Chapter 7

Skylar

I winced as I felt something or rather someone nudging my shoulder making my back rub against the wall. I blinked slowly, before opening my eyes and mentally scowled.

Aiden, the jerk, was kneeling in front of me with a smirk stretched across his face. 

Once I was aware of my surroundings, I realized I had fallen asleep on the ground, still in the same position I had been in since last night.

The curtain behind me was slightly parted, letting out enough sunlight to lighten the room, if only faintly, the only good thing in this place. Guessing by the amount of sunlight in the room, it appeared to be around nine in the morning, give or take.

"Get up, puppet," Aiden spoke, standing up whilst pulling me along with his hand on my forearm. I winced once again as I tried to stand on my numb, unsteady legs, slapping his hand away with a scowl. He raised a surprised brow.

“Don’t you dare touch me again.” 

Kidnapped or not, I would not let him toy me around. 

 He witted back some comeback but I barely paid him any mind.

I only glared at him, not even bothering to respond. I simply couldn't find my voice. I was weak and tired from the aftermath of yesterday's nightmare. 

Images from last night slowly repeated themselves in my mind: the way he kicked my dad out; the way he treated me like I was lower than dirt; the way he spoke; and the way he tore me away from my home.

Just the fact that I was supposed to be with him incensed me. Worse, I knew I wouldn't do anything about, because of the little voice that told me I shouldn't dare. But that doesn’t mean I’m giving up.

Alexander Raphaelo frightened me.

A lot.   

One more reason for me to want to escape this hell. 

I looked down at my hands, noticing a few minor cuts on my arm from rubbing against the splintered floor and my many wonderful falls during my way here.

Aiden put a set of clothes on the bed, then eyed my figure slowly. I started back, careful with every move he made. He was bad news for me. Heck, everyone in here was bad news. Between the waves of hate, fear, anger, sadness, and loneliness, I was slowly being torn apart.

My parents and grandparents sacrificed their souls for me to live. If it weren't for them, I would've never had the chance to discover this world.

On the other hand, I would have never met such cruel people, I thought bitterly.

"Get dressed, no offense, but you look absolutely disgusting right now in those clothes."

While he went on to grin at his own personal joke, I looked back up at him once again feeling my eye burn with anger. If glares could kill, he would be burned to aches.

It took me a minute to get my legs to move towards the bathroom. When I, somehow, wasn't moving fast enough, Aiden snapped at me telling me to hurry up. 

Fighting the urge to punch my most obnoxious captor, I slammed the bathroom door behind me, making sure it was locked, stripped from my sweaty and bloodstained clothes, and stepped inside the shower.

I cleaned every part of my body, releasing the dirt and debris that covered me from head to toe, relishing in the hot water running over my skin. I thoroughly scrubbed my hair, grossed out by the filth that fled from my scalp into the drain.

When I was finished, I wrapped a towel around myself and dried my body, wringing water from my hair. I was rather satisfied with how clean I became.

I looked at myself in the mirror, sighing at my broken self. I was exhausted, both physically and mentally. My whole body felt very sore. My eyes seemed heavy and bags hung under them, probably from lack of sleep.

My head was pounding so badly, sleeping on the floor probably wasn't a good idea. 

My neck aches and my calf muscles were stressed, consequences of a whole yesterday of running.

All that I've wanted was to be home with my dad, Ryan, and Jasmine spending this summer as a family.

Was that too much to ask? 

Instead, I'm here, stuck in a boarded-up house, with werewolves, miles away from everyone I knew. 

I have no idea where my dad was. Aiden and Josh drug him away last night.

Even Ryan's and Jasmine's whereabouts were a mystery to me, and I felt completely responsible.

I am completely responsible.

Running a hand across my face, I looked at my pale reflection in the mirror, wiping the tear that escaped my eye as my focus settled on the dear necklace around my neck.

Why did you have to go so soon?

