Chapter 37

Traumatized by the touching I just received I follow behind Gabriel even closer than before. My hand gripping his shirt in fear, with every step we take onto the property. Using my free hand I brush my hair in front of my face, hiding myself, and making it more frizzy and tangled.

If I'm unappealing they won't touch me. Right?

Still glancing down I block out all of my surroundings, trying not to cause a scene within the community.

1 stone, 2 stone, 3 stone.....

I count the cobblestones as a tightness in my chest starts to constrict my airway. Rubbing my eyes I feel the all-knowing sensation I am too familiar with.

You will not cry, you will not cry...

Gabriel: "Winnie we are at the front door of my home. You can look up and let go of me."

Sniffing a bit I follow his command brushing my hair back with my fingers I stare up at the medium sized house in astonishment. Looking at the golden door in front of me it swings open with a bang before a fiery redheaded woman stares at me with a bright smile on her face. Tall in statue her simple green dress accentuates her protruding stomach and ample bosom as she runs to me. She squeals before pushing Gabriel gently aside to wrap her arms around me. With confusion on my face she continues to press my face up against her body, squeezing me tight while speaking fast and loud.

Gabriel: "Holly dear let her breath. Let's take this reunion into the house. Everywhere there are eyes watching us now."

Holly: "Sorry papa I just was so excited to see her. It has been years since we've seen each other."

Gabriel: "Don't squeeze her to death. Now get in the house and tell your mother I will be late to dinner."

Holly: "Why?"

Gabriel: "Don't sass me just do it and get Winnie cleaned up. I'm sure you have something that might fit her."

Nodding her head she turns her frown back into a smile as she grabs a hold of my arm pulling me into the house. Still stunned from her friendliness towards me I stand in the center of the room not sure where to go or what to do. The front door shuts behind me as I turn around, timid to the woman in front of me still smiling large and bright. She rubs her belly absentmindedly while looking down at me, giving me a once over.

Holly: "You don't remember me, do you?"

Shaking my head no, she sighs in sadness before grinning twice as big.

Holly: "That's okay. We use to hang out all the time when we were little babies."

"Why did we ever stop playing together?"

Holly: "I transformed. Our alpha didn't want to take the risk of you getting hurt. Which is understandable, wolf pups transform randomly throughout their childhood with no control on shifting between their human form and wolf form."

I nod shyly, feeling self conscious to the confident female in front of me.

"Umm do you know where my mother is?"

Holly: "She is downstairs in the basement. It is nicely sized with a bed and everything, but no personal bathroom attached. You can use my bathroom, since you are kind of dirty and red in the face. Oh and your hair has some twigs in it."

"You're right. Do you really have something that will fit me?"

Holly: " Yes of course and even if I don't I am a great seamstress. It's kind of a gift of mine. Come, follow me."

Walking to the staircase I observe the surprisingly simplistic layout as we pass by the living room.

Everything is so dark and gloomy

The black velvet couch decorated with silk pillows faces the warmth of the roaring fire of the stone fireplace. The rug placed on the floor reminds me of Xael's favorite bear skinned rug as the chandelier sparks my interest due to the fact it is big and gaudy. Catching my gaze Holly looks up at the ceiling, stopping at the top of the staircase to address me.

Holly: "Not as inviting as our kingdom, but it is safe here. I was living in a small cottage with my mate Dmitrii before papa sent for us. I guess he feared for our safety, especially since I'm pregnant now. Come along, you must be dying for a nice warm bath."

Nodding at her we continue walking till we reach a bright red door, opening it up I can tell it's her bedroom she shares with her mate due to the fact their clothes are scattered all around and a musky scent hits you the more you enter into the room. With a tilt of her head she gestures to the door near a large bay window.

Holly: "Feel free to use any and all products in there. Take as long as you want. I will leave you some clothes and a hairbrush. You will have full privacy since my Dmitrii is hunting for tonight's dinner right about now."

"Thanks, I really appreciate your kindness"

Moving beside her I open the door, shutting and locking it quickly. I do not know how long I was in that bathroom, but all my worries disappeared for that brief period of time. Wrapped in a towel I immediately inspect the clothes left out for me. The dress is made of a comfortable cotton. The color is royal blue, a color I've never really worn before as I start to lace up the front bodice. Soft knocking alerts me to a presence outside of the room.

"Come in."

I say softly. Turning my attention to the door I notice Holly's curly red hair first before she comes in entirely. Once she realizes I am fully dressed she helps me brush my hair.

Holly: "I would kill to have your hair length. You are like a tiny doll."

"Thanks..."

Holly: " Or Rapunzel! I hope I have a little girl. It was so much fun choosing clothes for you. I know the undergarments are a bit loose, but you still look amazing. I could put your hair up in ringlets like mine if you want."

"No thanks, I would rather do a French braid with my hair. Do you by chance have a ribbon?"

Holly: " I think so. Let me...."

"Holly, sweetheart I'm home!"

"Who is that?"

She squeals a bit bouncing lightly as she rushes to the door before pausing.

Holly: "My mate, he is here. Oh you must meet him."

"I need to see my mother."

Holly: "She will understand, come on."

Walking back over to me she pulls my arm roughly, almost tripping me as we walk back to the staircase. At the top of the steps I can see two men standing and conversing. They both stop their chat as soon as they hear us moving down the stairs. Two handsome men, almost identical in looks. The only difference is the brunette is more chiseled in his facial structure, and the blonde softer, as we lock eyes. His light blue eyes never leave me as Holly reaches the bottom of the steps, jumping into the brunette's arms. She giggles and kisses him as he spins her around in the middle of the room. Finally at the bottom I wait uncomfortably for the lovers greeting to end as Dmitrii carefully sets Holly down, finally noticing my presence.

Dmitrii: "My love, who is this?"

Holly: "Uhhh... My cousin, Winnie. Remember sweetie I told you about her arriving from Zeonia."

Dmitrii: "Oh yes, I remember now. It is a pleasure to meet you. So sorry about your kingdom. You can stay here as long as you want. Our home is your home."

"You are a beautiful creature. Where's your mate?"

The blonde addresses me with a smirk his gaze intensifies as he grabs my hand, kissing it gently. I pull it back in disgust as he smiles, showing his pointy teeth as he roughs up his hair before smoothing it back.

Dmitrii: "Introduce yourself Lochlainn before flirting with the poor girl. She could have a mate. If she does you are being horribly disrespectful."

Lochlainn: "I'm Lochlainn. Omega to Madora kingdom. It is a pleasure to meet you. Who brought you here?"

Holly: "My father Lochlainn. What's with the questions? She has gone through an ordeal. Her people have died, leave her alone."

Lochlainn: " I just want to get to know your cousin Holly. I find it curious that I smell an all too familiar scent."

Oh no...

Author's Note

I've had a really crappy day. It is only the second day of the New Year and I spent the majority of the day crying. The only thing I looked forward to is getting this chapter out, so I hope you like it.