Rejected - The Enchantress

Caitlin

“Caitlin, please join us. I understand your studies are important, but it is not often I get to visit and I would love to hear about your training.” My eyes dart to Andrew, sending a silent plea for him to say something that will save me. His eyes narrow at me and he plasters on his best fake smile while gritting his teeth.

“Of course she will. Won’t you, Caitlin?” I know I had made enough to feed eight people, just in case Sarah screwed something up, but that didn’t mean I wanted to sit with these people and eat…even if the meal I made did smell heavenly.

“Yeah, sure.” Andrew heads to the dining room, casting me a warning glare before moving out of my line of sight. The alpha motions for me to enter first and I begrudgingly walk past him into the room where Andrew and Sarah are already seated.

“This looks delightful.” One of the alpha’s men comments as we take our seats, Andrew and Sarah still glaring at me which instantly irritates me. It isn’t like I asked for this and I sure the hell don’t want it, yet they are acting like it is my fault that I am here and their lies are at risk of being exposed.

“It is nothing, just something I whipped up last minute.” That does me in. It is one thing to lie behind my back, but lying in front of my face and taking credit for something I did, that is where I draw the line. I clench my fists in my lap and try to focus on my breathing. I hear a hum of approval and look over to see the alpha chewing with his eyes closed, but they quickly open and meet my gaze with a look of mischief dancing in the silver orbs.

“Sarah, what is your secret? What seasonings did you use? This is amazing.” I glance over to see her face pale slightly.

“Oh, um, it’s a family recipe.” I raise a brow and try not to laugh.

“Well, I am family, mother, and I would love to know as well.” She shoots me an angry glare, not even caring that the others can see her.

“Caitlin…” Her scolding tone is my undoing. We are in this mess because of them and I am not about to be admonished for their errors.

“Mother, it would be rude to deny the alpha of such a simple request…or would you rather I tell him?” Her glare only becomes angrier, but she gestures for me to go ahead.

“Alpha, the filet mignon is wrapped in bacon then seared in olive oil that is infused with garlic, rosemary, thyme and sage. The vegetables are tossed in red wine vinegar, garlic and rosemary then slow roasted in the oven.” The alpha smirks and nods his head, his eyes never leaving mine.

“Well, my compliments to the chef.” He winks at me before continuing with his meal. The burning gazes of my foster parents tells me that I am in for one hell of a punishment, but at least I made sure it would be worth it. Andrew tries to bring up something about a treaty and alliance aid, but the alpha continuously shuts him down by switching to asking about me and my life in the coven.

“How old are you, Caitlin?” I raise my brow as I push my empty plate away from me.

“I’m 18, almost 19…at least that is what the council tells me. No one knows exactly when my birthday is.” I watch as his brow furrows and his expression becomes a mixture of confusion and surprise.

“How do they not know?” I shrug my shoulders and shift in my seat, feeling uncomfortable with so much attention being thrust on me.

“I was left at their door as an infant. There was nothing left to explain who I was or where I came from.” He leans forward, clearly trying to read something in my expression, but I have no idea what he hopes to find.

“Yes, it was truly a shame. She was a very troubled youth and moved from one home to the next until they finally placed her with us. She hasn’t been easy to handle, but firm discipline and strict rules have helped some.” I roll my eyes, not realizing the alpha was watching as I did it until I see his smirk.

“Well, I have a wonderful idea. Caitlin, how would you like to come with us for a few months? You can get out on an adventure, learn some new skills from the witches of the territories we visit and get a firsthand view of how our alliance works.” I sit in shock, unable to speak, but Andrew has no issue speaking on my behalf.

“She couldn’t possibly. She is behind on her studies, yet another area where she has been rebellious. She would truly be more of a burden than anything.” The anger I see in the alpha’s eyes makes Andrew and Sarah’s anger seem mild and I have to look away from the intensity.

“She would not be a burden at all. She is an adult so I insist. We will pick you up in the morning?” I nod my head absentmindedly, trying to figure out how the hell this dinner spiraled so quickly.

“Alpha, I urge you to reconsider. She truly is more trouble than she is worth.” My eyes shoot up, staring daggers at Sarah as her words pierce me like shards of glass. I have done everything they ever asked of me, cooked, cleaned, worked the garden and this is what they think of me?!

“She isn’t going, Alpha Syrus. I’m sorry, but I can’t allow it.” I turn toward Andrew, partly in anger for him treating me like I am his property and partly because he just refused the fucking Alpha.

“I would like to go.” My voice is much weaker than I would like, but everyone clearly heard me. Andrew slams his fists onto the table, making the silverware clatter against the empty plates loudly and making me jump, nearly falling out of my chair.

“You will not defy me!” I had not realized that the alpha had grabbed my arm to steady me until after Andrew spoke again. The alpha stands, his hand still on my arm as he looks at Andrew with such a dark and angry look that even I am cowering from him.

“Andrew, you wanted to discuss a peace treaty? I have decided the cost. You will give me the child and I will agree to the treaty. I will only agree if she leaves with me tonight.” I want to give him a confused look, but I am afraid to see the anger in his eyes again.

“You are willing to sign a treaty in exchange…for her?” So much for playing the ‘loving foster parents’.

“I could ask for more, but I feel it is a fair trade.” Andrew stands and extends his hand, quickly shaking on their arrangement where I serve as payment. Am I ok with this? Not that I have a choice, but shouldn’t this bother me at least a little? The real question, could my new life possibly be any worse than my current one? The alpha holds out his hand to me and I look up to see his encouraging look as he waits. I place my small hand in his and stand up, not sure what the hell I should be doing.