Chapter Two: Meet Caroline?

“Come again?” Mateo Santiago raised his perfectly shaped brow in slight disbelief.

Surely no rogue would be stupid enough to cross his lands. No rogue had crossed his lands in over five years. He had to be hearing his Beta incorrectly, but then again, he knew that Orion never lied or joked about such things. He wouldn’t believe it until he saw her for himself.

Her.

To make the situation even more unbelievable, it’s a woman. What on earth would’ve had to have happened to her for her to stumble upon my territory, he thought to himself as he eyed the coward before him. The chunky man cowered in fear, awaiting his impending doom as the Alpha processed this new information.

She must be a spy.

That was his first thought the moment Orion told him the news. Why else would she be here? He would kill her before she even had the chance to see her surroundings, he decided.

“I kid you not, Matt! It’s a woman and she’s not in the best condition,” Orion informed. Mateo only allowed Orion to call him Matt when it was just the two of them, or in this case, with someone who wasn’t going to live to tell the tale in any case.

Mateo frowned. “What do you mean?”

“She wasn’t abused or anything, but by the state of her feet, it looks like she’s been running through the whole country. When they found her, she was crying. Also, she was soaked from head to toe, which is strange since it didn’t rain here,” Orion said as he furrowed his own brows.

“That is indeed strange,” Mateo said, biting his lip thoughtfully.

“Sire, am I free to go?” the other man in the room asked. The Alpha and Beta’s attention shifted to him for even daring to be so bold.

“Are you free to go? Did I hear you correctly?” Mateo asked in amusement.

The man bowed. “Yes Sire.”

Mateo turned to his Beta. “Ryan, pray tell! Did this scoundrel have the decency to just ask me if he was free to go?”

“Why yes, Matt, I believe so,” Orion chuckled.

Mateo turned back to the man, giving him his signature smirk. “Oh okay, Mr Johnson, you’re free to go since you asked so nicely.”

Little did the man know that the smirk also usually meant that you were about to die.

“Really? You are most kind Sire! I will pledge my undying loyalt…” the man never got to finish his sentence as his head was ripped from his body.

Mateo rolled his eyes. “Should’ve thought of that before you ran off to the enemy pack, Johnson.”

“That’s what? T-shirt number thirty-four this week alone? What’s up buddy? You’re angrier than usual and I don’t think the environment likes your bloody clothes sponsored bonfires,” Orion chuckled.

Mateo’s interest was roused. “I am angrier, aren’t I?”

Orion nodded. “Yep! You and Zeus have no mercy whatsoever this week.”

“Funny, I’ve only started feeling different since yesterday morning,” Mateo said before he pursed his lips.

Orion narrowed his eyes. “Define ‘different’, Matt.”

“I’m on edge. I feel like something big is about to happen and it will be unexpected. You and I both know that Zeus does not like surprises,” Mateo smirked.

“No wonder he’s so angry! Not knowing what’s coming must be frustrating,” Orion chuckled.

“It is! Too bad I come across as the bad guy for performing his mind’s wishes,” Mateo joked, although his facial expression was deadly serious.

Only Orion would be able to tell the joke apart from his normal stance.

Orion rolled his eyes. “Don’t act like you don’t like it.”

“I never said I don’t,” Mateo replied as they left the room.

“Alpha, do you wish for me to arrange someone to take care of the body?” one of his pack members asked.

“Simon, the fact that you actually have to ask me that is tempting me to kill you,” Mateo replied coldly.

“I apologize Alpha! I’ll get right on it!” Simon quickly apologized before scurrying off.

“You really shouldn’t scare your pack members like this Matt,” Orion sighed.

“You make it sound like I’m naturally a nice person. Why would I need to suddenly change? Are they not happy with the lives they live right now? I provide for them and I protect them. All I ask in return is respect and obedience,” Mateo responded, entering his office.

“I hear you, but you’re a bit harsh on them. These are your people, Matt, not outsiders. We all grew up together and there hasn’t been an outsider join in a long time. All I’m saying is that you should reward good behavior since you want to be such a tyrant,” Orion teased. While he was only kidding, Mateo liked the sound of a reward.

“What does Valentine have in mind?” Mateo asked amusedly, knowing that his little sister put his best friend up to this speech.

“She was thinking of a pack barbeque on Saturday. She says it will give her and Lexi three good days to plan it,” Orion chuckled.

“That’s not a bad idea! Should I do the honors or will you?” Mateo asked.

“Surprise them,” Orion suggested. Mateo nodded before calling on Zeus.

“Be nice!” he told his wolf.

“There will be a pack barbeque on Saturday to reward you all for being such fantastic pack members. I expect there to be lots of fun and laughter. Attendance is mandatory. Should you not be able to attend, make sure you see me before then,” Zeus broadcasted to his pack members.

“For a moment there I almost believed you were sincere,” Mateo mock sniffed.

“Fuck off!” Zeus grunted before shutting his human out.

Mateo shook his head. “Ah Zeus, always a pleasure.”

“I can’t believe how sincere he sounded,” Orion laughed.

“I suspect his response to that would be to fuck off,” Mateo informed.

“You teased him about it didn’t you?” Orion asked knowingly.

“Where’s the rogue?” Mateo queried, choosing to ignore the question.

