Chapter 7
Elijah guides me into the main room before stepping away to make some calls. He appears tense, but I hesitate to question him about it. Our acquaintance is still new, and I assume he’ll confide in me if he
chooses.
I settle onto the couch and scroll through my phone as I wait. Dusk is falling. My stomach rumbles, a reminder that I’ve barely eaten. I figure I can grab something quick when I return home.
“Hey,” a voice murmurs unexpectedly by my ear, making me start.
Turning, I spot a blond boy behind the couch, leaning so his face is almost beside mine. He’s slender, and his grin is wide.
“Hi?” I answer, uneasy about his closeness.
“You’re the one, aren’t you?” He tilts his head, studying me.
“I’m just myself. I’m not sure what you’re getting at.” I set my phone down so I can focus entirely on this stranger.
“How funny. I’m me too.” He straightens, extending a hand. “I’m Lucas, Elijah’s right-hand man.”
I carefully extend my hand and grasp the man’s. His grip is firm, yet not aggressive.
“My name is Charlotte. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Lucas retracts his hand and remarks, “So you really are that person.” I tilt my head, and he goes on, “There’s a lot of buzz about the girl Alpha is so concerned about.”
“All of them?” I swallow hard. I shouldn’t be shocked. “What kinds of things are people saying?”
He taps his chin and gazes upwards. “They’re amazed you managed to make it through a wolfsbane incident. You must be bonded with a powerful wolf. Plus, everyone’s intrigued by the girl who has Alpha so worked up that he paces the house late at night.”
I furrow my brow. “He was truly that anxious about me?”
Lucas confirms with a nod. “Yes! He cares that much about pack members, but it’s unusual for him to behave like this with wolves outside the pack. Don’t misunderstand-Alpha is always kind to anyone in distress, but he’ll go to any length to protect his own.”
The thought makes me smile. “He really sounds like a compassionate Alpha.”
“He’s incredible. I honestly can’t imagine what my life would be like without him.” Lucas leans in towards him. “He must have a real fondness for you. You must be quite remarkable.”
His words make me flush with embarrassment. I’ve never considered myself special, at least in a positive sense. I have always felt like I didn’t belong. Before I get a chance to answer Lucas, my stomach rumbles-much louder this time.
“Looks like someone needs food!” Lucas practically sings the words. He seizes my hand and helps me up. “Let’s go get you something to eat.”
“That’s really not necessary,” I protest as Lucas leads me towards a different room. “I can always eat after I get home.”
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Lucas brushes off my objection. “Don’t be silly. You’re obviously hungry now, and there’s no reason to keep you waiting.”
I realize he’s not about to give in, so I decide not to put up a fight. Besides, food sounds wonderful. Lucas brings me into the kitchen and releases my hand. The sheer spaciousness of the room immediately catches my attention.
It’s nearly as big as my whole apartment. The rich mahogany cabinetry pairs beautifully with the dark granite counters. A bar separates the kitchen from the dining area, with several stools lined up und erneath.
Lucas and I are alone in the kitchen, but I can easily picture it bustling with people. Some would be gathered at the bar, others preparing meals, and kids darting in and out through the sliding glass door to the large backyard. The place would feel energetic, chaotic, and warm.
Lucas, his head buried in the refrigerator, pulls me from my reverie with a question: “Are there any foods you can’t have or don’t like?”
“I’m not picky at all. Can I give you a hand?” I offer, feeling a bit awkward just standing there while he searches for something for me to eat.
He shakes his head. “Absolutely not. You’re our guest.” Lucas continues searching through the fridge for a bit longer.
I slide up onto the counter and observe as he gathers some items from the refrigerator. Without wasting any time, he starts preparing, softly humming as he warms up the leftovers on the stove.
The aroma quickly fills the air, and my stomach rumbles once more. The smell is absolutely divine. Lucas brings the plate over and places it in front of me. It’s loaded with pasta, broccoli, and a portion
of chicken.
“Did you cook this?” I ask, barely able to contain my excitement.
He laughs lightly. “Definitely not! I’m not skilled enough to make something like this. I just reheated it. Alpha prepared this meal for the pack a few days ago.” He takes the seat beside me. “Dig in!”
Grinning, I take my first bite. The flavor surpasses its appearance. As I eat, I give a small shoulder shake. A hot meal and a welcoming companion make this place feel even more comforting. I can already imagine myself growing attached to this home.
After a few more mouthfuls, I force myself to put my fork down, reminding myself to slow my pace. If I’m not careful, I’ll finish the whole dish in record time. I pick up a napkin and dab at my mouth.
“So, is there anything else I should be aware of about your leader?” I ask. My curiosity about Elijah keeps growing. Everything about him draws me in, and he stands out from every other werewolf I’ve encountered.
“Why not ask him directly?” a deep voice suggests from behind me.
Startled, I jump and let out a small yelp, realizing someone has approached without my noticing. I must have been so absorbed in eating that I missed his entrance. Turning around, I spot Elijah beaming at me, clearly amused by his successful sneak.
“How long have you been there?” I inquire.
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“Long enough,” Elijah replies, his grin widening as he mimics my earlier shoulder move.
I reach over and swat Lucas’s arm in jest. “You couldn’t warn me he was here?”
Lucas only grins and shrugs. “Watching you get flustered is hilarious. I don’t regret it one bit.”
I shoot him a look. “You don’t have to tease.”
Leaning toward me, Elijah gently tucks a strand of hair away from my face. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I actually thought it was adorable.”
<The Mysterious Werewolf
