Chapter Three

As my eyes fluttered open, I could see the sunlight filtering through the nearby curtains.

Turning my head, I noticed that there was an IV drip hooked up to my arm giving me some sort of clear liquid. I let out a small shriek as I noticed a pair of blue eyes staring at me. I tried to jump out of the bed, but she ran to me and pushed my shoulders back down into the fluffy pillows.

"If you don't stop moving, you're going to rip out the IV in your arm." Lauralie said with a laugh, still holding my shoulders down.

A muscular man in a white coat came towards the bed, checking the IV in my arm making sure it was still intact.

"You're going to be all right, Ma'am." he gave with a chuckle, pointing his finger in my direction. "Just don't go around hitting your head anytime soon, please."

"What day is it?" I choked out, trying to gather my thoughts.

"Oh, Riley. It is May 12th. You only slept through the night." He said reassuringly. "You're safe here." He patted my hand, trying to be comforting.

"I want to go home, please. My parents must be worried sick about me." I said, pleading to the doctor. He gave me a weak smile, as he gave my hand a small squeeze.

"I'll take it from here, Doc." Lauralie said. "Thanks for everything love."

The doctor hesitated, but left the room shortly after leaving Lauralie and I.

My eyes made their way to Lauralie. Something about their interaction felt off, but I was not exactly sure what.

"That's my mate, Jesse." she said lovingly, answering my question.

"Why am I still here? Why haven't you let me go home? My parents have probably already called the cops you know." I said, getting frustrated all over again.

"They haven't called the cops, Riley." She smiled sweetly, sitting down in the chair beside the bed.

"If you think that, you don't know my parents very well then. They are very protective of me and my brother." I retort, trying to figure out her angle.

"Oh, I believe it. But they know you are here. They aren't worried."

My mouth opened in shock at her words.

"What?" I stuttered.

She stood up and started to walk towards me. She placed her hand on my shoulder and gave me a small smile before she started speaking.

"What does that mean? How long do you plan on keeping me prisoner here?" I mouth off, as I stare up at her.

"Riley, you're not a prisoner here. You're my brothers’ mate, which means this is now you're home." she starts. "Yes, you are human who has sent everyone into a bit of a panic, but that doesn't matter now that we've met you. As for your parents, they know you're here with your mate and his family."

"What the fuck is a mate?" I yelled, watching her smile turn into a frown.

"I think that's a conversation you and Alpha Declan should have." she said, looking embarrassed at the mention of her brother.

"Okay, then answer me this. What are you, and why do you keep referring to me as a human? Aren't you human too?"

She gives me a small laugh.

"You're not going to believe this." She started. "But we're werewolves, and we think you might be one too."

"I'm sorry, what?! Werewolves? You mean the things with huge claws, glowing eyes, and razor-sharp teeth?" I shudder at the thought.

"Yep." She said, popping the P as she said it.

A voice in my head told me she was not lying but I could not believe it.

"Now that you know, do you have any more questions?"

"Well, can only silver bullets kill you then?" I laugh, cracking myself up.

Her smile faded back into a frown, and I instantly felt bad at hurting her feelings."O-oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize."

"It's okay. Silver does hurt us, but in any form... not just bullets."

I shrink lower into the bed, letting out a sigh.

"How are you feeling?" she asks, trying to change the subject.

"I mean, finding out werewolves actually exist terrifies me, but other then that. I'm doing alright." I said, with a little sarcasm at the end.

She smiles wide at me, not realizing my sarcasm.

"So, I'm staying here. huh?"

"Right."

"Why me? Why did this happen to me? Did I do something wrong?"

Her cheeks blush, as she contemplates the answers and starts off slowly.

"The Moon spirit has a funny way of pairing us with our mates. They have big plans for you, Riley. It may not make itself known now, but it will eventually."

I raised an eyebrow at her answer, still not fully understanding. I wish everyone would stop being so cryptic with me and give me straight answers.

'I must have the worst luck to stumble upon a house of werewolves." I laugh which makes.

Lauralie let out a laugh as well.

"Try not to worry, Riley. Things will work out." she says, as she pats my hand.

"Since I'm going to be living here, what do I do to pass the time?" I said, as her smile widened at my question.

"You can spend time with everyone in the house, get to know them a little. Alpha Declan works most of the time, but I am sure he would love your company. Jenson is here a lot too. The twins are a little younger than you, but they make great company when you need cheering up, and of course I'll be here too." she smiles sweetly.

"What does Alpha Declan do?" I asked curiously. Lauralie grinned at the sound of me asking about her brother.