“She’s in the infirmary. Pete insists that there’s something different about her, but he can’t place his finger on it. Her feet took hours to heal, which on its own is strange enough. He’s called in Mama Deo to see if she can pick up anything unusual about her,” Orion explained.

“Geez, the big guns are being called in for her? Hmm, this might be interesting after all. It’s going to be fun killing her,” Mateo said sweetly. Orion shook his head at his best friend’s strange fetish with killing.

They stayed in Mateo’s office going over other things, since the rogue was reportedly still knocked out. When they were done, Mateo’s intention was to go and see the rogue, but his attention was needed in the High Court of Elders. These summonses had never sat well with him, but he went nonetheless.

“Ladies and gentlemen, how may I be of assistance to you?” he asked the seven old people staring him down.

“The rogue, Mateo! What’s the story?” Elder Kendrick asked.

“Well, I was on my way to see for myself when you summoned me here,” Mateo replied stiffly.

“It’s a rogue. Why have you not reacted faster?” Elder Gundell snapped.

“Respect Gundell! I did not react hastily because one, it’s a woman, two, she’s injured, three, Pete thinks she’s ‘different’, four, I had to wait for Mama Deo to find out what the hell Pete is on about and five, I’m the Alpha here, so quite frankly, I answer to no one,” Mateo said icily.

Elder Henrietta glared at him. “You forget your place, Mateo! You answer to us. We are your Elders.”

“No Henrietta, you answer to me! You forget that this pack isn’t like any other. The roles are reversed, so, if I were you, I would be wise with how I talk to me. I hear they call me a monster. Wouldn’t want to find out why, now would you?” Mateo smugly stated.

“Are you threatening us, boy?” Elder Gundell asked him.

“I’m merely warning you. You may be the Elders to everyone else, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that I’m your puppet,” Zeus pushed through in warning. The Elders cowered slightly at the power in the warning from the beast.

“Enjoy your day then,” Mateo said blandly before returning to his former intention.

The sun was setting over his land as he casually strolled to the infirmary, being greeted by his pack members along the way while, on any other day, he would’ve ignored them, this time he acknowledged them with a slight nod. Reaching the infirmary, he didn’t expect to find his Beta, Enforcer, Gamma and Delta all standing outside the room the rogue was in.

“You have a party and none of you invite me,” he said sarcastically.

They bowed. “Alpha.”

“What’s going on?” he asked, seeing their awed and confused faces.

“Mama Deo just passed out,” Trey, his Enforcer, replied.

Mateo raised an eyebrow. “What now?”

“As you know, Pete sent for her to come and see the girl. She arrived five minutes ago and when she went in to touch the girl, she passed out from the touch. She didn’t even say anything,” Sam, his Delta, explained.

Mateo’s curiosity peaked at this point. So, there is more to the rogue than was originally anticipated? he thought to himself. How was he going to approach a situation like this? In the past, the rogue wouldn’t have even been brought in for questioning, but since it was a woman, they took that into consideration, and now she was proving to be a mystery to all of them.

“Well, where is she now? And where’s Pete?” Mateo asked.

“Pete is still in there with the girl. Mama Deo is in that room,” Max, his Gamma replied, pointing.

“Let me go check on her first before seeing the girl,” Mateo announced. They nodded and led him to his Healer.

Mama Deo is an old woman who was raised by werewolves but was born a witch. Her mother was a human and her father was a werewolf. They found out later that her mother’s family were a family of witches, and that the gene skipped her mother. That didn’t change anything as she grew up with the werewolves, learning magic and the power of healing.

She became the pack’s Healer as soon as she’d mastered the art, but they only call her in when all else seems to be at a dead end. She is one of the most valued pack members of the Vistas Moon Pack, having even earned Mateo’s highest respect.

The room she was in was simple. It only had a bed in it since it was a spare room. She was laying there, mumbling things in a language none of them knew. Her eyes were closed but she was shaking. Mateo, seeing this, kicked into action and was at her side in an instant.

Upon his touch, she bolted up as her eyes flew open. They were glowing white as she looked into Mateo’s eyes, which turned black as his wolf began taking over.

“It’s you,” Mama Deo said before her eyes went back to normal, together with Mateo’s.

Orion, Trey, Sam and Max couldn’t understand what had just occurred. Unbeknownst to them, neither did Mateo. Whatever had just happened between Mama Deo and Zeus’ communication, his wolf wasn’t letting him in on, leaving him as clueless.

“You can go and see her now,” Mama Deo told Mateo.

“What just happened?” Mateo dared to ask.

“You will find out everything in time child. Things are about to get very interesting around here,” Mama Deo smiled to herself.

Mateo, not knowing what was going on with the strange lady, and not really wanting to find out, stood up to head to the room the rogue girl was in. He wanted to get this over and done with. There was too much peculiarity in the air for him to handle. He didn’t like being cornered in such environments, but for the first time in his life, his wolf was... excited?

“What is going on with you?” he asked Zeus.

“Just do as you’re told,” Zeus replied before shutting him out.

Walking closer to the room, his nose caught the sweetest scent of vanilla and strawberries, making his mouth water, which was a first for him. He walked into the room to find Pete staring out of the window. The girl must be something else to render his usually busy pack doctor silent.

His eyes scanned the room until they landed on the sleeping body on the bed. The incessant sound of the monitor was forgotten to him when his eyes landed on her delicate and pale skin.

