Chapter 29

I stood still by the edge of the bed, dumbfounded, while I stared at the ornate items placed in front of me. Right in the center sat a large black box with intricate gold detailing, beautifully wrapped with a bow that trailed over the sides in delicate frills. Right beside it was a grey medium-sized box that had the words "Jimmy Choo" written across it in black letters. And to the very front, sat an elegant velvet case that read "Cartier", the stylish gold engraving standing out against the bright red color of the case. Finally, sitting pretty amongst these was a large bouquet of red roses with a note.

Upon noticing it, my hand automatically reached out to clutch the note tightly before opening it. As my eyes raced across the three words written in perfect cursive, my head spun and my jaw dropped in shock.

For you.

-Alex

I could hear Thomas downstairs, talking animatedly to the person who had come by to drop these things but my interest in their discussion had completely waned as I re-read the little note for the third time. Alex sent me these things? Alex? The same man who wanted me dead?

Placing the note down in a daze, I reached for the big box and pulled out the item within. My surprise and shock doubled as I took in the knee-length black dress which had a plunging neckline with delicate straps and a long slit to the side. The satin material felt smooth to the touch, and the texture and well-made cut clearly illustrated the "high-end" quality of the clothing. Peeking into the bottom of the box, I breathed a sigh of relief when I found a matching set of black lace lingerie. It had definitely been a nightmare trying to survive without any undergarments.

Opening the grey box next, I found a pair of beautiful nude stilettos. They were simple yet looked very classy. And to my utter amazement, the shoes were the right size! What the-? Quickly grabbing the clothes and checking the hem tags, I realized that they were the correct size as well! How the fuck did they know my size?

Finally moving on to the velvet case, I ran my fingers over the surface, delighting in the feel of the luxurious texture before carefully opening it. My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as I gaped at the beautiful line necklace, paved with diamonds on a platinum chain.

"What's all this?"

I turned around slowly with the case still clasped in my hands and my mouth wide open in shock. Thomas was standing in the doorway staring at the things laid out on the bed. His brows were scrunched together in the middle as he eyed the whole scene with suspicion.

"Uh. They are from Alex"

"What?"

A look of surprise crossed his face before he approached the bed dubiously. Picking up the note, his eyes narrowed into slits while his lips pulled into a thin line. Looking back at the items once again, his jaw ticked as he tossed the note back on the bed and turned to look at me seriously.

"Start getting ready. They are expecting us within the hour."

"Where are we meeting them?"

He sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. I realized that he always did that when he felt particularly frustrated. "We are meeting them in the packhouse. That's like the main house where the higher-ranking wolves live."

"Oh. Are you one?"

A small smile graced his lips as he answered. "Yes, I am. This pack has two Alphas, Alex and Marcus. They are like... the leaders. Then you have the second in command who is called a Beta. And we have three in this pack– James, Kole, and me. We also have a Gamma- our third in command who happens to be Liam. But he doesn't live at the packhouse anymore."

"Liam? The one I met at the infirmary?

"Yup. He told me how you two met. He is a very good friend. Someone you can always trust when I'm not around. Anyway, that's enough talk. Get ready. The car will be here soon."

Placing a chaste kiss on my cheek, Thomas turned and hurried out of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Glancing at the necklace once again, my confusion resurfaced. Why was Alex suddenly being nice?

Unable to come up with a suitable answer, I began to get ready.

Twenty-five minutes later, I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. The dress was a perfect fit, tastefully accentuating my curves while showing off a generous amount of skin over the bust and thigh region. The necklace gleamed as it hugged my collarbone delicately while the shoes added to my height and emphasized the curve on my back and hips. I had also been happy to find some makeup that had been sent over with the toiletries. They proved to be very handy in covering the bruises and love bites that littered my skin. Finally, with a dash of gloss over my lips, I glanced at my elegant ensemble with satisfaction before heading downstairs.

