Page 29 of King Alejandro

“Of course not,” she replied, smiling slightly. I walked into her room, and she closed the door.

“There’s a girl in the basement, the Lycan’s daughter. I went to visit her earlier. I know we shouldn’t trust anyone or anything, no matter how helpless and innocent they may look, but I was wondering, how bad would it be to give her food?” I asked. Mother’s smile vanished, and I could hear her racing heartbeat.

“Mi Vida... don’t do it,” she whispered. “The Alpha will not forgive you.” I tilted my head. He wouldn’t need to know, and it was clear, despite Mother’s refusal, that I still wanted to.

“I understand. Good night.” I turned and left the room swiftly.

“Mi Vida…”

I ignored her and walked towards my room, hearing Mother sigh and close the door to her room. I glanced back at it before changing direction and heading downstairs instead, making my way to the kitchen. I needed to take something that I could carry discreetly. We’d had ribs for dinner, perhaps there were some left…

I entered the large kitchen. The silence was deafening. I began opening the drawers, knowing I would have to hide the food when I went down. I took a plate and went to the fridge. As I assumed, there were some left-over ribs and roast potatoes. I put them on the plate along with some spicy rice and placed it in the microwave.I’ve never really used this before…

After pressing around on the random buttons, I finally got it figured out. The sound seemed to be blaring loudly, and I hoped no one would come to check. I frowned, wondering if Father would hear me. He usually liked to have adult time at night, whatever that meant. Hopefully, he didn’t hear me. Whilst the food was being heated, I busied myself with finding something to place the food in. I rummaged around in the drawers until I found some kitchen foil and a freezer bag. That should do. I glanced towards the hallway before I spread two layers on the worktop and got the plate from the microwave. Placing the ribs, potatoes, and rice on the foil, I wrapped it up. She would have to make do without a spoon.

I placed the foil into the freezer bag, hoping it wouldn’t smell too strongly. Going to the fridge, I grabbed a bottle of orange juice before sliding the hot food bag under my baggy top and leaving the kitchen. I headed towards the basement and saw only Ronaldo, one of the four brothers, standing there. Well, one of three brothers now.

“Open the door. I want to see the foolish thing,” I stated emotionlessly. His gaze dipped to the bottle of orange juice in my hand, and I smoothly unscrewed the cap, taking a gulp. “I just stopped by the kitchen for some food as I felt peckish, and now I can’t sleep. I need to vent some of this anger. I’m sure Padre wouldn’t care if she gets a little injured,” I smirked coldly, and he lowered his head.

“Yes, of course.” The moment the door opened, I glanced at Ronaldo.

“Keep the door shut. I will knock when I’m done. I don’t want anyone to get disturbed.”

He nodded, bowing his head to me, and the door shut behind me. I didn’t hear her this time. I scanned the dark room below and saw her body on the floor near the sink. Had she tried to drink water? The tap was on, butit was obvious it didn’t really work. A dirty trickle of water was coming out of it. I took the food parcel out from under my shirt and placed it on the floor along with the juice bottle before walking over to her. I switched the tap off, frowning when she didn’t even stir. It seemed she had fallen unconscious.

How weak… I’d been without food for two weeks several times, Father made sure I learned how to cope, yet here was this little weak thing, unable to even keep awake after a few days. I crouched down, and I suddenly realised her body was bruised.Those weren’t there earlier…My heart began to race... she had been beaten. Had Father done this? My stomach twisted. I wasn’t sure, but this wasn’t right… even if he was to kill her, why prolong the suffering?

No, I shouldn’t question Father.

“Oye, chica, get up,” I said, shaking her slightly.

She whimpered, my eyes falling on the large bruise on her face. Had Father actually beaten a child? Sure, my training consisted of beatings, but that was for me to get stronger…

“I have brought you food, but if you do not get up, then I can’t help you.”

Still, she didn’t get up. I frowned, lifting her body and carrying her to where I had left the food. How troublesome. I propped the life-size rag doll against the wall, prodding her head that lolled to the side. Actually, she looked a lot like a China doll. Creepily cute with too much hair…

I don’t have time for random thoughts.I tapped her cheek lightly, and this time her eyes fluttered open.

“Wake up, chica,” I whispered. Her eyes flew open, her heartbeat thundering as she flinched as if ready to be hit again. “I don’t hit girls.” I rolled my eyes and held the orange juice bottle to her; confusion filled those dark eyes of hers before she took it.

“Thank you.” Her soft reply was rather pitiful as she sipped some of the juice with trembling hands, supporting the bottle. I quickly opened the plastic bag and unwrapped the foil. I prayed that by tomorrow the smell would vanish or Father may do worse.

“Is that for me?” She asked.

“No, it’s for me. I decided to come and eat down here because it’s much more appealing than the dining room.” I frowned. “Of course it’s for you, but be quick.” She was hesitant, almost as if wondering if it was a trick question.

“Thank you…”

“Is that all you can say, chica?”

“My name is not chica. It’s Kataleya,” she said, giving me a smile that lit up her bruised face. My eyes widened in shock. Did she not realise I was the enemy?

She slowly reached over, moving the foil closer to herself, flinching with pain that clearly shot up her arm.Girls are so useless. I shook my head, pushing the foil paper towards her.

“Be quick, chica.”

Kataleya… it was an interesting name.