Her skin is like milk, he thought to himself.

Inching closer to her body, he noticed that the scent was coming from her. He also noticed that she wasn’t all that tall. In fact, with his six foot three height, she was most probably only five foot four. She was tiny in all her glory, but the strange part was that he liked that she was so tiny.

Why would he feel the need to ‘like’ anything about her?

He walked until he was right in front of her.

She’s absolutely beautiful, was his first thought, catching him off-guard.

While he’s the most feared Alpha in the world, Mateo has come across many beautiful women in his life, but none he would’ve wanted to tell that to. Yet, standing over this angel’s figure, he couldn’t help but think that she was the most beautiful creature he’d ever lay his eyes on.

Unaware of his own actions, his hand reached out to lightly caress her cheek. At his touch, the heart monitor picked up speed before the girl’s eyes flew open to reveal the biggest and most tantalizing emerald orbs he’s ever laid his eyes on.

“MINE!” Zeus roared through with such intensity that the whole pack felt it.

What the hell is going on?

***

My head felt heavy.

No, scratch that!

MY WHOLE BODY FELT HEAVY.

It felt like a sumo wrestler was laying on me. Honestly, why couldn’t I move? There was also a really annoying sound next to my ear but I couldn’t make out what it was.

“Star?” I called to my wolf.

“June, something feels funny,” she replied.

“Ah hell! The last time you said something like that, we lost our grandmother and we got chased out of our pack. HOLY MACARONI! We’re rogues! Do you know where we are?” I panicked.

“We’re in a hospital or something. That’s what I’m guessing from the beeping, so the good part is that we’re not dead,” she sighed.

“Star... Mateo Santiago,” I whispered, remembering whose territory we ended up on.

“I know! That’s what’s got me on edge,” she said before my nose picked up the most delicious scent I’ve ever smelled in my entire life. It was dark chocolate with pine and the smell of rain. I was swimming in the scent.

“June, I don’t trust anything right now, so when we wake up, we won’t be ourselves,” she said.

“What do you mean?” I asked her.

“Like I said, something feels funny and, for as long as we don’t know what it is, we’re going to be off. We’re not going to say anything about who we are or where we come from, okay, unless if I say so,” she elaborated.

“Got it! Even Mateo himself? I mean, he could kill us,” I pointed out.

“Especially Mateo! Something tells me he won’t though,” she said before shutting me out. I was about to ask her a question when I felt a zap of something on my cheek.

I’ve never felt anything like that before! It was like my whole life was re-awakened. My heart rate shot through the roof as my eyes flew open. I was face to face with black orbs that were filled with lust and love. Their gaze was so intense, but the scariest part was my reaction. I was feeling the exact same way.

“MINE!” a feral growl shook the earth. I couldn’t have been more turned on than I was in that moment.

“Alpha, I need you to step out,” a man spoke.

I couldn’t register anything as my eyes stayed glued to the eyes that were gradually turning hazel. I tried to sit up but my side hurt, making me flinch. A pair of strong arms was around me faster than I could blink. The currents and tingles flowing through me were somewhat comforting and soothing.

“I’m not going anywhere, Pete,” a hypnotizing voice spoke with so much authority.

Something has to be seriously wrong with me if I’m actually finding a voice attractive.

“EVERYONE LEAVE!” the voice suddenly boomed.

Now THAT was an Alpha command and I was sure of it.

I was also sure that it didn’t affect me at all.

Silence took over the room as it was just me and the person I was yet to see. Obviously, at this point, I’d figured that he was an Alpha, but I didn’t know which Alpha, since my gut was praying that it wasn’t Mateo Santiago. The things I’ve heard about the man are chilling, and I know he would kill me in the blink of an eye.

“Who are you?” he asked coldly, breaking the silence. I picked up the slight accent in his voice - Spanish if I’m not mistaken.

“I can’t see you,” I replied, since he was balancing me. He grabbed two pillows and helped me sit upright before sitting on the chair next to this bed.

I took a sharp breath in when my eyes landed on him. He is absolutely gorgeous! His hazel-brown eyes are outlined by long lashes. His perfectly shaped brows were furrowed as he looked at me. His brown hair was tousled in the sexiest fashion, and I had to bite my lip to keep from reaching out to touch it. His strong jaw was set with a five o’clock shadow that had my fingers twitching to caress it. His lips, my Goddess, his lips! They’re plump and pink, making me feel the strong urge to kiss them.

Control yourself, June!

“Who are you?” he asked me again, this time in a softer tone.

“Caroline,” I offered.

I wasn’t about to tell him the truth since Starlet said not to.

He narrowed his eyes. “What are you doing here?”

I shrugged.

“Good work,” Starlet praised.

“Do you have any idea who I am, Caroline? You might want to rethink your answer,” he growled in annoyance.

“If only I knew who you were,” I smirked.

A flash of surprise flashed in his eyes before he put on his intimidating stance - or at least I think it’s meant to be intimidating. I wouldn’t know since my hormones have decided that it’s drool-worthy instead.

“My name is Mateo Santiago and I’m one hundred percent sure that you know about me,” he smirked. His smirk was cold and calculating, like he was considering killing me.

