Claimed by the Vengeful Alpha Chapter 58: Covered in Thorns

"Is sothing wrong, Lady Maya?"

Maya nearly jumped out of her skin as a voice spoke to her in the darkness. The only reason she didn’t scream was that despite how terrified she was, she could still recognize the voice.

"Alpha Claude," she softly called as she peered into the darkness, trying to find him.

She bowed lightly even though she could see him and her tears only made it even more difficult to see better. Maya had not been worried about sight beforehand, as she could easily make her way to her room, having done it multiple tis already.

She wiped at her face. His eyes were better in the dark than hers, and he would have already seen her crying—his question told her that—but it didn’t stop her from trying to hide her tears.

Maya wasn’t quite sure why. She was already at rock bottom. She was dressed worse than a maid and had also served him, yet she couldn’t help but cling to the little dignity she had left.

"Yes," he said softly and stepped away from the wall.

She blinked three tis, and his figure started to beco clearer. He was still dressed in the sa manner—shirtless except for his coat. His sharp eyes stared hard at her face. Despite how intense his gaze was, Maya also thought there was a gentleness in his eyes.

"Is sothing wrong?" He asked again, closing the space but careful not to crowd her. His tone was soft as he studied her, and he looked genuinely worried.

She should be cautious, she knew. Claude gave mixed signals, and it was pretty clear he was after sothing. But she was exhausted. So exhausted that she didn’t care that the hand reaching out to her was covered in thorns. It was still a hand.

Maya wiped at her face, feeling warmth spread around her chest. It was nice to be seen. "No," she replied and let out a small smile. "Thank you for your concern, Alpha Claude."

She gripped the sides of her dress. There was nothing Claude could do for her in this situation, even if she wanted to take his hand. She should have known what she was getting into.

"Are you sure?" Claude asked, softly but his tone remained adamant. "I am sure you don’t have to go through this."

"This?" She asked with a frown.

"You know what I am talking about."

Maya frowned as she processed his words, but then noticed that she had to tilt her head backward to et his eyes. He was even closer; she hadn’t noticed when he moved.

She wasn’t bothered, but he was now close enough for her to pick up his scent.

It was nothing like Keenan’s. It wasn’t as bad as Father’s, but it held no interest for her. However, perhaps it was the dark, but he did look a little like Keenan.

His chartreuse eyes almost looked like Keenan’s green eyes in the dark, and though his hair was curly, it was the sa length. They were also of similar height and build, and when he towered over her, it didn’t feel threatening.

Maya’s hands on her dress tightened, and she forced herself out of her head. She shouldn’t be so easily distracted. "I don’t think I do, Alpha Claude," she replied. "But I’m certain there is nothing wrong. Thanks again."

She bowed her head and made to sidestep him, but he blocked her path and closed in suddenly. She tried to get out of the way, but her back hit the wall. Her eyes widened, and her breath hitched.

Claude placed a palm on the wall, locking her in place. His gaze was still gentle, his body language wasn’t threatening, but she couldn’t escape. She would have to push past him.

"Alpha Claude," Maya mumbled.

Her palms flattened against the wall as she pressed herself backward, as though if she pushed hard enough, she might sohow slip through it.

He was close. His face re inches away, and she could feel his breath on her forehead.

"Is there sothing you want from m-?" She asked, confused. She wasn’t completely oblivious, but at the sa ti, she wasn’t certain.

"Perhaps," Claude said, dipping his head lower until their faces were side by side.

Maya stood still. She knew that the slightest movent from her would make her touch him. His face was close enough that all she had to do was turn her head and their lips would brush.

She shut her eyes, her heart loudly beating in her chest. He was right against her, but he didn’t touch her—almost like he was waiting for her.

Maya made sure not to move even an inch. She didn’t know what to do in this situation or how to escape it. She would prefer it if he explicitly told her what he wanted so she could shut it down.

She could push him away, but she was hoping to exit without any escalation. It was also a little harder, as he didn’t particularly make any inappropriate gestures.

There was also the undeniable fact that he had been nicer to her than anyone else here. She didn’t feel terror, just a slight fear—not because she feared for her life, but rather—

"What is going on here?" A loud voice echoed in the dark space.

Maya’s heart stopped imdiately, and she feared she might pass out. This was the worst-case scenario, the one she was absolutely terrified of. She didn’t know how her legs still held her as her soul fled her body.

"What are you doing?" Keenan repeated.

Claude didn’t move. He remained close, which also stopped Maya from moving, and considering she would rather not be seen, she stayed as still as possible.

Suddenly, Maya heard a kissing sound close to her ear. Her eyes nearly popped out of her head as she realized what had just happened.

She moved her eyes, but she couldn’t see Keenan as Claude’s head obstructed her view. She wondered if from Keenan’s view, it looked like they were kissing.

Even if it didn’t look like it, the sound Claude made was enough to make it seem like that was what was happening. She looked up at him in horror as he pulled his head away from the side of her face and smirked at Keenan.

The knife in her heart twisted, and she didn’t even know when she got stabbed. She didn’t know what Claude was playing at, but Maya was convinced he was trying to get her killed.

"You’re loud," Claude said, still locking her in place.

Maya couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. All she could feel was the horror coursing through her veins. She closed her eyes, hoping this was all a dream she could wake up from.

"What do you both think you’re doing?" Keenan didn’t yell, but his voice felt just as loud.

Both?

Maya tasted bile. She expected nothing less, but it didn’t make it sting less. It felt like there was a hand around her neck. Keenan didn’t believe her normally; he would never believe that there was no kiss.

"What’s the problem?" Claude drawled. "You have no plans to consummate your union. It’s no marriage, and you hate her, don’t you? Give her to ."

Maya bent her head, trying to hide herself as best as she possibly could. Alpha Claude’s words were twisting the knife already lodged in her chest.

"Step away from her," Keenan said and stepped closer.

Claude blatantly ignored Keenan and turned his attention to Maya. Her head was bent, and her eyes darted in all directions. Claude had said this was no marriage—was he aware of it? Her mind spun; there were too many things to keep track of.

"I know he wants you to believe you can’t get out of this," Claude started speaking. "But if you’d co with , you’d never have to deal with him again. You’ll never have to dress in such rags and serve tea like a simple maid. I’ll get you as many—"

"Ahh," Maya yelled as a hand wrapped around her wrist and pulled her away from Claude.

She slamd against his chest for the second ti tonight. His grip on her wrist was tight, and his anger was so palpable that Maya could barely breathe.

Claude turned away from the wall to face them. He narrowed his eyes and ran his hands through his hair. "Just what do you think you’re doing, Alpha Keenan?"

Keenan wasn’t listening as he dragged her toward the stairs without looking back. He left Claude standing alone in front of his room.

"Hilbert," Claude called as he heard the door open. "Didn’t I say you shouldn’t step out, no matter what you heard?"

"I figured it was safe now."

"You’re not wrong," Claude said and stretched out his arms, letting out a yawn. "Today has been quite the day. And to think it’s my first night here," he said with a little smirk as he walked into his room.