Chapter 31

31. Resentment THEON “Theon, behind you!” Yileyna shouted, wrapping her arms around my head just as something slammed into us, the impact ramming us against the wall.

The throbbing pain where the side of the crate had hit my head was intense. It was accompanied by the strong smell of blood.

Fuck I lifted my head from her breasts and she slowly moved her arms. Letting go of her, I turned and shoved the crate that had hit us away and pulled her to her feet. Blood covered her arm where she had protected my head and a flash of guilt filled me. She stood there unbothered about her injuries, gripping the wall as the ship lurched again. “What‘s happening?” She asked as she was thrown to the side. I grabbed her around the waist, pulling her close as I tried to make my way to the ladder.

“We may have reached the Lifeless Abyss.” I replied, as another sharp lurch threw us to the ground. Two crates crashed against one another, one of them splintered open and a pile of apples and melons tumbled out in all directions “Well, it‘s definitely does not seem to be lifeless.” She muttered.

I kicked away another barrel, pulling her towards the steps once more.

“You knew that.” I remarked.

“Obviously, I just don‘t get why it‘s named The Lifeless Abyss.”

“Because no one survives a journey through. Thick with sirens and sea monsters, it’s a nightmare for all sailors.” I replied, lifting her up so she only had a few steps to climb.

“True...” She murmured, grabbing the ladder and climbing. I kept hold of her thighs, making sure she didn‘t fall; she was fast, and despite the violent movements of the ship, I took a moment to admire her derriere. Once she was out, I climbed up and shut the door behind us, wondering how much food would be damaged down there.

“Go to your cabin.” I commanded her, making her turn to me in surprise. “No.” She replied as if I was saying something unbelievable. “Yileyna, this time, just listen.” I said, clenching my jaw. I get that she helped, but I couldn’t have her out there, not when we were probably already in the very sea where I lost two of the most important people to me. “No.” She turned stubbornly, about to go towards deck when my eyes flashed, my anger raging through me. I grabbed hold of her arm, spinning her around and against my chest. She was about to argue when I placed a finger to her lips.

“Not this time.” I whispered, hitting the pressure point in her neck hard, instantly making her eyes roll before she fell unconscious in my arms.

The ship lurched once more, and Ryan‘s voice came in my head.

‘Theon! There‘s something attacking the ship! Could use you up here right about now!‘

‘Coming.’ I replied shortly, walking down towards our cabins.

I stopped in front of Valentin and Patrick, both of whom looked tense.

“Take her to the princess.” I commanded coldly, passing her to Valentin. “Yes, Beta.” He replied, bowing his head to me.

I didn‘t wait any longer, hearing them knock on the door before it was pulled open. I knew the marks on her neck and my scent still lingered on her, as much as I wanted to keep our agreement a secret, I don‘t think that was going to be the case for much longer.

I didn‘t want to be associated with her or anyone in that way, but it was a bit too late to change that now.

I ran up onto deck, grabbing a sword as I went, I doubted wolf form was going to help. The moments from earlier replayed in my mind and I frowned. What was I even doing tickling her? Sure I like the view of her breasts moving but... who was I fucking kidding? 3 I pushed the thoughts away as my eyes fell on one of the large black tentacles that was wrapped around the mast.

A Kraken.

“If my ship goes down, I‘m taking you with me!” Flynn growled. I didn‘t bother responding to him.

I didn‘t come here to die. We were going to make our way through this; sea monsters, sirens, or bad weather. I am not the child I was ten years ago. My eyes blazed as I broke into a run, spinning the huge sword and, with full force, swung, slicing off the tentacle that was wrapped around the mast. A screeching roar of agony filled the tumultuous, stormy skies as the ship was hit wildly from the left. “Madelia! On my signal, burn it!” I shouted. “Fire on a ship! Are you crazy!” Flynn thundered. “I know what I‘m doing.” I replied icily. Some of the crew members were firing at it using the ship‘s cannons, but I knew what I had to do. With Yileyna safe, my mind felt at ease and I was the calmest person here. Breaking into a run, I jumped, using the mast as leverage, and gave Madelia the signal... 2 Twenty minutes later, I dropped onto the deck. Not far from our now steady ship, the Kraken’s burning body was sinking into the water. Its sliced-off tentacles floating on the surface and its dark–coloured blood poisoning the waters of the Lifeless Abyss.

“You are more than you look” Flynn muttered, observing me.