Making my way towards the voices coming from the porch, I suddenly felt nervous. There was a nagging feeling on the inside that I simply couldn't shake off. As much as I wanted to stay away from the brothers, there was something that tugged me towards them. Fuck! Why did I have to be irrational now? Especially with these men? Why can't I be irrational about something stupid like cooking or the weather or my shopping habits?!

Letting out a deep breath, I stepped outside just as the two men who were busy conversing turned in my direction. I felt my insides tighten as my eyes landed on Aidan. For fucksake! Aidan's mouth hung open as his eyes ran over my body heatedly. I gritted my teeth in silent vehemence as his eyes darkened and dripped with lust, reminding me in disgust of our last encounter.

"Wow! Baby you look... wow... fuck... You look stunning"

I turned towards Thomas, my insides unclenching immediately as a smile made its way to my lips. My disgust and hatred, fled in an instant as I gazed upon the man I adored. Thomas seemed stunned as he looked me over. His eyes flashed gold, igniting the flame of desire within every cell in my body.

"Thank you. And so do you"

My smile broadened as I reached him. Thomas was dressed in a pair of black trousers with a light grey shirt and black formal shoes. The grey from his shirt enhanced the colour of his eyes which sparkled with love in my direction. His well-fitted shirt was tailored to perfection around the columns of his thick muscles before tapering neatly into his trousers. He was certainly a sight to behold.

Quickly wrapping me in his arms, he inhaled deeply into my neck before pulling away to kiss my forehead.

"You really are gorgeous"

I giggled softly as my heart overflowed with fondness. "Yes. We already covered that. Shouldn't we get going?"

Placing another kiss on my temple, Thomas opened the car door. Avoiding looking at Aidan and his sharp eyes that were burning holes into my skin, I quickly climbed in. Getting in after me, Thomas scooted close, his hand immediately seeking mine before entwining possessively.

And as soon as Aidan hopped into the driver's seat, we were off.

The sky was growing dark as I stared out of the window, feeling apprehensive about facing the brothers. But this time, however, I felt a little more brave with Thomas by my side and a little more at ease knowing that the brothers weren't going to carry out their threat of killing me. But still, I couldn't help the anxiety that was beginning to worm its way back into my senses.

I was pulled away from my thoughts when I felt Thomas's hand tugging on the neckline of my dress.

"What are you doing?"

Still staring at my chest, he seemed irritated. "It's a bit too low"

I huffed before rolling my eyes and resuming my previous line of pondering. Unfortunately, my thinking didn't get too far, on account of the repeated interruptions from Thomas who was tutting constantly and trying to adjust my dress, and Aidan who was glancing ever so often in the mirror in order to catch my eye. I was beyond glad when the car finally turned a bend and the packhouse came into view. I couldn't wait to get out, afraid that another minute spent in their company would more than likely cause me to explode.

Stepping out, I stared at the massive building in wonder while Thomas walked up behind me. With its manicured lawns, beautiful gardens with fountains, palatial white pillars, and triple-story foundation, the place was impressive.

"I thought you said "house". This thing is a bloody mansion."

Wrapping his arms around my waist, Thomas chuckled before grazing his lips in the crook of my neck and sending bursts of tingles throughout my body. When he spoke, however, his voice was thick with emotions. "Even though I'm not happy with how you got here, I'm happy that you are here. You don't know how long I have dreamed of the day when you would become a part of my life... part of my world... and here you are. I love you so much."

I sighed heavily as his feelings ran through me. There was a deep sense of regret in him with everything that had happened but there was also a side to him that was bursting with joy and happiness.

"Beta Thomas, once you're done just link me and I'll bring the car around"

Turning slightly to the side, I noticed Aidan standing by the car, his face stone cold as he watched the exchange between us. His eyes traveled to the arms that held me, flashing dangerously for a second before turning back to their original honey brown. Something close to rage flickered behind those orbs. But that was quickly replaced with a mask of indifference when Thomas lifted his head off my neck and looked in Aidan's direction.

