to rear back, but he only gripped my hair tighter and kept me in place. “Don't move, or I'llshove it all the way in and choke you.” It took me by surprise at the man-beast before me now. Ihadn't seen this dominant side to him before; it was a turn-on but also a bit intense.

I remained still and allowed him to continue easing himself into my mouth. I closed my lips aroundhim and started to suck him harder, flicking my tongue over his tip. He released a satisfactory moanas he pushed himself farther in. I continued to suck his hard cock, lightly grazing my teeth along hislength, feeling satisfactory when his body shivered. His moans and groans now filled the room as Itook him deeper into my mouth.

Suddenly, he pulled out and pushed me onto the mattress. Cain then flipped me onto my stomachand pulled me down slightly, so my legs hung over the edge of the bed. He gently caressed my assbefore giving it a hard smack. I gasped in pleasure, wanting, no craving more.

His large hands kneaded my ass before smacking it again. Cain then spread my legs as far apart aspossible, using his knees. I writhed on top of the cool fabric, needing him inside of me. He slightlylifted my ass in the air before plunging into me.

Cain fucked me hard and deep, pounding into me at a dizzying speed. Finally, he pulled himself allthe way out and smacked my ass once again before plunging back into me. He gripped my hairtightly, pulling my head back and entering me even deeper now.

I moaned and screamed his name loudly. “Fuck, Cain.” I bellowed out.

He flipped me over onto my back suddenly, then lifted my legs, putting them over his shoulder andleaned forward, placing his hands on either side of my head. Again, Cain entered me slowly, thistime as his mouth devoured mine. My mind was racing with sexual ecstasy, it was foggy, and myhead was starting to spin from the orgasm that was building with each thrust, pushing me closer tothe edge.

My legs shook as he deepened himself. Cain then reared back slightly and placed his hands on mythighs, entering me deeper than I ever thought possible.

Cain's thrusts were almost violent now, as he consumed my entire being and my climax hit me like atidal wave. Then, just when I thought I was going to pass out, with one final thrust, Cain releasedhimself inside of me.

We collapsed into each other, savouring the moment of pure bliss. After a few moments, Cainbraced himself with his forearms, removed the blindfold and stared into my eyes with an infuriatedexpression. “Don’t ever go out alone again. Do you understand me?” His tone was laced withauthority.

I sighed heavily. “Cain, I was fine; nothing happened to me.” I propped myself onto my elbows. “Youdon't have to treat me like a china doll that will break or be destroyed at any given moment. If weare going to be mates and if I am to be Luna, then you need to see me and treat me as an equal.” Istood my ground.

He narrowed his eyes and stared at me for a beat. “I see you as my equal, but it is hard for me totreat you like one. My wolf drives me to protect you; it doesn't matter to him what you say or howstrong you are; his first and only priority is your safety.” He looked away from me and groaned.“There is a lot you don't know about my wolf or me; maybe in time, you will.” He almost seemed asif he was ashamed, ashamed of the monstrous side of him.

I pursed my lips, knowing and understanding some of what he was saying, as I knew just how strongour wolves could overpower us. “I understand.” I said softly, “I just want to be able to roam aroundthe grounds and such without an escort or being scolded for going out for a run. I know the woodsare dangerous, but I didn't go far.” I tried to reason with him.

Cain closed his eyes and inhaled, “1 will try, but I can’t promise anything.” Then, he opened his eyesand stared into mine. “The minute I hear of anything that makes me uneasy, you will not goanywhere alone!” He had a brow raised, and Cain stared down at me with a “Don’t push me.” looketched into his features, causing me to chuckle internally.

I rolled my eyes. “Fine.” I thought it was cute, how dominant and protective he was, but also a bitmuch.

Cain lifted himself and laid on the bed next to me. I rolled onto my side, and Cain's green orbsstared into mine, almost lovingly. He brushed a strand of hair away from my face before kissing myforehead. I closed my eyes and relished this moment. A rare and memorable moment with the manI once feared and who is now my mate.

I awoke some hours later and looked at the clock on the wall, which read 1:47 am. A nightmare hadwoken me; it was of Cain dying, the whole pack fighting in a battle and the rest, I couldn'tremember; it was fuzzy.

I sat up and peeked over my shoulder at the sleeping beast beside me, snoring loud enough towake the dead. I got out of bed and walked over to the balcony doors, pushing back the curtain. Iglanced out at the vast beauty of the land before me; the moon illuminated everything, the water inthe pond sparkled, making it look even more magnificent. I stared at the old willow tree, watchingas it glowed in the light, almost giving it a golden aura.

I hadn't realized its beauty had me so entranced until Cain placed a hand on my side, causing me tojump. “Holy hell, are you trying to give me a heart attack?” I asked him, a bit too loudly.

He let out a hearty chuckle. “Nope, just like watching you jump out of your skin.” He smirked, and Ishook my head at him.

Cain's expression turned serious as he gazed out the window from over my shoulder. “What hadyou so deep in thought?” He questioned

“Just the moon was shining down on everything, and the willow tree.” I shrugged.

"Oh. I see. Well, come back to bed now.” He placed a kiss on the top of my head.

I nodded my head. “Yea, I just need to get a drink first and use the washroom.”

He groaned. “Ok, hurry up.” He said, then returned to the bed, climbing under the sheets.

