“Then why don’t we talk about it here?” Chloe's mind raced with questions as she assisted Kirsty. The brief surge of emotion she felt upon touching Kirsty piqued her curiosity even further. She wondered why Sam seemed guarded about discussing this important matter in Kirsty's presence. The situation had become increasingly mysterious, and Chloe couldn't help but feel that there was more to it than meets the eye.
“We need our privacy for it.” He said and made look at Kirsty who was still massaging her head. The woman was a mystery to Sam the moment they met, and from then, it was like the universe was playing with him as their paths crossed, and now that he knew the rogue's ability. Chloe's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she observed Sam's guarded expression. The mention of privacy only heightened her curiosity. Why did they need privacy to discuss this matter? And what did Kirsty's presence have to do with it?
Chloe couldn't help but study Kirsty's face, noticing the innocence that seemed to radiate from her. It was evident that Kirsty had no idea about the complicated dynamics that had unfolded between her and Sam. The tension in the air grew as Sam mentioned an important matter they needed to discuss, making Chloe even more curious. There was something about Sam's demeanor that suggested he didn't want Kirsty to be privy to the details, which only heightened Chloe's interest.
Chloe's heart raced with concern as she reached out to help Kirsty up. The tension in the air was palpable, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Kirsty's disheveled appearance and the guarded expression on Sam's face only intensified her curiosity.
"Hey, Kirsty. Are you okay?" Chloe's voice was filled with genuine worry as she steadied Kirsty, trying to assess the situation. Chloe glanced over at Sam, who had been silent throughout the encounter. His guarded expression hinted at his involvement or knowledge of whatever had transpired.
“Yeah, I am,” Kirsty said. Kirsty's statement reflects her awareness of an underlying tension in the conversation with Sam. The heaviness of the atmosphere suggests that there may be unspoken thoughts or motives between them. Kirsty's curiosity is piqued as she contemplates Sam's repeated offers of help. She recognizes that in the world, actions often come with some expectation of reciprocity or hidden agenda. She questions why he would extend his assistance multiple times, suspecting that he likely desires something in return. Kirsty's intuition drives her desire to understand Sam's true motives and what he might be expecting from her.
“Does it hurt?” As Chloe inquired about Kirsty's head, Kirsty's attention was momentarily diverted to the tree atop the hill, triggering her desire to recall the details of her dream. However, the dream faded away as soon as she opened her eyes. This fleeting moment of distraction set the stage for a conversation between Chloe and Kirsty, delving into Kirsty's state of mind.
“What do you mean?” Chloe's inquiry about her head brought Kirsty back to the present, but her mind remained preoccupied with her inner thoughts. She tried to dismiss her discomfort by downplaying the pain, acknowledging that it was still bearable. However, her awkward smile betrayed her true feelings.
“Your head. I noticed that you kept on massaging that area for quite some time now.”
“Oh! It’s not that bad, it’s still manageable somehow.” Kirsty awkwardly smiled. The woman has been so chatty with her, and she started to feel uncomfortable about the woman’s presence. She was not used to having conversations this long with anyone, especially women.
"Were you alone in the ranch today?" Chloe further inquired.
"I-I guess?" Kirsty had no idea if indeed she was alone in the place, but she was used to working alone in the stables for days already. She glanced around, taking in the vast expanse of the ranch. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, creating a sense of tranquility that contrasted with her uncertainty. Kirsty had always enjoyed the solitude the ranch offered, allowing her to connect with the animals and find solace in their company.
Chloe's concerned expression deepened as she listened to Kirsty's unsure response. She could sense that something was bothering Kirsty, prompting her to dig deeper. "What do you mean by 'I guess'?" Chloe probed gently, her voice laced with genuine curiosity and worry.
"I'm alone." She answered.
Kirsty's solitude had become a familiar companion in her life. Living alone had provided her with an opportunity for self-discovery, uncovering aspects of herself she had yet to explore. She had grown accustomed to her own company and the freedom it afforded her. Long conversations, particularly with other women, seemed unfamiliar and unsettling to her. It was a departure from her usual routine, causing her to feel uneasy and out of her comfort zone.
“By the way, where did you stay?” Now that Chloe asked about it, Kirsty had no answer to it. A moment of silence went engulfed them. Kirsty was still contemplating whether she would answer her the truth or would she hide something from the woman for her safety. However, she doesn’t know any place except the underground cell that she had been staying in for a couple of days.
“Uhm, in the underground cell-“
“Wait, what?!” She was surprised to hear this from her. As someone who is a member of the pack, Chloe knew that the underground cell was built to jail rogues and other entities who go against the rules of the Alpha. But Kirsty is a member of the pack.
“Yes.” However, before Kirsty could elaborate further or provide an explanation, Sam intervened by taking Chloe's hand and initiating a mind-link communication. This gesture indicated that the matter concerning Kirsty's situation required a more private and detailed conversation, preferably in the comfort of their own home. Sam's actions suggested that he was aware of Kirsty's circumstances and wanted to handle the situation delicately.
“Uhm…Yes, I stayed in the place.” Kirsty answered her back. She was at least thankful that she has a place to stay in that she has her privacy as she lived alone in the cell despite the fact that she was a rogue.
“Oh, okay okay. By the way, I wanted to tell you something…” Chloe decided to make the plan the moment she learned where the woman was staying. Even though she just met her on this day, she felt a serene connection with the woman, and it was so seldom for her to feel that way with anyone, even her own relatives, her own blood.
