Chapter Four: Taking Flight

Layla's eyes flashed for a minute, with questions swirling in her mind.  Downtown Boulder. Next week. Wasn't that the location for the annual convergence of the Alphas in Colorado? The event was all the rage on social media, and she had heard many of the ladies and some men in town animatedly chattering about it. Why was Donkor taking her along and not Vicky or Sam? She had learned never to question his orders, and so she immediately signaled her agreement. "Good," he said gruffly. "Your body must be treated before then." That was a warning, not a statement. "Yes, Sir." He turned on his heels and marched out of her room. Layla fell back on her bed, her heart pounding as she mulled over Donkor's announcement. There was something Donkor wasn't giving off about his sudden decision to take her with him to the convergence instead of his wife and son, and he had even gotten her a gift—a balm to erase her scars. The medicine had to cost him a fortune to get, as she was aware his lavish lifestyle couldn't leave him much to spare in his account. It was her money after all that he was splurging. She tried not to think about the waste her hard-earned money was becoming in Donkor's hands. At least he had gotten her something useful out of it. She braced herself for the epiphany to come the following week. They arrived at the Hotel Boulderado around half past eight. Donkor had hailed down a cab to get there.  She guessed he must have lost the car he had inherited from his father to his gambling as well. His father's probably rolling in his grave by now. Layla thought, mentally shaking her head. She was dressed in a figure-hugging midi dress in a rich jewel tone, featuring a tasteful V-neckline and subtle ruching that accentuated her curves. The playful yet sophisticated design, paired with strappy heels and statement jewelry, exuded a chic charm. That was by far the most expensive dress Layla had worn since she had grown into a lady. Although it was nothing compared to the luxurious satin dresses the other women present had on, it was a convenient fit for the event tonight. The exterior of the hotel featured a beautiful red-brick facade with intricate detailing and architecture reminiscent of the late 19th century. The building exuded charm and elegance. The place was packed with people from all parts of the state for the event tonight, and the atmosphere was electric. As Layla stepped into the lobby with Donkor, she was enthralled by the sight of it. The grand lobby was adorned with vintage chandeliers, ornate woodwork, and Victorian-era decor. It was spacious and welcoming, with comfortable seating areas and a warm ambiance. She felt dizzy momentarily from the large swath of people around her. Her stomach plummeted, and nausea crept up her chest. She had been sick all morning, restless about D-day. She hadn't been able to stomach much of her food from the time Donkor had passed across the information about her attending the occasion today. She pressed in her lips, scrunching her nose as her stomach growled in discomfort. Donkor glanced at her, a scowl on his face. "I told you to take care of yourself," he hissed in her face, biting down on the venom coating his voice as he glared. "I'm sorry." Layla apologized quickly, stiffening in discomfort. "I need to go to the bathroom, please." He hesitated at first, his scowl deepening, then eventually he growled, "You have just a minute to get back in here." He pushed back his sleeve and glanced at the time on his wristwatch. Layla nodded quickly and walked hurriedly to the bathroom. She gasped as her stomach grumbled loudly this time, her anus stinging as if a cork had been shot through it.  She hissed as she squeezed its opening, darting into the bathroom. She locked the door behind her quickly and pulled up her gown. She yanked down her pants and plopped down on the sink, emptying her bowel into it. She moaned painfully, panting after she was done. She flushed the mess down the drain after cleaning herself with a tissue, and she was about to leave when she heard some women walking into the bathroom. "Mmn." One of them sniffed the air, her nose turning down in disgust. "What is that horrible smell?" She fished out a perfume from her purse immediately and sprayed the air with it. Cascading notes of fresh morning dew intertwined with delicate lilies created a fragrance that lessened the stench in the air. "That is better." The other lady sighed in relief. "Only the moon goddess knows the lady with an odoriferous digestive system as this," another of the women pitched. Layla held in her breath, stiffening on her feet as she listened to the women. She doubted she would be able to live through their antagonism if she was discovered to have been the one to pollute the air. She fished out a roll of tissue and pressed it to her nose before she choked to death from the stench of her own bowel movement. She heard the women talk while they began to powder their faces. "Did you hear the rumors?" The second lady that had spoken earlier inquired. "What rumors?" The other two said it in unison. "Some man is offering his daughter to Alpha Malachi." "Who is crazy enough to give his daughter to that mad man?" The third lady hissed. "Lower your voice, Erin," the second lady cautioned her, whispering. "You don't want to get yourself in trouble. I heard he will be here tonight." Erin gave a noncommittal shrug. "From whom did you hear the news?" "I overheard it while passing by the servant's lodge. One of the cleaners was in his room while his secretary was informing him about the man's proposition." The first lady scoffed in disbelief. "Did you find out who that man is? For the love of the moon goddess, I pity whoever his daughter is." "The poor girl wouldn't even realize what her father was walking her into until she fell into the trap," Erin added with a shudder. "I heard that it's one Alpha of Crescent Creek." Layla's eyes flashed as she heard that. She clamped her mouth with both hands to muffle her gasp. She had known nothing good could come out of Donkor bringing her with him to the event tonight. From the rumors she had heard of the Alpha he planned on selling her to, none of the women he had taken remained whole after he was done with them. They either died or remained a shadow of themselves forever. As soon as the ladies filed out of the bathroom, Layla eased out of where she was hiding. Donkor wanted her gone. She would be out of his hair. As soon as she noticed the coast was clear, Layla made a run for her life.