“I will be back,” Sam hesitated for a moment, torn between his duty as a member of the Alpha's council and his concern for Chloe's safety.
“Just leave Rodolfo with us, Sam,” Chloe smiled. Sam gazed into Chloe's eyes, searching for any signs of uncertainty. However, he found nothing but determination and trust. It was clear that she believed in Rodolfo's abilities and was willing to take on the responsibility for their safety.
Reluctantly, Sam nodded and kissed Chloe gently on the forehead. "Alright," he said, his voice laced with a mixture of concern and resignation.
She was referring to the soldier Sam who was also with her every time Sam is away from her. She already trusted the abilities of the man in terms of protecting her during her travels, besides now that she is in the pack, she knew that her safety is not compromised.
She understood and felt the need to reassure her husband that everything is going to be alright. For the two years that they were together as mates and as a married couple in the pack, the connection that they have is getting stronger as time flies by although they were not yet blessed with offspring by the moon goddess as it is known to be one of the reasons why the bond of mates is getting stronger.
“Right after my duty with the Alpha, I will meet you in the house. Just…just be careful.”
As Kirsty observed Sam and Chloe's interaction, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. She couldn't help but recall her own experience of encountering a mysterious man at the ranch, a man who stirred unfamiliar emotions within her. The memory of his intoxicating scent and the longing to be in his arms resurfaced, reminding her of the powerful connection she felt at that moment. It was a connection her inner wolf recognized as that of a mate, someone destined to be by her side.
However, despite her instincts and the strong pull she felt, the unnamed man didn't respond in a way that validated her emotions. He didn't reciprocate her feelings or display any signs of recognizing her as his mate. This discrepancy between Kirsty's inner conviction and the man's apparent indifference left her conflicted and confused.
Kirsty's gaze fixed on the tree at its peak. Its branches spread out like open arms, providing shade and sanctuary to all who sought solace beneath it. The gentle breeze rustled through its leaves, whispering secrets only the tree could comprehend. She could feel that Sam was still in her arms of Chloe. She respected the space and privacy that the couple needed, that is what the sight tells her.
“Kirsty!” Kirsty’s eyes were still fixated on the sight in front of her and she didn’t know that Chloe called for her attention.
She immediately felt a tap on her shoulder as she was seated on the rock. And that surprised her to the point that she immediately went into a fighting position.
Her body tensed, muscles coiled, ready to defend herself against an unseen threat. Instinct took over as adrenaline surged through her veins, heightening her senses and sharpening her focus. But as her eyes quickly adjusted to the scene before her, the tension in her body gradually melted away, replaced by a mixture of relief and embarrassment.
Chloe stood there, her hand still extended from tapping Kirsty's shoulder, an expression of concern mixed with amusement on her face. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," Chloe said, her voice gentle and soothing. "I just wanted to get your attention."
When she raised her head, she saw the smiling yet questioning look of the woman who tapped her shoulder.
“Hey, easy!” She said in between her laughter.
"I'm...I'm sorry," Kirsty whispered, her voice filled with remorse and a hint of desperation. She lowered her head, feeling a surge of guilt welling up within her.
"It's okay," Chloe whispered softly, her voice laced with empathy. "Sam just left, and Rodolfo will be the one to accompany us down to your cell." Chloe's presence provided a sense of security, a calming influence amidst the storm of Kirsty's emotions.
As Kirsty observed Chloe's reaction, unintentionally catching a glimpse of the woman's vulnerability, a profound realization washed over her. At that moment, she saw the reflection of her own fears mirrored in Chloe's deep, dark blue eyes. It became clear that Chloe, too, harbored apprehension—fearful of Kirsty losing control and causing harm to those she held dear. Kirsty's heart ached with a mixture of gratitude and guilt. Gratitude for Chloe's understanding and willingness to stand by her side, despite the potential risks involved. Guilt for the burden she carried, the fear that her own internal demons could jeopardize the safety and well-being of those she loved.
It was a deeply humbling experience for Kirsty, to witness the raw vulnerability of another person and recognize the shared struggle they both faced.
“Rodolfo?” The name was unfamiliar to Kirsty. She didn’t remember if she already met the man based on his name.
“Yeah, he was waiting outside the ranch. Let’s go to your place?” Kirsty could feel that the woman was excited about knowing her more, and that is not what Kirsty had expected.
“I am not yet finished with my morning duty…and besides, you don’t have to accompany and let me live in your place, Ch-“
“No, you are done here in the ranch and Sam agreed that you live in one of the house’s chambers.”
Chloe was determined to do it. It was the first time that she felt a connection with a woman this strong and it gave her peace of mind.
“But-“
“No buts, Kirsty. Don’t you want to live in a comfortable place?”
