The Beta Who Bought Me

Chapter 19 - Delta's House

After they were both dressed, they met in the living room. “Ready?” He looked up at her as he rose from his seat on the couch. She had put on a deep plum-colored long-sleeved maxi dress and a pair of short black boots. Her brown hair was pulled up in a basic messy bun. She had not had time to apply makeup or don jewelry, but she still looked clean and polished, despite the early hour. His heart pounded in his chest at the sight of her, how the simplicity made her natural beauty shine.

She flushed slightly under his burning gaze but nodded and followed behind him as he led them out of the apartment.

Laurel had not been outside since she had been kidnapped. There was still some snow on the ground that crunched under their feet as they made their way from Owen’s apartment in the back of the main pack house. The moon was hanging low on the horizon, and the last vestiges of the twinkling stars were fading as the sky gradually lightened in the east.

Laurel looked back at the pack house as they left, and she was shocked by its size. She knew that High Moon was rich, but this was beyond her imagination. The pack house was practically a hotel, and a grand-looking one at that! Owen’s apartment had its own private entrance, and a few other matching doors down the backside of the house made her infer that there were likely more private suites.

“You never told me where we are going?” Laurel took a few jogging strides to catch back up to Owen, as she had fallen behind while examining the pack house.

“We’re going to Delta Charles’s house,” Owen said matter-of-factly as he trudged forward on the snowy path.

She shivered a little in hearing that name. That was the man who had purchased Wendy during the Appraisal. He had creeped her out by the way he had looked at and spoken to her friend. However, she did somehow feel safe in knowing that she had Owen with her this time.

“He doesn’t live in the pack house?” She asked curiously. Most single wolves, especially ranking members, would live in the pack house. It was usually only wolves who had found their mates or had children that would move out, wanting more privacy than a bustling pack house could provide.

“No, he lives in a house close by with his son,” Owen replied.

Son? Laurel questioned in her head. How would he have a son if he was only just now taking a partner? Something was not adding up about this guy, but she decided not to prod Owen for answers right now.

After a short walk, they came upon a quaint brick house with a white wrap-around porch. It was not at all what she expected of the man who gave her the creeps. The night of the Appraisal, he had been dressed impeccably in high-class clothes. She would have thought he would be living in a mansion or a penthouse suite of some kind.

Owen rang the doorbell, and Laurel’s nerves shot up as they waited for an answer. As soon as she heard the latch click, she unknowingly grabbed onto his hand, clutching onto him firmly to try to calm her shaky heart.

“Beta,” Charles greeted Owen with a warm smile. “Oh, and I see you brought company,” he smiled as he looked at the young woman standing beside Owen. “Come on in out of the cold.” He waved them both inside.

The entrance was homey and clean. Charles clearly liked a traditional style, as everything inside was warm and comfortable looking but also timeless. A set of carpeted stairs near the door faded into darkness as they rose to the second story. The house smelled of cinnamon and cloves, like someone had just been in the kitchen baking.

“Owen, aren’t you going to introduce me to your lady friend?” He winked at his friend in amusement.

Owen cleared his throat. “Sorry. Chuck, this is Laurel. I’m sure you remember her from the other night?”

Charles stretched out his hand to her. “Pleasure to meet you, Miss Laurel.” She hesitantly placed her hand in his, and he gave it a firm, friendly shake.

She heard a deep growl coming from Owen. “Relax,” his friend let go of her hand and waved off the jealous man.

“Charles?” A faint voice called from the top of the stairs. As she came into the light of the entryway, Laurel felt a huge smile cross her face. “Wendy!” She practically screamed in excitement as she bounded forward and embraced the girl tightly. “Laurel?!” She said back excitedly.

“Seems like you two are already acquainted,” Charles chuckled happily as he smiled at the two girls hugging one another. “Wendy,” he said, extracting her from Laurel’s arms and taking her gently by the hand to stand by him. “This is our Beta, Owen. We have some pack business to discuss. We will be going to the office. Would you mind taking Laurel and giving her a tour of the house?” He smiled sweetly at her and planted a quick kiss on her temple. She blushed furiously at the public display of affection but smiled and nodded at the man, “Of course!”

“Come with me to the kitchen, Laurel. We can get some coffee and catch up!” She linked her arm in Laurel’s and escorted her down a short hall. Laurel waved and looked back at Owen, giggling at her friend’s insistence. Owen just held his palm up at her before following Charles to his private office.