- MICAH -
"Here is your assigned quarters, alphas." Audrey says to us the moment they stop walking. Her voice is soft, so enchanting. Aidan bends his torso forward, holding a hand behind his back as the other reaches for hers. She gives it to him and he places a gentle kiss at the back of her palm.
I cannot help but grin. My brother is so gone. And I cannot deny, I may be gone too. There's just something about her innocence that makes a man want to break it.
"My brothers and I are pleased." Aidan says, looking deep in her eyes. I know that look. The one she exchanges in return matches it too.
Good gracious, he stares at her like he wants to get her pregnant. I immediately walk in front of him, severing their body contact.
"Is there a place I can parade to clear my head? I want to go for a walk." I ask, these two need to be away from each other before we become fated before the ceremony. If you get what I mean.
"Yes, please, come with me." Audrey says to me. "Alpha Canaan and everyone else, I can take it from here." A sweet smile purses her lips. Her family seem to take the hint and leave. I turn back to look at my brothers.
"Make yourselves comfortable." I murmur. 'And do not cause mischief.' I communicate through the mind link. I turn to face the damsel before me, making my way closer to her.
"I'm at your mercy, lady Audrey."
She giggles, walking ahead of me. "My brother thought you might want to stretch your legs. It's one of the reasons he suggested this part of the mansion." I follow behind her, keeping a respectful distance. The walk with her leads me to an outdoor corridor, lined with well spaced pillars interlocking with the ceiling, like a bridge connected to the mansion. It gives a clear sight of the beauty of the gardens from both sides. Almost like one is indoors yet enjoying the splendour of outside.
"I am honoured by the kind hospitality." I lie, bringing my focus back to her. The only thing honourable here is her, respectfully.
Audrey spares me a gaze, a passing one, while keeping her lips curled into an enchanting half grin. She rests behind one of the pillars, looking at me. Only half of her body is in my sight. "If you need someone to guide you within these walls, you know where to find me, Alpha." Her voice is husky. She knows what she's doing. "I will gladly be at your service." With that, she walks away. My eyes take in the sway of her hips before her presence vanishes. I understand why Aidan is obsessed with her. If she was of age, maybe I might be too. Maybe.
I take in a deep breath the moment I'm alone, stepping into the open field through the mini stairway which is connected to a small, round garden house at the end of the corridor. This place is decent looking. I hope the reason we're here is more pleasant than the view before me.
I keep walking down the field, my hands stretched behind me. I close my eyes and inhale the fresh air, still strolling. My walk gets interrupted by something clashing against my form. My eyes open, settling on the body fallen to the floor.
"I'm so sorry, please forgive me." The girl begs, gathering the freshly cut flowers back into the basket. Wood is also piled and secured with rope along with two large, sealed jars, all now scattered on the ground. That seems too much for someone as feeble looking as this to carry in one go.
I kneel to help her. Her body flinches when my body gets close to hers. My eyes widen. Bruises. Visible bruises lace the portion of her legs her dress reveals to me. It is then I notice how thin she looks, like she's underfed.
"Let me help you." I say, my voice calm.
"Please don't. I can handle myself." The quivering of her voice in her defiance doesn't skip me. She's terrified. Are all the omegas under their care this way? Is this the pack my father wants us to marry into?
I help her with the wood regardless of what she said. I notice her look up to face me before immediately lowering her gaze. She hangs both jars over both shoulders, still kneeling, her back faced to me. That's her cue for asking me to put the pile of wood on her. My jaw tightens as I do so. I notice the grimace her face wears as it rests on her back. She picks up the basket of flowers then stand. "Thank you." She mutters, before attempting to move.
I stop her from moving, holding her arm. "Why are you in such a hurry? Surely this is too much for one wolf to carry on her own. Where are your fellow helpers?"
"I. . . I have none." I can hear her heartbeat. It's racing. Her breathing is also fast paced and heavy. The irregular pumping of her blood alerts me that she is close to collapsing. This omega is in dire need of medical attention. "I'm used to it, thank you." She attempts to leave but I don't let go. I can feel her terror. Why on earth will a young wolf be so terrified by a simple touch?
"What's your name?" I don't know why I asked. I'm usually not bothered by people but for some reason, this time's different.
"I'm not allowed to say." For the first time since our interaction, her head darts up to face me longer than a second. She's. . . Beautiful. "Please I have to go. Our Luna is expecting important guests."
I am THE important guest, but I don't mention it. She couldn't smell that I wasn't from her pack and it has me curious how.
I let my hands drop down from hers. She runs, barely managing but going regardless. I don't know why. . But for some reason, I'm drawn to this mysterious omega. And something in me wants to know who she is.