Chapter 3

     Liam’s POV

    The thought of a rogue in my house makes me queasy, she-wolf or not. I step lightly down the kitchen stairs and see Grace conversing with a seemingly small human on a stool, facing away from me. I could not tell her exact stature as the clothes were easily five times too big. Her hair cascading down her back. Mom looks up at me suddenly, “Alpha, son. There is someone I would like you to meet”. The girl stops eating, setting the apple slice down and lowers her head in submission. 

    Keeping her head bowed, she turns toward me. I can’t quite see her face with the light shadows and her immense amount of hair. “What’s your name?” I ask. She lifts her eyes to meet mine. It feels like a bomb exploding in my gut. Kalen rushes forward, “MATE” he screams, loud enough I thought they all heard. My heart racing, I can not stop staring. The most beautiful woman I have ever seen with sharp green, piercing eyes. Feeling my intensity she quickly lowers her head. Does she not recognize me as her mate? What does that mean? I can not stop staring.

    “Emma, alpha” she very quietly stammers. Grace recognizes instantly what had happened and smiles modestly with excitement. I truly do not think she felt the same for me. I feel a sense of immense sadness and gut wrenching at the thought. “Where do you come from Emma?”. I’ll just try and play it cool. 

    “I don’t know sir, I have been rogue for several years”. “Do you know how old you are?”. “18 sir”. My heavenly mate calling me sir was killing me inside. I wanted to reach out and hug her, kiss her, feel her but Zak was right; she is petrified. Trying to sound as nonchalant as possible; “mother, would you kindly show Emma to her new room. The suite next to mine will do. I hope we see you at dinner”. 

     Emma’s POV

     I was anxiously waiting for the verdict; if the alpha would let me stay. Maybe even for a few days to eat, sleep in peace and rest. One of the nicest women, Grace, found me in the kitchen. She was told by the two wolves I was in the kitchen. I stood staring at the huge kitchen with the stone floors, walls and ceiling. It is exquisite. 

    I could smell some delicious food in the oven but didn’t want to go rummaging. “You must be starving sweetheart”, the dear woman looked at me. “I think I could eat” I meekly squeak out. “Well let’s see”... she slides open the pantry doors and there is food from floor to ceiling and the room extends a good distance. My jaw drops at the food they have. I see Grace smiling and peering at me, I quickly close my jaw. “See anything you like dear?”. I wanted to eat everything in sight but decide on an apple I had seen on the counter. “You have to be hungrier than that? No matter, you can join us for dinner later tonight and eat a good deal then”. She has the kindest smile. Her face couldn’t be older than 50 something though I am not a good judge of age since we’ve been rogues for so long.

    I sit there eating my apple slices in awkward silence as Grace stares at me. She pours me a glass of water. Once I taste the delicious clarity of the water I chug it, not realizing she is still watching me. Embarrassed, I set the glass down and peer at my hands. “Honey, you can have as much water as you want”. 

    She pushes the pitcher across the granite countertop to me and refills my glass, giving me a smile. “Well my dear, how long have you been rogue? And are you alone?”. “Yes I have been alone since my mother.. Since she was taken from me. I’m not sure how long ago that was exactly but it was before I had a wolf”. Grace looks so sad at this news. “And your father?”. 

    I look down at my stained filthy hands and feel a tear roll down. “Gone” I manage to mutter. “Well that’s okay, you’ve got us now” as she gently strokes my shoulder. “You’ll feel right as rain with some food and a nice hot bubble bath”. “Ahh a bath” Morgan chimes in, wagging her tail. “But what are bubbles Em?”.

   Just then I hear footsteps coming from behind us. I know it is the alpha and with bad news. I just know it. He stops a ways back behind me. Terrified to turn around, I just peer down at my apple. “Liam, honey, meet our new guest”. “Honey? Are they mated?” Morgan asks. “I’m pretty sure it’s her son if you were paying attention” I jab back. As he asks my name, I know I must turn and face him but I am beyond terrified.

   Keep your head low and don’t look him in the eye. I try to support myself. I could barely hear what he is asking. My heart beat is pounding in my ears. “It’s rude not to meet a wolf’s eyes when you meet for the first time” Morgan urges. I barely hear him ask my name and get the courage to peer up, just barely. 

    I see his piercing blue eyes and he suddenly looks uncomfortable so I immediately lower my gaze so as to not offend. What on earth was that? Why am I feeling queasy? Morgan is awfully quiet up there. “I hope you didn’t abandon me too Morg”. 

    She seemed preoccupied for some odd reason. Now is not the best time. I’m brought out of my own thoughts when I hear him say “the suite next to mine will suffice”. My heart stops. What? Why? Why am I not in the basement or outside in some outbuilding? Confusedly, I look back up, briefly forgetting he’s an alpha. We make eye contact once more and my stomach jolts. Was that fear? I have no idea what that feeling was but I bow again, saying thank you.