Ellie, the maid, led Caroline and me to a massive, comfy room. It has a sitting room of its own and two other rooms. One for me, and the other for Caroline.

"I will help you unpack, ma'am," I heard Ellie say, and I nodded in response.

I left both of them alone in the doorway while I wandered around my new abode. I walked slowly into the living room and nodded in acknowledgement.

Two comfortable brown sofas and a centre table were set in the living room. It was very beautiful, and I would have been very happy about it, assuming I wasn't in deep sorrow. I made my way to the window to peer out. I could look across the garden to the back of the house from where I stood. There, my gaze caught two ladies glaring at each other; they seemed to be having a conversation. One wore a flowing white dress, while the other wore faded jeans and a white top.

I wasn't the type to eavesdrop on any conversation, but my curiosity wouldn't leave me be, so I applied my acute hearing to overhear the ladies' conversation.

"Well, we should stop arguing about it if you won't listen, "the one in the flowing gown says. "He will never allow you out of this vicinity. We all know how strict our Alpha is.

My breath caught in my throat when I realized they were having a conversation about Henry . I stilled myself to hear their words clearly.

"I know, but... if I can speak to him, I'm sure he will listen." I heard the other one in Jean retort, "I prayed he would open the gate and let me go."

As I stood still in my new living room, staring out and eavesdropping on the two ladies, my cell phone buzzed from my hip pocket. Hastily, I pulled it out and answered the call in Haste without checking who the caller might be.

"Hello, Emalia ," a nefarious voice boomed out from the other end. My heart dropped into my stomach, and I stiffened. "You thought I would give up on you now that you ran into Moon Pack for help?" I heard him laugh harshly from the other end before he continued. Remember, you can't run away from me, Emalia . Never," he said firmly before disconnecting. I heaved a shaky sigh, and my shoulder sagged with frustration. Suddenly, I shuddered when I felt the presence of Aron behind me. I whirled around to see the beta of the Moon Pack behind me. My breath came out shakily, and feeling scared and insecure under his dark, intense stare, I lowered my eyelids.

We didn't speak for some seconds until finally he spoke out

. "Alpha Henry would like to have a word with you," Henry said.

Me?.I gritted my teeth again before nodding politely.

"Yes, sure," I replied.

Aron walks out of the room and towards the hallway. He took a turn and walked into a large room used as an office. A comfy couch was at the center. A desk with piles of neatly packed files stood farther away, with a wooden chair beside it. I saw my dad seated on the couch, staring at Henry , who leaned against the wall gingerly.

He wore a long baggy trouser with a tight, fitting top that showed off his massive chest. I gulped down nervously when I saw his eyes dart towards me. I lowered my eyelids at once, and I sighed. He looks more stunning than ever.

"Take a seat," I heard. Henry spoke gently to me, and after some seconds, my heartbeat began to race. I thought I would die of shock. I did as he said. I sat besides my dad, but my eyes were still on the fine marble floor. "Now tell me about this man, Nefarious."

I knew he was speaking to me, and I knew I would have to answer him whether I liked it or not. After all, I am the one who needed his help, his strength, his care, and his wolf.

"No matter the difficulty you find yourself in, never forget you are the only one Candis pack looks upon. You are stronger than you would ever know, Emalia . You can do it!"

My mother's words crossed my mind, and I bit my lower lips. Act mature, Emalia ; this isn't eight years ago anymore. The voice in my head told me harshly.

Slowly, I raised my head to face Henry squarely. His nearness was unsettling, and I wished that he'd forget about being the polite host.

"He, uh, he met me two months ago when he came to Candis Pack for a ceremony. "I stuttered stupidly since I could not ignore the masculine scent of Henry 's cologne, not when it teases my senses. Nor could I ignore the way my body seemed to be reacting to him.

"That's enough." He cut in, probably because he noticed my uneasiness. He turned to Aron, and again with a clenched jaw, I realized he never jokes with his men when anyone's safety is concerned. "Get some able men ready; they will accompany mother back to Candis á pack tomorrow morning. mother, follow me; I will show you to your room.

" Seconds later, I heard the sound of the door opening and closing, indicating my mom and Henry had left. He never once addressed me properly, which left a bad taste in my mouth.

"I believe you know your way back to your room.right?" Aron's voice came out, invading my thoughts. I turned toward him and nodded absently. "Good." He only mutters before walking out, leaving me alone in the massive office of Alpha Henry .

I blinked back tears once again as I stood up from the couch I sat on.

No doubt, Aron has heard the story about Henry and I. I could feel his gaze accusing me, sending me a warning. I wish he'd know I am innocent and that I am Oblivion for what happened that night. Now I started to feel regretful about coming here at all.

I walked out of the office—to my room, actually—when I realized all the rooms seemed the same. To say I'm frustrated would be an understatement.

"You are Emalia , right?" I heard a small voice behind me. I turned around to take in a woman's presence. She was a much taller, slender woman in a tacky, tight-fitting short dress. Okay, she was beautiful and would have been more if she hadn't tried too much with the heavy make-up all over her face.

"I am, "I replied, watching the smirk that had suddenly formed at the corner of her mouth. She seemed to be familiar with me, and I wasn't surprised. The event of how I broke my mate's heart was well known. I wouldn't be shocked if she gave me a cold stare, just as Aron did. I deserved it and more.

One has to pay the price if you manage to turn a good, innocent man into a monster, right?

"Why are you back? To make him fall for you all over again." The woman asked harshly. I would have laughed right at her face if I wasn't tired already. The night is drawing near, and the howling from the werewolves won't let me be. I smile brightly at her face and turn to walk away, but she caught my wrist, which actually surprised me, and pulled me back roughly. I was suddenly out of breath, and I felt my wolf threatening to emerge. I gritted my teeth to keep it in as I snatched away my hand from the vicious lady. Now I'm mad.

Get your hands away from me; you think I will be here if I have any ill intentions?""

Oh really? The lady retorted. Good! Now let's get something straight. Alpha Henry is mine, and you will not come between us." She emphasised the last word, and I saw the sparkle in her eyes. She meant every word.

I stared at her for a while, unable to speak or move. She glared at me before walking away, leaving me alone with more sorrow and fear.

Who is she? The question hangs up in my troubled mind. Who is this lady, and why was she so hell bent on keeping me away from Henry ?