TAMING THE PLAYBOY ALPHA - Chapter 22: Chapter 22

: CHARMING PRINCE
SILAS' POV:
"So... what's with you and Freya"
"There's nothing between she and I except the bet."
I walk to the exit of the small shack, having no reason to be here anymore.
He tags along, following closely behind and ignoring the obvious cues I've been giving him to leave me.
"It doesn't seem like just that, Silas."
I pause in my steps. "What are you insinuating right now?
"You've never risked your relationship with Elena for one of your bets before. You draw a line at that. Now you're choosing one as your partner for the solstice event?"
I can understand the origin of his doubt. I admit to myself things have been a bit different with Freya and at varying points, spiraled beyond my expectations.
I find myself going out of my way to please her, doing things I've never done or considered doing for anyone else, but I tell myself that Freya also isn't like other girls.
She's more witty and daring, going against the flow of the crowd and not flinching one bit in front of Elena.
She's like a wild flame that refuses to be tamed and there is much allure in just that.
"Be careful, Silas. She's nothing but another girl to pass the time with, don't forget that. Your relationship with Elena holds more importance." He chides me for speaking like I don't know all this already.
Like I'm not aware of the weight of duty I have and the importance of my betrothal to Elena.
It's a contract formed between our parents before I could walk. Every waking moment, I have to be aware of what's at stake if it goes wrong.
It's funny how he's the more jovial one, yet has the highest sense of responsibility between him and Adam.
I turn to him now. His once playful look is long gone and he stares at me with all seriousness. His concern is from a good place.
Being my Zeta, he stands alongside me with Adam, and advice from my left-hand man is only normal and yet, I can't help the annoyance springing up within me.
I know all this and yet I can't help but waver a little bit.
"There's no need to be all serious about it. It's just another approach to win her over. She's a tough nut to crack but in the end, it's all just a game."
FREYA'S POV:
Xena had taken her time to wrap me tightly in blankets to the point I began looking like a human burrito.
I complained not once as she fussed over me; preparing a warm bath for me, picking out a pair of PJs to wear after, brushing my hair and now, wrapping me in a pile of warm blankets.
Not once has she spoken about the event since we got back.
I silently watch her tucking at the end of what I hope is the last blanket around me and taking her time to smooth the crease while avoiding my watching eye.
"It's not your fault," I say the words that have been on my mind since her mothering started.
I know it's guilt that has her so rattled and her default mode is to protect.
She stops what she's doing abruptly for a moment before turning to me with a tired smile.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"It's not your fault that all this happened, you couldn't have known I would be chosen. And even if you had, there was nothing you could have done."
She remains silent in thought. She loses her tired smile and forms a saddened look.
"There could have been something I could have done. I should have known that Silas might choose you, we could have ignored the crowd and gone somewhere else, then you wouldn't have had to go through all that."
"My curiosity wouldn't have let me just ignore it. None of it is your fault, relax."
"Freya, you almost got hurt today. How can I relax?"
"But I didn't, Silas was there to save me."
She scoffs, showing her obvious dislike of him.
"And how long is he going to be available to save you, Freya? The longer you stay with him, the more dangers you fall into. What happens if he decides he's finally tired of you like the rest of those girls he's messed with? When he leaves you to his girlfriend to take out the trash, huh?"
I struggle in my bun made of blankets to get my hand free and take a hold of hers, gently forcing her to meet my eyes again.
She's in so much turmoil inside and I can see it all written on her face. I understand her concern but I can't stay away from him even if I want to.
It was no longer my choice, too much was at stake.
"It's okay, Xena. Even if all that happens, I have you, right? We're going to take them down. I might even get to punch Elena in the face again while we're at it. I'm going to be fine."
She seems reluctant to believe but gives in. She sighs, leaning against my shoulders. We remain silent for a while.
As much as I try to be optimistic about it all, I was still scared to face it but having Xena by my side was so much of a confidence booster.
Now there's one more thing that had been on my mind since the whole accident unfolded. "You haven't asked why I couldn't shoot the arrow."
It feels like I've finally ripped a Band-Aid off and was awaiting the pain that follows.
I keep wondering what she thinks of me now, there must be so many questions battling around in her mind.
If she'll stick with me now that I'm a laughing stock at school; an Alpha female unable to use the most simplest of weapons.
I brace myself for her answer. No matter what, I'll be fine.
"I'm sure you have a perfect explanation for what happened and I want you to tell me about it in your own time, no rush. Just know whatever it is, I'm on your side."
Her words fill me with so many emotions all at once. I let out I breath I didn't even know I was holding and hugged her tightly.
She chuckles at me and I can't help but laugh at myself as well. I had been so scared of what Xena would think and knowing how she truly feels gives me the courage to be myself no matter what.
I'm glad I don't have to lie to her; I want our relationship to be genuine. "Now, let me go. I want to take my own bath."
She struggles in my hold playfully. I give her one last squeeze before letting her go, rubbing off a little tear at the rim of my eyes.
I couldn't help but smile brightly that my cheeks hurt
"I'll be right back."
I nod.
She takes her towel and toothbrush and walks out of the room.
I fall backward against my bed, taking off the layers of warm covering before I melt from the heat.
I sigh, feeling like a heavy boulder has been lifted off my shoulders and the crushing pressure in my chest is gone.
Despite knowing that everyone in school pro ly thinks I'm a loser, I smile knowing that Xena is on my side.
'... you're enough for me.'
The words Silas had muttered to me earlier whispers in my head suddenly and I feel a tug on my heart. Surely he hadn't truly have meant those words. I was sure he had said them at the moment to seem like he cares; after all, why would genuinely he care about me?
For some reason, the question saddens me a bit, ruining my short-lived bright mood.
A knock on the balcony door makes me jump upright on my bed instantly.
Silence follows as I turn to look at it. I contemplate if it's Xena, but why would she use that door when the front door isn't locked?
I push it aside as my imagination but there's a knock on the balcony door again.
I stand to my feet, grabbing a lamp by my bedside just in case it's an intruder and slowly make my way to the door.
There's a third knock and I pull it open abruptly, raising the lamp high enough and ready to attack.
Staring back at me is a wide-eyed Silas. I can't even be surprised by his antics again.
"What the hell are you doing?" I yell from fright, patting my chest to calm myself.
"What were you hoping to do with the lamp, blind me with it's light?" He chuckles at my choice of weapon.
"I would have used it to knock that grin off your face, but I don't advocate for unnecessary violence even if you deserve it at this point."
"Oh, would have loved to see you try." He smirks at me, daring me to take a swing at him but I ignore the tease.
"You haven't answered my question. What are you doing here? You do realize this is the female dorm?"
"I came to check up on you."
"Yeah, right." I roll my eyes "Also, I believe we were in the middle of something before we got interrupted, remember?" He looks down at my lips and shamelessly begins leaning closer to me. I push him away, keeping a good distance between us. "Now's not the time to play around, Silas." "Point of correction, now is the time to play around.
You've had a shocking experience and you need to let off some steam."
"I'm fine letting off some steam in my room."
"I have a better idea." He stretches his hand out to me, gesturing for me to take it.
Under the vibrant glow of moonlight, he shines flawlessly like a charming prince straight out of a fairytale, wickedly handsome and with grace. Even the smug grin on his lips makes me swoon. He looks into my eyes and the entire world around me suddenly doesn't matter. With the softest voice, he mutters...
"Come with me."