Page 4 of Adira's Omega (Alpha Matters Universe #1)
Chapter four
Nyla
I tossed and turned in bed, wishing sleep would take me under, but I had no such luck. I was exhausted, mind and body, but I was also restless with thoughts from last night and the last two weeks.
I had gone from a loved child, although an Omega, to a slave being sold at an auction, to finding my Alpha mate in a very short amount of time. There hadn’t been a stable moment to process it all, but now that I laid here next to Adira, I had the time to do it. She could be harsh and demanding, but I knew I was safe here under her protection.
Staring up at the ceiling, I let all the emotions wash over me, but now that they had the chance to show themselves, they weren’t present. I felt like a blank slate in a way, but I knew they would appear at the worst time.
Sighing, I removed the blankets and made my way to the bathroom, splashing some cool water on my face. Some of the stress dissipated, but I was wide awake with nothing to do.
Making a decision, I wrapped a robe around my oversized tee and leave the suite in search of… Well, I didn’t know what, but I didn’t want to be locked up in the suite any longer, and a stroll through the mansion sounded nice even if I didn’t know where I was going.
I weaved down hallways and stairwells, taking in the furniture and artwork. No piece was the same, but they were all very similar. I didn’t look at any in detail, finding my mind was unable to focus on them or appreciate the artistry this late at night.
A large clock rang, and I checked the time. It was now three AM.
Looking around, I was unsure of where I was or how to get back to the suite, but I didn’t really care. I knew I would be punished, but it wouldn’t be in a way I couldn’t handle. I wouldn’t be raped or beaten or locked away without any food or a toilet like some slaves were.
Every time it crossed my mind, a small semblance of relief swept through me for myself along with sadness for the others.
It wasn’t fair, but I was in no position to fight every person of the world. Adira saved a few here and there, and within our society, that was already pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable. I was thankful for her and what she did, truly, but it would never be enough.
Shaking my head, I turned around to go down a set of stairs. I thought it led to the main floor. Perhaps from there I could either find the kitchen for an early morning snack or remember the twists and turns we took to get to our suite.
Alas, there was no hope for me. I found a sitting room with comfortable couches and a large TV but no front door, kitchen, or anything remotely recognizable to make my way back.
I would be here until someone found me or until my bladder protested enough that I would have to find a bathroom or at the very least a way outside to relieve myself.
Plopping down on the couch, I grabbed the remote from the table and flicked on the TV. I scanned through the channels and landed on one that played old cartoons that I used to love when I was younger. I pulled a blanket on top of myself and snuggled down into the plush sofa.
The sound of the cartoons and the familiarness of falling asleep on the couch lulled me to sleep. I had no dreams, no thoughts, just a blank slate of sleep that was needed.
Screaming and pounding feet woke me from my slumber. I rubbed my eyes and sat up, wondering what was happening, then it hit me. I had vanished in the middle of the night and had fallen asleep where no one would think to search for me.
I yawned and stood up, following the panicked voices until I rounded a corner and came face-to-face with Layla.
“Oh, thank fuck,” she let out before slapping a hand over her mouth. Hania tsk ed and started to reprimand her, but I stepped in.
“Please, don’t. She’s free to speak like that, at least when it concerns me.” Layla looked kindly upon me as Hania nodded, but her nostrils flared, telling me she wasn’t pleased with my decision. “So I’m guessing Adira is awake?”
They both grimaced but nodded. “Come with me, and let’s hope this goes well, shall we?” I followed Layla, trying to hold my head high. I knew Adira would worry, and I would accept my punishment whatever it might be.
Layla and I walked into the main hall where Adira was rampaging and telling a group of staff to look harder because I had to be somewhere, then Layla cleared her throat and stepped to the side, revealing me to my mate.
Adira’s dark eyes landed on me. Where they were once hard and panicked, they were now soft and full of relief. She stomped over to me and wrapped her arms around my waist, hoisting me into her arms. “You’re going to pay for this, Nyla,” she whispered into my hair.
A shiver ran down my spine as I responded, “I know, but I couldn’t sleep.”