The bruise on my back was still noticeable. It pained me when I touched it, and after all the pushing around last night, it only made it worse. It was black, almost purple and splotchy blue. It was hideous. If he could do this to me, he could kill me at any time with no hesitation. Hell, he almost did.

I cleared my mind and put on the clothes that Aiden had brought me. It was a simple pair of dark jeans with a dark blue tank top. I put them on, letting my hair dry naturally, tying a small braid on the side.

The top was showing too much skin for my liking, yes it was just a top, but with the bruise able to be seen, it's quite different. 

But I didn't care.

My stomach growled with hunger, making a frown to appear on my face.

I haven't eaten since yesterday's breakfast. If you even call a Cappuccino, breakfast.

I rubbed my eyes and slowly got out of the bathroom. As soon as Aiden saw me he stood up and motioned for me to follow him. He left without saying a thing, and I left too quietly following his shadow.

No words were spoken, we just walked ahead in dead silence. For which I was very glad. I didn't need any stupid remarks from that jerk. Couldn't Josh have come instead? At least he's not that mean. He seemed to be the only person/werewolf here with some decent common sense. 

I didn't know where we were going; I didn't dare to ask. I had already assumed that I was probably being taken to see him once again. And just like I thought, we stopped in front of a wooden door, a big door.

Probably his room. At this moment, I didn't care at what was going to happen to me.

What worse thing he could do?

Aiden stepped aside and knocked softly on the wood. A muffled answer came through a second later. Aiden looked at me and mumbled "have fun" before leaving me with a small chuckle. I definitely flipped him the bird just as the door opened.

What a dick.

In a blink of an eye, the door swung open,  as if I was expected, or waited on impatiently. 

Raphaelo stood tall, staring down at me with a hard face. No emotion showed. I gulped and after taking in a deep breath, slowly turned up my head to meet his fierce gaze. He grunted, tilting his head slightly, looking me over. He motioned for me to come in. At first, I hesitated to do so when I stupidly realized that we were going to be alone.

Yes, I said that I didn't care about what was going to happen to me, but his face scares me. I reluctantly took a step backward. 

He reached out to me, his voice hushed out as if he felt too tired or lazy to speak.

"I won't hurt you. I just want to talk."

Am I supposed to magically believe you?

I didn't trust him. He was loaded with false promises, but I did come closer. I had to; I didn't want him to turn all wolfy on me again. If I cooperate now, I may find a way out.

I eyed him as I walked in. He wore a pair of black sweats with a simple white t-shirt. He was barefoot, his hair was kind of messy and wet as if he had just woke up not too long ago. He even had some very small bags under his eyes.

Seems like I'm not the only one who didn't sleep well.

I thought a feeling of vengeance served.

I looked around the room in wonder. It was very modern and quite relaxing. There was a Queen sized bed against the far wall, with brown sheets and pale grey comforter, which I stared at with longing.

My sleepiness began to return while I stared. For another thing, in Raphaelo's room, there wasn't one board in his window. Bright, beautiful sunlight glowed into the room.

The windows were tinted dark so the glare wouldn't be as penetrating. There was a door attached to the sidewall which I guessed was a bathroom, a large walk-in closet. Two chairs in the corner surrounding a coffee table, two wooden doors were swung open which I saw led to the balcony; I must admit, it was all together beautiful.

"You like it?" He suddenly spoke, snapping me out of my thoughts, his voice hoarse and husky as I felt him move behind me.

Oh, so now you're trying to communicate?

I turned around to look at him, feeling minuscule next to this looming giant figure. Raphaelo took a few steps closer to me yet for once, keeping personal distance. He licked his dry lips then crossed his arms, placing them across his chest.

I glowered, wondering what he wanted with me. I sensed he noticed my anxiety when he spoke.

"Sit." He mentioned his head to the bed, where I stood next to it.

I obeyed and sat on the edge of the bed. I was surprised when he didn't join but just stood there watching me. His eyes slowly made its way across my body. He paused when he saw the bruises spread on my back.

His eyes met mine for a second, his face was still unreadable. Blank, without a show of emotions or feelings. If he even has any.

