Chapter 445

Chapter 0445

ADRIANA.

The scent in this house is addictive, alluring even. It brings with it a calm and a warmth I’ve never felt

before. I’ve never slept comfortably as far back as I remember. Even when it was me and Ada together

and I would curl up with her to keep us warm I was never relaxed. I couldn’t be, always on the edge- on

alert, just in case something happens. 1

Here, in this foreign pack, I’ve slept more than ever, and I know for a fact it’s not just the comfortable

bed. I’m happy to be up and about, but this place brings me peace. 1

Zaia is nice enough. She’s sweet and polite, and she and Valerie have a great bond. I don’t really fit in

when I don’t really have any experience with their way of life. They can relate to more than just being

werewolves unlike me who has nothing else in common with them.

They’ve gotten me clothes which I really appreciate, and Valerie’s invited me to dinner, so that’s

something I’m looking forward to. Being cooped up in this room is getting a little boring.

I put on the grey dress since the burns on my arms aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Although I’d love to

dine with them on display in front of the man who was behind that explosion.

I smirk sadistically at my thoughts as I slip on the fitted dress and apply a little make–up they had also

brought for me. I look at my dark smoky eyes, liking how it makes me look more alive.

I leave the bedroom, stopping in to see Ada.

“Hey sis,” I whisper, brushing her hair back.

Come back to me…

She’s the only family I have, and I promised I’d always keep her safe but I failed.

Although no one has said it, I know that she’s not doing great. A quick skim through Ada’s file is

enough proof of that. I close the file and stare at her. Why her?

Sighing heavily, I kiss her forehead before I leave her room, mind–linking my Luna Valerie

that I’m on my way.

‘I’ll be right down.‘

1

It’s great that we have a pack now.

+15 BONUS

‘Excellent, turn left at the bottom of the stairs, 3rd door down the hall on the right.

Closing the door after me gently, I head downstairs. That intoxicating scent hits me even stronger, and

my heart races. What is this?

I can feel my wolf’s presence in my mind, that only excites me, wanting me to explore

further.

The urge to follow it almost takes over, but I remember we are guests here.

Following Valerie’s instructions I head towards the dining room, when suddenly I hear the slightly raised

voices coming from one of the rooms down the hall.

I hesitate, not wanting to walk in on something I shouldn’t.

really weird, Atticus. Adriana is a friend. She can be trusted, and she’s not so weak that she needs to

stay in bed.”

My stomach sinks at Valerie’s words. This is about me… suddenly I wish I didn’t agree to join them for

dinner.

Ok, maybe I was stupid to think I could just sit with them and eat. Obviously, they think they’re above

me, or more like Atticus, the Alpha of this pack, does.

“You are misunderstanding me. It’s nothing like that. I just-” Comes a deep sexy voice which I’m certain

belongs to the alpha who clearly doesn’t want me here.

“She just mind–linked. She’s on her way down. Please be kind,” Valerie says quietly.

No need to spare my feelings, Luna. You’re good to me, but not everyone will accept us… “I have an

important call to make. Start without me.” That deep voice comes again and I quickly duck inside an

open door when I hear footsteps as someone exits the dining room. I peer out at the man who has

stepped out, he has glossy brown hair which is long on top with short back and sides.

I recognise him instantly from the image on Valerie’s phone call that day, but in hot–o–meter hits the

roof.

person,

the

He’s wearing a button–down shirt that stretches over his muscled physique with his sleeves rolled up,

up, a black leather belt and black pants as he looks down at his phone.

His footsteps echo loudly in my ears and time stills when I’m suddenly hit with that scent, only this time

it’s full force.

2/4

+15 BONUS

His scent.

My wolf surges forward and a single word reaches my lips. Mate.

But I am unable to voice it. My emotions are surging forward, but at the very same time, I realise why

he’s avoiding me… The man in my room; was him.

He knows we’re mates, and he doesn’t want me to know… that’s why he didn’t want me to

attend dinner. 1

Something inside stings and I look down, wondering if it was my scars that he had perhaps seen. Why

else would he not want me- is it because I’m not one of them? Not a perfect, graceful woman from a

good background?

“Atticus!” I quickly move back, pressing my back against the wall near the door of the room I’m in, as

Valerie calls him.

“I have a call to make, Valerie.”

Atticus… Alpha Atticus Payne…

I mouth his name slowly. It’s a sharp name.

Stop it – don’t even think about it.

His silent rejection is enough proof of what he thinks of this bond. Now more than ever, feel unwelcome

here.

I

Taking a deep breath, I step out of the room and walk down the hall, pretending everything is fine.

When suddenly Valerie, who seems to be simply standing there, looks up as I approach and smiles.

“Oh hey, Adriana, are you ok?” she asks, observing me. “You look pale…”

“Yeah, I just think I got a little extra excited. I’m not really up to dinner right now. Mind if I cancel?” I ask,

not wanting to hurt her feelings.

She observes me intently, no doubt wondering if I heard the conversation.

“Adriana… are you sure you are ok?” she asks.

I nod, “Yeah…” Not waiting for an answer, I turn and head back upstairs. Once inside my room I shut

the door, my heart racing, and I drop to the ground, closing my eyes. 5

I have a mate.

3