Chapter 3 Big Bad Wolf
“Run!”
That was the only thing in my mind. But where would I go? To the orphanage? That dilapidated, wretched place? Would I even last out there with this weak wolf? I would not be safe. So I said yes.
I was myself sitting in front of the mirror, dressed as a bride, a day after Sage’s death. My adopted parents were scared I would change my mind, so they rushed the wedding. My hands clutched at the fabric of the most expensive dress I’d ever worn. I was anxious looking at it.
A simple white dress, cream embroidery at the edges. The corset was tight against my ribs, making me feel stuffy. I was wearing a very light touch of makeup.
The sound of metals and calls of command were coming from the back of the compound. They were setting up my wedding ground by the lake in the backyard. The house had been roundy, food was being prepared, and for the first time, Mum asked me to sit in the room, instead of helping out.
The door flew open. “They are here,” Mum said in a singsong voice, approaching me. “Penelope, today is the day you save this family.” She took my chin. “Be proud, Chin up. Do this for Sage and honour your sister’s memory.”
Honour my sister? The one who put her claws to my neck? The one who has been harassing me and making me get punished for nothing?
Mum’s full set of teeth were out as she smiled at me. I least expected a compliment from her, but I guess I was getting none. This moment was still all about Sage to her.
“Come on, it’s time.” She took my hand and raised me. I got up gingerly, my chest beating fast as I froze instantly out of fear. “Your father is waiting outside to walk you down the aisle.”
The corset was too tight. Stiletto heels too high— I hated heels, it hurt to walk in them. Mum wanted me to be perfect, but this was a cage I could barely breathe in. And soon I would be in a bigger cage.
Mum helped me out and down the stairs. We got to the back, I saw Dad in a crimp suit. His lips raised into a warm smile the moment he saw me.
“Penelope, my darling daughter,” he called me, taking my hand. I forced a smile and nodded.
We turned the corner to the backyard. There it was, a simple rose decorated wedding setting. About twenty people whom I barely recognized were seated already. I had my head down as we approached the altar in front.
Soon, I will be tying the knot with a man I heard terrifying tales about. That alone was nerve wrecking.
Just as we reached the ceremonial stage, beneath the wedding arch of beautiful roses, my traitorous eyes lifted up and fell on the groom. Killian Steelclaw, Platinum blonde hair, amber eyes with red rings in them, high cheek bones and cold gaze. It was him. My entire body fizzed at the sight of him— he was sinful and dangerously beautiful.
Behind him was his famous beta. Leo was wearing a warm smile as he crossed his arms over his chest. He was known for cleaning up the casualty Killian made in his rage.
Killian looked down at his watch with a brow raised, like he couldn’t wait for it to be over. His eyes didn’t even hit me. Everything seemed official to him, like he was in a meeting or something.
Dad walked back to sit with Mum in the front seat, and a priestess came out to meet us. I had both my hands clamped together in front of me, looking down.
“Today we are gathered here for the joining of the Steelclaw family and the Odell family. We would go straight to business as the groom has demanded, due to personal reasons.”
Killian’s face was still rigid. Leo tapped his shoulder slightly and he faced him. “Smile at least,” I read Leo’s lips. Killian’s eyes just zeroed in on me.
The priestess cleared her throat. “Do you take Miss Penelope Odel to be your mate, as witness under the sun and as consummation of the night, under the moon—”
His hand reached out with the speed of light and grabbed my arms. The next thing I saw were fangs and then red. He was sinking his fangs into my neck, my eyes bulged.
The hot pain flared at my neck and it spread through me, not even letting me register the initial shock. I gasped, shaking in his arms. He groaned as his fangs retracted, his mark forming on my neck.
He pulled away and his fresh cologne hit my nostrils. I blinked as he lifted my chin. “Get this over with,” he said quickly, tilting his neck to the side.
I stood there rigid. There were no vows. Nothing.
My eyes looked at Mum, then Dad. He looked away. I looked around, praying someone would come save me from doing this. Mum hardened her face, mouthing for me to carry on.
My eyes burned slightly as tears formed in them. I balled up my fist and reached out for Killian, biting into his neck slowly. A drop of my tear dropped on his neck, before I pulled away and wiped my face with the bell sleeves of my dress.
“Woah, let’s clap for the newlyweds,” Leo said, clapping. Everyone joined in.
Killian turned to the priestess, still frozen out of disbelief. “Next time when I say fast, you make it fast.”
I was not able to see her reaction, because Killian yanked me by my hand back down the aisle, away from the wedding ground.
Killiian opened the door of his black G-wagon and entered the car. I stood there looking at him, holding the front of my dress. “Are we leaving now? I thought I would move in with you after a week according to tradition. What about my luggages?”
He turned to face me. His gaze made me regret why I spoke. “I am the king, I make the traditions. So plans changed.” He looked away. “My father wants to see you now. Your clothes can be replaced.”
“I— can I at least see my parents?”
“Your adopted parents, you mean?” He asked, raising a brow at me. He looked like he hated talking.
You shouldn’t get on his bad side so early, Penelope. I thought to myself.
“They are my pa—”
“Who tore up your back?” He asked through gritted teeth, cutting in. I froze, scratching the back of my head. How did he know? I looked down, embarrassed. “I smelt the wounds the moment you got close.”
“It was my fault. I made a mistake.”
He sniffed and pinched the tip of his nose. “I hate lies and you are telling me one right now. Enter the car, let’s leave.”
Short of words, I got into the car and closed the door. My gaze taking in my house one last time. Then I looked around and realized I was alone with him in the car. The space seemed too small instantly.
“Where is your Beta?” I asked. I had heard stories that Leo was cool headed, I might need him around.
“He went to sort out the contract with your parents. He will join us shortly.”
I heaved a sigh, relieved. Though I was stiff to the core, looking head on, trying so hard not to even blink.
“You don’t have to sit like a log of wood. I don’t bite.” He shifted his feet. “When we get back, I will get someone to clean up your back. If my Dad smells those wounds on your back, he would think I got rough with you, and I hadn’t gotten rough with you, yet.”
Yet?
My eyes bulged as my breath ceased. My nails dug into my knee, as my legs started tapping. The driver entered the car and started the engine. I gulped as the tension in the car reduced a bit and I relaxed my back as I looked out of the window as we drove out.
A large palm covered my knee, holding it down. “Stop tapping, I told you I don’t bite. About the consummation, it doesn’t have to happen.” I turned to face him, he dropped closer to me— so close, his breath fanned my lips. His amber eyes darkened. “Unless you don’t mind getting intimate with the big bad wolf.”