He didn't comment or say anything about my wounds, probably knowing it was his fault. Yes, I fell because Ryan pushed me, but why? Because he was going to attack me or whatever.

The silence in the room was eating me alive. I wanted to ask so many questions, but I didn't dare too. I was too afraid. I cleared my throat and start playing with my fingers. 

"We're leaving the house to search for the witch that your father spoke about--"

"What? We?" I cut him off quickly, feeling my heart beat faster than normal. I was surprised and slightly insulted.

No, "how are you?" or "did you sleep well?" or "are you hungry?". Just "let's go catch a witch." 

He sure knows how to charm a girl. 

Raphaelo glared at me with a hard stare, and I shut my lips tight, immediately beginning to play with my fingers unconsciously.

"Yes, we. What your family did is against the wolf code," voice flat.

I never paid attention to his eyes until now, with the sun's rays brightening them.

He had a beautiful shade of hazel brown eyes.

Captivating, indeed. 

"So what do I have to do with this? Why must I go?" I asked, puckering up my courage.

He rolled his eyes and raised his hand, signaling silence.

Ugh!

"Saving a wolf with the help of a witch is unacceptable. Witches and wolves, we're not in good terms with one another. Something around us being in a war of dominance and control." he licked his lips then continued. 

"They want to rule us, and I can't let that happen. With her or him helping your family, he's putting himself in a much similar situation your family is in, meaning that the witches won't be happy to hear about it."

Raphaelo ran a hand through his wet, dirty blond hair, letting out a small sigh. As I figured out yesterday, no witch or werewolf is allowed to help one other, and with my family and the witch doing so, they broke their code.

"I want that witch on my side.” 

“What if that witch won’t accept?” 

“Their head as a portrait would do me good as well."

Oh, my god. 

He’s joking, right? Though, his face looked everything but that.

"We're leaving right now, any questions?" He asked, looking down at me expectantly. I looked up at him in something of horror and bewilderment. How did I get myself into this?

"Why do I have to go?" I tried to spoke normally, but failing miserably. 

His earlier words twisted my mind. Was he actually serious?

Raphaelo raised his eyebrows at me, and sort of chuckled. I narrowed my eyes.

What’s so funny, you dumb asshole.

"Do you even know what the term mate means?" He asked, sounding a bit surprised.

I tilted my head to a side, answering a small no before rubbing my arm to get rid of the sudden goosebumps. The room seemed to be getting colder.

Raphaelo ran his hand through his messy hair before looking upward with an annoyed look on his face and exhaled loudly.

"It’s kind of important you have no idea about this. So let's start at the beginning, shall we?" 

He went over one of the corners in which he retrieved a chair and carried it back to where I was sitting, placing it right in front of me. 

With a bored sigh, he plopped down into it, resting his arms on his legs as he leaned forward as if giving me his full attention. 

Raphaelo is a lot taller than me, and I significantly shorter. Now, we were at the same height. I could stare right into his mysterious eyes and he could stare straight into mine, deep blue. It was as if we were finally at the same level.

Now we can talk.       

"Once a male wolf, finds his she-wolf," he began, rubbing his hands together, "they are meant to be together for life. Mates are kinda like soul-mates, as you humans say.

"Once they meet and are known to each other, it's hard to be separated from one another or even be far from each other for a long period. The two wolves need to stay close so that they can benefit from one another and keep that inner link. If not, there are some serious consequences.

"The moon-goddess is the one who chooses each wolf, his or her partner in life. What she does is important. She gives you your other half when together; the couple is at their full power. Without your partner, you’re considered half-born. Just a level above weakling."

Raphaelo clenched his jaw slightly when he saw me staring with eyes wide, drinking in his words. I'm beyond surprised at how much he elaborated and gave me enough time to process his words.

He paused a bit before continuing. "It's clear that you're my wolf’s mate," he looked right up at me, "so you have to stay reasonably close to me, wherever I go. That's what makes a wolf's mate so important. They have to be the right partner so we can grow off of each other’s strengths.       

