Chapter 18

18. Broken Memories YILEYNA Theon had takenmeio the hospital and had unashamedly told the healer I had sex the night before So here I was with a mug of hot milk as Healer Shayna looked at me She sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped together, concern clear in her warm brown eyes “Was it consensual? From my examination, it seemed it was rather brutal”

“Yes, it was.” 1 replied quickly, blushing at her question. She nodded, her curly blonde hair bouncing when she nodded. “Good.

And are you on contraception?”

“No...”

“Would you like a contraceptive charm?” She asked.

This was humiliating... but I remember Mom telling me that when the time came to make sure I got one...

“Um, yes please.” I said, staring down at the steaming mug.

“I will have one prepared for you. Just come back monthly to have it renewed. Do you have any items you would like the charm to be put on?”

I looked down realising I was still wearing Mom’s rings I had picked out last night. “I have this.” I said, my stomach sinking at the thought of everything most likely being ruined back home...

She nodded.

“That will be perfect as long as you plan to keep it on all the time.” She said. “Otherwise, you can bring a necklace or bracelet from home, I work until nine in the evening.”

‘The only thing that looks good wrapped around your neck is my hand.’ Theon’s words echoed in my mind and I felt my cheeks heat up.

“No necklaces, this ring is fine.” I said, taking off the thin band with small gemstones along the entire length.

She took it and stood up.

“Drink that up and I’ll have this ready for you.”

I nodded and she left the room, leaving me with my thoughts.

Why had Theon come back this morning? Did he come to strip the place like the rest? Maybe...

Did Charlene know? I doubted it...

I sipped the milk, thinking of everything I needed to do, no more wasting time. No more pitying myself, I will do what I needed to.

Thanks to the healer, I felt much better. I was ready to get my life moving.

I planned to speak to the Alpha about these allegations too, but with my new status, I’d probatily have to make an appointment The Alpha wouldn’t first set me anymore, it was dear he had cast me aside *All done!” Healer Shayna said, 1e entering the room and hokiing out my ring “Thank you.”

I don’t think i’ll be needing it again anytime soon, but it’s better to be safe “Now tell the handsome Beta to take it easy.” She chuckled making my eyes fly open. mortified “W who said it’s him?!” 1 stuttered She raised an eyebrow “Really? Well, for someone who has nothing to do with you, he asked me to let him know how you are.”

My heart skipped a beat, and I wasn’t able to stop the small smile that crossed my lips, not saying anything We were nothing, it had just been one sizzling hot night that felt far too short. Well, time to go home...

It had been worse than what I had expected. When I got back, the door was open, a group of humans and omegas who worked in the castle were glancing in through the broken door, discussing what had happened. When they saw me, they fell silent, but I knew that soon enough the entire city would know of this event. I had entered our quarters, but I wasn’t able to shut out their voices.

“She’ll have to leave the castle.”

“She’s a disgrace.” “I heard no one will give her a bed or house. No one wants to be linked to traitors...” “Oh yes... They say the evidence was so shocking, the king is devastated.”

It seemed that after that ‘evidence’ was found they had ripped apart everything else. There was not one piece of furniture that had not been upturned.

Some of the dishes were broken, and the cooling box was wide open, the vegetables and milk spilt across the floor and everything else had been dumped on the floor. No inch of this house had been spared.

It was devastating to see it like this... I wasn’t even able to close the door as they had ripped it off the hinges, although I’m sure I didn’t lock it last night.

I made do of it and propped it against the door frame. After getting dressed in some lingerie and an oversized shirt of Dad’s, I got to work. I started with Mom and Dad’s room. I couldn’t take everything, but I’ll take the most precious things.

I got Mom’s music box out and put on some music. I tried to remain strong as I got to cleaning up the mess that my own pack had made.

I was already an outsider.

1 kept a few items of Mom’s clothes that held meaning and some of Dad’s before placing the rest aside in some sacks. I’d donate them to the orphanage.

I collected Mom’s jewellery from the floor, placing them all in her broken wooden box. I’ll get this fixed Dad got this carved for her... I sat there running my fingers along the leaves, I had a smaller one like this... I snapped it shut, pushing the emotional thoughts away when I heard the creak of wood from the living room.

I tensed, my heart thudding as I got up.

“Whose there?” I called.

I was about to step out of the room when Theon appeared in the doorway. My stomach fluttered as I froze, I didn’t know what to say.

Last night flashed to the forefront of my mind. Remembering how he looked with his shirt open... I had wanted to touch him...

but he hadn’t allowed me... I had a taste of him, but I had wanted more... so much more...

My gaze flickered to his lips, remembering the intoxicating taste of his mouth, the way he had kissed me...

“Are you just going to stand there staring at me? This place is a mess, you should get back to packing.” He said arrogantly, making me blink.

“I wasn’t staring.” I huffed, turning away and praying he didn’t realise what I was thinking. I began to gather the pictures and placed them gently into the box.

Why was he here?

I should ask him, I mean this is my house...

“Why are you here?” I asked boldly, folding a blanket into the box of items to keep, and placing some undamaged ornaments in there. I had to try to keep the bare minimum... They had destroyed so much though... Was this their respect for their Beta?

I fought back the pain that threatened to consume me once more.

His eyes met mine, but he didn’t reply for a moment, a small frown furrowing his brow.

