The Pure-Hearted Princess and the Kiss of Darkness

18. A Necklace

- ENRIQUE -

It's complete silence down here...

Turning the corner, I head right to the back until she comes into view. Once again, I didn't pick up her heartbeat.

For a second, I stop, freezing as a wave of nostalgia washes over me. The way she's sitting brings back memories. Her knees are up, her arms wrapped around them and her head resting on her knees.

"Get up," I command, my stomach twisting, but before I let my mind wander, I shut down the thoughts that threaten to creep into my mind.

She stands up gracefully, her eyes sparkling, and she smiles at me coyly.

Why the fuck does she look like she's fine?

"Can I help you with something, Alpha?" She asks innocently, but fuck, there's something about it that makes my dick twitch and I frown.

"Stop acting like I'm fucking visiting you at your home, although this is your home right now." I smirk coldly, "But there is actually something you can help me with. But we both know you don't really care to listen or obey, right?" I cock a brow, stepping closer to the bars.

Her plump lips part slightly, and I frown, thinking despite the lack of food... her lips aren't dry... her skin still glows, and she even looks... clean... Was someone feeding her?

Carlos, Jose, or was it Hugo? Although that old man is rarely ever at the packhouse...

They are the only three people who would dare defy my orders, knowing they will probably live.

Well, I'm going to fucking find out who and punish them for it.

"If you tell me, maybe I might obey," she says softly.

Wanna get down on your knees and take a cock like a good little girl?

Fuck, what?

No.

I hate how she fucks with my head.

"What is it?" she asks, concerned, rubbing her arm shyly, but that only makes her breasts look even more enticing.

"I'm giving you the chance to change your mind... you won't survive much longer without food. Even if you are powerful, will you really subject your wolf to such suffering over a stupid deal? What benefit are you getting from being down here?" I ask coldly.

Her smile vanishes, and this time she looks down, sighing heavily.

“Because I refuse to return to England without fixing things."

My heart races and it takes my all not to react. I reach through the bars, grabbing her hair as I yank her closer, pressing her up against the bars, ignoring the way the bars burn my skin as I glare down at her.

"There is nothing to fix here, Princesa, and I don't care if you see it as me breaking my word or not, because I don't give a fuck what a Rossi thinks. I'm sending you home to your father. He needs to learn how to keep his precious little girl in check. He was a fool to send you out here alone! Anything can happen. You should know that more than anyone."

She doesn't say anything and that only fuels the fire within me, her dark eyes glittering with emotions.

"Tomorrow you're off this island," I say with finality.

"No!"

My eyes blaze at her whispered defiance, not expecting it. A roar rips from my throat as I slam my other hand against the bars, making her flinch, the sound ricocheting off the walls and I yank her head closer.

"I will not fucking tolerate disrespect, and you are pushing me beyond my limit! This is not your kingdom, and unless you learn to control that tongue, it will be your dead body which will be returning to England!"

Not waiting for a reply, I let go of her,

feeling something catch on the

button of my jacket, but I don't bother to look as I shove her away. She gasps and I turn, seeing the glint

of gold dangling from my jacket

cuff.

"Please give it back to me!" she pleads, her eyes widening in panic as I look down at my jacket, which has the necklace tangled in it. "I'm sorry! Please...just may I have it back, please?"

Too late for fucking manners.

Ignoring her, I walk out.

I don't plan to entertain her or spoil her, but I also didn't want to untangle it in front of her.

"Please! I'm sorry, please!"

Once I'm around the corner, I try to take it off, but it's got twisted in the button. Hooking it around a finger, I raise my sleeve to my mouth and using my teeth manage to unwrap it.

Pathetic.

I head outside, needing a moment to clear my head.

After a moment, I glance down at the necklace in my hand, frowning.

It's gold, with a heart-shaped locket pendant. It has an opening and I wonder why she looked so upset when I walked away.

Maybe I shouldn't go through her things like this, but do I care? No.

I flip it open, and a tiny click can be heard as I press it open fully walking along the garden path.

There's a picture of her and her

family on one side, she looks only a

little older than when I had seen her last and she's holding a little baby girl, and a teddy bear, whilst her twin is hugging her, and her brother is right behind her, hugging her and her twin.

Their parents are on either side of the boy and even the Lycan has a smile on his face.

I move my thumb and come to an abrupt stop. Staring back at me is a ten-year-old me; his jaw clenched, a frown on his face, and a head full of hair. It's an old image, yellowing slightly from age.

Why the fuck does she have a picture of me in her necklace?

My mind spins as I stare down at it. Is this why she didn't want me to have it?

Why does she have my picture at all?!

That's what I want the answer to.

Why?

I glance back the way I came, frowning deeply.

She's here for a reason, and that is a reason I need to know now.

Turning back, my eyes blaze and I can feel my anger rising and I exhale slowly. I know I won't get answers from her and my Alpha command doesn't work on her... and as much as I feel like me stripping naked and questioning her might work, I'm not in the mood to play.

Punching the wall, I growl in irritation, ignoring the throbbing pain in my hand I return inside and head to my office with that trinket in hand. One I will not return to her, regardless of how much she begs...

'Jose, organise a private flight to the UK for Kataleya Rossi, and yes, I fucking know we don't have her passport. Make it work. I don't care how.' I snarl.

'Alph... Ok, Alpha.' he replies, almost in defeat and I slam my walls up as I drop into my chair, not wanting to be disturbed by anyone.

And now I'll fucking wait until past midnight because that dessert thief is going to be the one who will be the target of all my wrath...

I strum my fingers on the desk looking at the phone. I had stuck a little sensor camera facing my shelves earlier on... and I will catch the culprit. Come out little mouse, because tonight will be your last night...