"Frankly, I'm not sure how this--," he motioned with his index to me and him. "--us — will work out. You're human, having clearly no wolf's spirit in you, while I'm a hybrid. My wolf's spirit can't stay too far away from you, but being part, well, vampire, that part of me can. Vampires don't have mates, as wolves do. So it's hard to fight the urges. Vampire exists, they call it," Raphaelo raked his hand through his hair for hundreds of times.

I guess I'm not the only one with a habit.

"Anyway, so now you understand how difficult this is for me. One side of me wants to be near you, the other side refuses to even acknowledge you. There's a war inside my mind. And---I need answers."

I blinked. That sure explained a lot. 

Fuck, I'm screwed. 

Raphaelo wasn't bipolar...well....kinda. When he’s being calm, he was his wolf spirit. Like now, when he’s aggressive and harsh, that’s his other side. Like last night.

So the reason why he needed for me to come with him is that his wolf can't stay too far from me and he didn't know how long this trip would take. He needed answers and knowledge on how to fix this. Raphaelo was embarrassed by me, that I could clearly tell. He hates how he has to depend on a human, as to not become weak. 

What he doesn’t realize is that I hate him whole, not just how I also have to depend on him as my mate.

"You’re not only a werewolf, but you're a vampire too?" I was speechless. Is that even possible? "You're a hybrid?"

He nodded his head, his lip twisting slightly upward. He was clearly enjoying all this attention. "One and only."

"So like, em, when you get those vampires urges and hunger you like, need to eat? What if I was near, I’m human, would you like, eat me?" I whispered, letting all this sink in.

Raphaelo stared at me for a minute, then let out a smirk, his eyes slightly darkening with mischief.

I frowned, ruefully.

Oh

I guess I said that wrong.

"No, vampires don't eat people," he licked his lips. "they drink their blood. Everyone knows that."

I still frowned. 

"So now I'm going to have to play follow the leader for the rest of my life." I murmured to myself, but to my surprise, he answered me.

Probably super wolf hearing. 

"Pretty much. Though it might not all be a drag, once you've met my pack, you'll be finally an honorary Luna, equal to an Alpha." He stared blankly as if suddenly he wasn't sure he hated the idea or took pleasure in it. 

My brother told me about being a Luna, the Alpha's mate. Never did he mention that it was going to be me. 

My lips parted at the sudden new as I stared down at my feet. Ryan said that she not only helps the pack, but the Alpha as well.

She takes care of the pack and even some work papers, she literally helps with everything an Alpha needs and their pack. Talk about never leaving his side. 

How the heck am I supposed to do that?!

"Can't we just forget that this had ever happened. Like I'll just go home and sleep this off--" I was rudely interrupted.

That bitch ass psychopath didn't even let me speak.

"Did you even hear a single thing I've been saying? I hate this as much as you do, probably even more. I never asked for your weak self to be my mate. I don't want you. 

"You don't know anything about this world; you don't know anything about me or my kind. But I have to be with you, whether you like it or not.  There is no fucking way we're going to just walk away from this. The pack needs me strong, and I'm not going to let a groveling, weak human like you get on my way."

Ouch. 

Okay, you fucking fart shit calm your fucking titties, screw you and your ego, you moron.

I had to bite my tongue from snapping back once I heard his breathing becoming ragged and heavy. Something I did not like because it meant he just had one of his "vampire" episodes. 

When I pursed my lips and stared at him blankly, he was clenching his jaw. 

I knew there was no way we can just nap this off, but a girl can dream?

A small gasp escaped my lips as his hand shot close to me and out of reflex, I scooted back. His hand wrapped itself around my necklace, examining it with a raised brow. 

That man definitely has problems.

A psychopath, I tell you. 

"Just like I thought, a sun-stone to protect your smell from us." He mumbled, a humorous-less chuckle filling my ears before releasing my prized memory.

