Henry got accustomed to seeing me, and his sudden, heightened affection nearly disturbed me—my mind was doubtful at first that morning when I saw someone appear from the thickest side of the woods.

I gasped, looking at him from a distance, my head bowed. “Is that you, Henry?”

No response.

Only silence.

Just as I thought there was calm, that I could sleep, something broke the silence abruptly.

“The Alpha summons you!” It came clearly, resounding in my ears, low at first and then, loudly again. “If you think you don't have the strength, he will just come over to see you here.”

With that, and the bite of an insect, I was jabbed up from my sleep. “Huh, err…”

“Get up!” The stranger beckoned, his face totally masked.

…

Thirty minutes later, the Alpha King arrived with a woman, smiling comfortably together with her.

“Lara!”

I wondered what had transpired between Henry and the Alpha King, but I just couldn't explain.

“I'll be there…” I said, following Henry immediately.

I was at the Alpha King's palace again, his words declaring that I would be thrown away, if any other offence was found in me. It was a new, rebuilt kingdom with a bit of modern setting.

Henry had quickly locked the door, and had cleaned every particle of dirt the Alpha King wouldn't want to see, and anything that could make him find out that Henry had a visitor while he left.

My voice informed the one inside that we were already at the doorstep. I kept staring at Alpha Ryan, my mind heaving with doubt and sorrow.

“Just go in when he comes.” Alpha Ryan said, as if assuming the position of my father. “And, make sure you act like I saved you again. I'll be your father in this pack from now on…”

Then, the one inside rushed up to the door, sneezed due to his haste, and unlocked the door for us to come in.

I saw him.

Henry.

And, he blinked.

…

He grabbed the bags from Alpha Ryan's hands, and was attracted to my new look as well. I appeared better, well-treated now, and my hair was styled in a ribbon style.

"Lara… Woohoo!" Henry exclaimed, directly appreciating and adoring my hairstyle. “You look so good!”

I shrugged, but the smile that appeared on my face was with a wink. “I’m grateful.”

I needed Henry.

I had to let him see me in his room.

Quickly, I made a signal with my fingers, whenever I couldn't tell him with words of the mouth… to just meet me.

Alpha Ryan glared at the both of us, laughing and nearly sitting down, he muttered, “I just wonder what this is all about…”

Henry was annoyed.

The refrigerator was close by, and he was trying to pick another drink, but the Alpha King might complain.

"Welcome, Alpha Ryan." Henry said, greeting him and rubbing his own hair with his fingers, unaware of whether the Alpha King would ask for a drink. "How was the long walk with Lara?"

I was mute. The whole thing was still a puzzle to me.

"We didn't walk. Lara's driving was indeed stressful though…" Alpha Ryan responded, his voice low and gentle to Henry's surprise. "But, I honestly had a nice day with my new, beautiful and rich… daughter."

Henry winked at me.

“I'm happy to get a new father from the same pack that trained me.” I lied, the words escaping my mouth with carelessness.

Henry bent his head, feeling strange to find out how very influential Alpha Ryan had become, plus his assumed daughter; his own beloved mate. He knew the Alpha King had only said that to his own expense, unknowingly. "Sincerely, she looks better and pretty... Did she visit the nurses? And, was she taken to a modern salon?"

Taken aback by how intelligently Henry snubbed the Alpha King's indirect mockery of him, Alpha Ryan sneezed, coughing alongside. "There is something special about the house today… I bought us fresh tomatoes. We got some pieces of bread cake too."

"Oh!" Henry returned, the tone of his voice giving only a dull smile. "I know Lara must have also had some orange juice, right? But, didn't she follow you to the store, Alpha…?"

"She didn't—she actually left me at the store, while she drove herself to the salon," Alpha Ryan responded, yawning so loudly. "Then, I called her afterwards to pick me up."

"Alright, then." Henry said. "I think you have to take a rest now. What about a shower, I suggest?"

"Talk to Lily about bathing..." Alpha Ryan returned rather harshly, stretching his hand to the remote control. “I'm not your son. And, definitely not your subject!”

Henry walked away.

And, I flinched. Without a second thought, I kept mute and didn't react at all.

The chance he would give me to discuss with Henry might spice up love for both of us and give us another good time together.

I smiled, watching Henry stalk to his supposed room. "Is there anything wrong, Alpha?” I asked the Alpha King, hurrying to make him feel comfortable in his chest. “Should I just make you tea?”

"No. I will be the one to make the tea. I’n Henry, your mate-to…-be!" Henry whimpered, his footsteps nearing the sitting room. "Come inside, my beautiful angel!”

"What?” Alpha Ryan snapped, wondering why Henry suddenly cared that much for him, and perhaps, why he called me his mate. "Well! You can get a drink from the refrigerator, and bring me one, too!”

Henry left his room and to the sitting room, the Alpha King's general room, he rushed. “I'm here. Did you summon me, Alpha?”

“Many things to discuss with you, Henry.” The Alpha said, looking into both eyes.“ But, I'll need Jonathan to be present too…”

"Understood, Alpha!" Henry answered, as he left to bring him the drink. "I'm still working on the secret."

“What secret?” I said, my voice finally coming out clear, but low.

“Don't ask that from him…” Alpha Ryan charged me, his face glaring and frightening to me. “I'll tell you later. I want everyone to be present…”

….