Chapter 7: Settling In

Emma's heart clenched. They were sharing a cottage, a large house, really, with Dex. She paused. Could she do this?

"Come on. Let's unpack," Lucien said, oblivious to the turmoil she was experiencing.

She'd never told him about Dex and she was glad she hadn't. There were no late-night soul-baring talks in their early marriage. Lucien didn't seem to care about Emma's past. She didn't know who he dated before marrying her either. She'd never thought about how odd that was until now.

She climbed out and followed Lucien to the back of the truck, keeping her gaze off of Dex's vehicle. The scent of him called to her. Or maybe it mocked her. The universe reminding her what might have been if she'd been a stronger person.

Lucien handed her a suitcase. She took it then followed him into the house.

"This has a kitchen," Lucien said. "We don't need to eat breakfast with everyone else."

"Are there supplies?" she asked.

"That's your job."

She would check it later. "Why don't you want to eat with everyone else? Isn't that the point of a council?

He glanced back at her, rolling his eyes. It wasn't a dumb question. At least he didn't get mad at her for asking. He toted his suitcase up the steps and to the left. "We're at the end of the hallway. A suite."

She nodded. What was she supposed to say? Praise him for getting them a nice room? She glanced around, but no one wandered the hallways. She didn't hear anyone else either but she could feel Dex. Her rapid heartbeat made that clear.

Lucien unlocked the door and stepped inside. A small table sat near the door while a king-sized bed dominated the rest of the room. Lucien set down his suitcase. "I'm unpacking."

Emma preferred to hang up her dress then leave the rest of her clothing in her suitcase. She waited until Lucien used the adjoining bathroom to pull out the dress. She stared at it for a moment then tucked it into the closet, sliding it to one side so Lucien wouldn't see it. He would be surprised when she put it on.

He returned from the bathroom and placed his clothing into the dresser by the bed.

"What's going on tonight?"

It was almost dinner time and Emma was hungry.

"There is a cocktail hour then a feast tonight."

"Okay."

"You can't attend," Lucien said.

"Why not?"

"Because I can't be sure you won't embarrass me. I'd rather you stay in the room."

In that moment she knew that Lucien only brought her here because he didn't trust her at home. The idea took away her breath. Was she going to be stuck in this room for two weeks? "What am I supposed to eat?"

"There's a kitchen downstairs," he growled.

She jumped, then swallowed. She might as well investigate the situation downstairs. She tucked her suitcase into a corner. "I'm going to make myself some tea. You want some?"

Lucien was already on the bed with his laptop. "No."

Emma went down the steps onto the first floor, admiring the soft carpeting that hushed her footsteps. She found the kitchen at the back of the house. There was an entertainment room off of it, but no one was in there. She guessed she could watch television while Lucien was gone.

The first order of business was tea. There was a kettle on the stove so she filled it with water and set it on a flame. Next, she searched for teabags. She found them in a cabinet, but not much else. When she opened the refrigerator it was empty.

"You had to ask for it to be stocked," Dex said from the doorway.

Her heart leaped. He was still as handsome as she remembered. Even more so. His blond hair was slicked back, but a lock fell over his forehead. Her fingers itched to brush it off his face. She'd lost the right to do that long ago.

"Oh."

"I'm sure you can still ask, but I think the staff is pretty busy with the feast tonight."

"Right."

That was all she could think to say? She'd seen him in the street and had been less nervous. Now that she couldn't hide in the darkness, his presence unnerved her. The kettle whistled.

"Is there enough water for another mug?" he asked.

"Yes." Emma turned to get another mug and teabag. She poured boiling water into both of them. "There's no milk or anything."

"No, I guess not. I'll take it as is."

She pasted on a nervous smile and handed him one of the mugs. His fingers brushed hers and she might as well have touched an outlet. She gripped the mug a little tighter, trying to keep her hands from shaking.

When she looked up, Dex's mouth hung open a little bit. Did he feel the electricity also? They were going to be in the same house for two weeks. She would have to do her best to avoid him. She was a married woman.

Dex extricated the mug from her grip. "Thanks."

He leaned against the doorframe and she turned to pick up her mug. She couldn't leave the kitchen. He was in the way and she couldn't chance touching him again. They'd both felt it, but there was nothing she could do about it. She was a married woman and as much as Lucien didn't take their vows seriously, she did. She wouldn't cheat on him.

The idea of disobeying him niggled at her mind, but there would be no sympathy for her if she took up with another Alpha. No, she had to prove to Lucien she could be the Luna he needed. That was overdue.

He'd been right that she did blame things on others. No longer. She would take control of her part of the marriage.

"You look good, Emma. I meant to tell you that when I saw you the other day."

His voice startled her out of her thoughts. "Uh, thanks." She searched for a neutral topic. "How big is your new pack?"

"I have thirty members. I'm here on a recruitment drive, too. I know that many of the packs are plagued by lone wolves and orphans. I can take them in so it benefits everyone."

Dex had always had a big heart. It was one of the things that she'd fallen in love with. She shook herself. That didn't matter now.

Before she could insist that she had to get back, Lucien bellowed from upstairs. "Emma?"

Dex grimaced.

"I better go see what he needs."

Dex moved out of the way, partially. "It's good to see you, Emma."

"Good to see you, too."

"Emma. Where are you? How long does it take to make some tea?" Lucien yelled.

Emma sighed. She nodded at Dex, who let her pass. She gripped the mug as she passed or she would have touched his chest as she went by. That would not be acceptable. That touch would led to another and she didn't trust herself.

Lucien was at the top of the stairs. "What took you so long?"

"I was searching for something I could make myself for dinner."

Lucien glowered at her. "I need you to tie my tie."

It was a bone of contention between them that he wouldn't tie it. He could, but hers always looked better. He woke her up early if she wasn't already awake to tie it for him.

"The feast is that formal?"

"Suits and ties," he said when she reached the top of the stairs. His tie hung around his neck.

"Let's go," she said

She followed him to their room. He closed the door behind them and waited for her to take care of him. It was the only thing he let her do for him, so she never refused.

She stood in front of him. He towered her over her, but he stood still while she tied the paisley tie he'd chosen for the night's feast. "There."

He looked in the mirror. "Nice."

Not thank you, but nice. She sighed.

"Okay. I'll be back late. Don't wait up."

"Wait. There was nothing in the kitchen."

"Then I guess you'll get room service."