Tale of the Werewolf Alpha and His Mate

Chapter Ten: Meeting Him Outside of School

BECCA

By the end of the day, Dakota invited me for a hang-out at her place. She even informed me that they all live together, but I didn't think of the fact that they all reside together in a freaking mansion, amidst the dense forest my family crossed on our way into the town. Quite remote. But I bet they're super rich enough to build a residence far away from the main town. Right? Seriously, though, do they all really live here together? There are a few smaller houses surrounding the mansion... but oh, my!

I sit in my car, peering out at the sprawling mansion. Its white facade, gleaming in the afternoon sun, rises majestically from the manicured lawn, its imposing presence punctuated by towering columns that frame a grand entrance with intricate stained-glass doors. Lush, emerald ivy cascades down the walls, while a winding, cobblestone path leads to the circular driveway, where a fountain dances with sparkling water, its spray catching the sunlight in a mesmerizing display. Beautiful flower beds line the path.

I hold onto the steering wheel tight, noticing a lot of people looking up at the intruder... aka me. I take a deep breath and grab my bag as I open the door and climb out, pretending that their gazes don't affect me at all. I plaster a shy smile and make my way toward the house... the enormous mansion. The porch is furnished with intricately designed patio furniture, and a few stone pedestals and wreaths add to its classy appeal. The grand entrance is white with a touch of blue giving an aesthetic and inviting aura. Completely in awe, I take in the charm when my phone vibrates in my back pocket, snapping me out of my daydreaming.

It is an unknown number.

I frown.

Hey! This is Sienna here. Your mother asked me to look after the house and told me to meet you in the evening.

Woah! My mother has already hired somebody?

My phone buzzes again.

Don’t worry. I am a certified housekeeper, if you worry too much. - Sienna.

I click on the attachment, and it's her resume. I check her details showing quite a good experience, and she seems to be responsible and trustworthy.

I will stay here and take care of the house and Aria until you come. - Sienna.

I type back. I’ll take some time as I am out to meet a friend. Dinner’s in the fridge, and Aria’s schedule is attached to the refrigerator door. Feel free to relax. Thank you. - Becca.

Sure. Take care. - Sienna.

I then sigh and knock with tension in my stomach, and the door opens wide.

Skylar says, with her hair tied up in a bun and glasses resting on the bridge of her nose. “Hey!?”

“Hi.” I bashfully wave and smile.

Skylar smiles. “You must be here for Al…I mean, Dakota, right?”

A minute later, she steps away and gestures to me. “C’mon in, then.”

I enter the foyer, my eyes moving along the spiral staircase before I look back at her.

She walks toward the extensive pastel sofa set, and I notice almost everything matches in this house, from the walls to the curtains and even the couches and the ottomans, the drawers, and the decorative pieces. Everything screams aesthetic.

“Make yourself at home. Dakota will be down soon. She’s busy with some...”

Skylar falls on the couch and glances into her phone.

“Sure.”

I politely take a seat.

A minute later, I voice out the doubt from the very beginning before I can stop myself. “So, you all live together?”

“Pretty much, yeah!” she replies nonchalantly. “We've lived together since we were kids. So did our parents. And probably so will our next generations."

Oh!

Skylar glances at me and shrugs. “We are all very close, you see.” Oh! “What about you?” she asks.

Huh?

Skylar asks, “Your family?”

I take a moment to contemplate and then, with a smile, I answer. “Just my mother and sister, that’s all.”

“What about your dad?”

Taken aback, I sigh. “My dad does not live with us.”

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”

A roar startles me.

However, the voice makes my heart miss a beat or two. I turn my head and watch Nathan striding down the staircase, his eyes fixed on me. He…is rude. Why?

"Woah! Chill, Crawford!" Skylar exclaims.

Nathan silences her with a swift glare.

Skylar pokes her tongue out, grinning. Nathan turns his attention back on me. Slightly terrified, I find myself getting up. I swallow hard when he moves closer.

“What the f**k are you doing here?” he snaps, making me flinch.

His tone disappoints me... it makes my heart ache. Does he not want me around?

Skylar responds on my behalf, interrupting our silent conversation. She rolls her eyes and groans. “Dakota invited her. Becs is here as Dakota’s guest.”

Nathan doesn't take his eyes off me. It isn't making me uncomfortable, per se. But still, it feels like he is boring into my soul, searching, determined to unravel all my secrets, my thoughts, my emotions. I subtly fumble with my fingers, taking in a moment to appreciate how gorgeous he is... until she interrupts again by clearing her throat. "Ahem!" I blink and look sideways to notice her teasing gaze, her smirk, and then I straighten up, taking control of myself.

Be normal, Becca. He is just a guy. Not Adonis.

Though I remember I did compare him to Adonis.

I feel my cheeks flush red at the thought before I regain control of... my thoughts. I cough up. "Well, now that I am here, I believe we have something to discuss."

His eyebrows furrow.

"We do?"

"You do?"

I glance at them back and forth, finding them looking at each other. It's like they're having a conversation without words. What the heck is that about? Ignoring the weird hollow feeling in my chest, I wipe off my frown and positively nod at them. "I do. The project we're assigned to do... as partners." My voice trails off at the word. It feels intimate. I feel my heart beating faster. Realization draws to him when I clear my throat and look at him. "What do you say? Shall we talk about what we're going to do? At least make an outline or something. Before Dakota comes?"

There is silence in the room. Skylar gets up. Then she says to me, "Well, I must go back to my room. I've to get ready for my date. See ya later, Becs."

Before I can react, she winks at me and then turns around, walking away.

I watch her disappear when I feel his presence... more. Overwhelmingly closer. "So, you want to have a discussion, huh?" he snaps, startling me by grabbing my wrist. I gasp and turn back to him.

"Fine! If that's what you want," he mutters and leads to the stairs. "We can talk... in my room."

His room? Alone? The thought alone makes my face burn crimson. I try to shake it off when he sneakily slips his hand into mine. I look up, staring at the back of his head and noticing that his ears are... red. Wow!

I wonder... what expression he has on as we walk hand in hand to his room.