CHAPTER 002

After dinner the house was too quiet. The type of silence that enclosed you until you could hear yourself breathing. I crept up the stairs with aching legs and a heavier mind. The shower was ready, and all I needed was to wash the day off me and get into bed .The water was streaming down the bathroom mirror, fogging the mirror and clearing the remaining scent of roasted chicken and wood smoke. I shut my eyes and allowed the heat to penetrate my shoulders, and I could almost forget everything, at least in the moment.

Almost as I went out, the air was cool to my skin. I grabbed a plain black tank top and a pair of shorts and grabbed the blow dryer. The hum was in the room, and my snow-blonde hair was flying around my arms, the strands touching my bare shoulders. I continued to brush it, wrestling with the tangles, attempting to flatten it before it blew out into its normal wild tangle.

I looked in the mirror and stood still. Those eyes stared back at me. Clear blue, so bright they were nearly glowing in the light of the bathroom. Too bright. Too loud. They had always been the first thing that people saw, and not how I wanted. In Kent they termed me unnatural. Some whispered “witch.” Others simply stared at me as though I were damned.

I had even attempted to make them less conspicuous, buying dull brown contact lenses to wear. They made me feel safer, unseen. Here, though? I was not sure. This was a new pack, a new place. Perhaps they would not stare at me with such disgust. Perhaps here my eyes would be otherwise—they would be admired rather than scoffed at, or maybe not.

Perhaps they would simply get another reason to laugh, another excuse to remind me that I was not part of them. The idea knotted my stomach. Was I to be always the outsider, wherever I went? I turned off the dryer and shook my hair. Enough. I was not going to have old ghosts crawling back in.

I took another suitcase to the wardrobe and unpacked, piling folded shirts on the wooden shelves. When all was in readiness, I got into bed with a book. After several pages the words faded, and I was too tired to keep my eyelids open. Sleep dragged me down more quickly than I thought.

The following morning I was awakened by the sound of soft footsteps. I shut my eyes against the sunshine streaming through my curtains and heard the dull sound of footsteps below.

Mum, I got out of bed, rubbed my eyes, and walked down to the kitchen. There she was, dancing about like a tempest in slow motion, her hair pinned back, yet a few of the strands were already escaping. She wore her working clothes and was fussing with her bag. I took two mugs, poured coffee, and pushed one across the counter.

"You are my hero," she said, and clasped her hands round the cup. She sipped, shut her eyes, and sighed. “Thank you.”

"You are nervous," I said, observing the manner in which her fingers were tapping the ceramic. “I am nervous.” She put the mug down, smoothing her blouse.

“It is my first day. Do I look alright?” “You look professional. They will listen to you.”“I hope so.” Her voice wavered. I must sound as though I am in charge. I have heard that the nurses here have been left to go it alone. Many errors have been committed. Not their fault, I said to myself.

“Their doctor left them. They must have been forced to intervene. She nodded, but her jaw was hard. “I know. Nevertheless, I must meet the affected patients. Check whether I can correct what has gone wrong.“ That is a lot of pressure.” I reached for her hand. You know where to find me, should you require me. Her face softened. “Thank you. And here, I put money on your card. You may go shopping at the grocery today. "I have it," I said with a little smile. I may have a jog first, though. Her head snapped up. “Just stay away from the woods. Warriors patrol them. No one knows you yet. They may take you to be an intruder. I nodded quickly. “I will not go near the woods. Promise.” Good.”

She took her keys, and her shoulders straightened as she attempted to call on her strength. Ok, I will meet you this evening.“ Have a good day! Remember, you are the boss now. Do not allow them to push you about. Make them listen.” She laughed behind her back. “Thank you.” Then she was gone.

I brought my coffee up the stairs and allowed the warmth to fully rouse me. I took a couple of sips and pulled on my black and white sports top and tights that ended just above my ankles. I had my stomach and arms bare, but I did not mind. The shoes were tight, and the laces were knotted.

It was a cold morning, and I went out. I put my arms over my head and began to jog along the street, my feet falling on the pavement in a regular beat. The houses were silent, some with curtains, others with front porches and flower pots.

