The Gift chronicles

Book 1 Chapter 28

I woke up in the Alpha's bed, alone. A fleeting thought of escaping passed through my mind.

"Before you think about escaping, pup, just know I'm in the closet changing," His voice yelled out from the closet.

My eyes widened. Sometimes it was like he could read my mind. I wasn't sure if it was because the mate bond was so strong he could intuitively guess my thoughts, or because he really was the perfect soulmate for me.

How did you even know I was awake? I asked through the mindlink, irate that he could anticipate my motives so effortlessly.

"The change in your breathing, not to mention your heart rate accelerates as soon as you wake up." He answered coolly, stepping out of the closet in nothing but jeans. So much for getting dressed.

I frowned at his answer. How can you hear that?

Alpha Cain smirked, the embodiment of smugness, coming to sit next to me on his bed. "Being Alpha has its advantages, mate."

Will I get those powers when I'm Luna? I asked him, slightly hopeful that at least one good thing would come out of our mating.

Grinning, he reached out and stroked the side of my face with his thumb. "As happy as I am to hear that you've finally accepted your destiny to be the Blood Luna, I'm afraid not, little mate. Only the Alphas get enhanced senses and strength."

I scowled. The Moon Goddess is sexist.

The Alpha did not take kindly to my harsh words. He grabbed my chin, forcing me to look him in the eyes. "The Moon Goddess knows that the Alpha Female doesn't need enhanced powers when their mate can protect them."

was than me, nor was I even sure if he was more dominating. I felt untamed by him, which unsettled my wolf. For some reason, she felt as though she could only respect him if he was stronger and more dominating than her. I didn't exactly disagree with her sentiments. I knew that I had been pushing Cain so far because he let me, and I didn't respect him for it. A strong female requires an even stronger male to make her submit. The bond was becoming so much stronger between my

dressed," he commanded, releasing my jaw. I hated how he always did that to get me to look at him. "You're going to be be seeing the whole pack

do the Blood Ceremony to complete the mating bond, it's not a

"Relax, little mate. It is Blood Lake tradition for all punishments

harsh,

You've thrown knives at people for merely looking in your direction," Alpha Cain countered, his eyes hardening. "All Blood Alphas are strict.

that Alpha Cain may appear strict to other pack members, he had just been going easy on me. For what reason, I wasn't sure.

casually stated. "They can either take the 20 lashes,

scoffed. 20 lashes is

glint in his eyes. "They aren't ordinary lashes, little mate. But do not fret, you will see what I mean soon.

I got out of bed and went into his closet to get changed. I had been inflicted with so many different means of torture, he was out of his mind if he thought I would be even slightly uncomfortable watching someone be whipped. His pack was a joke,

something you'd like to wear for the time being. We will take you shopping once I can assume

the closet. Most of them were black, and more focused on

picking out the clothes, I went into the bathroom to change,

after being imprisoned, but I could see what Thane and Cain were harassing me about. My cheekbones harshly protruded from my face, and I looked as though I hadn't seen the sun in decades. Obviously my looks weren't ever a huge concern of mine, seeing as how I was disgustingly riddled with scars

as much trouble resting as I did while we were apart. Judging from the darkened circles under his eyes, I would wager yes. I was actually rather surprised he had kept me in the cell for so long. I'm sure it required an incredible amount of control for

Alpha Cain asked through the mindlink, and the sound momentarily startled me, as he usually preferred

like it'll be much of a punishment, but sure, let's go see. I wasn't happy that the Gamma was being punished for my actions, but

off

I need my cloak. He must have

keep you warm, and so will your pelt." The damned fur pelt was draped