"Well, he's taking care of the pack. Handles the security and the training of the wolves. Makes sure everyone is safe, yada-yada-yada. You know, boring stuff." she waves her hand around, sarcastically.

"Sounds lonely." I said, thinking about doing all that work by yourself.

"I've never thought of it that way." she says, placing a finger on her chin, as if to contemplate what I just said. "Comes with a lot of drama, I know that."

After a couple minutes of silence between us, she stood up.

"Well, you have free rein of the house. Do not hesitate to ask if you need anything. There is always someone around." she said, as she made her way to the door. "Don't worry Riley, everything is going to be alright."

I give her a short nod. Her words made gave me a small feeling of comfort, but it did not completely erase the pang of worry that held in my gut. Once Lauralie left the room, I jumped out of the bed, wincing as I pulled the IV out of my arm. I was not planning on staying here, so

I needed to find some clothes to make my escape. There was a dresser on the other side of the room, so I opened the drawers and pulled out the contents. None of these looked like my clothes, but it was all I had so I decided to make it work. I pulled out an off-shoulder blouse, that looked like it would fit, followed by a black ruffled skirt and some cute sandals that were left for me.

I got dressed and investigated the mirror. My waist long raven hair had returned to its normal waves as I tried to smooth it down. My chocolate eyes stared back at my reflection noticing the small bandage that had been placed on my forehead. I peeled it off, to see nothing but a tiny scratch underneath. I scanned my face, realizing that I looked like I was exhausted. I always loved how my long eyelashes highlighted my eyes, making them the focal point of my face, but right now I had deep bags under my eyes. I had thick plump lips, but they looked dry as I scanned the rest of my face. My cheeks usually had a tint of color on them, but instead looked pale and my eyes looked a little bloodshot. The clothes also looked huge on my tiny 5'2 frame, but somehow they still looked cute, as I studied myself in the mirror.

Before I had a chance to throw the sandals on, someone I have not met yet barreled through my door with Alpha Declan behind following closely behind her. A tall beautiful slender woman, who looked like she could be a Victoria Secret model was screaming obscenities at Declan. She had bleach blond hair that had natural curls any girl would kill for. Her eyes looked like Ice shards were scattered throughout them, making them an extremely light grey color. For someone so beautiful, she had a horrible mouth on her.

The opposite of me, I think to myself.

"Dec, who the fuck is this?" she screams pointing a beautifully manicured finger in my direction, "And why the fuck is she here?"

"Maxine, you will address me as Alpha, and you have no right to storm into my house unannounced. This is my mate, and you will respect her as such."

Her face instantly dropped as she made her way over to Declan, changing her tune completely. She raised a hand to cup his face, but he grabbed her wrist.

"Maxine, you are no longer invited here."

I could feel a hint of jealousy run through me as he touched her. Not understanding why, I would be jealous, I pushed those feelings deep deep down.

She turned back to me with her icy eyes. "This pathetic human, is your mate? How rich!" She bellowed. "Just fucken rich. When you want a real mate, give me a call," she said, as she stormed passed Declan. In the distance I could hear the front door slam behind her as I let out a sigh.

"Booty-call?" I said, eyebrow raised at Declan, who scratched his head. He almost looked embarrassed at the outburst of his ex-lover.

My eyes trailed down his body, noticing his muscles underneath the t-shirt he was wearing.

"You don't have to worry about her anymore." He said, as if he had just gotten shy around me.

I rolled my eyes and pushed passed him. He gently grabbed my wrist, pulling me back towards his chest. I could feel the heat radiating off his body and his smell was intoxicating.

It infiltrated my nostrils and made me feel dazed. He smelled like a fresh forest floor, with a hint of lavender and I could not stop myself from taking another long breathe of his scent.

"I know Lauralie told you that you have free roam of the house, but don't try to leave. I wouldn't want to have to hunt you down." He said with a smirk, pulling me out of my mind. His beautiful sapphire eyes stared down at me, swirling with gold flecks.

"Wouldn't dream of it. Plus, I don't think I can outrun a werewolf." I snorted, poking his chest, even though I so badly did dream of it.

"No, I don't think you could." he laughed as he let my wrist go.

I quickly walked away from him, feeling his eyes burn on the back of my body. Walking into the hallway, I started to search for where to go. Seeing a door slightly open, I decided to investigate. As I peek inside, I immediately jumped back as I realized it is someone’s bedroom.

I immediately took a step back and began my search again.

Alpha Declan came up behind me quickly and wrapped a hand around my waist.

