Chapter 4

1619 Words
It is evening by the time we get to the Red estate which has been the home of alphas since the dawn of time. The opulent mansion stands as a grand testament to architectural prowess and wealth. Its façade, adorned with towering Corinthian columns intricately carved with floral motifs, reaches skyward, supporting an imposing pediment that proudly displays the family crest. The smooth, cream-colored limestone exterior glows in the sunlight, accentuating the meticulous craftsmanship that went into every detail. A sweeping staircase, flanked by life-sized marble lions, leads to the entrance, where colossal bronze doors, adorned with ornate reliefs of historical scenes, stand as a gateway to luxury. Each window is a masterpiece, framed in delicate wrought iron and showcasing curtains of the finest silk that billow gently in the breeze. The gardens surrounding the mansion are a botanical marvel, meticulously landscaped with vibrant flower beds and trimmed hedges. Marble sculptures of mythical creatures and classical figures punctuate the lush greenery, adding an air of sophistication to the outdoor splendor. Water cascades from intricately carved fountains, creating a soothing symphony that resonates through the expansive grounds. Balconies with wrought-iron railings overlook the meticulously manicured lawns, offering a panoramic view of the sprawling estate. Gargoyles perched on the corners of the roofline survey the surroundings with a stoic gaze, adding a touch of gothic mystique to the otherwise palatial exterior. As the sun sets, the mansion is bathed in warm hues, casting long shadows that dance across the imposing façade. The exterior, a harmonious blend of classical elegance and extravagant detailing, stands as a beacon of status and refinement in the landscape. My guide is a tall, elegant woman with a long, black dress that Tatum's in the ground as she walks and a golden emblem of a wolf across the back of her dress. Her hair is raven black and something about her tells me that she is very lethal. The interior of the house is massive. Just the living room seems to stretch forever. The ceilings are extremely high and there is the emblem of a wolf's head on the left wall. The walls seem to erase the sounds from outside. I can hear nothing at all. It is then that I look up and see Raphael standing there. Fear and annoyance creeps up on me but I hold my ground. He stares at me for a while then I blink and he is right in front of me. I gasp, taking several steps away from him. Even for a werewolf, that is incredible speed and I didn't even pick up on his movement. “You seem frightened,” he asks. He towers over me, his chest and shoulders immensely broad with a lean and powerful frame. “I am not…frightened. I just haven't seen something like that before,” I say and he stares at me for a long time then he tilts his head to the side. “You haven't seen a werewolf perform limited teleportation? Hmm, must be difficult being on the bottom rungs. You'll get used to it,” he says and reaches out as though to touch me. There is something about his gaze that roots me to the spot, something almost hypnotic about it. He stops when his finger is a hair's width away from my face. He sighs and steps back. “You must be exhausted. Dalia, show her to her room,” he says and walks away with his hands clasped to his back. “I look forward to seeing more of you soon,” he says. I look at him and grit my teeth. “Pompous prick, yeah I know all about that,” Dalia says beside me. “Wait, can't he…” I tap my ears to hint at the exceptional hearing of alphas. “It doesn't matter if he can hear me. I have known the three of them since they were boys. Used to babysit that one as a child. I have called him worse. He doesn't mind. Come, I'll show you to your room,” she says and I walk with her. We walk into an elevator that ascends to the third floor then we step out into a wide corridor. The walls are filled with murals and the ground is made of marble. We walk across large doors until we get to a certain door with gold handles. She places her palm on the bio scanner and the door opens. “Someone will come in to get your palmprint. A retinal scan will also be very useful,” Dalia says but I am not hearing her again. The room is massive with an oversize bed, a sitting area with accent couches, and a walk-in closet that has already been filled with clothes. “Prior to your arrival, these were acquired for you by Lord Xavier. He is the one who truly pays attention to details,” Dalia says. I walk to the bed and stare at the silk sheets, at the wolf emblem on the headrest and I look at another door that seems too big to have a toilet behind it. “What is there?” I ask and Dalia smiles then walks to the door and opens it. I follow her and my eyes widen as I see what is behind the doors. A pottery studio complete with all the tools I prefer and require. I stand there in mold shock until Dalia places a hand on my shoulder> “How did he know?” I ask. “One only has to follow your social media accounts in order to see your work in pottery. Xavier did just that. I know it might be creepy but he does get that way when he is fond of someone.” “He is fond of me? The other day at the house, I thought he would rip me in two,” I reply and Dalia gives a half smile. “Let me guess, you spoke ill of or disobeyed Lucas?” She asks. I hesitate to admit it but I finally nod then she laughs. “That is his manner. He is a tad overprotective. You will be here until the technicians arrive to take your palmprint. Food will also be brought to you at that time. Until then, I encourage you to explore,” she says and turns swiftly. Before I can realize it, she is out of the door and the door is closed. I have never met wolves as fast or as powerful as these. I walk to one of the couches and I sit then look around. The entire room has a purple theme going on, my favorite color. He must have found that from my online content as well. “Is everything to your liking?” I hear the deep voice behind me and I turn but I don't see anything. “What? Who's there?” I ask, fear rising in my chest. I start to let my claws loose. “You mean to tell me you have forgotten my voice? Ouch,” the voice says again. I whip around to see if there is anyone behind me but there isn't. The voice seems to be coming from every part of the room at the same time. “Where the hell are you? You are freaking me out,” I snap. “Ah, you're no fun,” the voice sounds bored, “ah well, look to your left.” I look and I see Xavier leaning on the wall with his hands in his pockets. His eyes are glowing a soft red and they dim until they are just the black pits they were before. Staring at him, the entire room in its vastness seems small. The air seems too little and I both want to be away from him and closer to him. “What? How did you do that?” I ask and he shrugs. “The perks of being a high ranking beta. It comes with an attached special ability. I thought you'd know that, being a werewolf and all,” he says, folding his arms across his chest, revealing the powerful forearms. He raises an eyebrow. “My education wasn't as intensive as yours. I was not being groomed for leadership,” I say and he nods slowly. “Mm, you were being groomed to serve then? Could that be why you do it so well?” He asks. “Don't speak to me like that,” I hiss and he steps closer, so close that I can see the swirling mass of darkness within his eyes, feel his breath on my skin. Why does he have to be so terribly attractive? “Or what, Alexandria?” He asks softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “This is my room, yes?” I manage to ask, forcing myself to look away from his eyes. He nods. “Yes,” he says. “Which means I can ask you to leave it,” I say. “Mmhmm. That is well within your rights,” he replies. “Then leave my room,” I say through gritted teeth. He goes rigid and I am almost scared that he will do something, to react to that. Instead, he smiles and raises his hand in mock surrender then walks away. I turn to look at him but he isn't there. Just then, the door opens and a man stands at the entrance. “Pardon the intrusion, Miss Winter. I was sent to take your biometrics,” he says. I look around the room, wondering if I'll see him. I'll never get used to his presence, not soon anyway.
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