“Oh, I know who you are, but that doesn’t make a difference to me,” I said nonchalantly. I could suddenly feel what Starlet was talking about.

It didn’t feel like he would harm me.

“It doesn’t?” This time he didn’t mask his surprise.

“Nope!” I popped my ‘p’. He frowned.

“Where do you come from?” he asked curiously.

“The place I come from,” I said with a small smile, fighting the laugh that was bubbling in me. His face grew annoyed.

“Caroline, you’re testing my patience,” he growled. Out of nowhere, my inner goddess decided to come out and play.

“Oh yeah? What are you going to do about that?” I taunted. His eyes darkened a shade, and not out of anger or frustration.

“Don’t test me, baby doll,” he growled.

I inwardly swooned at the term.

“Do you ever smile or put any positive emotions into what you say and do?” I blurted.

“Positive emotions?” he asked, clearly amused.

“Yeah, like happiness or excitement, or even genuine humor. You’re so cold,” I explained.

“Well, I don’t know how to be anything else. I’ve been like this my whole life,” he said, his lips set in a straight line as his forefinger stroked his bottom lip. I was momentarily distracted.

“That’s just sad,” I commented once I snapped out of the mini trance.

He shrugged. “It’s my way of life and I’ve lived with it this entire time.”

“Don’t you ever wish for something more?” I asked curiously. He looked taken aback by my question.

“I’m the most feared Alpha in the whole world. I’m powerful and strong. My pack thrives from its riches; riches I gladly provide. Why would I need more?” he questioned.

“That isn’t living. That’s just dominance that comes with naturally being an Alpha. You’re not living Mateo,” I sighed. I didn’t expect the low grumble that came from him.

Is it something I said?

“Say my name again,” he growled.

Oh, my libido.

“Mateo,” I seductively purred. His eyes were pitch black from hearing that and my inner goddess couldn’t have rejoiced enough.

“You make my name sound so sexy, so alluring,” he said huskily, making me clench in a place I didn’t know could clench.

“Well, it is sexy. Are you Spanish?” I asked.

“My father was Spanish and my mother was Brazilian,” he replied. There was a ghost of a smile on his face, although I’m pretty sure he doesn’t know how to actually smile.

“I’m sorry,” I said, when I noticed something.

“What for?” he asked in confusion.

I gave a comforting smile. “The loss of your parents.”

“How did you know?” he asked in shock.

“You spoke about them in the past tense,” I replied. He nodded and we were overcome by silence again.

“They were murdered when I was fifteen. The pack believes that it was rogues and I’ve never corrected them,” he said lowly.

I was lost. “I don’t understand.”

“They weren’t murdered by rogues. Hell, to this day I don’t know who murdered them. I’ve searched basically everywhere for answers but I’ve only ever come up short. We didn’t even get to bury their bodies. I’m the only person who knows that. Their bodies were never found,” he sighed.

I was surprised that he was telling me this. Something tells me that he was even surprising himself and that no-one else knew what he was telling me, but why would he tell me of all people? He’s the most dangerous Alpha in the world and yet here he is spilling his secrets to a rogue who stumbled onto his land.

“Who did you bury then?” I asked.

“Two rogues I killed,” he responded.

“If you never found their bodies, then how do you know that they’re dead?” I questioned. Surely that doesn’t prove anything.

“The fact that I became Alpha that day was my first sign. Everyone felt their deaths,” he explained.

Oh, that makes sense.

“So, how do you know that they weren’t killed by rogues?” I asked.

“It’s a long story and I’ll explain it to you when you get out of here,” he sighed.

I raised an eyebrow, curious about this whole situation. “Why are you telling me this in any case? Isn’t this the part where you kill me?”

“Baby doll, it would seem I am physically incapable of harming you, or even ordering harm upon you. Zeus won’t have it and he’s the one making me open my life up to you,” he replied. I know that Zeus is his wolf.

Anyone who’s heard of him knows about his wolf.

“So what? Now I’m a part of your pack?” I couldn’t help but giggle. He looked fleetingly taken by my giggle.

“You have an adorable laugh,” he said, the ghost of a smile evident on his face again.

I smiled at his attempt. “It’s really not that hard to smile you know?”

“I’ll try it another day!” he said, his eyes dancing with amusement and mischief. For that moment, he looked younger.

“I’ll hold you to that,” I nodded.

“To answer your question, yes, you will be joining my pack. Not only that though; you’ll be staying in my room,” he informed me.

Oh?

I crossed my arms, raising an amused eyebrow. “And why is that?”

I won’t even lie and say I didn’t like the idea though.

“Because that’s where I want you, baby doll,” he said before he winked. That wink alone set the heart monitor into motion.

The stupid jerk smirked knowingly.

“Why am I even hooked onto this stupid thing?” I grumbled.

“You tell me. I was told that your healing was incredibly slow, which is strange for a werewolf,” he noted.

“I’m an Omega,” I lied.

Well, I didn’t necessarily lie since I grew up as one.

He narrowed his eyes at me. “You’re lying.”

“I’m also not obligated to tell you anything,” I responded as I shrugged.

“You will tell me what I want to know,” the Alpha commanded.

It tickled my brain.

“No, I won’t,” I giggled. His eyes widened.

“How are you not submitting to me?” he asked, confusion clear as day in his tone.

I shrugged. “Like I know.”