Adira set me down and cupped my cheek. “That changes nothing, but we will work on it.” She turned away from me, dismissing the staff, except for Layla. “Layla, I am going to leave her in your hands. Please ensure she gets ready for the day and has everything she needs. Gian knows what needs to be done. I have a few things to attend to but will be back later.” Adira looked down at me, and I knew what had not been said. She would be back later to punish me. There was a slight smirk on her lips, so there was some hope that a little part of me would enjoy it. If it was anything like the ride here… I pushed those thoughts aside as Adira kissed me goodbye, then left the mansion to do who knew what.
“Well, that was an exciting morning. Would you like to shower now?”
I let out a sigh and nodded before following Layla up the stairs and to our suite.
I took a long, scorching shower, then dressed in a pastel pink dress with white tennies before Layla led me to Gian, who piled a lot of information on me and filled my arms with a phone, laptop, a purse with a wallet loaded with cards and IDs, and an e-reader which I was incredibly grateful for.
“Is it safe to assume you know how to use these devices?” he asked.
“Yes, I can manage.” Thankfully, I grew up with everything. Well, not everything but enough to get by.
“Good, that will make this easier on all of us. Everything is set up to some extent. You can load them with passwords and accounts you still have access to. For the rest, use your new card and fill your closet and shelves with anything you deem needed or wanted. Mistress Adira has made it clear that we are to spare no expense, so have fun.” Gian gave me a smile. He had been so rigid before, but I think that had more to do with Adira than it did with him.
I had the urge to hug him, so I passed things along to Layla and wrapped my arms around Gian’s torso for a quick hug before saying, “Thank you.” Before he could pull himself together and stop sputtering, I took back the phone from Layla and got to it.
“Can we go to the sitting room I was in last night? I like it there.”
“Of course. I think I know which one that was.” Layla led the way, and shortly, I was plopping back down on the sofa with all my new things and got to work setting them up.
The rest of the morning was spent shopping and chatting with Layla. By the end, I had ordered a closet or two full of clothes and books and a few other things that I wanted to put in our suite and the nest. I didn’t know if Adira would allow it in the former’s case, but it was worth a shot. I had always wanted a beanbag chair, so I got one for the room in black and a bright yellow one for the nest.
Before I knew it, it was lunchtime, and my stomach was making me aware of the fact that I hadn’t eaten since sometime yesterday.
As we made our way to the kitchen, Adira walked through the front door, and her eyes landed on me instantly. “Ah, my little mate, perfect timing.” She dragged me to her and crashed our lips together, shoving her tongue into my mouth. Mine battled hers, and I tried my hardest not to melt like I did yesterday, but despite it all, she was my mate, and my body reacted to her far too easily.
Our kissing became heated, but my stomach growled, and Adira pulled away with annoyance in her eyes. “Layla, has Nyla not eaten?”
Shit.
My head dropped, and my gaze landed on the floor at her tone. I felt a whimper working its way up into my throat, but I swallowed it down as she glared down at Layla.
“No, Mistress Adira, she has not. We were just—”
“Enough. If you cannot handle caring for Nyla, you will be dismissed and placed back into the auction.”
I gasped and nearly slammed the top of my head into Adira’s jaw as my head turned up to look at her. “No!”
“No?” Adira looked down at me with her brow quirked. “You are not in charge, Nyla.”
My breathing was ragged as I pulled away from Adira and stomped my foot like a petulant child, but I was overwhelmed and needed her to listen. Her eyes rolled, but I carried on. “No, you will not. She’s nice to me and lets me exist without treating me like something to be owned. Fine, you don’t want her to be my servant or care for me, but I will be keeping her as my friend.” I crossed my arms and held my head high, hoping this wouldn’t end badly.
I had never talked back like this, and I didn’t know where it was coming from, but I bonded with Layla and would risk this for her. Not for myself, but for her.
Adira stood there, staring at me with a blank expression. My resolve almost broke, but I held it together long enough for her to cant her head and look at Layla. “You’re very lucky, Layla.” Without explanation, Adira grabbed onto my wrist to the point of me wincing and dragged me the rest of the way to the kitchen where she proceeded to force me to eat and watch every single bite until I had finished the grilled cheese with spinach and ham along with a small bowl of grapes and blackberries.
Everything was delicious, but I slowed my pace, knowing what was next. Not only was I going to pay for my disappearing act but also for undermining Adira in front of the staff.
This was going to be a long, long afternoon, but a part of me was ready to take on Adira again.