“I had a question actually, I didn’t think this place would be in such a state.” He remarked, turning his back to me and my eyes fell on his ass...

One I didn’t get to see last night, even his dick, we were so caught up in passion and desire that I didn’t get to admire it, all I remember was that it was huge and I had been slightly terrified at the fact that it would be my first.

“What question?” I asked as I began folding up the blankets from the ground.

He didn’t reply for a moment before he glanced back at me and then turning walked over to me. Without my shoes, I felt even smaller and stepping back, almost stumbled on a small chest of drawers that had been tipped over. I stepped onto it and crossed my arms smirking as I realised, I was a few inches taller than him now.

He raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. “I’m glad to see that adding some height makes you feel better. I could push you and you could snap that fragile neck of yours on the bedpost right behind you.” He mocked stepping closer, forcing me to move back on the chest of drawers that was on its side, not giving me the best balance.

“I should have been more afraid that you didn’t end up crushing my neck last night. I don’t think a fall will kill me.” I rolled my eyes. My heart was a mess of nerves, my chest was heaving, and I knew my nipples had hardened... I just prayed he didn’t notice that. “Why do you always think of me breaking my poor head and neck? Do you want me dead?” I asked frowning He tilted his head, his gaze dipping to my breasts. He didn’t reply, simply looking back into my eyes, we were only a few inches apart and my mind was getting light.

“Breaking you has its allure.” He whispered huskily, looking into my eyes. “It’s a shame you don’t heal as fast as I would prefer...”

My core clenched at his words and I pressed my thighs together, trying not to let it get to me His haze dipped to my neck, and I knew the marks from his hold still remained, although they had faded.

“You haven’t broken me. No one can break me.” I retorted, firmly pushing him back, only for my own feet to slide on the upturned drawer I was standing on. I almost grabbed onto him for balance only for him to grab a bunch of my shirt and yank me back towards him.

Focus. Focus, Yileyna.

His smouldering eyes met mine, and like always, his thoughts were a mystery to me.

“Don’t tempt me to take that challenge, because I assure you, I will win.” He murmured, taking hold of my chin.

His gaze lingered on my lips before he let go and turned away. “Are my parents really being accused of treason?” I asked quietly.

Just like that, the suffocating tension between us lifted and I felt like I could breathe again.

“Yes, but you are not. The king knows that... but I would agree that moving out might be for the best.”

“It’s nice to see you care,” I remarked lightly.

He turned sharply looking at me as I got down from the box.

“Don’t mistake this for kindness...I assure you, the only one who will feel disappointed in the end will be you.” He replied coldly.

“In a few days, I’ll be leaving on a trip, if you don’t find a place to stay you can use my place outside of the castle.”

My heart thundered as I realised he was offering me a place to stay. I knew it was going to be difficult to find accommodation.

The people at the door earlier were right, no one would want to house me...

“Thank you... I’ll take your offer. I’ll pay rent.”

Our eyes met, and although I didn’t know what we were, one thing was clear: if anyone had my back, it was Theon. Even if he didn’t want to admit it.

“My question...” He began, glancing away for a moment before looking down at me. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Tell you what?” I said brushing my hair back and trying not to notice how handsome he looked standing there, It was hard to believe that last night we were kissing, our bodies crushed together fucking...

“That you were a virgin.” He replied with a withering glare. “Did it matter? I don’t think it mattered...” I turned away, only for him to grab my arm and yank me back around.

“That would have been my decision to make.” He growled, his eyes flashing gold.

I raised an eyebrow.

“I gave my first time to you because I wanted to. That was MY decision. Don’t try to act like you had a say in that.” I rolled my eyes.

I didn’t regret it, it just hurt that he walked off after... but he came back... I was about to turn away when I paused and smiled deviously. “What’s wrong, Theon? Did you feel guilty for being so rough?” I didn’t know what to expect, but really, I’ve not been intimate with anyone to know what I should or should not have been expecting, “Don’t give yourself so much importance, I don’t feel guilty. Ever.” “Oh? Are you sure about that, Theon?” I smirked, crossing my arms. “Very sure, you really are irritating, I prefer you when you’re not talking.” He growled. “Oh well, that’s a shame, because I talk a lot and pretty often. I also don’t like-”

I was cut off when his hand tangled in my hair, tugging my head upwards.

“Don’t push me, little storm.” He warned me, his eyes darkening dangerously.

“I’m shaking with fear.” I taunted, my heart thumping, our chests grazing one another. The electric spark sizzling between us was almost visible as his eyes blazed gold. 1 I felt goosebumps rise on my skin. His heart was thudding and it only made my stomach knot.

“We both know there are a lot more ways I can leave you shaking.” He said, his eyes flickering down to my body.

I blushed, feeling my pussy clench, and I glared up at him despite my burning cheeks. “And once again you’re aroused.” He whispered seductively into my ear, his lips brushed the tip and my breath hitched, a soft whimper leaving my lips. “Yileyna!”

My eyes flew open as Theon let go of me smoothly and stepped back. Leaving me a mess of nerves as Charlene rushed into the room. Her face and arms were littered with fading bruises, telling me her training was indeed rough.

She closed the gaps between us, hugging me tightly. “Thank the goddess, you’re ok Leyna! I’m so sorry... I just found out now.” I hugged her back, reality hitting me like a bag of bricks. What am I doing? Why did Theon consume me so? And above all... what did he want from me?