Chapter 5

Athina's P.O.V.

I followed Jack while grumbling to myself. In my head, I was calling Zayden all sorts of names under the sun.

 I just didn't understand what was happening. But I knew, he was really starting to bug me.  

 The way he gazed at me when I was in his arms. It felt right being in his arms. But it was the way he looked at that threw me off. His hard emotionless gaze irritated me, but I couldn't understand why! Why all of a sudden did I know what a stranger was feeling? Especially towards me? I remembered the slight scowl that appeared on his face. Was he mad? I didn't know? I mean, what reason did I have to be mad? I just tripped, it happens. His fault for having an amazing home such as this! I couldn't even understand why it even upset me! Why does it hurt when he chose to ignore me? I told myself it was a simple crush, it could not be more.

 But the way those dark ocean blue eyes held untold secrets had me dazed, and no matter how many times I try to force myself to pull away from his intense gaze, my body just didn't obey me. My head was screaming, but my body chose to be pulled into those dangerous eyes. Then, there was a strange sensation within, something that told me to dig deeper. Whether I knew it was right or wrong, I didn't know. But you are always supposed to follow your gut feeling, right? But then why does it feel so dangerous? 

 I wasn't going to lie, the part made it exciting, like an adventure.

 His emotionless face flashed before my eyes, letting me once again wonder about those eyes. They looked like blue pools of nothingness at first. But it was like a shield for those untold dangerous secrets. I didn't know when I became so determined, but this stranger manages to bubble up crazy emotions within me. 

 If his eyes were darker, like royal dark blue, it would be the wolf's same colour. I noticed how those tiny silver specks surrounded the wolf's eyes and this Zayden held those same silver specks, like little sparkles in his eyes., much like how the sun shines onto the clear blue sea. I found myself smiling as I compared the wolf Zayden and the human Zayden. It gave me some odd sense of secureness like I had nothing to be afraid of. Why would a wolf and some stranger make me feel so protected against the savage world? The only connection they had were the silver specks of sparkles, but that was from my own plain imagination. Zayden Anderson could hate wolves for all I know.

 But then, if he did, wouldn't he just clear them out from his land? He did seem like a man of power and great authority, he could probably even get away with murder. That thought sent chills down my spine. I guess things just got a whole lot more dangerous. But if my dad found it well enough to trust this guy, then maybe I have nothing to fear about this man? It was left hanging like a question; unsure...

 "Ehh...Athina?" I was snapped out of my thoughts as a hand waved in front of my face.

 "Huh?" My voice came out so confused, that I almost didn't recognise it. My eyes wandered around taking in my surroundings, trying to place myself in the present again. I frowned realising my parents were nowhere in sight, "Kya..?" (what?), looked around trying to spot them, "Where are my parents?" I found myself asking the person in front, only now I had realised it was Jack.

 "Woah, really lost in your thoughts there." He chuckled.

 "It happens." I shrugged.

 "A lot!" An annoying voice came. I rolled my eyes at Rohan.  

 Jack laughed, "Anyways, your parents are getting settled in their room now I just sent them off. I was trying to send you off to yours as well, Athina." He said, opening two huge white doors with gold rings, beside him. I felt my cheeks heating up. Oh my, for how long was he trying to snap me away from my thoughts? 

 "Sorry..." I mumbled, entering the room. I had to gasp at the size of the room. This was something more like an apartment. It was definitely too big to be called a room. The whites walls contrasted highly with the wooden floors. The small chandelier that hung from the ceiling lit up the entire room. A fireplace seating was off to the side with small light bulbs hanging from each side of the fireplace, giving it a cosy look. My finger slowly ran across the white couches in front of the fireplace, the material was soft against my fingertips, such like wolf's fur, but I would much rather be petting the wolf than this couch, that fur was much softer; soft as silk.  

 "Woah, why are the rooms in this house so big?" I heard Rohan, you could practically hear the amusement dancing in his tone of voice. 

 "He likes it that way." Jack replied.

 "Who Zayden? Athina's crush?" Rohan asked.

 "What?!" I spun around, "Excuse me? I am not! He's lying! I don't!" I rambled out at a smirking Jackson.

 "Don't worry Athi, the secret is safe with me!" He smiled. 