"Your father's smarter than I bargained him for."

"Actually, it's my mother's. She gave it to me."

Why did I say that? 

Raphaelo leaned back in his seat and plopped an arm over the headrest lazily.

Did he know my mom too? He sure did. Since my dad was beta to the ex Alpha that was his dad,

I’m sure Raphaelo has met my mom more than once.

I didn’t know what to think of that.

"I have a question," I whispered slowly. I wasn't sure about his mood right now. I wanted to be careful, just-in-case he lashed out at me again.

He nodded, allowing me to talk. I breathed out deeply before asking. 

"You said that what my family did was illegal. Does that mean that you're going to do something about it?”

After all, he’s the Alpha. I was already sure of the answer. A leader must uphold the law to set an example for their followers, no matter the circumstances.

When he didn't answer, I feared the worst. I had a right to be too. My family is the only priority right now. My brother, father, and Jasmine could all be in trouble for something that happened 21 years ago.

I'll find you, I promise. Until then, trust no one, just run. I'm sorry, Skylar.

Ryan's words repeated through my mind, as I looked at him, my eyes probably sparkling with tears with how blurry my vision became.

Please don’t say it. 

"Your family is fine for now, as for your question. I'll decide once we're back." He replied curtly. 

I closed my eyes in relief. They’re safe, for now. 

"Any other questions?” 

“What does beta mean? or omega? Is that a rank order?" I asked quizzically, " I heard Josh say it to Aiden yesterday." 

I moved my hand over my arm, once again feeling the array of bumps on my skin. Why is the room so cold? To match his heart, perhaps? 

Raphaelo surprised me again when he answered. He once struck me as impressed with my question.

"Yes, they are a rank order from Alpha to omega. We each have a job, but depending on what level we're at. A beta is my second-in-command, pretty much handles the things I'm to busy for. Dean, the man you saw last night is my beta. gamma, the third-in-command, handles the problems of my people almost as a lawyer. Your brother is my gamma."

He stared at me while he said that. I kinda smiled. My brother, a gamma?

He continued. "Josh is the delta. He's the one who chooses those good enough to join the pack and trains them our ways. An omega is sort of the pack's fool. He's stuck with the small tasks like hunting, obeying orders. The works."

"So Josh is a delta while Aiden is an Omega?" I asked once again, making sure I understood it all.

He nodded.

"Now, about the witch, why didn't you ask my dad about it instead of now bringing it up and going on a hunt?" 

Are his pride and ego that high? 

"Well, aren't you a curious little doll?" Raphaelo grinned, showing off his perfect set of teeth.

Did he go through the braces phase as I did? 

He didn't answer my question, and I didn't ask anything else.       

He leaned closer to me until he was only a breath away. He took my necklace in his hands again, his eyes locking on it.

"Don't take your necklace off yet," he said thoughtfully, "I don't want anyone else to know you’re human, not now. Only when we've tried everything possible. Expectedly, the witch will cooperate, or else he's doomed."

He glanced up into my eyes, before retreating to his seat. I let out a sigh of relief. He was too close for comfort.

"As for now, stay here. I'll come to pick you up in an hour." He spoke in a very demanding voice, making it impossible for me to argue. Raphaelo stood up and walked toward the door.

"I want to see my dad or Ryan," I spoke quietly yet in a voice loud enough that he could hear.

He let out a loud groan that sent shivers running down my spine. Sending a glare my way, he opened his door and slammed it shut, leaving me alone.

Dumb bitch. 

Of course, the first thing I did was to twist the knob open. Like I thought, it was closed.

The balcony was way too high for me to jump from it. If I did, I sure as well would have a concussion and surely break bones. Even if I put the sheets together, I wouldn’t have significant time to climb out and run because when I took a look at the outside, I can clearly pinpoint at least four men running around the enormous field.

I’ll surely get caught, and that would only cause consequences either toward my family or me, or both. When I’ll escape, I need to do it precisely in order to not get caught, not just run foolishly with no plan.

