Chapter 71
GWEN??
"Thanks for inviting me to the meeting," I said softly as we made our way out of the conference room after the meeting. It was the mandatory meeting done every Thursday to discuss present and futuristic pack activities. The elders were still upset about the recent human attacks and needed Ashton to do something about fortification of the borders.
I was in support of that too. After the last attack and knowing the reasons behind their obsession with Lycans, I don't think living at their mercy would be a good idea. Yes, I was happy Ashton didn't carry out his initial plan of going to war with them, albeit I don't think anything can change his mind if something goes wrong again.
"You have nothing to thank me for," Ashton grunted, increasing his pace. "My mother did most of these meetings in the absence of my father, and is expected of you if you are going to be a good Queen."
I bit down on my tongue, walking faster to match his gait. "Still, I thank you." He was back to his haughty form. I'm not surprised. After all, he got what he came for last night; taunting me and reminding me of how much control he had over my body. "I can also do better if invited more often."
"I don't need to invite you, Gwen." He suddenly came to a halt, causing me to run smack into his broad back. I sneezed in embarrassment and stepped backward, flipping my hair off my face. He merely stared. "You have a maid who should keep you updated with the pack schedules, particularly when it comes to meetings where the Queen is needed. Why doesn't she do that?" His brow ticked, his eyes lulling up as if an idea just occurred to him. "Speaking of which, I think that maid of yours should be changed. She is lousy and very inefficient."
"I'm not complaining," I quickly intoned. It's true that Kora doesn't give me the necessary information and very true that I am still weary of her, more like I still have doubts about her service despite her pledging allegiance to me, however, the devil you know is better than a sheep-clothing bitchy friend.
Ashton snorted and resumed his walk up the stairs. "I thought you had practice this evening with the rogue?"
"His name is Tyler and yes, thanks for reminding me."
"Still, a rogue and in my eyes a vermin." "Ashton."
"I wonder what you see in him. Never mind, I know. After all, they say birds of the same feathers flock together."
"What do you mean?" I hurried to stand in front of him, my hands on my waist in feigned brevity. "Tyler is a good guy as far I am concerned. Unlike a two-faced prick like you!" His forehead furrowed in anger. I held my ground. "So, yes, if you mean we behave alike, then thank you."
"Don't test me," He let out a low growl.
"Or what would you do?" I narrowed my eyes still pretending to be unafraid, meanwhile, inside I was trembling. What if he lost control and hit me? Or even worse, hurt Tyler?
He took a step further, my breath hitched. He stopped right in front of me, tilted his face to mine, so close our breaths fanned and whispered, "Don't forget how fast I can have this feisty behaviour turned into a moan in a matter of seconds." I blushed crimson. How dare he? "I have been desiring for so long to have this mouth of yours wrapped around my cock sucking me off so passionately that..."
"Why didn't you discuss the horse race with me?" I asked abruptly to divert his attention and goddess help me, save myself from this bodily madness. His mouth went on a straight line, his eyes skimming away as he stepped back, straightening back to his full height.
"It wasn't important."
"Your father told your mother everything as_"
"And you have no right bringing my family into our private discussion."
So, he doesn't consider me part of his family? "But you want me to be a good Queen to you, to the people. How can I do that when you don't involve me and then when I complain to you... you manipulate me through scandalous ways to forget?"
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"That is on you."
"Fine." I swallowed down the spittle, flicking my eyes upwards to meet him. "I don't like the dress code. It's very inappropriate." He smiled. My stomach flipped. How come I haven't seen his lips-sided dimples before now? Made him look so innocent and...
He flicked his fingers in front of my face. "You say I manipulate you meanwhile, you easily drift off in the middle of discussions, having very nefarious fantasies. What do you call such forms of temptations in the werewolf Kingdom again?" I whipped my eyes down so fast, ashamed of my disgusting behaviour. "Don't deviate from the discussion."
"Why do you not like our dress code? You were so lost looking at another man's nakedness, but you can't bear that of your mate?" What is wrong with him? Can he not understand I can't endure seeing other women see his nakedness? Or that Merit standing so close to him while in such an undressed state made me want to claw out her eyes?
"Please, dress up while riding, Ashton. For the sake of..."
"I disgust you that much." There was sadness in his tone.
"You don't."
"Many women crave and beg to have a glimpse of my body and yet you..."
"That's the problem!"
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"Helloo, hello..." Abby's laugh-filled voice wafted from the topmost part of the stairs. It made me unloose my bunched fist and twisted my head up, feigning a smile. She was fully kitted, apparently ready for training. "Gwen! I've been looking everywhere for you. You ain't ready?"
Ashton stepped forward beside me, imitating my posture. "Finally, you remind me that I have also been searching for you for a very important meeting. Between both of us. In my study. Now." He ordered at Abby, gave me a brief stiff glance and made his way back the way we came.
Abby was by my side the next second. "What am I going to do?" She whispered frantically. "I have been avoiding him and now..."
"Just remember everything we discussed," I took her hand and brushed slowly. "He won't bite. Don't ever mention William if you care for him."
She nodded once and went after him. After watching her back disappear in the left direction that led to Ashton's study, I huffed and made my way to my room to prepare. Was I too harsh on him? Perhaps, I should have approached the matter diplomatically.
I didn't even mean to say it. It just came out as a means of escaping the butterflies that were overpowering my stomach while he said those things to me. And now, I have brought back his former self. Ashton sure knows how to bring out the worst in me all the damn time!
Anyways, I am not going to allow this to bother me. I have a sparring match tomorrow and have to get ready. I touched the bracelet gift from Julian, a constant reminder of my past with him and a sad smile silently crawled up my face. I hope I perform well, at least that way my relationship with Julian wouldn't altogether be a waste.
"You know you are now my good luck charm," I mumbled to the bracelet, grabbing my water bottle and leaving the room.
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