4. Rogues

We got in the house, and my mouth hung open. I have seen big houses before, even palaces, but this was something else.

It gave me a mysterious feeling. It felt like home...but something more than this...

"So, welcome to my humble home!" Leon said, blushing slightly.

For a man of his stature, this was so funny to see.

"Humble? This is more beautiful than all the palaces I saw, Leon! You did an amazing job here. Your mate will be so proud."

"Palaces?! Are you a Princess or something? And, besides, there is just one place that I know of! The one where the Werewolf King lives!"

"Werewolf King? This is new!"

He starts laughing and walks away.

"What?! Where are you going? Won't you show me around?"

"Well, I think you should eat and wash before that, Princess!" he said and bows.

"You are right!" I said, realising the state I was in.

"And please stop calling me Princess! I'm barely a servant!"

"Yeah, sure! Said the one who has seen so many palaces."

"You are a funny guy, Leon! Do you know that?" I ask, and we both burst into laughter.

"Well, thank you! So you are, Amaya! Now, come! I will show you to the bathroom so you can wash while I prepare something to eat."

He heads to the stairs, and I follow him.

When we got upstairs, I could not hold the sound that escaped me. It was breathtaking. Dim lights illuminated the wide corridor. The walls were painted in such a way that you would think you are in a magical place in the middle of the forest, and the floor looked like a lake with fish and other swimming creatures.

"Leon, this is amazing!" I said, still analysing the fantastic piece of art.

"Thank you, kind Princess!"

"Argh! Stop it!" I said and punched his shoulder.

His eyes locked with mine for a second before he burst into laughter.

"I was afraid that you would go to punch me back!" I said to him, chuckling.

"Oh, God, Amaya! You are something! Here! Go and take a shower! You stink!"

"A shower? What is that?" I ask in confusion?

"You do not know what a shower is? Are you sure you haven't lived in a cave till now?"

"I'm sorry, Leon! But this is all new to me. We had a washroom, and I..."

"Washroom? Are you coming from the past?"

I looked down, not knowing what to answer. I didn't know where I indeed came from or where I am right now! Everything seems so different from home.

"I'm sorry, Amaya! I didn't mean to..."

"No! It's ok... It is just that I am confused about so many things right now! I promise to tell you everything. Maybe you can help me figure out what is happening."

"Of course! Come, I will show you how to use the shower, and I will also give you some of my mom's clothes. Good that she always leaves some behind when she visits me."

After he showed me how to use the shower, he left. So I was now soaking in the nice hot water with the scent.

'He seems trustworthy, Amaya! Maybe he can help us.' Ivy said through the mind link.

'Yeah... I hope so!'

I might have fallen asleep as Leon's soft voice made me jump out of the so-called bathtub.

"Amaya! Oh, I'm sorry if I scared you! You were here for so long; I wanted to make sure you are fine. The food is ready. I will wait for you downstairs." He said, opening the door slightly.

"Oh... yeah... I'll be there in two, Leon! Thank you!" I said and started to wipe myself dry.

I put on the black pants and blue top, and I head to where the kitchen should be.

"Leon? Where are you?" I ask, getting lost in the big house.

"I'm right here, Amaya! Come on! The food is getting cold."

"Do you like it?" he asks, but I wasn't able to answer as my mouth was full of the delicious food.

"This is the most delicious I have ever had! What is this?" I asked with my mouth still full

Leon starts laughing again, looking at me. I must look like and starving do right now

"This is what we call Pasta Carbonara. Is one of my favourite foods." He said proudly.

"Carbonara! I'm sure Evolet would love this." I said with sadness in my voice.

"Hey, hey! Look at me. Whatever this is that is happening to you; I will help you, ok? I promise!"

He said in a warm, soft voice, grabbing my hand that was now resting on the table.

I look at him with tears stinging the corner of my eyes.

"Thank you, Leon! But why are you doing this?"

"Because I know how it is to feel lost. I was there. And I was lucky enough to meet this man who supported me till I got back on my feet. I promised myself then to do the same if I ever see someone struggling the way I did."

"You are a good man, Leon!"

We finished eating, and I helped him to clean the table and wash the dishes. We talked and laughed so much that I almost forgot about my problems.

'Amaya! Someone is coming! Get ready to fight!' came Ivy's alarming voice into my head.

"Fight? What are you talking about?"

"Is everything ok, Amaya?" Leon asks me, confused.

"I don't know. I think my wolf is a bit crazy." I said. "She told me to prepare for a fight as someone is coming."

He looked at me for a moment then went to the front door.

When he turned back to me, his face was full of worry.

"She was right, Amaya! But how was she able to feel them before my wolf did? I'm born of Beta, so... the only way is... you are born from Alphas?"

I look at him, confused.

'What are Alphas?' I ask Ivy.

'I will explain later! Rogues are coming! Get ready! There are over twenty.'