 "It's not a secret!" I frowned at what I just said.

 "We know!" They both chimed together, much like twins.

 "No! That's not what I meant! I mean as in I am not crushing on him. So there's no secret!" I stressed. I knew well, I was both to them and myself. No matter how many times I denied the fact, I couldn't deny the fact I felt a very strong attraction to the man. I mean I practically fantasised about ripping his shirt off and running hands down his chest. I never in my entire life thought something so dirty towards someone. He had me thinking and feelings new and sinful, and yet dangerous.

 "Sure Athina." Jack rolled his eyes.

 I looked back to the soft white couch, frowning. I found myself asking a question, "Do you guys hunt wolves?" My eyes landed back to Jack's grey eyes. Something about wolves being hunted didn't sit right with me, especially if it was that silver wolf Zayden. A part of me almost crumbled at the thought of him being hunted down and killed.

 His face and eyes suddenly turned cold, "Most definitely do not!" His voice sounded cold like I offended him.

 I bit my lip, "I am sorry if I offended you in some way." My voice came out quiet. It wasn't because I didn't want to apologise, the cold look in his scared me and didn't want to anger him any more.

 "No, it's fine." He said, shaking his head, His eyes met mine again and just like that cheerful guy was back, as if the cold eyes were nothing but an illusion, "Anyways, why won't you both get settled. I'll be back in an hour or two, ok?"

 "Wait, we?" I narrowed my eyes, "You mean, I am sharing a room with my brother?" I asked, hoping it was not true. The last time that happened wasn't so nice, for me, it was full-on night of Rohan's stupid pranks.

 "Eh, yeah. That'll be fine, right? He can sleep on the other bed off to the corner." Jack frowned. It made me wonder if he had any siblings, probably not.

 "I can thank Zayden right now. Rohan's prank night part two is gonna happen." Rohan said, doing some sort of victory dance. 

 I already have my eyes, "Guess, I will thank him for bringing me to hell."

 "Ouch." I heard Jack mumble.

 "What?" I asked.

 "Oh nothing, I'll be back, just have a few things to take care of. You two, get settled." He smiled. 

  "Yeah ok, thanks Jack." I smiled.

 "No problem." He said and without another word he walked out, closing the door behind him. I sighed and looked around the room, only to see Rohan smirking. I could see the gears in his head turning as he thought of ways to prank me.

 "Han, no pranks! This is not a place we know! We can't just do what we want!" I crossed my arms glaring at him.

 "Afraid I might do something that would make Zayden uninterested in you? Like I don't know, you let out a blood-curdling scream because I placed a rubber spider on your shoulder while you were sleeping?" He laughed.

 My eyes widened, be it a toy but I hated and was afraid of spiders since a young age, those eight-legged creatures and they ate hair; hairy eight legs, ew! I shivered at the thought.

"Enough Han! Now I am going to put my clothes away. And you do yours!" I told him before I set down my bag onto the bed. Rohan and I have to share a room. Great, I am pretty sure there are so many vacant rooms in this huge mansion of his, but he had to do this to me.

 I grumbled a few words under my breath as I looked around the room for the wardrobe.

 There were two other doors in the room, one was definitely a bathroom, so want was the second one? I sighed and opened the door to the right, and I was right. A very spacious and expensive-looking bathroom stood before me. Reached towards the door on the left, I opened it. My eyes widened as I stepped into what appeared to be an empty white walk-in closet. I have never seen a walk-in closet before, and this was almost as big as the room. Presses, drawers and hanger ranks all stood before me. I certainly didn't have clothes to fill half this area.

 "Ok, move move, out of the way." Rohan barged in and just threw all his clothes into a press, "I am done!" He shrugged.

 I raised an eyebrow, "You are not done. You need to fold them and put them away neatly." I told placing my hands on my hips. Not even ten minutes in and he already has to annoy me.

 "Yeah, that's more a girly thing to keep things neat and tidy, boys like it messy." He smirked. 

 "That's just stereotypical! Some are different." 

 "Are you?" He challenged me.

 "No..." I mumbled awkwardly.

 "Thought so!" He smirked triumphally, "And hey sooner we finish, they sooner we get to spend time with your crush he winked." 