“You’re definitely something, Caroline, whose last name I don’t know,” he fished.

“Why thank you, Mateo, who isn’t going to find out anything about me until I see fit to tell him,” I smiled.

“Is that so?” he smirked.

“Uh-huh! Clearly you can’t hurt me or command me into anything, so I’m basically free,” I said with a sultry wink. The rumble came from his chest once more.

“You’re going to be the death of me, woman,” he mumbled before the door opened to reveal a guy with dark brown hair and seemingly gray eyes.

“You called?” he said to Mateo.

“Ryan, meet our new pack member Caroline. Caroline, meet your Beta Orion Vega,” Mateo introduced.

“It’s nice to meet you Caroline. Wait, did you just say new pack member? We haven’t had a new pack member in years!” Orion said in disbelief.

I frowned. “What about when a pack member of yours finds their mate?”

“Well that’s a different situation. No offense, but you’re a rogue and not really anyone’s mate,” Orion replied.

“Who knows? Maybe my mate is in this pack,” I smiled. That seemed to make him smile.

“Maybe you’re right,” he chuckled.

“Good lord, at least this pack isn’t filled with people who can’t laugh and smile!” I rejoiced mockingly. Mateo growled, even though his eyes were shining with amusement.

“You’re playing with fire, Caroline,” Orion warned.

“Playing with fire is lots of fun! You should try it,” I suggested knowingly. Orion looked very baffled by my response, while Mateo just shook his head.

“She’ll be staying with me in my room and we’ll induct her into the pack once she’s fully recovered,” Mateo told Orion. He raised his eyebrow at his Alpha, who just shrugged in return.

“What’s wrong with me anyway?” I asked. Orion looked to the floor guiltily.

“Ryan?” Mateo prompted.

“Uhm, it turns out that Trey’s wolf roughed you up this morning because that’s generally his job, but no one knew you wouldn’t heal,” Orion explained.

Mateo was shaking with rage in the chair he was sitting in, which confused both Orion and I. Before we knew what was going on, he was out of the room and we heard a crash outside. Orion was also outside in a flash while I had to muster up the energy to move.

It looked like my leg was badly injured, even though it was slowly healing. I got outside the room to find a guy with brown hair and brown eyes in Mateo’s death grip against the wall. I didn’t need to be a genius to know that the guy is Trey. I remember him from their confrontation with me earlier.

“Make him put him down before he does something stupid like kill him,” Starlet sighed.

“Put him down,” I told Mateo.

“No one orders me around,” he growled. Starlet pushed through.

“Zeus, put the boy down!” she demanded. He immediately put him down, shocking the other three guys present.

“If I may ask, Alpha, why did you just attack Trey?” one of the guys asked. He’s got black hair and hazel eyes.

“You may not ask,” Mateo said through clenched teeth, his breathing ragged as though he was barely containing his anger.

“Come here,” I sighed, looking straight into his eyes. Defiance was showing strongly in his eyes as he unknowingly moved towards me.

“Pretty please carry me back to the bed? My leg hurts,” I smiled.

That was a bad choice of words since he growled once more.

“Oh hush and just carry me,” I scolded.

Scepticism was on the guys’ faces as he carried me back to the bed. The tingles were there again and I sighed contently. That got his tense muscles to relax as he lay me back on the bed. He didn’t seem to want to let go, but did when he realized that we weren’t alone in the room.

“Come here,” I instructed the guys. Unlike Mateo, they didn’t show any defiance as they approached.

“What are your names and positions?” I asked.

“That’s Trey, our Enforcer, Sam, our Delta and Max our Gamma,” Orion introduced them.

“Oh, my name is Caroline. It’s nice to meet you guys. You’re great at your job, although I would suggest you polish your skills of treating women. They’re a bit harsh, rogue or not,” I suggested with a smile. They looked confused while Mateo looked amused.

“Thank you?” Sam asked in a confused tone. He also has brown hair and brown eyes.

What is it with these guys?

I beamed, which only increased their confusion. “You’re most welcome.”

“Alpha, what’s going on?” Max asked Mateo.

“Caroline here is our newest pack member,” Mateo replied before the doors opened to reveal two very frazzled females. One has a cute dark brown bob, while the other has long curly blonde hair. They both have brown eyes.

“Oh, thank Goddess you’re okay!” the blonde rushed to Trey’s side. I was amused by the whole ordeal really. Mateo looked to the brunette who was now standing beside Orion, questionably.

“Don’t look at me like that! I was relaxing, minding my own business when Lexi here felt like she was being strangled. Obviously knowing that it was her mate in danger, she grabbed me and we ran here,” the brunette explained.

“Sorry about that,” Trey told Lexi. I could tell he wasn’t about to get into how that came to be.

“That’s fine! It’s a good thing that you’re here in any case. Caroline, meet my little sister and Orion’s mate Valentine Santiago, and Alexa Aero, Trey’s mate. Girls, meet our newest pack member Caroline. She’ll be staying with me and I expect you to help her fit in,” Mateo introduced. The girls’ eyes protruded.

“ARE YOU SERIOUS? WE GET ANOTHER GIRL?” they squealed excitedly.

I won’t lie and say fear didn’t overtake me then.

“Yes I am, but you need to tone down your girly behavior and antics. You’re scaring her,” Mateo came to my rescue. I flashed him a grateful smile.

