Chapter 7

We walk up to the house, my arm in my captors. I try to take in the village they’ve made, but honestly, I can’t. I’m focusing on the house before me. It’s smaller than my home…. obviously. I suppose that’s really not hard. I see three floors, however knowing my own house. I bet there’s at least one floor underground.

Samual has styled his house 19th century, it reminds me of a vineyard house. With its pale stone and rosewood windows. A balcony casts a shadow over the entrance. If I was visiting on official business, I would have commented that it was a lovely piece of architecture.

Samual grips my hand painfully, “Remember,” he sneers into my ear.

“Why, Alpha Blackwood, I don’t ever know what you mean,” I put on my regal official voice that’s only reserved for outsiders. He smiles, I know how to play his stupid little game, oh ye of little faith.

I sneer inwardly as he opens the large glass door. A few pack members were around, they appear to work in the house. A dark brown haired man descends the curved staircase as we enter. His navy shirt was almost too small, the buttons pulled over his broad chest a little as he moved. His body screams he was a warrior, his belt hugged his hips keeping a pair of tailored trousers in place.

A growl rips from my chest, “Good girl,” Samual muttered so his son couldn’t hear before he released my hand.

‘The fuck?’ I snap at my wolf.

‘Oh he’s all mine.’

‘Oh, no fuck that, nope you do realise it was his father that kept you wolfsbaned up.’

‘Father, not his son.’

‘His son knew! His son’s going to be just as bad!’ What the hell did she think she was doing?

′ The goddess has spoken’.

“Mine,” my wolf took over and said the words using my mouth. Samual’s son was stood in front of me. A small smile tugging on his pale pink lips, his grass green eyes looking into mine. His eyes sparkled as he extended his hand, “Wade Blackwood, absolute pleasure to finally meet you again.” I reach out for him to grasp my hand firmly yet gently. He planted a gentle kiss on the back of my hand and bowed. He keeps my hand in his and out of courtesy turned his head to show his neck in submission. Samual growls slightly next to me.

“Now, now Alpha Blackwood.” I squeeze his arm, “Your son’s being the perfect gentleman.” I smile before returning my attention to Wade. “Please, Mr Blackwood, show me around your impressive home.” Wade takes my arm and we leave Samual in the entrance hall. A small sigh escapes my lips as we round the corner. I didn’t mean to, but at least now I only had to contend with one psycho.

“You OK, Princess Adelaide?” Wade stops for a moment.

“I’m wonderful Mr Blackwood, please, Adelaide will be fine.”

“Wade, call me Wade.” I nod as he leads me down the corridor. “So, here we have the games room.” I peer into the open door, I can see sofas, dart boards, pool tables, and a large TV. “Here is a bathroom.” he points to a closed door.

We continue around the ground floor, sitting room, kitchen, study, library, TV room, conservatory. Honestly? I didn’t take it all in, I was trying to be polite and nod when I was supposed to. But I was concentrating too hard on not shaking. Images of my dead baby brother circulated my mind and all I could think was it was this man’s fault. I drown out Wade’s voice by thinking of Trey, how his hair catches the light. His smile, the sadness he had shown. All our time together 5 years before. I was fond of him then… I’ll admit I’m very fond of him now.

I’m just imagining Trey with his shirt off when Wade’s voice floats back into my head, “Please.” I look at him a little confused but he gestures into the conservatory “It’s a lovely place to have tea.” I enter the room surrounded by windows, the light darkens as a cloud moves over the sun. I take a seat on one of the wooden wicca chairs. “Would you like tea? Coffee?”

“Coffee, please.” Wade nods and sticks his head out the door, I hear him talk to someone before he comes back into the room and settles into a chair next to me.

“So, Prin- Adelaide.” A flush creeps over his neck, “What music do you like?” He turns in his chair to look at me directly.

I didn’t want him to get to know me, I didn’t want to talk to him. Can’t we just sit in silence? But if he thinks me rude he would go and beat my brother.

“My father would want me to say classical.” Wade raised his eyebrow.

“You can be honest, your father isn’t here.” Damn, why didn’t I just say classical? I clenched my jaw slightly annoyed at myself. “Soft rock, rock… ” I inwardly curse at how honest I’m being, I’m not honest with anyone! His small smile plays on his lips, “Same,” he breathes, I take a double-take at him. Is he just trying to impress me? “Disturbed, and Drowning Pool, by far my favourites.” OK, so maybe he’s not lying? Or he’s very good at his human music. “Would not have guessed that,” I reply in a low tone, I check myself and smile to him. This is harder than I anticipated.

We discuss things we enjoy until our coffees arrive, I put milk in mine while he adds milk and sugar. I let out a small hum of pleasure, I’d missed coffee. Taking another sip, oh I really have missed coffee. But I need to remember my manners and I put the cup down.

“So what fighting style do you prefer?” I ask, crossing my ankles. He looks up, a small confusion crossing his forehead before he responds, “Boxing is my main style but, blocks from Taekwondo are very useful. However, a lady such as yourself doesn’t need to concern herself with such things.” I wanted to argue, I needed to stay quiet but…

“Oh contre, A princess has to be able to defend herself. I run circles around many of our fighters.” I see a flash of irritation in his eyes. My jaw tightens, I’ve crossed a line, I knew it.