It was weird to run in a place that was meant to be my new home. The smell of pine was on the wind, crisp and well known, yet the air was filled with the murmurs of strange wolves. Their odour lingered on all the fence posts and trees, and I was the stranger here.

I ran past a small gym, the type with big glass windows in which I could see weights neatly piled up. As I went by, a couple of heads turned and eyes followed me. Then there was the grocery store, the sign swinging softly over the door. A crowd of youths were standing out there laughing at some secret thing. The laughter of them trailed me along the street.

I quickened my pace. The high school appeared, tall and brick, the type of structure that appeared older than it actually was. I walked slowly past it, and I tried to visualize myself in those halls, my eyes staring at people as they always did. Would it be the same here? Would they speak as they had spoken in Kent?

I shoved the thought aside and went on my way, passing the neat rows of houses until I got home. My lungs were on fire, but it was a good fire. A cleansing burn. Then I took another shower and put on a black T-shirt with a heart on the breast, the heart made of little feathers in blue and gold. The outfit was finished with sneakers and denim shorts.

I took the keys to my red car, the old Honda Civic that had trailed us all the way out of Kent, and drove to the grocery store. The parking lot was half full. I slipped into a hole, got out, and rolled a trolley towards the door.

As soon as I entered, I was again looked at. Wolves were all around—mothers with toddlers, old men with carts, teenagers running between aisles. They all looked at me, some with curiosity, some with suspicion. Of course. They knew I was new.

Everything about me must have reached them. The news spread like wildfire in a pack, even a big one. No one spoke to me, though. Not a hello. Not a welcome. They just swept the way in front of me as though I was carrying something dangerous. Maybe I was. I turned a blind eye and concentrated on the shelves. We needed everything. Cleaning sprays, detergent, bread, milk, pasta, vegetables, fruit, and meat. I loaded the trolley slowly, and I took time to get used to the aisles. This is how I would not get lost next time. The cashier smiled at me politely at the register but did not say anything. I paid, packed the bags in my car, and drove home.

The house was as I left it, quiet and clean. I brought the groceries in and placed bag after bag on the counter. I was only beginning to pack away when the doorbell sounded.

The sound made me freeze. I rubbed my hands on my shorts and went to the door. My heart resumed its usual rate and beat against my ribs. I opened it slowly.

A man stood there. Tall. At least six foot four. His shoulders were straining the seams of his dark shirt, the stuff tightening across muscle that seemed to be tearing right through. His hair was black and a little too long, and it brushed his ears.

“Can I help you?” I questioned, and my voice was sharper than I intended.“Are you Clara Inglewood?” His voice was deep and steady. That depends, I said, tilting my head. “Who are you?”

“ Hugo. ”The name made me blink. “Singleton? As in the Alpha?” “Yeah.” He leant one arm against the doorframe, carelessly but confidently. “That is my older brother. I heard I am to take care of you till you are settled. “Oh.” I withdrew and opened the door further. “Well, come in then. I believed we would meet in school.

I thought it would be more comfortable in a small group than in a crowd. He smiled in the slightest as he trailed me into the house." Ok," I replied, and shut the door behind us. But because I took you into my house, I must ask you something.

His brow arched. “Go ahead. ”I looked him square in the eye. Are you or have you ever been a serial killer? He stood and stared a moment, and then a deep laugh shook his chest. His shoulders shook with laughter. "No, no," he said, between laughs. “Not that I know of.

But I was a sleepwalker as a child, so I cannot testify to it absolutely. I smiled against my will. “Alright then. I guess you are safe. For now. ”I went back to unloading groceries. He came nearer, peering about. " I cannot believe how good this place looks," he said. Two months ago this was a bare piece of ground. “Really? No one lived here before us?” “Nope. You are the first. ”I looked about the kitchen. That is why it is all so shiny.

"So," said he, leaning on the counter, "have you not seen my brother yet?" “Not yet,” I answered. Is there a little jealousy in thy voice?

Somebody wanted to be Alpha? He gave a short laugh. “Not me. Not until he sees how much paperwork he has to do.“Fair enough,” I said. Would you have me carry those bags? he said.

Do you know where anything goes? I asked. He picked a cleaning spray can and pointed to the sink cabinet. “I am guessing it goes here?”