 I cringed slightly, my brother knows well and sure I have a crush, and now so does Jack, how long will it take before Zayden finds out? "I don't have a crush on him." I grumbled, walking back into the room to get my clothes out. "I am gonna change in the bathroom," I told him grabbing a few clothes and locking myself in the bathroom before I even heard his reply. I didn't even look at what I grabbed, I just reached out and took whatever fabric my fingers latched onto.

 Straightening out the material, I rolled my eyes realising it was a white net-sleeved white knee-length dress, one that defined my chest. Well, at least it was warm inside this house. Quickly taking off my wintery wear, I let the dress slide on to my body softly; fitting and hugging in the right pieces. Smoothing it out, I looked at myself in the mirror. 

 Would Zayden approve of this?

I shocked myself at the thought. Did I really just ask myself that? I stared into my reflection shocked. Did I really develop something deep for this stranger that I have to question my dressing for his approval? I don't even know this guy! I knew nothing about him and yet here I am wanting his approval! I stared into my own eyes through my reflection, was that girl me? 

 I sighed, running a hand through my hair. 

 Come on, Athi! Snap out of it!

 Grabbing my clothes from before, I left the bathroom, groaning as I heard Rohan quoting Romeo and Juliet. I turned around leaning against the couch, after hanging my clothes. l glared at him as he did dramatic poses, "But, soft! What light through the yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!"

Wow, he should be an actor. 

 I shook my head.

 ''Han, please stop. I am not his Juliet and that stubborn smirking stone-faced Zayden guy is not my Romeo!!" I snapped, turning my hands into fists. I gasped snapping my eyes open, did I really just say that out loud? Am I really falling for some stranger? I looked Rohan shocked, only to see him smirking at me once again, some brother you are. He knew once I snapped he got me.

 I gasped suddenly hearing someone laughing behind me, I turned to see Jack beside the bedroom door, trying to stop laughing.

 I was sure I was red as a tomato. Jack was well sure too now. I was crushing and maybe even falling for Zayden.

 ''N-no on-e-'' but he cut himself off, by laughing. He finally controlled his laughter and regained his position again by taking death breaths. But Rohan bursts out laughing, which made Jack laugh once again. I groaned.

 Why am I always the one being the comedian? 

 Jack had a hand in his stomach now, he couldn't stop laughing. I decided to step in. I cleared my throat. But that only made them laugh harder and fall into the ground. Well, there's proof that you actually can die of laughter. What was so funny anyway?

 ''Okay, as I saying, no one has called the Alpha anything like that before.'' Jack shook his spoke, smiling away.

 "Alpha?'' I wondered out loud. Jack snapped his head up, all playfulness left eyes as they widened, 'Sorry, I meant...Zayden." He said quickly. I frowned, was Zayden someone more than just business power? The word Mafia came into my head. I shook my head, not wanting to get too far into this.

 ''Nice quoting, kiddo." He spoke to my brother. 

 ''Thanks!! At least someone thinks so," he answered looking at me, with hands-on his hips. ''And don't you think she's perfect for Juliet and Zayden is perfect for Romeo. The guy she's falling in LOVE with." He said as he crossed his arms and raised a brow.

 "I am NOT falling in love, nor it is a crush." I snapped. Both of them smirked at me. Great now I have two Rohans, I was doing fine with just one, Ganesha!! (A hindu god). 

 ''Well anyways, I'm back to give a tour of the house.'' He smiled.

 "House? You mean mansion, right?" Rohan questioned him. He chuckled and nodded.

 "And you were quick." I noted. He left us not even thirty minutes ago.

 "Let's just say someone," He began, smirking at me, "Isn't in a good mood to work alongside with."

 "Does he really have a problem with people tripping?" I almost snapped. 

 Jack sighed and gave me a sad smile, "You'll understand him soon enough." He said, before gesturing us to follow. But his words swirled around in my head. What did he mean by that? Am I meant to understand him? Was I meant to look past the shields of nothingness in his eyes? Could I really understand the meaning of those silver specks? 

 My body followed him on its own accord. My mind was racing with thoughts and possibilities, and it no longer controls the movements of my body, it simply followed Jack and Rohan. I felt as if my body was controlled and my mind unaware as it was lost in thoughts; lost in thoughts of a certain deep blue-eyed man. 