I sighed, running a hand over my stomach as it growled menacingly.

Frowning, I looked down at it. 

I was still very tired, and my sore body wasn't helping at all. It was freezing inside his room, and the bed looked very warm. Is the AC at its lowest or what?

I wanted to lay down so badly but I didn’t. What if I fell asleep, and he came back? He showed me nothing but bad vibes and I don’t even trust him with my eyes open, let alone closed so I forced myself awake.

Luckily for me, not even half an hour later, he came back in and surprisingly with a box of pizza in his hand.

My mouth watered. It felt as if I haven’t eaten in ages. 

He put the box on the table and fetched a bottle of water in a mini-fridge. I didn’t even see it. 

“Eat.”

Without looking at me, he went inside his walk-in closet as I eyed the pizza box rather suspiciously. 

What if he put something in it?

I stayed put in my seat, my mind throwing millions of suggestions at me while my stomach growled in return. 

When Raphaelo walked out, he had a pair of jeans and a shirt in his hand as he opened the box and took a large bite from a slice, then silently went inside the bathroom without a second look. A minute later, I heard the shower turn on.

I guess that was my answer. 

At least he remembered I ate nothing but my tears and dignity. I devoured those slices in silence and finished my bottle before he got out freshly showered.

And boy, if I wasn’t pretty much taken against my will and I saw him in public, I would’ve definitely drooled.

His features and shape unmistakably belong in Vogue and Calvin Klein’s photoshoot, yet his personality came straight out of a swamp.

Xander's blond hair was a complete mess, few strands falling on his forehead, the grey shirt he wore flexed under each small movement he made. His shower gel smell left me sniffling like a mad dog. Of course, I wasn’t checking him out directly; it was all from the corner of my eyes. He surely didn’t notice me.

“Are you done?” 

Oh fuck. 

My cheeks flushed and my lips pursed as I stared at him dumbfounded. He raised a brow, a sly, almost unnoticeable smirk covered his lips as he nodded toward the pizza box.

Biting the inside of my cheek, I nodded, silently signifying I was done.

“Let’s go.” When he went to open the door and noticed I haven’t moved, he looked at me, hand still on the doorknob. 

“I’m not moving until I got proof that my family is safe as you said.”

Raphaelo clenched his jaw, his eyes glaring, yet I didn’t stand up, “Skylar, move.”

My heart pounded as I crossed my arms over my chest and stared out the window in faking pure curiosity and replied in the most monotone voice, “I. Am. Not. Moving.”

You’re going to die

My subconscious bittered out.

When I heard his loud footsteps, I almost threw up my food out of fear and panic, yet I kept my posture rigid, watching a stupid bird on a tree.

Someday, my foolish bravery or courage or whatever this is will get me killed.

For a second I thought I fell out of my chair when my vision blurred, but it was he who turned my chair around facing him.

My breath caught in my throat. 

Xander’s face was inches away from mine. He had both of his hands on the arm sets, trapping my body in his own cage, as he leaned in, so close I felt suffocated.

The look inside his hazel eyes sent a coherent message not to argue. His lips were pursed in a tight line, jaw clenching and unclenching that I thought he would spit out the teeth he broke any second.

He was absolutely breathtaking. Being this close to him made my mind blank and my body to freeze. I never noticed a small scar on the side of his forehead until now. 

“What did you say?” His husky voice sounded hoarse, spelling each word oh so slowly, quietly, as if sharing a damn secret.

My lips gaped, and my mind went into SOS mode. I have no idea why an image of the movie ‘inside out’ popped in my head when all the emotions were running around completely lost, but I did. And I almost chuckled at the thought.

This is just a handsome face. Nothing more, nothing less!

I raised my shaped brow, controlling my voice when I spoke, “You didn’t hear me correctly? I’ll repeat it for you. I need proof or else I’m not going anywhere with you, you may leave alone, though, you’re very welcome to do so.”

When his glare turned into a burning stare, my leg began to bounce.

