Falling For My Cruel Mate
Chapter 8

He grabbed my chin roughly and made me look him in the eye. "Submit." He growled again.

I stood as still as possible, no emotion on my face. "You leave me no choice, little girl, you will submit to me. I am your Alpha." He tilted my head exposing my neck to him. Confusion flooded my brain. What is he doing? I stiffened as his hand traced my mark. My skin began to feel hot, just because of simple touch.

Before I knew it, a piercing scream erupted from my throat. A fire spread throughout my body. It was as if lava was spreading throughout my veins. He had remarked me. He pulled his canines from my neck and I felt weak. My entire body felt numb. He was psychotic. How could he do such a thing? He only made the bond stronger. And for what? Because I wouldn't submit? I was really trapped now. The bond would grow stronger over the next few days due to his actions, and I don't even have a say in it.

He gathered a fist full of my hair and looked me dead in the eye. "Submit."

Tears welled in my eyes and began to spill over. I simply nodded my head. He looked surprised. Hell, at this point I would do anything if it meant him getting away from me.

He released my hair and took a step back. I hung my head, shamefully, and got down on my knees. I tilted my head to the side and exposed my neck to him in submission. Silent tears continued to fall as his hand caressed my hair.

Now I was truly stuck. I would begin to feel things that would make it hard to be away from him. He doesn't even like me and yet, I will crave him. My actions had sealed the deal. There was no way he was going to let me out of his sight. I would never see my family again.

I could faintly hear footsteps approaching us. Cipher was among to first arrive. I could smell her sweet aroma of roses. I didn't dare look at anyone. I just stared at the trees blankly. Ajax stopped caressing my hair at the sight of other people. Right behind Cipher was Alexander and Christina.

"Ajax! What did you do to her?!" Cipher practically threw herself at me. She cupped my face and brought my eyes towards hers. She looked angry. She examined my neck, and shook her head disappointedly.

"You remarked her?! You treat her like shit and you thought making the bond stronger would help what exactly?!"

"Lower your fucking voice! She submitted didn't she? I'd say it was pretty good idea." He growled, taking a step in front of me so that she couldn't see or touch me.

"Enough," Alexander spoke up causing them both to shut up. "If I see that she is to come in harms way because of you again we will hold a council meeting and discuss your consequences."

"What-"

"I said enough Ajax! I am tired of your cruel behavior!" He roared causing everyone to bow their heads. "Now I want you to take her home and clean her up. The poor thing looks like she is on the brink of death."

My skin was on fire and I was sweating buckets... yet I felt cold. The breeze was killing me. I couldn't help but shiver. "Stand up." Ajax commanded.

I simply nodded my head and tried to gather whatever strength I had left but I could barely get up. "Carry her there, fool." Alexander spat out as he began to turn around.

Ajax growled lowly as he crouched down and picked me up, bridal style. He was so tall and I was so far off of the ground I couldn't help but cling to him. My eye lids felt heavy and my head was throbbing. "Stay awake Octavia, I don't need you slipping into another coma." I gasped for some breath and relaxed a little more into his arms. I hate to admit it but it felt nice being this close to my mate.

"Ajax, slow down why are you walking so fast?" Asked Cipher who had been following us back to his home. She was probably scared to leave us alone. I was grateful for that.

"I just want to get home already." He huffed as he broke out into a small jog. His grip on me tightened, making sure that I wouldn't slip from his arms.

Once we got home he practically ran me up the stairs and into my bathroom. He sat me down on the counter by the sink.

"Cipher, why the hell is she burning up like this?" He pressed his wrist to my sweaty forehead, a look of anger passing through his beautiful eyes.

"I don't know." She says barging into the bathroom with a change of clothes and a clean towel. "Get out so I can bathe her."

"No," He said immediately, causing the both us to look shocked. Cipher's jaw even dropped. I, on the other hand, was not feeling well enough to channel my true dramatic self. "Alex said that I have to be the one to take care of her or-"

"Or what? You're scared you're going to lose your Alpha title to me? Because let's face it sweetie, we both know I'm the better sibling."

Ajax growled before grabbing the clothes and towel from Cipher and pushing her out of the bathroom and locking the door. He placed the things down and turned on the tub, making sure the water was cold.

He stripped himself of his shirt and wiped the blood from his head, where I had hit him with a rock. He tossed it aside. His wound was almost completely healed in the matter of minutes. I hated him for it. He was large and tall with the strength of about ten men. I unknowingly glared at him. He didn't deserve to be a leader. "Octavia, you have to get undressed." He demanded harshly. He seemed angry but his body language told me he was feeling a bit awkward.

"I can barely breathe on my own," I say, looking up at him. Why must he be so tall and handsome? I just wanted to run my fingers through his dark locks. No. No, Octavia. That's just the stupid mate bond talking.

He clenched his jaw and moved to stand right in front of me. "At least try to keep your damn arms up." He says as he lifts them up for me. I do as he says and keep my arms in the air, but I drop them quickly once my shirt is off.