I didn‘t respond, staring at the dead monster. The true potential of my powers had been sealed away before I had come to Astalion. No one was to know who I really was. My Alpha aura was blocked away. The only thing that gave away any sign of my power was the size of my wolf. Something that could not be hidden.”

“You did well,” I said emotionlessly, glancing at Madelia.

“Thank you.” She replied with a small bow of her head.

The respect they already had for me, when I wasn‘t even officially the Beta... Rank and a title wasn’t what made a leader a leader. It was capability.

“He is amazing.” “The Alpha king did well to choose him as the future Beta.”

“He could be more...”

More. I knew exactly what they were insinuating, to take Charlene as my mate. Just as Andres had wanted me to, but she was the last woman on Kaeladia that I would ever take as my own.

The daughter of the Alpha King... I My anger flared inside of me like a fire that had just been fuelled by oil. It irked me more than anything, having to pretend like this. But in life, I had always been robbed of everything; my family, status, power, and rights. If I wanted to attain something, then I had to make sacrifices, and I was ready to make every sacrifice needed. I was no longer a child, and despite my rage, I had to play this out carefully. 1 Without distractions or emotions, I would fulfil my goal and have vengeance on all who had wronged the Hale family.

Turning towards the crew on board, I crossed my arms.

“We are already in The Lifeless Abyss, stay vigilant and remember anything can attack at any time. From here on out, until we make it through these waters, we are in danger. Remember that.”

Not giving them time to respond, I walked past them and headed toward the lower deck. I was covered in the Krakens‘ blood and it was already dawn, I needed to shower and get some rest. Who knows what else we may face over the next few days...

–

—

I had just stepped out of the bathroom, a towel around my waist and pulled open my trunk when there was a knock on the door.

“Who is it?” I asked, the irritation seeping into my voice.

“Charlene.”

I pulled my towel off and slipped on my sweatpants. “It‘s open.” I said coldly, turning as she opened the door. I had a pretty good feeling why she was here. I crossed my arms, watching her impatiently as her eyes flitted over me.

Women.

“Hurry up, I want to sleep.” She shook her head, now looking away. “Theon, it‘s about Yileyna.” She said, no longer able to meet my gaze. I cocked my brow, waiting. “I don‘t have all day.” My voice was icy as I glared at her. She nodded and took a breath, braving the chance to look me in the eye. “Are you two... together?” “What are you getting at? Besides shouldn‘t you ask your friend, why are you asking me?” I asked mockingly.

“She‘s asleep, or unconscious. Patrick said you gave her to them and that he saw you leave her room in the night.” A flash of hurt went through her eyes, and I smirked, advancing towards her.

“What‘s wrong? Jealous?” I have never been blind to both their antics, like most young women, they have fawned over me since the start.

Pathetic.

“No... I would never be jealous of Yileyna. She... I‘m just scared. Why now? Why when her parents are gone?” She asked quietly. “She‘s a woman now, I never thought much of her before, but I‘m sure we can both agree that she is the most appealing woman in Westerwell.” I replied arrogantly. I don‘t know why I was even answering her, but the urge to cause her pain was appealing. I hated her. A small smile crossed her face, which only made me angrier. “She is, and I hope you aren‘t using her.

Theon, she lost her parents. She is going through so much. Please don‘t end up hurting her.” She was speaking quietly, but her voice was sincere as she pleaded for her friend.

Their bond irked me.

I smirked coldly. “She knows the risk, and she‘s taken it. Tell me princess, how much would it hurt you if I broke her?” I asked coldly. Her eyes flashed with hurt, and I smirked, getting my answer.

A lot.

I could have chosen her, I could have destroyed her even if she wasn’t as appealing, but the only reason I couldn‘t bring myself to was because I’m disgusted by whose blood ran through her veins, 1 “Yileyna is just a plaything, and she knows that.”

“So, is that all she is to you?” She asked, her green eyes full of pain. I turned away from her, trying to control the anger that was raging within me. “Obviously. There‘s no way a wolf-less female would be worth anything more to me than to be an object to use and discard when I‘m done.” I replied harshly. I heard her gasp, but before I could relish in the satisfaction of causing her pain, I realised someone else had heard what I had just said. I had been so caught up I hadn‘t even noticed her. My heart raced as I turned quickly, just in time to see the flicker of blonde hair and the silent footsteps as she tried to slip away unheard. 2 Fuck A flare of guilt rushed through me as I stared at the crack in the door, no longer paying attention to what the princess was saying.

The only thought in my mind was that she had heard what was not meant for her ears...