I could feel his waves of heat radiating off him, a small drop of water slowly falling from a stand of hair, down his jaw to drop on my leg. 

I was so mesmerized by it that I didn’t feel him inching in closer until the tip of his nose slightly brushed mine. He fisted his hand around my braid and tugged slightly hard, causing my head to tilt up, meeting his mesmerizing hazel eyes. His breath fanning my chin and neck. At that exact second, my body went on another dimension.

I didn’t even realize I pulled my legs tightly together until he slowly looked down at them, then up at me. A mischief look crossed his eyes for a millisecond.

Rushed heat flushed my cheeks, and I mentally slapped myself back to reality.

My heart was a loud mess, thumping loudly against my chest that I feared he would hear it. 

“I’m not repeating this again. Get. The fuck. Up.” 

He suddenly stood up, licking his lips, and as he turned around to walk, I stopped him midway.

“No.”

I could see how his body tensed at my word and I immediately knew I was playing with fire when he slowly turned around, a piercing glare burning a hole inside my head. He sure as hell wasn’t used to getting talked back or disobeying.

"This is my family we’re talking about, I’m not backing down no matter what."

A small gasp escaped my lips when he suddenly stood in front of me, grasping a stronghold around my forearm. My body shot forward, and I had to put my hands on his chest to steady myself.

Oh God, this is a rock.

When I looked up at him, he seemed completely taken back as he stared a second too long at my hands on his chest then his own hand around my forearm, letting out a small sigh almost out of relief. 

I was confused for a second, but then I remembered what he did yesterday. He must feel something when he touches me, though, I felt nothing.

When Raphaelo noticed my gaze, he quickly masked whatever he felt with a scowl.

God forbid if he was caught showing an emotion besides a glare and a scowl. 

I couldn’t help myself but frown, my voice coming out softer than I intended, “I just need to know they’re safe, that’s all I’m asking for.”

Raphaelo clenched his jaw once again, turning his head to the side. I do not understand where this courage came from when my hand turned his head to look at me by his jaw. He seemed as taken back by my action as I did, but I barely paid any attention to that right now.

“Please.”

When Raphaelo took a step back and turned around, I really thought I lost and all my hopes shattered thinking the worst. What if he was lying to me about their safety? 

what if- 

“Put Ryan on speaker.” 

My eyes widened. I rushed to him and saw his phone in his hand,

“What do you want you fucki-- what do you want now? Where’s Skylar?! Where is she?! I swear to God if she’s harmed in any way I do not give a fuck if you’re my Alp-”

My eyes immediately watered at my brother’s voice. A heavy breath left my lips just as Raphaelo cut the call off. and stormed out of the room without another word.

He’s okay

For now.

"What about my dad and Jasmine? How would I believe you?"

"I may be many things, but I'm no liar." He stormed out of the room without another word.

Blinking away my blurry vision, I followed him.

It felt good to be out of that hideous mansion, and out into the cool, crisp outside world. I breathed in the scented breeze as it ruffled my hair, making it float in the air.

We were in Raphaelo's car, and he sure is a wealthy bastard. My mouth dropped when I saw his garages as he picked the car he pleased to drive as if picking a candy in a candy store.

He was taking a back-road I didn't even know existed, a bumpier one to be sure. I turned to Raphaelo as he stared mindlessly out the front window. 

”Can I ask you something?" 

No answer.

"Are you the only one who lives in here?" 

Raphaelo snorted as if I asked something stupid. "No," He chuckled lightly, "there are a few other wolves, about seven total."

”The beta included?" I asked, hesitantly.

"His wife and son, Josh and his mate, Leila, then Aiden, a maid, and few guards live nearby.”

Leila.

I stopped with the questionnaire and looked out my window. In the distance, you could see lights from the town as we grew closer. A pang of homesickness flooded within me as I gazed at the shining spectacle.

I really missed my family, and Raphaelo still refused to give up their location. At least, I know they sure are safe at the moment. But once we’ll be back, I have a feeling things would be much different.