“We promise,” the girls said excitedly.

Because that totally sells it.

“How long am I supposed to stay here?” I asked.

“Until you can properly stand on that leg without flinching or feeling pain,” Mateo said, his voice strict.

There I go being turned on again.

I pouted. “Oh, okay.”

“Aaaaw,” everyone but Mateo said.

“What?” I giggled.

“Do you have any clue just how adorable you look when you do that?” Orion chuckled.

I blushed. “Well, now I know.”

“Alpha, when are you planning on inducting her?” Alexa asked him.

He shrugged. “I don’t know. As soon as she’s fully healed, I guess.”

“What about on Saturday? At the barbeque?” Valentine asked excitedly.

“That’s three days away. Think your leg will be fine by then?” Mateo asked me.

“It’ll be fine by tomorrow,” I sighed.

“Then your induction shall happen on Saturday,” he said with finality.

“Okay! I’m hungry and I’m tired,” I complained.

“We’ll get you something to eat and then you can rest,” Valentine smiled.

Everyone left, leaving me with Mateo. He looked to be deep in thought and I took the moment to really watch him. His brows were creased and he was biting his lip while unconsciously stroking his chin.

He was leaning on his elbows, staring off at the wall. I didn’t even notice that the chair he was sitting on was now closer to me. His hair was within arm’s reach, which is what most probably dared me to touch him.

“What are you thinking about?” I asked him, threading my fingers through his unbelievably soft and silky hair. He closed his eyes, ostensibly enjoying what I was doing.

“You,” he sighed, his eyes still closed.

“What about me?” I pressed. He didn’t say anything for the longest time.

“I’ve never been this close to a woman before, except for my little sister, but she doesn’t count. I’ve never thought of a woman as more than that, a woman. I’ve met some insanely beautiful women in my life, but none of them compare to you. I’ve never let a woman demand me to do anything. In fact, the only person who could demand me into anything was my father, and yet you come along and demand my beast to do something and he bows down to you. Zeus doesn’t bow down to anyone. I’m just confused about it,” he said, looking straight into my eyes.

My hand had frozen in his hair the moment he said no woman compares to me. I don’t know how we both managed to ignore the frantic heart monitor, but I was spellbound. I couldn’t move as he spoke. I couldn’t think of anything except the words he was saying. All that mattered was him.

“Why exactly is this confusing to you?” I dared to ask. Before he could reply, Valentine and Alexa returned with my food.

“I’m going to sort some stuff out, but I’ll be back to check on you,” Mateo said lowly. I nodded before he walked out the door. There was a long moment of silence before anyone spoke.

“Is my brother your mate?” Valentine broke the silence.

“No! I don’t have a mate,” I replied.

“Oh! Did he die?” Alexa asked as they handed me the food.

“No, as in it’s impossible for me to have a mate,” I explained.

Alexa raised an accusing eyebrow. “Oh? How come?”

What exactly she was accusing me of, I’m not sure.

“I just don’t,” I replied before taking a bite of the tuna sandwich.

“Huh! So when exactly are you planning on revealing your real identity?” Valentine smirked, making me choke.

“Excuse me?” I asked.

“Cut the crap ‘Caroline’! We know that’s not your real name,” Alexa giggled.

I narrowed my eyes at them. “How?”

“My brother always introduces people with their last names included, and yet he doesn’t know yours, which means you don’t want him to know, and we get why you would be reserved about telling him,” Valentine explained.

“Very perceptive,” I commented.

“I trust them, but we can’t tell them here,” Starlet said, confirming that the situation was okay.

“We’re good! So?” Alexa prompted.

“I’ll tell you, but not here. These walls have ears,” I giggled.

“How about we organize a wheelchair for you and then we can wheel you to a discreet place?” Valentine said thoughtfully.

I nodded. “That will do.”

Alexa winked. “Be right back.”

From that wink alone, I knew she was up to no good.

“There’s something about you that is unsettling my brother, but not in a bad way - that much I can tell,” Valentine noted.

“Is this the protective sister telling me to stay away?” I teased.

“Oh no! For the first time ever, my brother has attached himself to a woman. I want to see how this will play out,” she said deviously.

“Freaky little sister,” I giggled as Alexa ran in with the wheelchair.

“You stole it, didn’t you?” I asked knowingly.

“You’ve only known me for twenty minutes! How did you know?” she asked in incredulity.

I laughed. “I had my suspicions.”

“Well, let’s get you out of here. We’re going to have to be just as sneaky getting you out and hope to the Moon Goddess that Mateo doesn’t come back while we’re out. He will kill people,” Valentine joked. I, on the other hand, was frozen from her words.

“Calm down! He doesn’t just randomly go around killing people. Rumors are very nasty things,” Alexa smiled, effectively calming my thoughts.

“Well then, let’s get out of here,” I said.

They helped me into the wheelchair before wheeling me to the door. Valentine was the one pushing me, while Alexa was our scout. After the given signal, Valentine wheeled me out of the room as we rushed down the corridor. I didn’t even know where we were going, but I was in a fit of giggles.

We made it outside and it was getting pretty dark. I didn’t know where they planned on stopping, since they just kept going down the street. We must’ve looked pretty mental since I was dressed in a hospital gown and being wheeled down the street by two giggling girls.

