“Do you perceive what he is? And you desire for me to associate with that? I would prefer death!” Molly exclaimed at her wolf. She desired a confrontation, and one was escalating within her. This newfound anger was perplexing and unusual, yet she recognised her desire to express it all at once rather than suppressing it internally as she typically did when angry. For years, she permitted others to insult and mistreat her, as she held no significance to them. No alterations had occurred.
“You misinterpret him. He did not intend it-” Cordelia interjected, somewhat tentatively.
Molly chuckled with bitterness. “Your justifications render you oblivious. I am unfamiliar with his wolf, but if he resembles Jayce in any way, he is not deserving.”
Cordelia emitted a growl. “How dare you demean my companion? His value surpasses your comprehension. How many times must I elucidate the sanctity of a mate bond?”
Molly entered the bathroom and swiftly removed her clothing in preparation for a bath. Her attractiveness was such that she did not need to heat the water. She immersed herself in the frigid tub and remained impervious to the chill penetrating her bones as she cleansed her skin. She would not be astonished if the bathwater reached a boiling point solely due to her fury.
“Experiencing these moods is commonplace,” her wolf stated with composure. “Your body is undergoing transformations to accommodate the wolf. You are experiencing these sensations due to my influence; keep that in mind.”
“I am indeed furious with you! Were I not angry, I would merely be weeping. His actions were impolite and—ugh! He is a despicable man. Despicable and vile!” Molly exclaimed, lathering soap through her hair as though it could cleanse her of his presence. Had it been that simple, she would have liberated herself from him long ago.
“You assured him an opportunity-”
“What do you believe that was?” Molly retorted, then instantly felt powerless. A fleeting sadness ensnared her emotions, attempting to suffocate her rage. She submerged her head in the water and attempted to eliminate all the soap. It would be effortless to remain submerged and relinquish control.
Her wolf sensed her thoughts and compelled her to rise in a painful manner. Molly began to gasp for air, as though her wolf had thrust her head above the surface by piercing her insides. .”Are you mad?” Cordelia snarled, her voice reverberating through her throbbing head and nearly causing her to clutch her ears. “Should you entertain such a thought again, I will prohibit you from approaching any bath for the remainder of your life.”
“Marvellous,” Molly exclaimed, clutching the edges of the tub. “I will deter him with my scent if you proceed with that. I believe it is an excellent idea.” Molly rose and enveloped herself in a towel before exiting the tub.
“I genuinely believe you are overstating.” Cordelia remarked, seemingly amused, yet Molly did not find it humorous.
“I am not. He is the most dreadful individual-” Molly halted abruptly upon entering her room and discovering Jayce positioned in the centre of it. He grasped her coat firmly in his hand.
Her grip on the towel intensified as she suddenly felt overheated once more. “Jayce—” she exclaimed. What was the duration of his presence there? What was the extent of his hearing of her statements? Although she longed to express her true feelings, he remained a prince, and she did not desire to jeopardise her life for her candid opinions. His expression revealed nothing as he scrutinised her from head to toe, his gaze lingering on her exposed legs. She cleared her throat. “May I assist you?”
His gaze ascended to meet hers. “Your coat has been left behind.”
“Understood. Thank you.” Molly extended her hand for it, but he tossed it onto the adjacent chair.
“The cake was satisfactory.” He advanced a step towards her. She compelled herself to refrain from retrieving one. Whenever he was in proximity to her, her thoughts became introspective, evoking feelings she ought not to experience. Predictably, her wolf was utterly silent, as though it had abandoned her completely.
“I am pleased you appreciated it.” Molly folded her arms across her chest.
“Where did you acquire such baking skills?” he enquired, his tone indicating genuine curiosity.
“My mother instructed me in my youth, imparting her cake recipes, which remain indelibly etched in my memory.” Molly shifted her weight to the other foot before retrieving her clothes from the drawers. She could almost sense his gaze trailing her. “Do you require anything further?” she enquired over her shoulder.
His silence led her to believe he had departed, yet she turned to discover him observing her intently, as though she were his quarry. A shiver coursed through her skin; she abruptly felt frigid, and the warmth she previously experienced had been entirely extinguished. His gaze followed the mark he had imprinted on her neck months prior. Her eyes seemingly challenged him to comment, yet he refrained.
“No,” he stated before gradually proceeding to the door and exiting without further comment. It convinced her that he had overheard her exclaiming about his mistreatment of her wolf. At least he was oblivious to the disparaging remarks made by her wolf; otherwise, she would genuinely wish for her own execution.
Molly hastily donned her attire in anticipation of his return; however, he did not come back. Her wolf remained silent within her, as though intimidated by his presence. Excellent.