"What are you looking for, little mate?" He whispered in my ear, my cheeks instantly reddening at his touch. I know I was supposed to hate the guy who kidnapped me, but why couldn't I feel any sense of anger towards him? I felt completely at ease around him, and I could not figure out why.

"T-the kitchen." I stammer, getting nervous underneath his lingering touch, "I'm starving."

"Let me take you, I'll make you something to eat."

"You don't need to do that, I can make myself something, if you just show me the way."

"I insist, kitten." he laced his fingers between mine, and I could not help but melt underneath his grasp.

What is going on with me? I think to myself, he kidnapped me for goodness sakes!

He slowed his pace as soon as he noticed that I obviously could not keep up with him.

"Sorry," he said, as he noticed me almost running beside him, "I forgot how tiny you are."

"Up. It’s okay." I spoke. "It's not my fault I'm just a slow, weak human."

He let out a laugh at my comment, "You're right." He said as he lifted me off my feet carrying me the rest of the way to the kitchen. Glaring at him, I could not help but snuggle into his chest, feeling tiny sparks dance along my skin. Once we reached the kitchen, he set me down on my feet, as he made his way over to the fridge.

"You really don't have to cook for me." I stammer, sounding nervous.

"It's okay. I like to cook, especially since no one else in the house really can. We do have a chef, but I don't let him cook for me," he says, flashing me his gorgeous smile. I could feel my cheeks turn red as he smiled at me.

The voice in my head was getting louder, as if it broke through a barricade that was holding it back.

"Mate." the voice whispered as I watched him search through the fridge.

I took a seat at the island that lined the kitchen and swung my feet since they did not reach the floor.

"What's your poison?" He asks.

"What?! and here I thought you weren't going to kill me," I wink at him.

I did not expect a laugh to escape his lips, so when it did, it shocked me.

"You're way too easy to rile up, kitten." He says, turning his attention back to the fridge. "So, what would you like to eat?"

"Bacon and eggs?" I said, since it was in fact breakfast time.

"Almost too easy, but okay. Bacon and eggs it is, princess." he says grabbing the ingredients out of the fridge. Alpha Declan busied himself, preparing my breakfast. As he cooked, my mind started to wander to images of his body over mine.

"Stop thinking about that, Riley," Alpha Declan, says. Looking at me with his piercing blue sapphires. I could not help but forget that he can read my mind. He turned, but I could see a small smirk across his face. I continued to press my luck, letting my mind wander to naughty images of the gorgeous man that stood before me. He turned quickly, and in a matter of seconds he was standing in front of me, inches apart.

"If you don't stop, I will not hesitate to fuck you right here," he said, patting the counter.

I looked into his eyes and could see gold flecks swirling in his irises. I cleared my mind, and he reluctantly returned to the other side of the kitchen. 15 minutes of silence passed as Declan cooked for me as I watched after him. Finally, he handed me a plate of food. It looked and smelled delicious, and I could not help but hungerly dig in.

"I'll take it, it's good?" He says, watching me eagerly devour the food he put in front of me.

'Yes, thank you. Delicious."

"Good."

He turned back to the stove, starting to wash up but not before I could see the blush on his cheeks. Laughing to myself, I couldn't help but think how funny it is to see this 6'6-man blush at my little compliment, especially after his vulgar words.

"Did you always like to cook?" I ask him, trying to make small talk.

"It's something that's just stuck," he answered gruffly, flipping a dishtowel over his shoulder.

We make small talk for a little while longer telling a little bit more about ourselves."What are you passionate about, doll?"

"I've always wanted to be a nurse. When I was younger, I was always breaking bones and hurting myself, so a lot of nurses took care of me. I might be a little squeamish when it comes to the blood, but I think it would be worth it to care for the people I love." I said, realizing that he has not taken his eyes off me. "But, what I'm really passionate about is dancing. My mother put me in dance when I was 4, and I have been dancing ever since."

"I had no idea, Riley." he says, as the blush returned to his cheeks. "It's admirable that you want to overcome something that makes you uncomfortable, just to help other people."

"It's not that big of a deal." I say, shyly, heat rushing to my cheeks.

"It sounds pretty special to me, maybe we could get you to work with Jesse in the infirmary sometime." He says, as he turns back around to the stove. "We also have a huge ballroom in the packhouse, if you'd like to dance sometime."

"Well thanks, I guess you're alright too. As long as the food keeps coming out okay." I joke back.

A laugh leaves his lips, and it sends a wave of heat over my body.

I cannot seriously fall for my kidnapper, can I?