Trapped in the Den of Alphas

Chapter 18

Eden's POV

“s**t!” I catch myself just in time before falling on my ass; however, my dangling legs accidentally kick over an old rusty mop bucket in the process. I hold still, wincing as the metal clangs against the stone floor. When the noise stops, I breathe a sigh of relief and try once again to open up the long, narrow window. “Come on…come on,” I grit through my teeth, tugging the latch violently until it eventually gives way. “Yesss.”

I use my upper body strength to pull myself onto the narrow window ledge, peering out at the overgrown grass. I then reach my hand forward to try to touch it with my fingertips, but instead of the cool, fresh earth, they are met with a solid invisible wall.

“Urggggg!!” I groan in annoyance, my head dropping in defeat.

Assholes!

I shuffle myself from the high ledge, dropping my dangling body back down to solid ground, looking down at my dusty clothes and patting them with my equally dusty hands.

Suddenly, the basement door swings open, and I jump in fright as a large figure appears in the doorway. “Eden?”

“Mateo? You’re out of bed!” I say, grabbing the old bucket by my feet.

His eyes run over me carefully. “Yeah,” he smirks, taking in my flustered state. “What are you doing in the basement? And why are you up so early?”

“Me? Uh, I’m just fetching another bucket. I want to get a good jump start on the day. Lots to do!”

He raises his eyebrow at me.

I’m possibly over-egging it a little. Acting has never been my strong suit, so I quickly change the subject. “So, how are your wounds?”

He follows behind me as we make the journey back to the kitchens.

“I’m still sore, don’t get me wrong, but I’ll be okay. Our wolves help us heal.”

I place the bucket on the floor and swing around to face him. It’s always intrigued me how a wolf’s healing ability works. I cannot deny that I would be thoroughly interested to learn more. “Fascinating…how long does it take for your wolf to heal you?”

“Depends on the severity of the wound, I suppose,” he answers, sitting at the wooden table. “These might take another two to three days to disappear completely.”

“Amazing,” I whisper truthfully, walking over to the sink to wash my hands. “Shouldn’t you still be in bed recovering if you aren’t one hundred percent better yet?”

“I’ll be fine. I’m well enough.”

“Okay….”

Then, the two huge chefs make their way into the kitchen. “Morning,” one of them mutters before walking to the stove to start the breakfast.

I stare at him in utter disbelief. “Were you talking to me?”

He glances over his shoulder at me in annoyance. “Who else would I be talking to?!” he snaps, returning his attention to the job at hand.

I look at Mateo, who stifles a scoff, shaking his head from side to side. It’s then that I realize how good he looks this morning. His shirt is clean and looks more pressed than usual. His messy, curly, wayward hair has been styled carefully. Heck, even the great oafs next to me have combed their hair this morning too.

Am I missing something?

“So, what are the plans today?” Mateo asks.

I shrug my shoulders. “Perhaps I’ll go for a run down by the lake. Head to the market to buy some fresh fruit. I might even have time to stop in and visit some friends for a quick drink and a chit-chat!” I answer sarcastically.

He holds his hands up defensively with a grin. “Okay, okay. I deserved that.” He stands up to make himself a cup of tea, and I help the great oafs prepare breakfast.

Sure, they watch my every move like overgrown hawks, but I have to admit that it’s nice to be doing something that I at least enjoy to some degree. Back in Azealea, Grandma and I would cook together all the time. It’s one of the many things I missed about home after moving to Morween. I also discover that the two burly chefs have names! Anton and Neville. So, all things considered, it hasn’t been my worst morning here despite my disappointing failure to escape.

I carry the plates of scrambled eggs upstairs, convincing Mateo to help me. As soon as I walk into the living room, I can tell there is a definite buzz in the air. These men, who are typically so pissed off and mad at the world, actually seem to be in good spirits for a change.

“About time, elf! We are starving over here!” Henrick states, moving his cup out of the way as I lay down his plate.

“Whatever,” I mutter, continuing around the busy table.

“Matty, I didn’t know you were such a good waitress.” Hunter laughs, mocking Mateo as he places down some knives and forks.

“Yeah, yeah, just being a decent person. You assholes should try it sometime,” he laughs.

Some of the men laugh in reply, and I can’t help looking at Mateo with a grateful smile. “Thank you,” I mouth at him subtly, causing him to wink back.

Just then, I hear footsteps from behind me and turn around to see Conall descending the staircase. Our eyes meet immediately, but I look away quickly, clearing my throat as I continue serving.

The buzz around the table quietens substantially, many of the men fixing their game face back in place as their leader takes a seat. From the way they watch him intently, I get the feeling that this situation is a rarity.

“Con, it’s good of you to join us this morning,” Jarek says genuinely.

I hazard a glance to the side to see Conall’s eyes still on me for a brief second before he directs his gaze elsewhere. “Has the patrol already set off?” he asks, leaning back in his chair to lift a glass of water to his lips.

“Zeke, William and Rocco left a couple of hours ago,” Jarek answers dutifully.

Con nods, his serious expression remaining fixed in place.

“I get the feeling they will be cutting patrol short today, don’t you agree, lads?” Hunter jokes, looking around at the others knowingly.

“What’s going on today?” I ask innocently, placing the jug of water down in the center of the table.

I watch in confusion as they look at each other like naughty little boys.

“I don’t think it’s your scene, elf. You might want to turn in early tonight,” Hunter replies, pointing his fork at me before taking a spoonful of the hot eggs.

“Who knows, maybe she’ll want to join in,” Henrick grins, wriggling his eyebrows.

“That’s enough.” Conall cuts in abruptly, ceasing the banter with little more than a stern look.

Everyone looks at one another awkwardly, and I step away from the table in irritation. With so many unknowns already, it bothers me not knowing what is happening in this damn house today.

“Uhh, the eggs are f*****g awesome this morning. Does this have anything to do with you, elf?” Henrick asks.

Just as I’m about to reply, Mateo interrupts first. “Her name is Eden,” he says calmly.

The table grows quiet yet again, and I can’t help but notice how Conall stares at Mateo in disapproval. I guess he would prefer it if everyone remained an asshole in my presence since it’s the same tactic he has adopted thus far.

“Okay…” Henrick concedes, looking at me and pointing at the eggs again. “This was you, Eden?”

I shrug a little as I begin to head back toward the kitchen. “Must be all the rat poison, huh?” I state with a devious smile.

Hunter laughs and claps his hands together as I disappear downstairs.