 I was only snapped out of whatever trance I was in when I heard my heeled sandals click against the marble ground. I found myself focusing on it, allowing the surprisingly pleasant noise to drown my hearing. 

 Jackson led us down a hallway that soon curved into two marble stairways. I found myself gapping at the sight in front of me. I let my hands run down black metallic rails as we climbed down them. Wow, everything was so gleaming with such expert craftsmanship and very well kept to its highest standards, I can't believe I didn't notice before. Why didn't I? Oh yeah, someone made me really upset. I sighed, shaking my head. 

 ''This is the living room.'' Jack said as he opened a set of doors. My eyes widened at the magnificent sight before me. Oh my lord Ganesha, it was huge! My eyes wandered around to every design, pattern and its layout. I loved how modern it was, yet at the same time it had a very aesthetic approach.

 ''Wow, hey can I play my video games here?'' Han asked with eagerness in his voice. ''Seriously Rohan, where are your manners?'' I asked him with a glare and he just stuck his tongue at me. I rolled my eyes in return.

 ''No it's fine, he can. Of course, he can.'' Jack told us. ''All right Jack, don't say I didn't warn you. He's a gameaholic.'' I smirked, he raised an eyebrow at my weird word to describe my brother. ''Oh come on, he can't be that bad.'' He let out light chuckles. I simply shrugged and turned to Han, who was smiling like the Cheshire cat himself.

 ''Oh no...''Jack whispered to himself. ''Oh no, is right." I laughed and smirked. He rolled his eyes. 

 ''You guys must be hungry, am I right?" He asked. 

 'Yes!!'' Rohan and I said at once. I honestly was starving and let's just say if my stomach didn't get the food it wanted, I would turn into Godzilla. Jack chuckled and led us into the kitchen.

 I have never seen a kitchen so big. Why does anybody need a kitchen this big? I noticed how the colours marched with the rest of the house, a homely vibe. The worktops were practically sparkling clean, like this kitchen was just newly built and it hasn't been used yet. The lights from the ceiling shone onto the tiles adding to the sparkling finish. It almost tempts me into cooking. 

 ''Antoinette?!'' Jackson called out. Soon a pretty lady, who looked around my mum's age came out, mixing something in a bowl. ''No need to yell Jackson, ugh sometimes you're just as bad as the Alpha.'' She grumbled. I frowned at her words. Why does everyone keep calling Zayden Alpha? If I wasn't mistaken, I had heard or seen from somewhere 'Alpha' meant the leader of the wolf pack. But I couldn't put myself to connect that fact with Zayden, at least the human Zayden. The wolf Zayden was probably a different story. Maybe Alpha was a nickname of some sort?  

 Jack cleared this throat, causing Antoinette to look up at us. ''Aww, she's beautiful." She said while sighing softly. I blushed at her comment and gave a small 'thank you.' I don't know why she was talking as if she heard of me before, but I accepted her compliment.

 "You sure? Because she looks like a gorilla to me." Rohan stated. I rolled my eyes and whacked the back of his head as Antoinette laughed along with Jackson.

 "Oh, the cute little guy is hilarious!" 

 ''Well, these both are hungry. Will you be able to make something for them?'' Jack asked.

 ''Why of course I'll. You darlings must be starving.'' She said. We nodded in response.

 ''Well, I'll be off. I need to go. I hope you enjoyed the tour.'' said Jack as he walked backwards.

 ''We really did, thanks, Jack. But is it really over already? This is a huge mansion." I frowned. 

 "Umm.." He looked almost uncomfortable, looking to the side trying to think of an answer. When he looked back at me, I noticed his eyes and face were emotionless, completely blank. Once again, the happy cheerful guy was gone and he looked almost unrecognisable. It is almost funny and surprising how a mood or moment can change one's features making them look like a completely different person. "Let's just say some places are...off-limits." He said, carefully choosing his words. Even his tone of voice came out emotionless; a monotonal sentence. 

 I nodded confused by his sudden change and turned to Rohan who was completely oblivious to the whole thing because was too busy eyeing the chocolate mix Antoinette was making, he was almost drooling. 

