ONE

¬Isaiah

I stare at the drink in my hand, swirling the red liquid around the glass.

The room is silent, aside from the faint snap of burning wood from the fireplace, and the growl of thunder above me. It's late, nearing on midnight, yet I still sit in my office. There's no way I'm going to my bedroom, with everything that's going on. I will sit in this chair until exhaustion hits, and that will be my night.

A knock on my door, followed by it being open rouses me fully. One of my guards leans in, a concerned expression etched into his otherwise serious face.

"My hours for work have passed," I mutter, turning my gaze back to the fire, watching it glow threateningly. If I have to deal with another Alpha like duty tonight, I might just rip my hair out. It's always the same, mindless, endless work.

The guard clears his throat. "Sir, I just came to alert you that an unauthorised person has entered the property."

I regard him tiredly. "Have the guards at the gate not dealt with it?"

With all the rebellions going on, I've had little time to deal with other trivial matters an Alpha would typically find common. We have been successful so far, in ensuring no rebellion gets above a march, a riot...a plan. I have spies everywhere, digging out even the darkest groups conspiring against me.

None will ever be successful.

"We haven't received comments yet, but it must be important. They just let them in," he mutters, looking as confused as I am beginning to feel. The guards at the gate are some of my most proficient. They would never let someone inside without authorisation.

"Odd. I'll be out in a moment," I mutter vacantly. The moment he closes the door, I sigh, standing on my wary legs. I haven't moved from my desk all day, so admittedly, this is somewhat exciting. It could just be a late delivery, yet I can't help the strange feeling that overcomes me.

Walking out of my office and to the foyer, a few guards are scattered around, looking through the windows with apprehensive expressions. I eye the weapons at their hips, slung over their shoulders, ready for any retaliation.

It was my father who demanded this much personal protection. As if being a powerful Alpha is not enough.

Stepping to the window, I look past the tendrils of rain which skim down the window, trying to see past the glare on the light against the glass. "I don't see anything. It's dark and raining. It must just be a staff members family, which is none of my concern."

A sharp knock on the door echoes across the vaulted ceilings. 

"It's okay Alpha, I'll deal with it," one of my guards remarks warily, meeting my gaze. I shift my attention to the door, as if I can see beyond it. For whatever reason, I'm compelled to open it.

"No, allow me," I affirm, stepping forward to pull it toward me.

A figure is sitting at the doorstep, hunched over. It takes me a moment to realise it's a girl, her dark hair plastered against her neck, clothing the same colour as the ebony night. She's hugging her legs, drenched in rain and shivering. My breath hitches in her throat, as she looks up at me, eyes almost too large for her face, lips void of colour.

"Please....help me," she whispers.

"What's wrong? Are you injured?" I ask.

Hunching down, I examine her. Her foot is stuck out in front of her, like she is favouring it. She's shaking almost uncontrollably, teeth chattering violently to the point I nearly wince. I can feel the presence of my guards behind me, ready to strike if she becomes a threat.

But by the looks of it, she's just an injured girl in need of our help.

"My ankle, it's hurt," she shudders. Her eyes are red and swollen, like she's been crying. I reach out, wanting to touch her, but I hesitate. I don't want to freak her out, and by the looks of it, she's wary of me.

"Someone get her a towel. Now," I demand over my shoulder.

"I'm so sorry, I saw lights and the vehicle I was travelling in broke down and I just..." she claims, suddenly flustered.

"Don't apologise," I assure her. She seems frantic, but not afraid of me like she would if she knew who I was. She doesn't look as though she is from this Pack, so maybe she was passing by and truly has no idea who I am. "Someone call in the nurse."

Summoning a deep breath, I stand, reaching my hand out to the girl. She stares at it for a long moment, before she swallows. I realise then that there is no where she is going to be able to walk, so I stoop down, sliding my arms underneath her, feeling her rain drenched clothes presses against me.

Instead of panicking, like part of me expected her to, she allows me to carry her inside, her injured leg hanging limply. Despite being covered in rain, she smells wonderful, like citrus and sugar.

My last guard who hasn't run off to get this girl help stands close by, following me into the next room. A fire blazes inside, warming the room as I rest her down on a nearby couch.

"I'm in so much pain," she winces quietly, looking at me with such earnest brown eyes, my heart inexplicably flutters.

Who is this girl?

"Just breathe. The nurse is on call, and get here as soon as she can. For now, you need to relax and have some water," I tell her, motioning behind me for the last guard to get her some. "What is your name?"

"Kenna. My name is Kenna and I'm from the Love Pack," she explains. That makes sense, as her features remind me a lot of the Love Pack. It's the large eyes, dimpled cheeks and dark hair.

"What brought you to my Pack?" I ask, as a guard walks in holding a few towels. Kenna wraps on over her shoulders, starting to shiver a lot less now. The tension still lingers around her, which I can't blame her for. Not only is she injured, she's also in a strangers house, with a lot of men standing around her.

She frowns slightly, gaze sweeping over me. "Your Pack?"

"You don't know? I mean, I was wondering what brought you to this Pack? There has been a lot of dangerous things going on around here. No place for a someone to be travelling alone," I tell her softly. She doesn't know that I'm Alpha, which is a strangely invigorating. Usually people meet me and already have assumptions about me ready.

"I came for the beaches. I suppose there's not going to be much of that now," she says, laughing as if she finds herself pathetic, motioning down to her ankle.

"You're welcome to stay here for the night. The nurse should be arriving soon," I assure her.

She smiles weakly, before wincing, grabbing at her ankle. I flinch, having to physically stop myself from reaching down to help her, knowing that I'm not capable of that. The last thing I want to do is scare her.

"Thank you for your hospitality. I'm grateful for your kindness," she tells me.

"It's been a long time since someone has said that to me," I admit, lowering my gaze. Regular citizens can't stand me, which I don't blame them for. I would hate me to.

The girl smiles, hopelessly motioning down to her foot. "I wish I could stand."

"Here, let me help you to your room." I stoop down, reaching under her legs and back to pick her up. She's soaked, her wet clothes seeping water into my own clothing, but I'm hardly bothered. The last thing this poor girl wanted was to end up here, in my home, so the least I can do is make her feel welcome.

"I didn't ask your name," she says lightly, as I carry her up the stairs. Her dark eyes are searching, examining my face with careful precision. In my arms, she remains tense, which I imagine is from the pain, and not because she is frightened of me.

"Isaiah," I tell her.

Choosing one of my guest bedrooms, I pop open the door, wandering inside. I watch the girl's eyes look around the room, taking it in. It's a simple room, but it will do fine for one night.

"Well, thank you Isaiah. Will I see you in the morning?" she asks hopefully. I glance at the nurse as she walks in behind me, taking a wide step around me. I've never instructed my staff to not stray too close to me, so I imagine they do so purely because they don't like me.

"I'll be the first thing you'll see," I assure her, backing up and out the door.

She gives me one last smile before I close the door. I stare at the polished wood for a moment, realising I never got her name.