The Beta's Arrival

Chapter 10

Helen's POV

I felt as though my heart was going to beat out of my chest. Diane needed a safe place to hide at the very least. "I can leave, but please offer my sister protection," I offered.

He seemed to be genuinely thinking about what I had told him and what I had just offered. "No, you will both stay. Do not worry about being found here," he finally said. "Now that we have it all figure out. You can go and get settled into your room which has already been prepared. I will also have clothing sent up for you both."

"We are very grateful for your generosity," I responded. Diane murmured her agreement.

"There is an Omega just outside the office door. She will guide you to your room. If there is anything more you need, just ask," he informed us.

"Thank you," I said as I stood and bowed. Diane followed my example.

We left the office and, as he said, we were met by an Omega standing patiently in the hallway. "Follow me," she whispered, and then turned, heading down the way we had come.

She led us up a stairwell, stopping on the first floor. We went down a hall lined with doors. She stopped near the end. "It isn't a big room, but it should be enough," she informed us before she opened the door.

"Thank you," I said with a smile.

She appeared shocked for a moment that I had thanked her, or maybe it was that I smiled. I couldn't be sure. "If you need anything more, I will be on the main floor in the kitchen," she quickly responded and then disappeared back down the hallway.

I watched for a moment, then opened the door to where we would be staying. The room was indeed small, but it had two beds, both with new clothes sitting on them. There was a wardrobe, two desks, and a bathroom. It would be good enough for us. "This isn't so bad," Diane commented as she stepped into the room.

"You're right. Why don't you take the first shower," I offered.

"Gladly," she responded happily. I knew she was trying to be strong and look at the bright side, but soon she would crash and everything that happened would set in. I needed to be prepared to help her.

She went into the bathroom and I took a seat on the chair at one of the desks. Everything was beginning to replay in my mind all over again. All I could feel was an immense pain in my chest. It was becoming harder to breathe. It was evident that this was all my fault. I should have faked it. I should have said I felt the bond that didn't exist. Then my parents would still be alive. Before I realized it tears were beginning to strike the top of the desk. Quickly, I wiped them away, but as fast as I did, more only took their place. I heard the shower shut off and tried hard to calm myself and clear away my tears. This was no time to be weak. I needed to be strong for Diane.

"They have some really nice shampoo and conditioner options here," she commented as she stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around herself. "Can I take the bed away from the window?" she asked as she moved toward it.

"Of course," I responded, taking in another deep breath, hoping she wouldn't notice my tears.

"Thanks," she said as she jumped onto the bed. "I think I'm going to change and take a nap. I'm exhausted."

"Okay, then I'm going to take a shower," I responded and went to the bathroom as fast as I could without seeming like I was running from her.

"I'll be here," she called after me as I closed the bathroom door.

I turned on the water in the shower and slowly pulled off my clothes. I hadn't realized how bad I looked. My hair was matted with drops of blood spread across my body and hair. Everything hurt. As I looked down at my feet, I saw that they were stained with blood and blisters from running. My hands were just as bloodied. Stepping into the shower, I felt the searing pain of the water hitting any part of me that was open. I bit my lip, trying hard to bite back the pain and tears. I watched as blood pooled around my feet, and then it slowly cleared away. I wanted to wash my hair, but the pain in my hands stopped me from trying.

Instead, I let the water wash over me and hoped that it would be enough to make me feel cleaner. Gingerly, I tried my best to wash my body with soap, but it was a terrible idea since it caused more pain than it was worth to be clean. After another few minutes, I turned off the water and stepped out of the shower. I felt bad using the beautiful towels because as soon as they touched my skin, the color was tainted. When I finished, the towel was a light pink from the blood I still had on my skin at the time.

I wrapped another towel around myself and left the bathroom. I grabbed the clothes off the bed and quickly changed while Diane slept somewhat peacefully on her bed. Once I was in the fresh clothes, I walked over to the window and looked outside. Everything felt so peaceful. It was as if earlier today was all just a dream, and we were just visiting another pack. There was something about this area that felt right, but I couldn’t put my paw on it.

Then I saw a group of warriors running, their shirts had been thrown off. Something stirred inside me. I tried to push it aside because they were just a bunch of wolves without their shirts on. My gaze was captured by them, something captivating about the group, yet it was not their shirtlessness. Then one of the wolves happened to look up and our gazes met. I felt my cheeks begin to burn as I ducked away from the window, having a hard time controlling my breathing.