 Jack cleared his throat causing my eyes to snap back up at him, ''And I hope you love Antoinette's terrible cooking.'' He laughed. Antoinette threatened to throw the wooden spoon at him and ran out of the kitchen. Us laughing after him.

 ''Very funny you guys!!!'' He yelled back at us in sarcasm, to this we laughed harder. And just like that, the happy cheerful guy was back. I found myself fascinated by how he could just change the look his features gave off real quick. 

                                                       *            *           *

 I had an amazing dinner. Antoinette is an outstanding cook. Rohan and I had so much fun with her. Usually, my mum would kill us if we made a full mess of the kitchen, like we after our flour fight. But Antoinette was not angry towards us. She told us, "It has been a while since some laughter and joy occurred in his house." She did happen to become very silent after that as we cleaned up the kitchen. It made me wonder if something dark happened here? Is that why she said that? Did this place really hold no joy or sense of comfort? Why? 

 So many unanswered questions swirled in my head along with the thoughts of the two Zayden's and Jack's sudden change in mood. My head was killing me. I could feel a headache coming with the constant torture I put my mind through.

I needed to clear my mind and there was just one thing that always worked for that.

Excusing myself away from them, after cleaning the kitchen up, I head straight to the room. I searched around until I found my guitar. I loved it so much, it had a real sentimental value. It was the very first thing I bought for myself after receiving my very first salary from my part-time restaurant waitress job and since my treasured, allowing my love and respect for music to grow. l let my fingers run across the strings and the blue edges.

Everything was blue lately.

 I thought as I looked at my blue and black, which startlingly reminded me of the wolf's deep royal midnight blue eyes.

 I strummed the strings a little, it was a miracle my parents haven't found it yet or else they would tell me to sing. 

 Rohan saw it before I didn't know how he managed to find it, but threatened him that if he tells maata aur pita (mum and dad), I will destroy all his video games. I knew him well, his games mean just as much as his life to him. 

 A soft sigh left my lips as I got up trying to find a perfect spot where no one would see or hear me. My feet and eyes wandered around the large mansion. I know Jackson said some places are off-limits, but I won't be there for long enough.

 The balcony looked like a safe place. I giggled slowly opening the set of glass doors and stepped out. The chilly winter breeze hit my skin, almost caving me within it. Goosebumps erupted on my skin but I didn't care I wouldn't be put here for too long, I sat there on the bench that faced the woods. My eyes scanned the area, the woods seemed never-ending, stretching out across the lands. My thoughts flicked to the silver wolf, Zayden. And I hoped he was safe, he thought something happening to the wolf almost broke my heart. I didn't understand it though, perhaps it was due to the kind gesture a wild intelligent animal gave me, maybe that made me create a connection of a sort with that wolf.

 I sat down on the bench quietly and strummed my guitar slowly, and gently tuned it. Then began to strum it along to the tune of my current favourite song playing my current favourite song on my guitar and started singing freely.

 "Dil charkhe ki ik tu dori. Dil charkhe ki ik tu dori..."

(You're a string of my spinning wheel like a heart. You're a string of my spinning wheel like a heart...)

 "Sufi iska rang haaye, Is mein joh tera khwaab piroya, Is mein joh tera khwaab piroya, Neendein bani patang..."

(It has a pious colour, When I weaved your dreams in it, When I weaved your dreams in it. Then my sleep flew away like a kite...) 

 "Dil bharta nahi, Aankhen rajti nahi, Dil bharta nahi, Aankhen rajti nahi..."

(My heart is never content, My eyes aren't tired of seeing you, My heart is never content, My eyes aren't tired of seeing you...)

 "Chahe kitna bhi dekhti jaaun, Waqt jaaye main rok na paaun..."

(No matter how much I stare at you, Time passes by and I'm unable to stop it...)

 "Tu thodi der aur thehar ja soneya, Tu thodi der aur thehar ja..."

(O beloved, please stay for some more time, Please stay for some more time...)

 "Tu thodi der aur thehar ja zaalima, Tu thodi der aur thehar ja..."

(O cruel one, please stay for some more time, Please stay for some more time...)

And just that all my worries and fears went away. I loved singing, it makes me feel complete. All the world was in one perfect harmony. I felt so free. Even though the lyrics oddly reminded me of Zayden, I continued to sing.

