Reclaiming Her Heart

Chapter 73 - Ulysses Mansion

Jadea

I stared over the landscape. There was riparian vegetation and trees to the left. A large unkempt garden maze, half way buried under snow, stretched before us while a daunting structure loomed above us. It felt cold and unwelcoming with its large, vast walls, windows and pointy, geometric edges.

It was so vastly different than the last place...

"Where are we?" I whispered, afraid to speak too loudly.

"Ulysses," Agamemnon's one-word response explained it all.

"No wonder it feels so evil here," Garret grumbled under his breath as Caden stepped closer into me, unease seeping from him.

My gaze fell to the spot just beyond the garden, knowing this was where so many of Constance's comrades lost their lives. So much immortal history happened here on these grounds...

"Lance is already here and inside," Agamemnon stated. "He'll show you where you're staying."

"Where are you going?" I quizzed.

"My wolves and I will be on the perimeter for the remaining time we are here," he stated calmly.

Nodding, my pack followed as I led the way toward the huge A-framed structure with several ceiling-to-floor windows. From what I could see through those windows, it looked to be a very large study of some sort. On either side of the looming A-frame were two wings that curved around to the back. Many more large windows allowed glimpses into the house as we made our way around to the back. It was a large, regal house from the outside, painted in contrasting white with black accents. There was well-thought-out landscaping around the entire structure.

"This was where Constance lived?" Blade asked, leaning in to whisper softly. This place was making us all uneasy.

"One of them," I replied as we rounded the back of the house and found a pair of double doors.

"I don't think I've ever felt something that wasn't living feel so inherently ... Evil," Briar murmured, shifting closer into Derrick's side. "There's so much pain. Hate. And malevolence here."

Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I hesitantly pushed open one of the doors and slowly crossed the threshold into a rather spacious entrance. There was one decorative rug in the space, but other than that, it was rather plain and empty. Just beyond the entrance, two hallways split going left or right.

"Which way do we go?" Garret whispered anxiously, the others closing in tightly around me.

"Hello? Lance?" I called out, my voice echoing unnervingly.

"Over here!" Lance called back, emerging from the right hallway, his devastating smile—so much like his sister's—hitting first before his strong arms pulled me into a crushing hug that took me right off my feet. "We really have to stop meeting like this," he teased after setting me back down.

"L-like what?" I stammered, searching his caramel-flecked eyes for answers.

He frowned. "Sis said your memories were tampered with. But I didn't realize just how bad it was. C'mon! I'll get you settled in, and then we can catch up over dinner."

He led us to the left, and showed us around. "I'm starting to renovate the place. It's just taking a while." He called over his shoulder.

"He's renovating? Like he's going to live here with his pack?" Garret sounded incredulous.

"It was his father's place," I rationalized. "Maybe with the presence of a loving pack, he'll be able to transform the place into what it should have always been." A home. Filled with love and laughter. Like Erwin's cabin had been.

"I've settled my pack in the right wing, where most of the construction is going on." As we walked, he pointed out a communal bathroom, a hallway leading into the heart of the compound where the kitchens, living room, dining room and offices were. "And here are the bedrooms! These two here are for the pack," he explained, opening two doors that were right next to each other. Peeking inside, I saw large spaces with several beds lining the walls. "And this is the master," he stepped nearly to the end of the hallway and opened another door. Turning back to me, his brows furrowed curiously. "Where's your mate?"

Clenching my jaw, I felt the tightening in my chest, the tears stinging the corners of my eyes. "He went to visit Aidan and Anika," I stated as calmly and nonchalantly as I could.

By his expression, he didn't believe me, but let it go for now. "Well, I'll let you all get settled in. Dinner will be at five. If you need anything, we will be in the living room." And with that, he took his leave.

Caden and I disappeared into the master, allowing the others a chance to figure out which rooms they would choose to stay.

The master was very spacious with a connecting bathroom and sitting room. Caden padded into the sitting room, inspecting the space while I explored the master. Setting my backpack down, my gaze moved over the creme-colored room with maroon accents. A huge four-poster bed, with its smooth dark cherry wood, was the centerpiece of the room. The craftsmanship of the wood was phenomenal. A maroon canopy with thick curtains tied to each poster of the bed made an enchanting sight. Large windows on either side had floor to ceiling maroon drapes that pooled on the ground. Other pieces of dark cherry furniture filled the spaces, their craftsmanship matching that of the bed.

"I don't think the study will work as a separate space for our scenes," Caden announced.

That was okay. "We won't be here for long," I murmured. While we liked having a separate space for our scenes, we didn't necessarily have to have one.

Shuffling into the bathroom next, I paused taking in the enormous space. Along the left was a long countertop with two sinks. A full wall mirror hung spotlessly above it. To the right were several more mirrors and hooks where maroon towels hung. Well-placed maroon rugs dotted the floor. In the far left corner was a large, round tiled shower with a cascading shower head. In the right corner a very large and deep jacuzzi tub that could easily fit several adults. My mind instantly swirled with intimate fantasies. There were very few places and opportunities to utilize such a space.

Caden sauntered up next to me, his gaze turning upward. Along the ceiling were several large hooks. "I think we found where we can hang you," he murmured suggestively, his voice deepening with anticipation. "This is a nice set-up," Caden said with appreciation.

It really was.

After settling in, and discussing where the self-harm scene would take place later, we checked in with the others. Their rooms were large with several full four-poster, canopy beds that matched the craftsmanship of the master. The colors crème and maroon as well. From what was determined, Briar and Derrick would get their own room, since they were the only mated pair present. Garret, Blade and Chance would share the other room.

At five, we joined everyone for dinner. The dining room was next to the study and had a wall full of windows facing the garden and setting sun. It made for a gorgeous view.

If it wasn't for the vile atmosphere that clung to the space like a second skin, this house would be stunning.

"So, why don't you tell us what's been going on with you," Lance opened with, those mischievous eyes glinting across the table at me, knowing I hated talking about myself, especially in front of a crowd.

Rolling my eyes, I knew I wasn't going to be able to get out of this. None too gracefully, I decided to dive right in. If anyone could help provide some clarifying insight, it would be Lance.