Kallisto's POV

The nervous flutter in my stomach ceases as Apex walks into the room, his brows furrowed in a troubled expression. He tosses Grandpa's envelope on the circular oak table, and starts pacing.

I chew the inside of my lip, watching him. 

"Um, I need to return to work," I muse.

Apex glances at me as he passes but remains silent.

"Apex," I try again. "Grandpa Eclipse asked me to deliver something to..."

My voice trails off as I suddenly hear him mumbling. "Come on, Moon Goddess, why are you doing this to me? Why a f*cking Farkas?"

I gasp, stepping in his way, crossing my arms over my chest. 

"Why a f*cking Farkas?" I repeat with a frown. What is he talking about?

Alex stumbles back, looking like he received a gut punch. He narrows his eyes at me. "What did you say?"

"Why a f*cking Farkas," I reply. "That's what you said."

"I didn't say anything."

"Okay," I concede. "That's what I heard."

He studies me, a smirk threatening to show at the corner of his mouth. "Are you sure? My mouth didn’t move."

"Whatever." I shrug. I don't have time for this. "I need to call Grandpa Eclipse. He wanted me to do something for him and—"

Apex ignores me. Shaking his head, he stalks to the door. "Freya," he calls.

The woman who accompanied him to the coffee shop the other day enters, glancing around like she's expecting an emergency. "Yes?"

Apex motions to me, sounding distant. "Take Kallisto to the East Wing. Wait for further instructions." 

Freya nods, stepping further into the room while Apex walks to the door.

"Apex," I hurriedly say, following him. But Freya grabs my arm, shaking her head at me.

I look from her to the door, completely confused. What is happening here? Did Apex just…kidnap me? Does Grandpa know I’m here? 

Apex slides the doors, slamming them shut behind him, and I'm suddenly left alone with Freya.

She drops her hand from my arm, sympathetically smiling at me. "Welcome to the Lupo House."

"Lupo House," I repeat, not hiding my confusion. "I don't understand."

"Honestly I don't know all the particulars, but follow me," Freya kindly tells me.

She walks to the door. However, I remain where I'm standing. "I need to return to my coffee shop," I insist.

"Don't worry. Someone is there to ensure everything goes smoothly."

"Everything goes smoothly?" Anger begins bubbling within me. I like Freya. She seems like a nice person. However, I don't appreciate her evasiveness. "I don't know what game Apex is playing, but I have to return to my coffee shop."

Freya's expression changes to a stern one, her voice becoming more serious. "Come with me. Now."

Looking around, I weigh my options. I could fight my way out, right? Or maybe not. Who knows how many people are guarding this mansion outside? 

"Kallisto, you don't have options in this situation. You can either follow me to the East Wing or have someone escort you," Freya interrupts my thoughts.

I shrug. "You can lead the way."

****

The mansion is a beautiful maze of grand hallways. I lag behind Freya, looking at the ornate molding, statutes, and the Capo crest, which seems to adorn every other wall.

Freya stops in front of a light green door and opens it, motioning for me to enter.

I enter the enormous suite with a California King bed, a couch, and a substantial flat-screen television. To describe the bedroom as beautiful would be an understatement. The deep maroon and light green decor seems fitting for some queen in a castle.

"I have a soft spot for this room," Freya admits, looking around. "It's on the side with the best view of the beach."

I flash a tense smile, trying to hide the wild thoughts bouncing around in my head. What am I missing here? 

I swallow hard, feeling rooted in place. Suddenly, I have this sinking feeling that my simple gesture to help Grandpa Eclipse has turned into a nightmare. 

"No one takes this suite because of the layout," Freya continues, opening the thick curtains. "It's a pity."

I frown, looking at Freya. "You act like I'm staying here."

"So," Freya changes the subject, leaning against the door. "My husband, Scar—"

"Scar?" I suppress a laugh. "What's his real name?"

She looks confused. "Scar."

Who would name their child Scar?

Freya clears her throat. "I remember your father, Harry, more than Eclipse."

I clench my teeth, feeling a surge of anger in the midst of my confusion. “Why do you keep bringing up my dad?"

Freya briefly grins. "We've met. We don't run in the same circles. How is he by the way? He left the pack so abruptly, I—"

"Pack?" I frown, studying her. 

She pauses for a moment before shrugging. "Is he doing okay?"

"He's good. Um, he trains dogs."

"Dogs?" Freya seems amused.

“Yes, dogs.” I look around the bedroom again, wondering if the danger I’d felt over the past few days is somewhat related to this situation.

"Oh, yes. I forgot to tell you to make a list of things you need from your apartment," Freya cheerfully says. “Give me your keys and I will send Ian to retrieve them.”

No, Freya didn’t say that, right? I’m not living here. I stare at her, shaking my head. 

“Why are you acting like I’m on some holiday? I’m not staying here." 

"Actually you are. This is your new residence," she tells me as if this is the most obvious thing in the world.

I glance around, looking confused. "What are you talking about? I didn't agree to live here. I live in the Bronx."

Freya motions around, ignoring my annoyance.

"Freya, you seem nice, but you sound delusional. I didn't move into Apex's home. Obviously, Apex kidnapped me," I burst, raising my voice.

Freya stares at me as if considering whether I’m crazy or not.

"I shouldn’t be here," I carry on. "My grandfather asked me to do something for him, and I have to return to my coffee shop. I still can’t understand what happened…" My voice trails off. 

The more I talk, the more the weight of this moment compresses my chest. I can't breathe. Maybe this is an anxiety attack. Why isn't that warning sensation going through me now though? I'm in danger, right?

"Apex didn't kidnap you, Kallisto," Freya says, interrupting my thoughts. "He purchased you."