I went into the washroom, did my business, then walked back out of the bathroom. I left thebedroom and walked down the hall towards the staircase, but stopped before descending as I heardan angry voice coming from Calyx's room. I crept over, doing my best to be sneaky and quiet. As Ineared his bedroom, I could hear him more clearly now.

“I've already told you the fucking plan, and we are sticking to the plan, end of story.” He whisperedyelled.

He was silent for a moment. “If you go against the plan, I will replace you and rip your fucking throatout and your pathetic brothers.” Calyx growled out.

Calyx was silent again, then snarled before I heard a loud crash. I immediately started walking backtowards the stairs, not wanting him to come to the door and replace me there. I nearly flew down thestairs and into the kitchen; who was Calyx talking to on the phone? Was it Eve? Did she have abrother? Numerous questions scrambled around in my brain as I ran through everything in myhead. The whys and the how's, but I realized I didn't know much about either, especially, Calyx. Ineeded to replace out more about him to try and piece things together.

I wanted to tell Cain earlier about everything, but I didn't want to say anything to him when we werein the woods, and then we became a bit occupied. Perhaps, that was for the best; maybe I shouldreplace out more before telling him, figure out who all Calyx is working with and what his plan is,because if I tell Cain now, he may overreact and spoil everything.

As I continued to run things through my head, I reached into the fridge and grabbed a bottle ofwater. Then, I turned around after closing the fridge door, only to come face to face with Calyx.

I gasped and jumped a little. “Fuck Calyx; you scared me.”

He grinned, and his upper lip very slightly twitched. “Sorry, didn't mean to.” He said, a bitunconvincing.

"Anyways, I'm going back to bed now.” I tried to move past him, but he blocked my path.

Calyx cocked his head to the side. “Why the hurry? Stay and have a chat with me.” He smiled

“No, I can't; Cain is waiting for me,” I told him, somewhat telling the truth. I also didn't want to bealone with him after what I had discovered.

He pouted, “Please?”

I shook my head at him. “No, maybe another night?” I smiled and tried to get him to agree.

Calyx just stood there staring at me for a minute; his eyes started to turn black before a husky voicecame from behind him

“What are you doing, brother?” Cain questioned.

I peered around to Cain and gave him a pleading look. Cain's eyes narrowed to the back of Calyx'shead, while Calyx just continued to stare at me for a moment too long before whipping around toface Cain. “Nothing, brother, just wanted to catch up with the new Luna.” He said genuinely.

Cain observed him, like he was trying to see into his soul, then glanced to me. “Come on, Freja, let'sgo.” Then Cain extended his hand out for me. I squeezed past Calyx, taking Cain's hand, and weexited the kitchen. Once we returned to the bedroom, Cain's attention was all on me. “Whathappened?” He demanded to know.

I inhaled a deep breath, wondering if I wanted to tell him how the encounter had made me feeluneasy. “He came in the kitchen and asked me to have a chat with him.”

His brows scrunched together, and he narrowed his eyes. “And that's it?"

“Yes.” That really was all that happened; I wasn't lying to him. However, I just left out the part whereCalyx sent a cold shiver down my spine, leaving me to wonder just how sinister that man was.

He nodded, then got into the bed, and I followed suit. But I couldn't sleep; all I could think aboutwas the conversation I overheard and the intense conversation I had with Calyx. His demeanour hascompletely changed now, the way he glares at me and his body language; everything is differentnow. My wolf hovered on the surface when he approached, snarling and ready to fight; I couldn'tstop thinking about that factor, that she was standoffish to him suddenly. I tried to clear mythoughts, thinking of something else to distract myself. So, I decided to focus on the mental imageof the willow tree, the ruff bark, the leaves blowing in the wind, and not long after, I finally fellasleep.

I woke to an empty bed; I sat up, looked around the room and noticed that I was alone. I got out ofthe bed and walked to the closet, only to see that it was empty. I walked over to the bathroom,which was empty as well. My brows furrowed, wondering where Cain had gone too. I went back intothe closet, threw on a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt and left the bedroom.

I hurriedly walked through the halls and down the stairs, heading straight for the kitchen, but theonly one in the room was Violet.

She smiled brightly. “Good morning Luna, what can I get you for breakfast?” She asked cheerfully.

I walked closer to her. “Do you know where Cain is, Violet?" I asked, needing to ask him questionsabout Calyx.

She shook her head. “No, sorry, Luna. I do not know where the Alpha is.”

I gave her a curt nod. “Ok, thank you.” I turned around to leave the kitchen, but Violet stopped me.“Do you not want breakfast, Luna?” She asked me, a bit concerned.

I pursed my lips. “No, thank you. I am not hungry right now.” I said quickly, then left the kitchen toreplace Cain.

The fact that I didn't know where he was, put me on edge, especially with Calyx lurking around andhis plan to get rid of Cain and me.

I ran back up the stairs and towards Cain's office, wondering why I didn’t check there first. I reachedthe door in a few strides and could hear voices coming from inside, but it was unclear what theywere saying. I knocked on the door, and the voices ceased; a large and burly man, with slick-backedhair, answered the door a moment later. The man glared down at me for a beat, then his featuressoftened, and his attitude changed. Finally, the man bowed his head. “Luna, please come in.” He saidas he fully opened the door for me to enter.