"I will. Thank you."

Throwing a glance in my direction, Aidan got back in the car and drove off down the driveway. I felt my insides squirm uncomfortably as I watched the car turn the corner. Was I going to keep bumping into him often?

"Who is he?"

"Who? Aidan? He's one of our top warriors. One of the best actually. And he's also our best tracker. Why?"

I took a deep breath unsure how to proceed. Not sure if this was a good time to tell him about what had happened. But as my eyes landed on the mansion in front of me, I realized that we had more pressing matters at hand. Taking another deep breath, I decided to only divulge half the story. "Well, he was one of the guys who brought me here."

Turning around in his arms, I witnessed Thomas's face darken. His eyes flashed gold as he looked past me to the house. A low growl went through him before he closed his eyes and breathed sharply. "If he was there, then it would have been on the Alpha's orders. He was just doing his job. If anyone is to be blamed in all of this, then it's those sons of bitches who did this to us."

I felt my jaw clench in irritation. Doing his job? Sure. But not wanting to give in to my frustration or get Thomas worked up just before the meeting, I leaned into his chest and wrapped my arms around him. "Let's just get this over with"

He sighed as he held me back tightly. Kissing my forehead tenderly, he raised my chin before placing his lips on mine. I felt my whole world melt. Everything else felt insignificant in the face of the realization that this was where I wanted to be. In his arms. Forever. Breaking away, I felt my eyes brim with happiness. "I love you, Thomas Carson"

His face broke into a dazzling smile as he pecked me on the lips before gazing at me lovingly. "Love you more. Come on, let's go inside"

The house on the inside was even more impressive than its exterior grandeur. The black and white tiled floor led into an open foyer that was lit by a large crystal chandelier hanging almost twenty feet in the air. Every corner was beautifully decorated with antique vases that held fresh flowers in various colors. The foyer expanded on either side into vast hallways which I presumed led to more rooms. And, just past the open area was a grand staircase, its elegant handrail weaving into the upper floors before disappearing from sight.

"You like it?"

"I've never seen a place like this before. It's beautiful."

"My Grandfather built the place a long time ago. Since then, it has been remodeled many times but we kept the original layout. Come on, we are going to wait in the study on the second floor. Those bastards are going to be late."

I felt confused. Nobody had informed us that the brothers were running late. So how did he know? "How do you know they are going to be late?"

Thomas smirked as he raised his index finger to tap the side of his head. "James linked me. We wolves have the ability to communicate telepathically. Within reasonable distances of course."

I stared at him for a few seconds while I let that piece of information sink in. "Oh wow. Is that what Aidan meant when he asked you to link him?

"Yup." Holding my hand securely, Thomas began walking us toward the stairs, my heels clicking loudly against the polished floor. My mind felt overloaded with all the new information that I had garnered in the last two days of being in this place. And yet, I knew that there was so much more to learn.

Reaching the second floor, I glanced at the long-carpeted corridor. There were several doors on either side with beautiful portraits and mirrors lining the gaps between each door. Thomas took me past a few before we reached one that had double doors. The wood was intricately carved with grape vines that surrounded a large crest that had a shield with a wolf's head in the middle. A large crown sat on top, flanked on either side by two wolves standing on their hind legs and holding up the crown. The elaborate crest split directly in the middle when Thomas grabbed the two handles and pushed the doors open, taking me inside the room that looked like a mini library at first glance.

"Is that a family crest on the door?"

"Yes. Gloria et virtute – loosely translates to Power and Glory. Anyway, this is the study. Only used by the high-ranking wolves but I highly doubt any of us have been here in a while. I don't even remember the last time I was here."

I hummed in response as I studied the room. To my right, there were rows upon rows of shelves filled to the brim with books that were neatly organized and categorized. A fireplace with a cozy seating arrangement was to my left. And a large desk was to the front and center while a couch sat directly behind us.

