Beginning with lies

Shadow's POV

"Thank you."Those are the only words that come out of my mouth as I fight the urge to cry and break down, but fail miserably.

I throw my hand over my mouth to keep the sobs from escaping. I don't realize I'm trembling and shaking until I feel a strong pair of arms wraps around me, and my head rests on an iron clad chest.

The scent of sandalwood and oranges engulfs my sense and calms my raging emotions that are battling within me.

I stiffen a little because I'm not used to affection, and I'm not fond of physical contact, especially with a stranger.

My body betrays me by relaxing into the warmth and embracing the tingling sensations on my skin. "Don't cry, little wolf. You're safe now, I'll protect you." His voice is husky and alluring.

I hear the sincerity in his voice, and it warms my heart. The only man to ever genuinely care for was Ferro, but he's gone now, and my heart breaks once more.

The images from the previous events that led me here flood my mind. It's all too much for me to process. I close my eyes, and I begin shaking again

"Calm down, baby. It's okay. I'm here." His deep raspy voice is laced with panic as I feel him lift me up in his arms and carry me to the bed bridal style.

my arms are wrapped around his neck with my nose in the crook of his neck inhaling his scent. I can't get enough of his scent.

Zephina isn't making things any easier with all her purring and prancing in my head. He carries me to the bed and sits down and sits me on his lap with my head on his chest.

He starts to softly run his fingers through my hair, making Zephina pur even louder.

"What is your name, little wolf?"

My moment of bliss fades away as fear washes over me. I can't tell him the truth, who I really am, the monster that lives within me.

Panic begins to consume me as dwell on all the possible worse scenarios. If I tell him the truth, he might become disgusted.

What if he decides to kill me or report me to the council? 'Shadow, he's our mate. He won't do anything to hurt us. Just tell him the truth.'

But we dont know that for sure, Zeph. We don't even know his man, mate or not. It's too dangerous to tell him the truth.

'Shadow, we will not lie to our mates. Either you tell the truth or I will.'

Are you serious, Zephina? This is our life we are talking about. I know how you feel about the mate bond, but we both know that not all fated mates look out for the other. You remember what happened to Lou.

I'm met with silence, and I know she's pondering on my words. She knows I'm right. We have to be careful with our identity and what we've done all these years.

'Alright, we do it your way, but we will have to tell them eventually.'

Thanks for understanding, Zeph.

She scoffs and retreats to the back of my mind. I look up to meet the gaze of my suppose to be mate, and he is patiently waiting for my answer.

"Chloe. Chloe Monroe."

He flashes me a grin, showcasing his dimples, making him look utterly adorable. His hazel green eyes are enchanting, and I find myself getting lost in them.

What the fuck is wrong with me? I don't even know this man. Stupid mate bond.

"Beautiful name to match the beautiful face."

A pang of guilt creeps into my being. I hope I can keep this charade up. I see he isn't going to make this easy either.

My stomach growls reminding me I haven't eaten since I left the Bloodstone Pack. He let's out a low chuckle, and I could listen to it all day.

"Jump in the shower and I'll have someone bring your food to your room. My room is right next door so if you need anything don't hesitate to ask."

I nod my head on response. He gently picks me up and sits me on the bed before kissing my forehead and then heading for the door.

I have so many questions but my mind is fuzzy and I'm exhausted from the days turn of events.

Before he opens the door I call his name to get his attention. " Alpha Savon, aren't you-"

"Please, call me Von."

"o-okay, Alpha Von, why haven't you asked me about the lycan or why I killed him?"

"We will discuss everything tomorrow. For now, just rest."

He walks out, closing the door behind him. Zephina whimpers as his scent fades. I look down at my hands which are still covered in Khan's blood, along with my neck, arms and legs.

I forgot my mental breakdown in front of Alpha Von stopped me from showering earlier. I face palm myself because of the embarrassment consuming my being, as my thoughts travel to when he was stroking my hair lovingly.

I run my hands through my hair, trying to shake off my shame, as I head to the bathroom to shower.

I adjust the water to the water to the right temperature. I get in, and let the hot water cascade down my skin.

I watch as the dried blood go down the drain. I see a bottle of cherry blossom shampoo sitting in the corner of the shower and apply it to my hair, massaging it into my scalp.

Once I rinse off, I grab one of the towels hanging on a rack over the toilet and beside the shower . I dry off and make my way to the sink to look in the mirror.

My olive smooth skin is glowing and my hair looks shinner than usual. My eyes begin to well up with unshed tears as I look in the mirror.

I haven't taken the time for self care or even cared about my appearance while living at the orphange and even the Bloodstone Pack.

I had forgotten how much I look like my mother. I miss her so much. The sound of my bedroom door opening startles me and I peer around the corner to find a young lady with red hair setting a tray down on the bed and then walking out.

With my towel still wrapped around me, I walk out of the bathroom towards the bed and lift up the lid on the tray to reveal three plates.

One plate has an assortment of delicious looking fruits. Another plate has a T-bone steak with mashed potatoes and green beans, which has my mouth watering. The third plate has a slice of apple pie with whip cream on top.

This meal is fit for king and I plan on devouring each and every piece. I look around the room noticing how big it is and the simple yet chic design. All the walls were white along with the couch sitting in the left side of the room and the bed in the middle.

The dressers and drawers were also white. The floor is marble with a few white fluffy rugs by the bed and in front of the couch.

There are two huge windows, one on each side of the bed with blackout curtains. There is a eucalyptus plant by the window on right next to the huge walk-in closet.

I walk over to the dresser and pick out some pink shorts and a black spaghetti strap shirt. The clothes, surprisingly, are a perfect fit, which is oddly coincidental, I guess.

I make my way back to the bed, jumping onto the plush mattress and devouring my food. Once finished, the same red-headed young lady from earlier comes in and takes the tray back to the kitchen.

Once she walks out and closes the door behind her, I immediately get up and lock the door. Just because they're treating me like royalty now doesn't mean I'm going to let my guard down.

I lay in bed with Alpha Von on my mind, living rent free. I wonder what he's doing right now?

Is he thinking about me like I'm thinking about him?

His words play on repeat. . "Don't cry, little wolf. You're safe now, I'll protect you."

A smile spreads across my face and a feeling I've never felt before consumes me. I give the room one more glance as I start to drift off to sleep.

Maybe being mated to an Alpha isn't so bad after all.