ALPHA LIAM

CHAPTER FOUR.

ELENA'S POV.

Getting out of bed, I strutted into the bathroom to freshen up. Afterwards, I wrapped myself in a pink towel that Beatrice had bought for me. Picking up the clothes on the bed, I scrutinized them to choose what would be comfortable for the day. I didn’t want anything that would be inconvenient.

Deciding on a cute pink crop top and loose jeans, I found the sneakers to be a perfect fit. It made me wonder how she knew my size so accurately. I admired myself a little in the mirror. My dark, shiny hair reached below my waist, and my olive skin gleamed from the sunlight. My caramel eyes contrasted beautifully with my looks. I gathered my hair into a neat ponytail, and just as I was finishing, the door opened and Beatrice walked in.

"Oh my, you look gorgeous, my dear. You’re so beautiful. I knew this would look good on you," she commented.

I tittered at her remarks.

___

We arrived at a huge mall, and with Beatrice's help, I picked out some beautiful clothes for myself. I had difficulty making up my mind about what I wanted, but she was there for me. Soon, we wrapped up our shopping, and she paid for everything I picked. It made me wonder how she had so much money, considering she presented herself as a poor lady.

We visited the pack's school, where I met many adorable little pups. I had fun playing games with them; some were vibrant, some were mild, and some were shy and timid. Beatrice showed me many lovely places in the pack, and judging by what I saw, the Silver River pack seemed like peaceful people. It was more peaceful here than in the Red Knight pack.

Among all the places I saw, my favorite was the large fountain near the pack's warrior training territory. As we approached the fountain, I felt a strange sensation, as if I were being watched. When I turned my gaze to the left, I saw him.

Alpha Liam.

He was standing with someone who seemed to be discussing something with him, but he wasn’t paying attention; his eyes were fixed on me. His electrifying gaze felt like it was piercing into my soul, making me uncomfortable. I shrugged and averted my gaze, but I could still feel his stare boring into me.

I was certain he could feel the mate bond and was probably wondering if I felt it too. Of course I did. His scent overwhelmed me, and the urge to run into his arms and claim him was strong. But no, I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. One bitten, twice shy.

I followed Beatrice to the market, where we bought some groceries. I hadn’t left the room since I arrived here, so today was my first time seeing outside. Beatrice lived in a small bungalow behind the pack house. The house wasn’t luxurious but was comfortable and felt like home. I didn’t know much about her—who she was or if she was truly a member of this pack. All I knew was her name, but I hoped she would tell me more about herself soon.

"So, Elena dear, I was thinking of getting you a job. Maybe you might be bored staying in the room, but it’s fine if you don’t want to work now. I won’t force you," she said.

"Oh, I understand. But I don’t know. Let me take some time to think about it. I’m sure it would be useful, so I won’t put all my burdens on you," I replied sheepishly.

"Oh, don’t say that. The moment I found you and brought you to my home, you became my responsibility. And you’re nothing close to a freeloader to me. Just know I’m here to help you with anything you need as long as you’re staying with me," she assured me with a warm smile.

A sweet smile graced my lips. Where had this woman been all my life? She’s the best person I’ve ever come across. I already loved her like a mother.

"Thank you, Beatrice," I said, as she squeezed my hand gently and caressed my cheek.

Afterwards, we returned to her house. I placed the shopping bags on my bed and went to help her in the kitchen. As I approached, a delicious scent made my stomach growl. "That growl could wake the dead," she teased with a chuckle, and I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment.

She had already prepared dinner quickly. I helped her set the table, and we ate together peacefully. After dinner, I settled into a chair beside her. The sitting room was quiet; it was just the two of us. I wondered if she had any children—little pups or grown-up wolves. Where was her mate? Did she ever have one?

My curiosity got the better of me, and I asked, "Why do you live here alone, Beatrice? Where are your kids?"

Her face contorted into a sad expression, and immediately, I regretted asking. 

"I'm sorry if my question made you uncomfortable. I didn’t mean to—"

"It’s okay. Your question didn’t make me uncomfortable, though it did a bit. It’s normal for you to be curious about me. I know who you are, and you don’t know anything about me," she interrupted.

I pursed my lips.

Beatrice was an aged woman in her mid-50s. She had neat gray hair, which she preferred to keep in a messy bun on top of her head. Her lashes were thin and long, adding to her looks. A nearly faint dimple appeared on her cheek when she smiled. She was generous and funny at times. One thing I noticed was that members of the pack showed her a lot of respect, almost as if she were a Luna. It made me wonder who she was.

"Well, first, I’m not a member of this pack," Beatrice said, and I raised an eyebrow at her words.

She pursed her lips and nodded. "Rogues killed my pack and my mate," she said, her face contorting into a saddened expression.

Heaving a sigh, she continued, "He was a weak Alpha and..." She paused for a moment, staring into space. My eyebrows must have disappeared into my hairline. Could it be... She was a Luna?

"I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m sorry for bringing those memories back up," I said, feeling guilty for asking about something so personal and painful. She sighed, took my hand in hers, and gave it a gentle squeeze, shaking her head.

"No, dear. I was banished because I refused to be a chosen mate. It was the best thing I ever did." A faint smirk pulled up her lips.

"Hmm," I hummed softly.

"I had nowhere to go. I owe my life to Alpha Liam. He found me roaming deep in the woods, looking hopeless and frustrated. He ordered his patrol men and warriors to bring me to their pack. I was cleaned up and given a room to stay," she paused before continuing.

"I told him everything, and he welcomed me. Honestly, I didn’t believe he would, as rumors had it that he was ruthless. But you know the saying: never judge until you’ve seen. He gave me this house to stay in and everything I’d ever ask for. Thanks to him, I’m alive, Elena," Beatrice said.

Listening to her made me feel guilty for being so adamant about rejecting my mate. From what I’d heard, he was a good man, and he was good-looking too. But still, I thought it best for things to remain the way they were.