Cursed To The Alpha

Chapter 127

I walk around the bed, positioning myself to lie facing Warrick. Sensing my exhaustion, weariness, and the unsteady emotions coursing through me, Warrick shuffles down to match my position, his eyes watchful and filled with a quiet understanding.

The weight of the events we've experienced hangs heavy, leaving us both shaken and drained. As my eyelids droop, threatening to surrender to the embrace of slumber, I feel a warm tingle brush against my forehead, where Warrick's lips press tenderly. It's a gentle reassurance, a silent expression of comfort, and in that moment, I succumb to sleep's embrace.

As the soft chirping of bluebirds on the windowsill fills the air, Warrick and I gradually awaken from our restful slumber. Stretching languidly, I become aware of our intimate position—snug against Warrick's chest, his arms wrapped protectively around me. A flicker of apology escapes my lips as I quickly sit up, breaking the serene connection between us. 'Sorry,' I mumble.

Warrick's smile fades slightly, and he, too, sits up. His gaze fixates on me as I leave the bed, my torn shirt exposing my back to the cool morning breeze. Goosebumps form along the bare flesh, and I feel a shiver run down my spine.

‘Here,’ Warrick says and removes his bloodied shirt. ‘Take mine,’ he says.

I bite my lip with a raised eyebrow and stare at the large patch of dried blood. ‘Um, I might check out the wardrobe first,’ I reply. ‘But er, thank you,’ I add, knowing it’s the thought that counts, but I don’t think I could stand the sight or smell of any more blood right now since we wiped out the Mystic Council yesterday.

The gruesome memories are more than enough. My hand instinctively feels my neck. The pain of Gretchen’s nail stabbing me like a knife waiting to rip across my throat consumes me. My lips begin to tremble. I quickly spin around and approach the closet to search for something to wear, but I find oversized shirts and trousers.

I lean my back against the closed wardrobe doors in defeat, but a knock from the chamber door gains my attention. I approach and open the door to see one of the identical elves waiting with a neatly folded bundle of clothes.

‘Are you Peaches or Pumpkin? I ask her.

‘Peaches,’ she says, passing me the bundle of clothes. ‘Xander wanted us to organise fresh clothing for everyone. He wanted you to know he picked out yours specifically for you,’ she smirks.

I roll my eyes. ‘Let me guess. It’s a dress?’ I ask her.

Peaches nods at a fast pace, her smile widening.

I sigh, ‘Be sure to tell him, I love it so much, I intend on never changing again,’ I retort.

Her smile falters. ‘That might be an unwise choice, living in the one dress,’ she says.

‘I place my hand on her shoulder, and she stares at it as if the gesture is foreign, and I realise it probably is to her. ‘It’s okay, Peaches. It’s called a joke,’ I assure her.

‘Oh,’ she exclaims, her laughter returning as she walks away, leaving me to my thoughts.

Warrick watches me the entire time but remains silent.

I bring the clothes to the bed and place Warrick’s outfit at the foot of the bed, taking my royal blue velvet dress with silver patterns embroidered and laces at the back to the bathroom with me.

In a hurry, I fill the bath with warm water, relishing the soothing sensation as I soak briefly before grabbing the soap and scrubbing myself clean. After drying myself meticulously, I slip into the royal blue velvet dress, the soft fabric caressing my skin. However, as I attempt to tie the intricate laces at the back, I realise I can't manage it on my own. I have no choice but to ask Warrick for help. I exit the bathroom to see Peaches again, but this time with a wooden trolley with a platter of fresh fruits and what looks like yoghurt.

‘Oh, Peaches, could you please tie the laces for me?’ I ask her.

‘I’m not Peaches,’ she says. ‘I’m Pumpkin,’ she smiles.

‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ I tell her.

Pumpkin dismisses my apology with a wave of her hand. 'It's fine. Come here and hold the bedpost while I tighten the laces,' she instructs, her tone gentle yet firm.

Returning her smile, I approach the bed as she asks, gripping the bedpost tightly for support. Each tug of the laces elicits a gasp from me, the dress cinching tightly around my figure. 'Please, no tighter,' I plead, feeling the constriction impede my breath.

'You'll adjust,' Pumpkin reassures me, her smile unwavering.

‘Adjust!’ I shriek and stare down at my bosoms that are pushed so high up I could almost suffocate in them.

Although I can see he struggles to hold it in, Warrick contains his laughter.

Another tug tightens the laces further, and I can't help but voice my concerns. 'If you pull it any tighter, my boobs might burst out,' I remark with a hint of seriousness, desperately hoping Pumpkin understands the need for a little leniency.

Warrick's laughter breaks free but abruptly halts as a sharp pain shoot through his ribs. A mischievous smile plays upon my lips as I declare, 'Karma,' for laughing at me.

Seizing the opportunity, Warrick swiftly grabs his fresh attire, realising it's best to retreat to the bathroom. With a mischievous smile, I call out, 'Smart move!'

As if on cue, Peaches enters the room, wordlessly taking charge. She combs through my delicate hair and skillfully styles it in an elegant updo, leaving a single strand loose behind my ears. Diamante jewels grace my hair, the shimmering stones catching the light. A clip adorned with blue gemstones is placed at the back, adding a touch of regality. Pumpkin and Peaches exchange satisfied glances, their eyes scanning me from head to toe, proud of their handiwork.

'Now for the beast,' Pumpkin says with delight.

'Yes, the beast!'' Peaches echoes, and without a second thought, they march into the bathroom, their entrance lacking any sense of courtesy or formality. They both enter the bathroom without knocking.

Laughter escapes my lips as I hear Warrick's protests, the sounds indicating a playful scuffle unfolding between him and the mischievous duo. A playful thought flits through my mind, and I can't help but hope they are giving him a taste of his own medicine.