“Good guess.” I smirked. “Fine. You may lay aside the dull stuff. He laughed and began to assist, and he moved with that sort of confidence that gave the impression that he was already part of this place.

After a moment he said, "We are very glad to have a doctor in the pack now." “It has been rough without one. The nurses did what they could, but it was not the same. We have been struggling. ”I scowled, pushing a box of cereal on the shelf. “Yeah. I heard a little about it.

What became of the previous doctor? His jaw tightened. He was slain in a Rogue raid. Wrong place at the wrong time. He was not even a target. Typically women, children, and anyone significant are taken to the shelter. But he… he just did not make it. ”I winced. “That is awful.

And nobody would accept the job? “No one. We searched for months. Then your mum reached out. Well, it seems to me that the goddess sent her to us. I stared at him, not knowing what to say to that. So, I said, you have fought before? He shrugged, as though it were nothing much. “Yeah. A few times. Me and my twin brother.

The Rogues continue to make attempts, but they never go far. We are ready for them. My brother makes sure that all of us train, even the younger ones. Thirteen and up, every single one. ”I raised my brows. “Thirteen? That is… early.” He nodded. “Better early than too late.” "I was only trained a year in Kent," I said.

Our Alpha just allowed the older girls to do it. His gaze sharpened. “One year? That is nothing. And no wonder they said your pack was weak. The words hurt, but I swallowed it. Your brother is a good Alpha. At least he is concerned enough to make everyone ready. "He is not that bad," Hugo said with another little shrug. “Strict, though. You will see.”

My phone was buzzing in my pocket before I could reply. I drew it out and looked at the screen. A message from Mum. I said to myself, "She is not going home to dinner." “Too many patients to see. She claimed that the files are a catastrophe. She will be working late.” “That is rough.” Hugo leant back in his chair. First day and already drowning .I chewed my lip and looked at the food bags on the counter. Well, I got two anyway. Do you want to stay for dinner?

”He stared and grinned. “Are you sure you want me to?” “Of course. I will not eat all this myself. “What are you making?”“Lasagne with salad. ”He smirked. “Frozen lasagne from the store? ”I turned and gave him a look. “Who eats frozen lasagne? I make mine from scratch. ”His grin widened.

“Then I am definitely staying. I will send a text to my parents so that they do not worry. I removed the ingredients and started to pile the pasta sheets, sauce, and cheese as he typed on his phone. The aroma of herbs and garlic was in the kitchen, and it blended with the warmth of the oven. Beau was like a swan, placing dishes on the table, slipping napkins under forks, and sliding bottles of water into position.

When the lasagne was in the oven, we were laughing as though we had known each other more than a day. I cut tomatoes and cucumbers to make the salad, and he attempted to steal a slice of cheese when I was not watching. "I caught you," I said, and swatted his hand with the knife. He chuckled. “Worth it.

”At dinnertime we sat opposite one another, the steam rising off the dishes. He took one bite and paused, his eyes opening. “Oh my god. Are you looking for a job? Since I will sack the cook at the restaurant immediately, you say yes. I laughed and almost choked on my food. “No thanks. I need to focus on school. Mum wants me to finish strong. She does not want me to get a job yet. "Do tell me you will cook for the pack now and then," he said between bites.

When you believe this is good, you will have to wait until you taste the cakes I bake. I like to decorate. His eyes lingered on me, not so harshly this time. I think your mum is not the only present the goddess brought us. I laid my fork aside, heart leaping at his manner of saying it.

"That is the corniest thing I have ever heard," I said, shaking my head. He laughed again, deep and warm, and the sound rolled through the kitchen like thunder.

But when I saw him, there was a turning in my heart. His laugh died, and his eyes fixed on mine. The air between us changed, heavy and charged, for a second. Then he sat back in his chair and looked at me. You see, Clara, you have not yet seen my brother, have you? I shook my head, confused by the stinging nature of his voice.

He grinned, yet there was something there, something darker lurking behind it. “You will soon. And when you do…” He left the words suspended, stretching out the silence until my skin was prickling. I swallowed hard. “When I do, what? ”He leant forward again, and his eyes were bright as though they held a secret I was not ready to learn.

Do you really think you are prepared to see who your Alpha is?