Chapter 2
CLAIRE’S POV
A bitter wave of shock, dread, and horror sliced down my throat as an unusual stinging ache at the center of my forehead preceded the movement of my eyelids.
“Fuck! No no!” I exclaimed as my stomach lurched and the possibility of expelling the content from last night’s drink all over the bedroom’s prized Persian rug inched closer to reality.
“What do you mean raped Claire?” Emily’s voice cut through the voices in my head as I snapped back to reality staring at her.
“I—-I don't even know how any of this happened, but I know it did right after—-,” I continued and then paused at the realization of when it had indeed happened.
“You left me. I felt dizzy, and I was trying so hard not to doze off, but then I just couldn't, and for some reason, I just blacked out. And here I am—-” I said trying to hold back the tears that were slowly welling up in my eyes.
Instantly, Emily knelt next to me by the bed with her eyes glued to me. And I could tell that she was hurt hearing me say that too.
“You can't tell anyone!” I cut in, taking her by the hand.
“I can’t let anyone know any of this ever happened.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through any of that, I shouldn’t have left you all by yourself at the part. And I promise never to let a word out to anyone,” Emily said and then pulled me in for a tight hug.
In all of that, I couldn’t help the tears that rolled down my cheeks at the thought of all that had happened.
‘How the hell did I get this careless?’ I thought to myself.
The scent of Cuban cigars and sherry filled the air as I stepped into my stepfather’s study. Knowing I was bound to get questioned over having to be out all night.
“I see you still haven’t learned how to knock,” My stepfather stated behind his desk. Glaring back at me in his equally expensive suit.
“I—I’m sorry,” I responded.
“And where the hell were you all night?” My stepfather asked. Noticing what I was wearing, my stepfather quickly covered his eyes l mumbling a curse under his breath as he shook his head.
“I see, you have chosen to be out there like some commoner dressed in that. Forgetting where you come from and why I had ever placed you so high in the minds of the others around our family,” He yelled.
“Forgetting the essence of staying pure!”
“It’s not what you think it is Father,” I cut in with my head lowered to the floor.
“I—-,” I stuttered.
“I was invited over to a party at school, and—-,” I finally said, but was cut off in the middle of my sentence.
“Get out of my office!” My father suddenly added, and in seconds, I scurried off, knowing things were bound to get worse with me still standing in his office. I hurried up the stairs and headed for my bedroom with my eyes slowly welling up.
Slamming my bedroom door behind me, I pressed my back against the wall as I crouched slowly to the floor with tears rolling down my cheeks.
For as long as I could remember, my father had been grooming me to be the perfect wife for a high-profile man of my status, but now I had blown my chance.
Now, I was in a state of dilemma, not even knowing who took advantage of me. How do I face society when I end up getting mated and suddenly find out that I was deflowered? I could imagine the humiliation!
It would be colossal. A public humiliation and I didn't even know what to do at this point.
I took in a deep breath as soon as I heard my stepfather's footsteps approaching. It wasn't up to a minute before he came pounding on my door. "I know you are in there and can hear me. I don't want to waste any time discussing what could have been done a long time ago." He said.
I rose quickly from my crouched position, my legs were already starting to cramp anyway. I yanked the door open and faced my fuming stepfather.
"I'm sorry for disappointing you." I apologized again, hoping that it was going to save me from his wrath. It was bad enough that he didn't even feel unhappy that I encountered such and my eyes stung with tears.
He sneered at me instead. "You wish. Prepare for the Prince's party."
Color me shocked. "I don't think it's proper for me to do so."
His eyes blazed with an inferno that could burn me alive and keep me wanting. I paused to take in a deep breath, anticipation of his explosion.
He wagged his finger in my face. "You wouldn't dare." He gritted out. "I will make sure that you starve to death, and nothing will happen." He threatened me.
I paused. How despicable?!
"I'll see you in ten minutes." He announced in a warning tone.
Ten minutes later, I arrived at the party in my drabbest silver gown and a deep frown.
"Claire!" Emily called, making me roll my eyes, so much for wanting to get this done and over with.
"Hi," I responded tersely.
She drew me into a hug before whispering, "I thought you wouldn't be attending."
"Do I have a choice especially after my father forced me to be here? I just want to go through the party like a ghost." I explained.
A small chuckle tore out of Emily's lips. "I'm sorry for laughing... Um, your dress is quite thin, may I get you a shawl?" She inquired. "You could wait there." She suggested, pointing to the bench behind the large flower vases.
Perfect.
"Thanks."
Suddenly, the room bustled with powerful energy, and everyone rose like they were commanded to. The Alpha Prince and his father, accompanied by a host of guards, moved in tow. I shrunk in size to reduce attention as he passed by.
He passed through my side and stared at me.
I was transfixed. He was handsome! Why did he ever... I caught myself before going down the drain. I turned my head slowly.
"Mate!!!." He announced startling everyone as they killed the music and stared hard in my direction.