After a few minutes, I peeked back out the window. To my relief, the wolves had continued their run and the wolf I had caught the gaze of had also moved on. His eyes were so captivating. Enthralling even. “What are you doing?” I heard Diane question me groggily.

“Nothing!” I nearly squeaked as I turned around to look at her.

“Are you sick?” She worried as she sat up in bed.

“No, no, I’m fine. I promise,” I quickly responded.

“But you look all red...” she said as she came to look out the window, but there was no one there anymore.

“Oh, I just took a really hot shower, that’s all,” I answered as I moved away from the window.

She looked at me skeptically for a moment before she glanced at the clock in the room. “We should get going for dinner,” she said, letting my odd actions go for now.

“Yes, we should.” I felt relieved that she was letting it go.

We went down to the first floor and found the dining area. “You’ve decided to join us,” the wolf we met before greeted us. He must have been the Alpha or at least the future Alpha.

“Yes,” I responded, still feeling anxious about our situation.

He suddenly let out a sigh and then smiled. “My apologies, I never introduced myself formally to you two,” he chuckled. “I’m Hudson the Alpha of Shadowlands.” He reached out his hand and waited for me to take it.

Before I could, Diane took his hand and shook it. “I’m Diane Miller,” she introduced herself.

“I’m Helen Miller,” I said after her, and then took his hand to shake it as well.

“There now that we have been properly introduced, we can sit down to a good meal,” he said as he motioned for us to go and take a seat at one of the tables set up in the dining room.

“Yes, thank you,” I responded as I took Diane along with me to a table with a few empty chairs.

We greeted those who were already seated around the table. Soon food was served. Talking continued as we ate. It was warm and felt safe. It made today feel like a bad dream. Then a scent struck me. It was intoxicating, but I forced myself to remain focused on my meal. My wolf was pacing impatiently inside my mind. However, now was not the time for this. There was still too much for me to worry about.

The scent came closer and closer, but before whoever it was could meet me, I stood up and left the room. Diane was close behind. “Where are you going? What’s wrong?” she asked, trying to catch her breath.

“Nothing. I just need to get out of the room,” I responded vaguely.

“Do you want to go back to our room?” she offered.

“No, you can, but I think I need a moment to breathe,” I told her. I needed to clear my head.

She seemed apprehensive about leaving me. “I’ll be alright,” I promised her.

“Are you sure?” she asked, seeming skeptical.

“Yes, please, you can go back to the room or go and eat more,” I said, trying to give her a reassuring smile.

“Okay, but if you need me, please find me. Don’t be alone for too long,” she told me, worry in her gaze.

“I won't be long, I promise,” I reassured her.

“Okay,” she said with a sigh, hugged me and then went back into the dining room while I turned and went out the front door.

My heart was pounding hard against my chest. I needed to find a place that didn't have the scent. I needed to think clearly. I walked down the driveway and slipped into a group of trees. Soon, I found a pond with a beautiful garden around it. Here the air was fresh, and the scent was gone. “What are you doing??” Celestria barked at me.

“I can’t. Whatever that scent means, I can’t,” I whimpered as I slumped down on a bench near the pond. I couldn’t stop the tears from falling. My heart felt as though it had been ripped from my chest. Thier dead. It echoed in my mind.

“I know you are hurting. I am hurting with you, but we can’t run away from our mate,” she whispered. Her tone had softened as soon as she realized I was in a lot of pain, and now I was feeling it all. Now I was alone, and so I could feel it.

“Well... we could,” I sniffed, trying hard to calm myself back down.

“Are you alright?” I heard someone ask from behind me.

I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sound of the male voice. Then I smelt it. It was an intoxicating scent. “I’m fine,” I quickly responded, trying to wipe away my tears and straighten myself up.

“Are you sure?” he sounded worried.

Every part of me wanted to turn around to face him, but I knew if I did there would be no turning back. “I’m sure.” I stood and started to walk away.

“You don’t have to go,” he rushed to say. “I’ll go instead.” His voice was sad, but I could tell he had started to walk away.

“Thank you,” I whispered, still facing away from him.

“If you need anything or just want to talk, I’m Vincent,” he said, then he was gone.