His Dark Obsession by Moonlight Muse

Chapter 5 Terrified
EVANGELINE.

“Evangeline!” Grandmother Philomena hissed, stomping my foot, and yanking me from my thoughts.

I blinked, staring at her for a second, before looking around the room fearfully and at the broad back of Zedkiel Vilkas.

I needed to leave.

No one talked to him, each one lowering their head to him as he passed by, he didn’t even bother paying respect to his father. He took a glass of alcohol from a tray as he passed, downing it in one gulp.

“Did you forget your manners, child!” Grandmother muttered, her grip on my arm painfully tight, bringing tears to my eyes as she dug her nails in.

“Y-you’re… it hurts.” I whimpered. Her hard gaze was filled with obvious irritation before she let go. I resisted the urge to rub my arm. “I’m sorry. I just…” I gave up trying to explain through the stutter I seemed to develop.

I couldn’t express how or what he made me feel, it would be an insult to the royal family and everyone nearby would hear it if I told her here.

“No excuses. Are you trying to embarrass us?” She muttered, casting a glance around.

“I’m sorry.” I lowered my head to her but despite my apology my mind was churning with thoughts.

The man from my nightmares was surely him. Was it the future? A premonition of some sort?

Our clothing in the dreams were strange, I was wearing a heavy ball dress, much like those of the past, and he was wearing a tunic and leather pants… The only difference was that the Prince had short hair, and the man in my nightmares had longer hair.

A cold shiver ran down my spine and I shuddered as I found myself looking at the man who was standing against one of the far walls. No one approached him, and the tension surrounding him seemed to ripple violently around the room.

Some instinct told me to hide away from his gaze, maybe if I lie low we may never have to see one another again!

–

Dinner was soon served, a lavish eight-course meal, but I had no appetite. I was seated at a table in the smaller dining room where the staff of the ranked werewolves were seated.

However, I was at a higher table, on a slight dais with five other omegas. They were important, I could see that as all were dressed in extremely fine dresses. I was too preoccupied to wonder who they were though. The sooner this evening was over the better.

“So, who do you belong to? I’m Lucia, by the way.” One of them asked, looking me over.

I turned to her, having been too lost in my thoughts.

“Evangeline… Umm, belong to?” I asked.

A few exchanged looks and the one who had spoken raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, you must belong to one of the princes if you’re at this ball or sitting at our table.” Lucia replied.

Confusion flitted through me. “I came with lady Philomena Welhaven.”

“Ah, a gift, then.” Another woman stated, exchanging looks with Lucia.

“A g-gift?” I asked, my stomach flipping sickeningly as realisation struck. Grandmother Philomena wanted me gone… would she give me to the royal family? But I had no wolf, I could be killed!

“I hope she’s not for Prince Ragnar.” A third woman muttered, hostility lacing her words as she cut a glare my way.

These women were the omegas of the royals, and it was obvious they were held in high regard, I knew most of the princes would have more than one… but it seemed clear only some were favoured.

Luciana leaned closer to the woman next to her, lowering her voice as she cast a worried glance my way. “Maybe she’s for him… but she’s so young.” Luciana whispered anxiously.

The woman tossed her napkin onto the table, nearly making her glass of wine topple over. “Who cares, none survive until the morning.” The rude woman added.

“Hush Nadia.” Luciana scolded.

Nadia simply scoffed. But their conversation had already filled me with dread. My lip quivers and I bite down on the tender flesh, as I fiddle with my fingers.

the night… flashes of my nightmares filled my mind again and I tried to regather myself, knowing if I embarrass Grandmother

push the thoughts aside as best I can. However, I could barely hold it

told myself. Grandmother Philomena brought me here as her assistant. Yet she hadn’t treated me as one, instead referring to me

stomach plummeting as I wondered if I had done

because she was concerned about Sinclair’s feelings towards me. If I could just figure it out, I could apologise and make it up to her. Show her how much

my fork clanging on the expensive china plate made me set it down quickly. Looking up, the women at the table

Breathe Evangeline. Breathe.

to calm myself when the most terrifying, deafening growl I had ever heard made the chandeliers shake. I jumped at the sound, my knee hitting

the room. Fear so strong I could feel it, like this entity eating

“Sinclair!”

over. The sound echoed in the room. I was ready

kill you.”

meant, my only thought was to

to the brighter-lit dining hall. To my utter horror, I saw

as he stared down the Prince, which only seemed to anger Zedkiel more, his grip on his throat tightening as Sinclair’s face started to turn purple. Zedkiel’s dark, menacing aura swirling around him was so

room, why was no one helping him! Everyone, even the king, was simply watching as they stood

the room for Alpha Aeron, I felt despair when I saw him just standing there from his position a few seats

turning to the nearest man, but

that again.” Zedkiel growled,

Ambrose called, his face pale as he glared at his son’s

the cold contemptuous look on his face and when his hand tightened around Sinclair’s throat

“P-please let him go!” I braved

was terrified, and I felt like I was either going to vomit or pass out. I heard

turned to me in shock, but it was the gaze of the Prince that terrified me, and I took a step back, nearly tripping over my own feet as any bravado I had left drained out of

clutching my hands

murmured, there was something I couldn’t decipher in his eyes, but I turned my attention to the Prince, although I was unable to look him

scoffed, throwing Sinclair mercilessly to the ground and my hands instantly reached for Sinclair wanting to help him, only for Zedkiel’s growl to make me jump

when he turned his attention to me, my heart sinking when he stalked

hand, not where it will take place. But if I was

my heart thumping in

shaking sob, my eyes flying open in fear. But, where moments earlier there was only white-hot anger

little mouse trying to save you.” He sneered, his

Ambrose tried again. “Unhand the

his shoulder at his father, who was now standing.

the Alpha king… did he fear no one? Yet it was clear they all feared Prince Zedkiel far more, because

eyes, seeing not even the Alpha of

was close, faster than I could even see, Zedkiel raised his leg kicking him with such force he went smashing into the table behind him, the force knocking it into

second I thought he was looking me over, but then he pushed me away, I was certain I had imagined it. The rough shove sent me

shoved

a grave with him, brother.” He

I turned when grandmother Philomena stepped

might

her away. He needed

her eyes flashing as

She growled at me, a noise I had never

pang of hurt but said nothing, she was disappointed

I may?” Grandmother Philomena spoke clearly, no ounce of

has foolishly insulted you, and

turned to her and raised

how will one apology fix

What did Sinclair

I didn’t want Zedkiel to hurt her. “A prized possession of the Welhaven family. An omega

my head

this wasn’t happening!

a panicked whisper, clutching her arm with shaking hands. I could feel his gaze on me, like a beast