I can just imagine.

We pulled up to a kind of cottage. It was too adorable for words. Alexa took out a set of keys and opened the door before they wheeled me in. They switched on the lights and I was met by a homey looking place. It reminded me a lot of my grandmother. My heart ached at the thought of my grandmother but was quickly stopped by the rumble in my stomach.

Valentine smacked her forehead. “Oh shoot! We left your food at the infirmary!”

“Calm down Val! We’ll just make her something here,” Alexa said as she walked off to the kitchen.

“Where are we?” I asked.

“This is Alexa’s parents’ house. They’re out of town for the next two weeks,” Valentine informed me.

“Oh! I take it you guys stay at the pack house then?” I asked.

“That would be correct, but specifically the main pack house. Since our pack is so big, we have three. One is for the adults and children, one is for the teens, and the main one is for all the important people in the pack. Of the three, the teen’s pack house is the biggest, while the main pack house is the smallest,” she explained.

“That sounds completely and totally awesome,” I admitted.

“Our pack is really different from others, which I guess is why it’s the most powerful,” Alexa added.

I nodded. “That makes sense.”

“You know, my brother doesn’t just let people join our pack so easily, even when you’re someone’s mate in the pack,” Valentine pointed out.

I grimaced. “What do they normally have to do?”

“He puts them through an obstacle course in both human and wolf form to test their physical strength, then through a lie detector test to prove their loyalty,” Alexa replied.

“What sort of questions does he ask?” I asked.

“Different questions; they’re all pertaining to your loyalty to him and the pack, your loyalty to your mate, how you intend to treat your mate and fellow pack members, and so on,” Valentine answered.

I laughed nervously. “Wow, he takes this stuff seriously.”

“Don’t worry. I don’t think he’s going to do that to you,” Valentine smiled.

“I hope not,” I said tensely.

“Why do you look so afraid?” Alexa asked, picking up on my mood.

“I haven’t shifted yet,” I mumbled.

Valentine gasped. “Impossible!”

“That’s not all; I’m an Alpha’s daughter,” I added.

“Even more impossible!” Alexa joined.

“It’s the story of my life. I was born without the werewolf abilities and senses, so I was naturally shunned. My thirteenth birthday was the day I was expected to shift. It was also my last chance to prove that I’m not completely useless. I woke up to an empty pack house and thought that maybe the pack was planning a surprise for me, until I heard a gunshot outside. Running outside, I was horrified to find the pack surrounding my now dead grandfather. My father was the one who shot him. Apparently, my grandfather was trying to buy me time and my father felt disrespected, so he killed him. I was then demanded to fight and I shocked them all by telling them that I wasn’t ready to fight. My mother slapped me and told me that I would fight. My father made me fight against a boy named Jacob. Now Jacob’s pack has been wiped out, with him being the sole survivor, so they took him in as their own. He was the Alpha-to-be of his pack, so he had the Alpha blood. If it were up to my parents, he would’ve been Alpha-to-be, and that’s exactly what happened that day. Instead of shifting, I failed my pack by losing to Jacob, but I gained my wolf and the abilities and senses that I wasn’t originally born with,” I explained.

“Wait, you haven’t shifted, but your wolf is there?” Alexa asked in confusion.

“Yeah! She and I don’t know if we’ll eventually shift, but we’ll have to wait and see,” I sighed.

“So, what happened after that day?” Valentine asked.

I continued telling them my story. I told them about my secret life with my grandmother, as well as meeting Royce and Faith. I told them about Royce and how he came to be the Alpha to be, and how I spent my birthday. It got harder to speak as I neared the end of my story.

I’d cried through the whole way of telling them.

I looked up to see why they were so quiet. I didn’t expect to find them crying their eyes away as they looked at me with emotions I could only pinpoint as sadness, pity and sympathy. I’m not a proud person, so I didn’t mind, especially when they engulfed me in a tight hug.

They were the first people who knew my full story down to this very moment.

I let myself fall apart in their arms.

I let myself grieve my grandparents. I let myself grieve the life I was never afforded. I let myself cry because my parents don’t want me, that they never loved me. I let myself cry because I haven’t shifted. I let myself cry because I’ve lost everyone who loved me and cared for me. I know Royce, Faith and Eddy still care about me, but being here means I’ve lost them too.

“What’s your real name?” Valentine croaked.

“Juniper Lee-Ann Evigan,” I sniffed.

“As in the Juniper Evigan?” Alexa asked, wide-eyed. I wasn’t sure why she had that reaction but I nodded anyway.

“I’ve heard of your story before, the not shifting part, but people believe you’re dead. I guess that’s why your parents gave you the ultimatums they did,” she explained.

Well that makes sense.

“Juniper, I don’t care what happened to you, and I’m pretty sure Lexi’s with me on this. We already love you and we will never abandon you. We will never let anyone harm you for as long as we’re alive. We’re going to help you figure out why you haven’t shifted yet,” Valentine said with conviction.

“Val’s right! We’re going to help you become a new person and we’ll be here for your every need!” Alexa added.

“Really? You don’t think I’m undeserving?” the vulnerable part of me asked.

“Nonsense! There’s nothing wrong with you! We’re going to give you a whole new life away from the hell you’ve lived okay?” Valentine smiled. I could only nod before they hugged me.

