Eleanor pov)
After regaining control of my emotions, I looked up at Lucas once more.
âWhat were those rules you were talking about before?â I asked curiously, slipping Helenâs number into my pocket. I had forgotten I have a cell phone now upstairs that Piper had left me. I didnât even look at it twice, to be honest, considering I had no use for it really.
âOh, well..the new rules..â Lucas began speaking, his hand slipping behind his head and rubbing the back of his neck as he looked away nervously.
Why was he acting so weird? He was never super touchy-feely like Lance but he would never jerk away from me like that.
âThe Alpha King has stated that you shall not be touched or interacted with in any way without his permission. If he finds out these rules have been broken, those responsible will be punished accordingly.â He spoke seriously, like he was reciting it straight out of a book.
âW-what?â The word stumbled out of my mouthâ¦seriously?! What the hell!
Kari growled and let out an exasperated sigh.
âThis guy is a nutcase.â
She snapped and for onceâ¦I couldnât disagree.
âIt has been made known to the entire pack. He announced it this morning.â Lucas practically winced, seeing my mouth open and close like a fish out of water. He told the whole damn pack?!
âItâs not like Iâm going around groping people or something!!â I snapped, causing Lucas to sit back in surprise. The corner of his mouth twitched as he fought a smile.
âSo if I touch you..just accidentally bump you..you will be punished?!â I inquired, feeling my anger rising from this ridiculous rule.
âWaitâ¦is this about Lance?â I narrowed my eyes, not even letting Lucas answer my last question.
âWell, he is pretty handsy with you..â he muttered and I quickly stood, abandoning all notions to make my so-called mate a meal. No way in hell did he deserve my cooking.
He wonât even look at me without running away with disgust on his face and yet I need permission to have a simple conversation now? Itâs almost laughable.
âIf the Alpha King wants me to have no contact with anyone, then so be it. Please relay the message that I would like to return to my cell back in the dungeon. Considering I am still a prisoner here, I believe it is very fitting.â Wowâ¦okay, I admit I am being pretty pettyâ¦but to have a rule given to the palaceâ¦noâ¦not even the palace, the entire freaking pack that I am not to be talked to without his permissionâ¦I get the touching thingâ¦I wonât blame him for that honestly but no contact whatsoever without his permission?! Screw thatâ¦
âEleanor, be reasonable.â Lucas gasped, watching as I stood up, marching towards the elevator.
âPierce, please take me to the dungeons.â I crossed my arms and turned away from Lucas..why did I feel betrayed by him? He was supposed to be my friend..or so I thought.
Pierce just stood there, looking between me and Lucas as if he didnât know what the hell to do.
âArenât I the supposed future Queen? Donât I have any type of authority here?â I said firmly, my voice wavering slightly as my tough act was diminishing by the minute.
âWell..yesâ¦of course..â Pierce mumbled, totally shocked by my tantrum, which I will be honest..thatâs what it was, a complete tantrum.. but I didnât give a ratâs a*sâ¦I was done with these games. First, he says he wants a mate, then he ignores me completely, then he almost marks me right on the Damm kitchen counter and now he is back to ignoring me. Fine, I will just take myself out of the equation, he doesnât want anything to do with me then I will place myself where I feel most comfortable. In the dungeons where I should have been left from the beginning.
âEleanor, if Pierce does this..it could get him in a lot of trouble. Locking the future queen in a dungeon for no reason at all is punishable by death.â Lucas spoke softly, trying to force reason back into my head.
I let out a sigh, my hands that were balled into fists now loosening as I fought those tears once more.
âFine..please take me to my room then.â I quipped, feeling embarrassed by my outburst but done with all of this.
âYes, Miss Winters.â Pierce quickly responded, pushing the elevator button as I refused to look at Lucas. As the Alphaâs Beta, I knew his hands were tied, but I still couldnât help but feel the sting of betrayal, even though he had nothing to do with thisâ¦how did I get in this position? Why meâ¦why the hell was it me.
âEleanor, Iâm sorry.â Lucas breathed, causing me to glance over my shoulder as I looked at him, completely defeated.
âSometimes I wonder if it would have been better for King Damion if you left me on that riverbank.â I whispered, walking into the elevator as I knew I didnât mean those words..I was grateful to be alive..but I wondered if King Damion was..did he even care about me? The same questions constantly raced through my mind. Why did I live? Why was I here and most of all, why was King Damion my mate..
I let the elevator doors close, my head hanging as I couldnât bare to look up at Pierce. Shame filled me and the fact I could of risked his life, it didnât sit right with me.
âIâm sorryâ¦I didnât mean..â I began and he quickly cut me off.
âMiss Winters, never apologize for expressing how you feel. I know you meant no harm towards me.â He quickly stood up for me, causing my gaze to meet his as I fought another wave of tears.
âI promise I will never be so careless again.â I vowed to keep that promise too..I forget where I am sometimes, and so far the rumors of King Damion are proving to be true. Could he be the heartless king that so many have spoken about? Something deep inside of me wanted to say no, to scream and fight to prove myself wrongâ¦but I was exhaustedâ¦I was tired of trying for the time being. If King Damion wanted me, then he will have to be the one to come to get me, because I was doneâ¦I was done trying and constantly being avoided. This is all up to him now.