The woman was smiling sweetly, and Kirsty had no idea how to respond to such.
“Yeah…?”
“From now on, you can stay with us!” Chloe's declaration that Kirsty could stay with them came as a surprise to both Kirsty and Sam. Chloe's enthusiastic smile and exclamation conveyed her excitement, but it left Kirsty feeling shocked and uncertain. Sam, too, couldn't comprehend why Chloe would make such a statement, especially considering they had only just met and knew very little about Kirsty's true identity and the circumstances surrounding her presence in the pack and her time in the cell.
As the news hung in the air, Kirsty's mind raced with questions. Why would Chloe extend such an invitation without fully understanding who Kirsty was and what she had done? Kirsty's past actions and the reason for her confinement surely cast a shadow over her intentions. Doubts crept into Kirsty's mind, leaving her unsure of how to respond to Chloe's unexpected offer.
"What do you mean, Klo?" Sam questioned, his voice tinged with confusion. He was genuinely perplexed by Chloe's sudden invitation.
Sam exchanged a puzzled glance with Kirsty, struggling to comprehend Chloe's sudden declaration. Kirsty, however, was taken aback by the offer. Her mind raced, evaluating the risks and potential consequences of living with the pack. She knew her presence could endanger them and compromise her own safety.
His eyebrows furrowed as he tried to make sense of Chloe's unexpected announcement. He couldn't understand why she would want Kirsty, a complete stranger, to stay with them. It seemed out of character for Chloe to make such a decision without discussing it with him first. Sam glanced at Kirsty, who appeared equally taken aback by the proposition.
“I…just wanted Kirsty to stay with us-“
“You don’t have to bother, Chloe. I have a place to stay in.” Taking a deep breath, Kirsty mustered the courage to speak up, her voice tinged with uncertainty. It was the last thing that Kirsty wanted to have for now. All she ever wanted is her safety, and if she would live with the other members of the pack, her real identity would be at risk.
Chloe, undeterred by Kirsty's resistance, persisted in her invitation. "I insist, Kirsty. Plus, you can still continue your work here at the ranch. The only thing that would change is where you stay."
Chloe's wink and raised eyebrows were met with a stoic expression from Sam. He was struggling to process everything that was happening. He didn't want to offend Chloe, but he also wanted to understand her reasoning behind the sudden decision.
Kirsty found herself in a situation she hadn't anticipated. The unexpected invitation had caught her off guard, and to make matters worse, she was currently battling a pounding headache that made it difficult for her to think clearly.
“Klo, the Alpha-“ Amidst the chaos, Sam began to express his concern about the Alpha, Draken. He believed it was still their responsibility to address the matter involving him. However, before Sam could finish his sentence, Chloe interjected, cutting him off abruptly. Sam sighed, a mix of frustration and empathy filling his voice.
“No, no. Don’t think about Draken, Sam.” Chloe interjected, her tone firm but empathetic.
“What do you mean, Klo? It is still our responsibility to-"
Chloe cut off Sam. Chloe's expression softened, a flicker of doubt crossing her eyes. She knew Sam's unwavering compassion had its merits, even if it clashed with her practicality. After a moment of contemplation, she finally spoke, her voice quieter now.
“I will talk to Draken about this.” Chloe declared. Chloe and the Alpha shared a close friendship, and Chloe knew she could leverage their connection to her advantage. She believed that by involving Draken, she might be able to arrange for Kirsty to be transferred to their location, whatever that might entail. However, Sam, who had initially devised a plan of his own, now found it beginning to crumble as Chloe took charge of the situation. He realized that his mate had taken matters into her own hands, potentially altering the course of their intended actions.
“No, you don’t have to, Klo,” Sam responded, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration and uncertainty. It seemed that his carefully thought-out plan was now in jeopardy, and he was unsure of how to proceed given Chloe's unexpected intervention.
“Sam? Are you going to-“Chloe's question hung in the air, causing a shift in the atmosphere. The once radiant smile on Chloe's face faded away, replaced by a somber expression. It was clear that something had changed, and Chloe seemed hesitant to continue the conversation.
“No, no…what I mean is, instead of you talking to Draken, won't you mind that we will talk about this when we reached home?”
Taking a moment to consider her response, Kirsty replied, "Chloe, I... I appreciate your offer and everything you've done for me. It's just that I feel comfortable in my own place, especially since it's near the ranch."
Kirsty's words were gentle, reflecting her desire to avoid causing any offense. She didn't want to reject Chloe's kindness outright, but she also wanted to express her own preferences and comfort.
Chloe's expression softened slightly, and she seemed to understand Kirsty's perspective. However, she pressed on, seeking clarity. "So, are you going to decline my offer, Kirsty?"
Kirsty's predicament was rather unfortunate. She longed to escape the confines of the underground cell she was trapped in and seek refuge elsewhere within the pack. However, she found herself devoid of any means to do so. To make matters worse, she had entered this place as a slave to the pack, further diminishing any hope of exercising her right to choose her living arrangements.
As Kirsty contemplated her options, her thoughts were interrupted by Sam, who abruptly interjected into the conversation. Without allowing her to finish expressing her intentions, Sam confidently stated, "Okay, let her stay with us."
Two pairs of eyes looked in Sam’s direction.