“If I ever meet your parents, I’m going to kick their asses! They’re Alpha Dayton Evigan and Luna Gail Evigan right?” Alexa asked. Again I nodded, but this time with a giggle.

She’s so violent.

Valentine frowned. “Aren’t they the Alphas of the Litmus Pack?”

“Gee Val, keep up, will you?” Alexa teased her.

“Hey!” Valentine said before she hit her with a cushion, making me laugh.

Alexa turned to me. “So Faith, Royce and Eddy don’t know where you are or what happened?”

“No! Royce wanted to follow me out of the club, but I begged him to stay. He’d said he would come looking if I wasn’t back in fifteen minutes so he must losing his mind,” I smiled.

“Do you want to contact him to tell him you’re okay?” Valentine asked.

“Not yet! I’m still trying to piece myself together and honestly, after my grandmother’s death, being chased off of the Litmus territory is giving me a chance to do just that. I don’t know if I’ll be able to get over this quickly, but I’ll call them as soon as I’m ready,” I replied.

Alexa squeezed my hand. “It’s okay, June! Take all the time you need.”

“Don’t get too used to calling me June now. I’m Caroline, remember?” I giggled.

“What’s the story with lying to my brother in any case?” Valentine frowned.

“Starlet thinks there’s something funny about me being here, so she said to not reveal anything about my true self yet, especially to Mateo,” I explained.

“I wonder why! She must trust us though, if she let you tell us,” Alexa commented.

“She does,” I smiled.

“Well, is that everything to learn about June?” Valentine asked.

“Not exactly,” I laughed nervously.

Alexa scowled. “What else?”

“Look around you,” I whispered.

They looked around and their eyes were suddenly the size of UFOs.

I’d created a mini tornado; a swirling and floating blob of water, as well as lifting the tiny rocks on the floor. When they looked back at me, fire was coming out of my palms. I stopped everything and they were speechless for the longest time, which I can tell isn’t a norm for them.

They seem like the kind of girls to talk your ear off.

“How did you...” Valentine trailed off.

“I was eight and I was in the shower, when all of a sudden the whole bathroom steamed up because my body was literally on fire, and together with the water, well, you get the gist of things. I ran to my grandmother to tell her and she took me to a clearing where she and my grandfather helped me channel this ability. They taught me how to clear my mind and how to control the elements properly. To this day, I still don’t know how they knew what to say and do to help me. Soon I mastered the elements, so now I can control them at my own will,” I explained. They looked like they were deep in thought before grins took over their faces.

“JUNIPER EVIGAN! YOU ARE THE COOLEST PERSON ALIVE!” they squealed.

“You guys are so weird,” I giggled.

“Uh, we prefer the term speciaaaaal!” Valentine drawled mockingly and nasally, mimicking those airhead blondes. Alexa and I burst out laughing.

“Please never do that again!” I said breathlessly.

She shrugged. “Hey, it got you to laugh.”

“True! Thank you,” I smiled.

Alexa narrowed her eyes. “So, now is that everything we need to know about you?”

“Well, I don’t know about this, but I’m going to guess. I lived contained for five years, right? Before my thirteenth birthday, I was generally a happy kid, and also during my containment days. Every year on my birthday it storms. It was actually storming when I was kicked out of the pack. Anyway, that’s not the only time when the weather had uhm, how do I put it, matched my emotions,” I offered.

“What are you saying, June?” Valentine asked warily.

“Like I said, I was generally a happy kid, so the weather was always good, but whenever I was feeling down, it would rain. This one time, I was pissed off and it downright hailed,” I elaborated.

“Are you saying that you control the weather?” Alexa asked wide-eyed.

“Sorta,” I replied.

“Hmm, I wonder how we can figure that out. It’s night time now, so we’ll see from tomorrow. You’re moving in with my brother tomorrow right?” Valentine asked. I nodded.

“Ooh, you’re going to need clothes and stuff! Do you think you can get Mateo to let you go shopping with us?” she squealed.

“I’ll try,” I laughed at her enthusiasm.

“Well, finish up your sammich so that we can take you back and not be killed. An angry Mateo is not a fun one,” Alexa said as she shivered. I smiled at her use of the word sammich.

“Is there even a fun Mateo to begin with?” I giggled. From the Mateo I had seen, I knew the answer would be no.

He can’t even crack a smile.

“Touché,” they laughed.

I ate my sandwich while they told me the basics of pack life here and their lives. I was surprised to learn that what the world thinks they know about this pack and what is reality are two completely different things. While the world thinks of them as a pack of monsters and highly trained robots, they see themselves as strong wolves with their Alpha to thank for that.

I learnt that while most people would think that the members of this pack are ruled by a tyrant, the pack members think otherwise. They actually adore their Alpha, even though they don’t understand his personality. Alexa even added that they wish he could find love so that his heart could soften. I was honestly amazed, but only because I used to be one of the people who thought that they were all suffering under Mateo’s rule.

When I was finished with my sandwich, it was past nine and it was officially dark out. We giggled once more as we made our way back to the infirmary. What we did not expect to find, was the pack doctor hanging on the wall as his Alpha pinned him by the throat. His eyes were black and he was growling furiously. I sighed.

Really, what is it with Mateo and pinning people to walls?

“MATEO! PUT THE MAN DOWN!”