As I turned to move towards the couch, my eyes immediately shot up to the line of portraits that hung on the wall directly above it. I gasped as I recognized the man in one of them. He was the same one that was pictured in the article that I had read while doing my research into Thomas and his company. But he wasn't alone in this picture. He was standing with his hand on the shoulder of a woman seated below him. She was breathtaking, her gentle smile lighting up her face with tender softness. I did a double-take when I noticed her eyes. Silver-grey. The same color as Thomas's eyes.

"My parents."

Thomas walked over to stand beside me, his hands shoved into his trouser pockets as he stared at the portrait in front of us.

"Nicholas and Layla Carson. My Father was the Alpha of this pack before my brothers took over. All that bastard ever cared about was power. He took Alex and Marcus under his wing when they were just three years old. Started training them, filling their heads with his vile ideas and beliefs. Tortured them if they didn't follow him. Used creative ways to "beat the weakness out of us" as he fondly put it. Of course, it was mainly Alex and Marcus that suffered. James, Kole, and I didn't matter much to him. We were practically raised by our aunt Helena who is my Father's sister. And as for my mother, we never got the chance to meet her. She died while giving birth to us. Apparently, halfway through the delivery, she began to hemorrhage badly. Her wolf couldn't heal her as it was trying to save the pups in her womb. By the time they had cut her open to pull us out, she had died."

A silence settled between us as I tilted my head to the side to study Thomas. For the first time, I couldn't tell what he was feeling. He seemed closed off, his expression unreadable as he continued to look at the portrait of his parents.

"You have your mother's eyes."

"Yes. Marcus and I have the same color as our mother while Alex and Kole are blue like my Father's. James took after our Grandfather."

"I'm sorry that you had to"

I stopped speaking when I noticed Thomas's head turn towards the door, his body tensing instantaneously as his eyes flashed gold. "They're here"

The doors burst open just as I turned. But before my eyes could take in the hulking figures entering the room, Thomas pulled me behind him, his right arm curling to the back to hold me in place. Instinctively, I shut my eyes and inhaled Thomas's scent as my heart began to race furiously at the sound of the doors closing and footsteps nearing our direction.

It was only when the footsteps stopped and a chilling silence cloaked the room, did I dare to open my eyes. Peering over Thomas's shoulder I glanced at the terrible four who stood dressed impeccably in dark suits and staring at us with detached expressions on their handsome faces. I gulped hard as I began to feel the pull towards each of them. Fuck!

"Brother. If you could wait in my office, I would like to speak with Mia alone."

My eyes widened in shock at Alex's words. His voice was very polite and lacked the usual domineering undertone that I had become accustomed to. What was he planning this time?!

Thomas growled, his voice coming out harsh and aggravated. "Like hell, I'm going to leave my mate unprotected with you."

I involuntarily gripped the back of his shirt as I noticed Alex's eyes flash gold. My brain sent warning signals to every nerve in my body as I remembered the awful atrocities that Alex was capable of doing. But suddenly, I noticed his eyes turn foggy. All eyes in the room were on Alex as he remained silent for the longest time. And when his eyes finally returned to their normal blue, Thomas turned towards me, his eyes flashing between silver and gold.

"Mia, listen to me. I promise nothing will happen. He just wants to talk. I will be in the next room and if at any point you need me, I will come right in. Ok?"

I felt like I was going to throw up. "What?! No, don't leave me alone with him! Please, Thomas."

Resting his forehead against mine, Thomas heaved a sigh before responding in a firm tone. "I won't let anything happen to you. I promise. Do you trust me?"

I looked into his eyes, the truth in his words undeniable as the protectiveness flowed through the connection we shared. Unable to bring myself to utter the words, I simply nodded, worried that I may have a breakdown if I said anything. Taking in a breath he kissed me on my lips gently before reluctantly pulling away and walking towards the door. James, Kole, and Marcus soon followed behind him, leaving me to face the monster alone.