TAKEN BY THE ALPHA'S GUARDIANS

CHAPTER 001

A New Leaf in Oak Grove

The drive in the car was interminable Clara had been sitting in the passenger seat more than eight hours, and now she leaned her forehead against the cool glass and sighed with relief as the town sign came into view. Oak Grove. A small, secluded spot in Kent. Their new home

Her mother slowed the car, turning into a tree-lined street. The sound of the tires grew quieter, and Clara sat up, looking out of the window at the houses they were passing. Quaint porches. Well-painted fences Lights through curtains All was quiet and secure. Safe--that was a word they had not heard in a long time.

Clara sank back in her chair. At last, she said to herself, under her breath

Her mother raised her head, with a weary but hopeful smile. Success.”

They stopped in front of a two-story house that was too perfect to be theirs. White shutters. A broad porch with steps to a polished door. Even a swing chair rocking in the evening breeze. Clara stared at the sight.

Is this the right address? she asked, in a tone of incredulity.

Her mother Stella nodded The Alpha assured me He assured us of one of the best houses in town. The clan has not had a doctor in years. This is how they greet us.”

Clara laughed, but she did not take her eyes off the house. “Welcoming us? That is... different.”

I must be here, Clara, her mother said, laying a warm hand on her daughter. The Alpha himself informed me that the nurses have been having a hard time. They have been working on jobs they have not been trained to do and errors have occurred. They are in need of good medical attention.”

Clara gazed up at the glittering windows. She wished to believe her mother. Yet, somewhere in the back of her mind, a little voice was saying that it was too good to be true. Nothing in their lives had ever been so easy.

She undid her seatbelt, got out of the car and stretched her tired legs. The air was faintly pine and damp earth, a smell that filled her lungs as she pulled her suitcase out of the back seat.

The house was even more stunning on the inside. High ceilings. Polished floors. Rooms were already furnished with furniture that appeared to be costly and unused. A dining table that would accommodate ten people. A couch where one could sink into. She placed her bags down, her eyes wide as she went into one room and then another.

Mom! she called to the back of the house. Here is a library!

Stella was in the doorway, her eyes glittering. “Wall-to-wall shelves. I thought you would like that.”

Clara smiled, picturing the stacks of boxes that were still in the trailer. I have books already prepared to fill half of them.”

Her mother laughed. Then we had better begin unloading.”

They went out together to the trailer attached to the car. It was not a U-Haul this time, but an old rented removal van that rattled on the long drive. Clara pulled open the metal door, the hinges squeaking. Suitcases and cardboard boxes were piled to the ceiling, and they moved a little with the motion.

Clara saw curtains twitching in the windows of the houses near by. Neighbors were already inquisitive She could feel their eyes upon her every step, but no one appeared to greet them.

When they were done, Clara was sweating in her shirt, and her arms were sore. She at last blundered into a bedroom at the head of the stairs and halted.

Her new room was huge A queen-sized bed with crisp sheets. A walk-in wardrobe larger than her whole room in their old shack. Even an ensuite bathroom with shiny tiles. She turned slowly, scarcely believing it.

Why do we need all this space? she asked when her mother peeped in.

Stella was standing in the doorway, pushing back strands of hair. Two additional bedrooms You could find friends Have sleepovers.”

Her heart turned with unease. Perhaps we can allow me to live through one day of school here before we begin to plan slumber parties.

Her mother smiled and went away, leaving her to unpack. Clara opened her suitcase and hung clothes in the wardrobe. The light flashed overhead and the big closet was illuminated. She traced her hand over the smooth wooden hangers, half-hoping that the walls would close in and show her that it had been a trick.

There was something too smooth about this house, about this town. Too welcoming.

Clara paused, and looked up. There must be a catch.

Wow, you are already settling in, Stella said, re-emerging with her phone in hand.

I just want to get it over with, Clara answered, putting folded shirts in drawers.

Her mother smiled doubtfully I have just received a call. The Alpha is to see me to-night.”

Clara took another empty suitcase and reached into a box, taking out an old photo album. Would you like me to come?

“No. It is just paper work Birth certificates, medical records, all official stuff.”

Clara shrugged. “Alright. I will remain here When you come back, this room may be nearly habitable.”

Stella kissed the top of her daughter and left. The front door closed softly and the house settled into a heavy silence.

She flipped the pages of the ancient book, and every picture pulled at her heart. With a sigh she put the album aside. Nearly all the photos were of her and her mother. Smiling. Holding hands. Birthdays with little cakes. Vacations in locations that never felt like home.

Some of the pictures contained men, boyfriends that her mother had dated. Clara had fancied some of them, but they never did. None of them could remain, not when they were not aware of the truth about their real identities.

Clara ran her finger over a photograph of her and Stella standing outside their little old house, with its peeling paint and sagging roof, which made it look more like a shed than a house. This new place was like a palace compared to that. The photo reminded her that good things never lasted with them.

Clara saw her mother take a bite out of it, and her curiosity was burning in her chest.

It was seven o'clock, and her stomach growled. The cupboards in the kitchen were empty and she remembered that they had forgotten to buy groceries. She got a local pizza number stuck on the fridge and ordered. When Stella came back, the house was full of the smell of melted cheese.

Oh, good, you remembered dinner, Stella said, sliding into a chair.

We must have food here. I will go shopping tomorrow, as school does not begin until Monday,” Clara answered, giving her a plate.

That would be ideal. Thanks.”

Clara inquired, in a nonchalant way. Well, how was it with the Alpha?

Stella placed her slice down with care It was successful. He only needed our papers.”

How was he? Clara smiled, and raised an eyebrow.

Her mother sat back with a thoughtful face. “Different. Young. Perhaps twenty-five.”

Stella laughed and shook her head. You are but thirty-five. Not too much of an age difference.”

You never know, Clara said to her mother. “As if. That is not the case.”

She became serious when their laughter died down Cougar vibes and all that.

Stella laughed aloud, and the sound reverberated in the kitchen.

Clara looked at the crust of the pizza in her hand. Are you scared of school?”

Clara drew her hand away, but her thoughts were still in a whirl. It is only school I have not been very good with schools.”

This will not be the same, Stella insisted. The Alpha is not like the previous one. You will see.”

Clara shrugged. Perhaps because he is twenty years younger.”

Her mother smiled “Exactly. He said you will be in school with his younger brothers. They are twins. They would watch over you, he said.”

Clara groaned, and fell back in her chair. That does not sound good.”

What do you mean?

They are the brothers of the Alpha. All the girls in that school are probably obsessed with them. The others will despise me, should they begin to pay me attention.”

Stella frowned. I never considered that. I simply took his offer.”

It is okay. You cannot quite say no to the Alpha, at least not on our first night here.” Clara made a little smile. I will take care of it. Be not anxious about me.”

Her mother put her hand across the table. You are certain?

“Positive. I am able to take care of myself.”

Stella looked tenderly. I know you can You have been doing it all these years.”

Clara drew her hand away, but her thoughts were still in a whirl. She attempted to concentrate on her food, but the slight squeaks of the house made her nervous. Each word was more audible, more sharp, as though the walls themselves were hearing.

Stella was happy once, however. Hopeful. Clara wished with all her heart that her mother might be happy.

But deep in her heart the same question gnawed at her.

Why was everything here too good?

And what was to meet them in Oak Grove that would prove the cost of being so warmly welcomed?