Kirsty hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She had only been working at the ranch for a few weeks, and she didn't expect such a generous offer from Chloe. The idea of living in a comfortable place did sound appealing, but she was also cautious about accepting such kindness from someone she barely knew.
Chloe knew that the place that Kirsty stayed in has the sole purpose of jailing whoever plotted against the pack. And she wanted to talk with the Alpha the moment she would see him. She and Draken were good friends back when they were still young, including Sam in their circle.
She was not even expecting Sam to turn out to be her mate, she just woke up one day that she felt the need to be in the man’s arms and held captive by his kisses. She turned eighteen outside the pack because she accompanied her parents in other countries and stayed there for three years, and it was the same reason why it took her so long to find her own mate. She just arrived at the pack two years ago, but she lived and was born in the pack, and she was also present during the attack that happened eight years ago. A memory that Chloe buried in the past as they moved forward for a new beginning of the pack.
“I…do want to.” Kirsty was still contemplating whether she would agree with what Chloe wanted her.
As Kirsty contemplated Chloe's proposition, she weighed the potential advantages it could bring her. Agreeing to Chloe's request would allow Kirsty to closely monitor Sam's actions, ensuring that she could stay one step ahead of any potential threats he might pose. This was especially important because Sam was aware of Kirsty's true identity, making him a potential danger.
“You want to, then what’s stopping you?” Kirsty herself was unsure of her own reservations. Perhaps she didn't want to draw attention from anyone in the pack, preferring to live quietly under the radar.
Kirsty also didn’t know what to say.
“I don’t want to live with a lot of people.” "I don't want to live with a lot of people," Kirsty finally expressed, acknowledging that it might seem like a trivial reason. However, it was the most compelling justification she could articulate at the moment. Kirsty valued her solitude and autonomy, and the prospect of being surrounded by a large group of individuals unsettled her. She believed that living with fewer people would allow her to maintain a sense of control over her own life and protect her identity more effectively.
As she sat there, patiently awaiting Chloe's next question, her ears were filled with the resounding sound of Chloe's laughter. It echoed through the place, a boisterous and tear-filled laugh that seemed to reverberate within her. She couldn't help but be intrigued by the reasons behind this infectious display of amusement. At that moment, Chloe's mind wandered to Draken, a man who shared a similar disdain for the presence of others in his private chamber inside the castle. The memory of him lingered in her thoughts, for he was a peculiar character known for his reclusive nature and aversion to company. Draken's chamber was a place of solitude, a sanctuary where he could retreat from the outside world. It was a space shrouded in mystery, guarded by an air of exclusivity that discouraged others from entering. Few had ever set foot inside, and those who did often left with a sense of unease, as if they had stumbled upon something they were never meant to witness.
"I-Is there something wrong?" Kirsty inquired.
"No," Chloe said and wiped off the tear.
"Ahh, okay."
"You reminded me of the Alpha of this pack."
"The...Alpha?'
"Yeah, he's someone who also doesn't want to have people living under the same roof as him."
As Kirsty pondered the question of who the Alpha was in the pack, she found herself intrigued by the rumors she had heard from the outside world. The Alpha was described as a figure of immense power, known for his cruelty and ruthlessness. It was said that he never showed mercy to those who violated even a single rule of the pack.
Kirsty's throbbing headache persisted, casting a shadow of discomfort and frustration over her daily life. The recurring pain had become an unwelcome companion, reminding her of its presence at the most inconvenient moments. She longed for relief, but every attempt to alleviate the pain proved futile.
As Kirsty grappled with her physical discomfort, an unexpected connection emerged. She realized that her inner wolf, a symbolic representation of her instincts and intuition, seemed to share in her suffering. The profound bond between Kirsty and her inner wolf was forged through their shared experiences and emotions. In this state of distress, Kirsty could almost hear her inner wolf's desperate cry for help, echoing through the depths of her being.
In the midst of her anguish, Kirsty's mind became a portal, opening up to a fragmented tapestry of memories. Amidst the haze, she caught glimpses of herself as a younger version, adorned in magnificent ball gowns, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. These images held an enigmatic quality, their details are blurred and elusive. Yet, they stirred something within her—a sense of curiosity and intrigue.
With each fleeting memory, Kirsty felt a tugging at the fringes of her consciousness, as if the key to understanding her current plight lay hidden within those ephemeral scenes. She yearned to unravel the mystery behind these apparitions and the connection they held to her present state of suffering. Were these mere figments of her imagination, or were they remnants of forgotten chapters in her life, waiting to be rediscovered? As Kirsty's understanding deepened, she realized that the pain in her head was more than a physical ailment. It was a manifestation of unresolved emotions and suppressed memories, clamoring to be acknowledged and released. The flashes of herself in opulent ball gowns represented a part of her that had been stifled—a yearning for self-expression, freedom, and connection.