Sold To The Untouchable Alpha novel Chapter 53

[Ivan’s POV]

When we arrived at the estate, Igor and Christine were waiting for us. After one look at Arissa, their relieved expressions at my return, turned to panic.

"What's wrong with her?" Igor asked, eyeing the struggling and hissing woman in my arms.

"Nothing to concern you." I responded, making my way into the estate.

"Master, maybe I should take her for you." Christine tried, stepping forward.

"EVERYONE STAY BACK!" I roared.

I knew that they meant well, but I didn't want them to get a good look at Arissa's current condition. At least, not until I could fully figure out what was wrong with her.

"Continue with your work." I continued, lowering my tone. "I can handle her by myself."

Christine and Igor gave me looks of uncertainty, but then nodded.

Satisfied that they weren't going to question further, I headed inside, making my way towards my room.

I could feel Arissa beginning to weaken her attempts at escape. Good, that meant she would be easier to handle once I released her.

Once we were at our destination, I placed her gently on my bed and stepped back.

At first, she didn't move, instead she just stared around the room. But once she snapped out of her confusion, she snapped her blood red gaze to me and frowned.

"Why did you bring me here?" She asked, narrowing her gaze. "What are you planning?"

Her lack of recognition of this place or me, cut deep into my heart like a knife. How was it possible we had finally become one and now I was a stranger?

"You don't remember this place?" I asked, moving forward. "Take a good look."

If she didn't remember me, that was fine. I would just have to remind her.

Leaning forward, I brought my face mere inches from hers. She didn't budge and met my gaze head on, boldly. One thing was certain, her devil may care attitude was still strongly in place.

"What are you doing?" She asked slowly. "You're too close."

"Am I?" I asked, smirking. "Given our relationship, I don't think we are close enough."

As the words left my lips, I examined Arissa closely. Did she truly not remember me, or was she trying to find a way to create distance between us again. When no recognition showed in her eyes, I felt a pang of pain rush through me.

"I…" She began before letting a hiss escape her as her face contorted in an expression of pain. "It burns."

I watched in confusion while she clutched at her throat, clawing the skin there raw in an attempt to stop whatever was tormenting her.

"It hurts so much." She rasped, lifting her wide eyed gaze to mine. "Please help me."