(AMARI'S POV)
In the daytime, my surroundings looked like something from a dream I was never meant to have.
The gravel path beneath my feet was so perfectly raked that every step left a clean imprint. Hedges lined the walkway, sculpted into sharp, precise shapes, and beyond them, flowerbeds burst with color—crimson roses, white lilies, clusters of lavender that scented the morning air. Everything was organized. Controlled. Beautiful in a way that felt almost threatening.
Vlad walked ahead of me, his hands still clasped behind his back. He didn't look back. He didn't need to. I followed like a pupil behind a headmaster.
A pool house came into view—low, dark stone, glass walls reflecting the sky. A small lake glittered to my left. To my right, scattered across the manicured lawn, stood guards. Not many. Maybe four or five. But each one was built like a fortress, their eyes tracking me without turning their heads.
Vlad led me up the wooden deck and stopped at a small table. Two chairs. No food. No plates. Just white linen and a single vase with a single white rose.
"You may sit." He nodded once, then turned and walked away—toward the pool house entrance.
My eyes helplessly wandered again, unable to believe the beauty surrounding me. Everything was perfection. So serene that it made me forget how scared I was being here.
"The Moon Pack Capital can't dream of comparing," I whispered to myself, craning my neck to get a better glimpse of the glistening lake. "I wish Rudina could see this."
"Who's Rudina?"
"Oh dear Goddess!" I jumped, whirling around.
I froze for a moment, taken aback by the person before me.
Alpha Kaelen.
I thought I remembered how this man made me feel, but seeing him was the only thing that could give me a real idea.
My heart drummed like it was relentlessly fighting to escape my chest, and I felt a wave of heat rushing toward me.
He looked like safety. But I knew better.
He was casually dressed in grey sweatpants and a dark t-shirt that matched those sharp eyes of his, but even then, his presence filled the space around us.
His facial features were the same, sharpened to perfection, and his short dark hair fell over his forehead, strands over his eyes.
He was just as handsome beneath the morning sun as he had beneath last night's lights.
"Sorry to startle you," he said, his smooth voice sending goosebumps across my skin.
This is it. Act normal!
Time started moving for me then. I quickly adjusted the veil on my head.
"Good morning," I finally found my voice.
He nodded. "Did you sleep well?"
"I did."
He stared like he was trying to see through me. "You don't look like you did. Your eyes are still swollen."
"It was a short night," I admitted softly.
He said nothing. Then—
"Come sit." He walked forward.
I shivered when his free hand gently brushed my hand to steer me toward the table. The feeling of his touch lingered as I got seated.
Your siblings' lives depend on you, Amari.
I focused on the table linen, my sweaty palms folded into fists in my lap.
I looked up and wished I hadn't. He leaned back slightly, studying me.
"You're not what I expected," he said.
Something flickered in his eyes-confusion? doubt? "I don't know what I expected."
My throat went dry.
Still staring, he flicked his wrist, and in a short time, trays were placed on the table by servers who kept their heads very low.
The table filled; sizzling sounds and the scent of butter and herbs wrapped around me. Crisp strips of bacon crackled faintly, their edges curled and glistening.
Eggs sat soft and golden, melting into themselves beside roasted potatoes which had steam escaping from their fluffy centers. Pastries rested beside them, sugar dusted over their surface. And a chilled crystal pitcher of orange juice was placed lastly, droplets sliding slowly down
In all my years, I had never seen a breakfast table so grand for only two people. I thought of Al—he would faint if he saw this table. My stomach squeezed.
"Is there something wrong with the food?"
I snapped back to Kaelen. "No, everything looks delicious,"
"Help yourself."
I nodded but made no move. My fingers fumbled with each other.
"Shall I serve your food?" I dared to ask.
His left hand was in a cast; it would be difficult for him to serve his own food. But I also knew that men didn't like to be reminded of their helplessness. Not to talk of an Alpha.
"Of course." He said, like it had been decided already.
So smoothly, that I stayed frozen for a second, like I hadn't heard correctly.
How can someone with such an imposing presence sound so calm, so smooth…?
I stood up. The close proximity made me nervous; I could feel his eyes on me as I bent over the food, scooping carefully. I was so busy trying not to let my shaky hands fail me that only after I had finished serving his food did I realize I had made the choices and portion decisions on my own.
This is thanks to years of cooking in a restaurant.
I bit my lip and summoned the courage to lift my eyes to his. He was watching me expectantly.
"I—I'm sorry, I should have asked what you wanted and how—"
"This is perfect. Thank you." He nodded at the plate in my hand.
For a split second, everything felt still around him. A calmness that felt controlled. Like violence sleeping beneath ice.
He waited until i was settled before him, with my own plate of food and then he picked a pastry.
I wasn't thinking of food.
When does this interrogation start? I hope there's nothing in the food…
"Is that all?"
I glance at Kaelen, unfolding a napkin. He tilted his head at my plate. I looked down.
Two pastries, some potatoes and eggs.
"I'll have some orange juice too," I added.
A sharp smirk tugged at his lips and disappeared in the blink of an eye before I could process it.
"I've never seen a werewolf eat such small portions."
My fingers trembled and I set down the napkin. Of all the things, there was one I could never lie about. And it was usually best to address it as soon as possible.
I clasped my hands together and met Kaelen's eyes.
"I'm a mixed blood." My heart started racing. "And I don't have a wolf."
Okay. Here goes nothing… You've ruined it all now, Amari.