Ella's POV The count wasn't around. He was on a business trip to where I didn't know and didn't care. All I cared about was that it was free time for everyone. The staff and slaves in the mansion could rest as there was no one to tend to and fawn over. I wished the count would go on business trips everytime but I wouldn't delude myself to think that wishes always came through. The house was silent and had less of the bustling activities it used to have. It seemed like everyone had gone to bed for an afternoon rest and I couldn't blame them. They all needed the rest, everyone except the butler. He scowled as he walked around the house, his expression bitter. He must be missing snapping at others to work harder or faster. I wasn't surprised as I knew already that he got high from lording himself over others which he couldn't do now that the count wasn't around. He seemed like a dog on a leash who was waiting for his master to bark orders at him so he could bark at others. I decide

Ella's POVKevin and I continued dancing. It felt like a dream but I knew he was real. It was real and I didn't have much control. Here in this world that I was, I wasn't in charge. The count was.He could come back at any time and I needed to talk to Kevin. I needed answers."Kevin,"I winced as those dancing next to us glanced at me. I smiled at them in an apology, wondering why my voice was loud when I had been trying to whisper. It must be the excitement at seeing my mate.I was glad that the lights were still dim or the others would have picked the emotions on my face. I was sure that what I was feeling at the moment was obvious. I hoped that Kevin couldn't see my face clearly as well.It was enough that I was in his arms. I didn't need him to see how much I was happy to see him. I didn't want to show that much vulnerability to him."You aren't going to tell me why you are here, are you?" I whispered.I was relieved that my voice was low and didn't go across the room like earlier

Ella's POVKevin pushed me behind him, shielding me from the count. He went straight to the stance he used for war and his aura felt threatening. I didn't have to see his eyes to know his gaze would be intense as well.I wondered how the count wasn't intimidated already. I held onto the his arm, not because I was scared and needed him to protect me from the count but for his own sake.He was alone here and I didn't want him to lose control. I doubted the count was alone and Kevin was going to be in danger if he made a move towards the count.I wouldn't let him lose control and get himself lynched."You have to breathe, Kevin. Stay calm. Okay?" I whispered behind him.I could tell that he was listening and I blew out a breath, feeling my heart relax with relief. He wasn't going to do anything stupid."Don't do anything rash, Kevin." I reminded him. "Stay calm, please."He glared dangerously at the count, his voice a feral growl when he spoke. "I'm afraid I can't let her go. She is my w

Ella's POVWe got back to the villa and the count insisted on walking me to my room.He pulled me against the door when we got in, his eyes simmering with annoyance."How close are you with that guy we saw earlier?""I'm not close to him." I lied. "We broke up six months ago.""Six months ago and he still looks at you that way? You broke up six months ago and he is still pursuing you? Why do I find that hard to believe? He was ready to fight me and my bodyguards for a lady he has broken up with six months ago?"He scoffed. "Do you think that is possible? Do you think I'm a fool?"I swallowed, my throat getting dry and licked my lips. "I'm telling you the truth, my lord. It's not my fault that my ex can't get over me."The Count was barely convinced. "Don't you ever meet that werewolf again. You have to behave well and not forget that you are my slave or I will have you punished."I gasped. "You know he is a werewolf?"A bitter laugh escaped his throat. "You must think that I'm a fool.

Kevin's POV I checked the time as I jumped off the chair in the living room of the apartment I shared with Liam. It was three hours after I left the office of the bureau leader and he should call me by now. What was keeping him waiting? Was he working on it? I wondered if I needed to threaten him so he could work faster. Liam walked in, took a glance at me and shook his head as he settled in on the chair I had just left. "You should calm down and don't get yourself worked up." He said. I turned to him, controlling my urge to growl at him. I knew he meant well for me and was right. It wasn't his fault that Ella was abducted and that I was in a bad mood. "I hate this place." I said, going back to the chair I had left. "I want to leave as fast as I can. How can I stay here when I know my mate is somewhere here being treated as a slave?" Liam kept quiet, allowing me to vent the way I wanted. "A sex slave?" I growled. "I can't get that out of my head." The mere thought of the count