 "Tu thodi der---" I stopped suddenly, the moment of comfort ripping away from me as I felt a presence behind me.

 I gasped, turned around and was instantly met with ocean blue eyes. Zayden...

 I bit my lip and stood up quickly, allowing my guitar to lean against the bench.

Was he listening to me? Why? 

 No one has ever heard me sing. It was always to myself and for myself.

 I never broke the contact and neither did he. The silver specks in his eyes danced around and a tinge of dark royal blue surrounded his pupils. That's new...

 It fascinated me, but also irritated me. No emotion! No emotion played in his eyes. His stoic expression was all I saw. He gave away nothing. I couldn't even tell if he liked or even disliked my singing. A strange sensation built up inside me as I grew more and more irritated as he gave away nothing. I didn't even understand my constant need to know him inside out, but whatever the reason, I felt the anger and annoyance fuel through my veins.

 I didn't mean to but I snapped, "What is wrong with you? You always have this stone cold face on you. It means nothing!" I stressed, "Don't ever show any other expression other than this or a smirk?!" I accidentally blurted out.

 Realisation dawned on and quickly covered my mouth with both hands.

 He was furious, I knew. The anger in his eyes screaming. Well, at least that was an expression from him I didn't see before, but it scared me to the core, especially dark royal blue tinge in his eyes grew deeper.

 I am sure he saw fear in my eyes. I recovered my hands, as he walked up to me with his jaw clenched and fists. I found myself backing up slightly. My body shook the fear caving me.

 I watched as he raised his hand. Why was he? In the back of mind, I know why. Deep down I knew, but I didn't want to admit it to myself. 

 His hand collided with my cheek, I screamed.

 Tears welled up in my eyes, as I looked up at him with disbelief. But no I wouldn't let fall. Not in front of him. I won't show him I am weak, but a strangled whimper left my lips.

But now I know one thing for sure, I hated him. I don't love him, maybe I left some sort of attraction towards him before, but no nothing now but hate; pure hate. I filled my eyes with much hate as I possibly could.

 "I hate you.." I mumbled, I don't if he heard it, but right now I didn't care. I grabbed my guitar and pushed past him. I ran into the room and closed the door shut, collapsing onto the ground, my tears pouring out. I did manage to fall for him, but he never caught me....

Keeping my sobs and whimpers quiet I cried into my hands. I simply couldn't understand why it hurt so much. I didn't even know him for a day, but my heart felt like I had known for a decade and it earned for him. I thought I hated him, but my heart simply earned for him. I wanted to hate him. 

 Hugging my knees, I felt my body wracking from my sobs. 

 Why did my heart earn for a stranger? Why was I drawn to his enchanting blue eyes? Why was I attracted to him? Why couldn't I hate him? 

 A man of his taste and business attire was never my type and yet here I was, with a heart begging to be comforted by him.

 I don't know how long I sat there crying for a man I couldn't understand and would never grow any feelings towards me. I debated whether to tell my parents about what happened. If I did, my dad would instantly pack our bags and never return to this place. I would never have to see him again.

 But they also meant I would ruin our holiday. We would all be in a bad mood to celebrate and I couldn't let that happen. Who was I to ruin my family's happiness?

 I gasped as the door burst open. I sighed in relief seeing it was only Rohan. He came in with a big smile; I wish I could smile.

 "Didi, guess what?!! I won against Jack, six times in a row!" He happily cheered but as he noticed my state, his smile faded. "Kya hua?" (what happened). He asked me in a low voice, the cheerful tone now a distant memory.

 "Kuchh nahin, chhote bhaee. It's fine!" (Nothing, little brother), I told him with the most reassuring voice I could manage in this state. 

 "But-" he started but I cut him off.

 "No Ron. It's late, you need to get to bed." I told him with a calm yet stern voice.

 I knew he wanted to know, and he wouldn't sleep until I told him, I sighed saying "Love goes both ways, Han. One-side isn't enough..."

 He nodded as I watched his features distort into anger. At that moment, I realised how much my brother has grown. He was understanding and angry towards the man who caused me a heartache.

******

The song she sang is called Thodi Der.

DISCLAIMER: The song doesn't belong to me. It belongs to Zee Music Company and Farhan Saeed, thank you!