As soon as we left the hall, we found ourselves surrounded by four armed bodyguards. Three men and a lady.
"Lily Brown?" One of the bodyguards asked.
I nodded, my fear evident in my eyes. "Come with us," the bodyguard said in a deep voice, leaving no room for questions.
Ryan and Tyler, sensing my distress, quickly moved over to Mira's side. I looked at Mira and our minds connected immediately. I was relieved that we could communicate telepathically, as our wolves only connect with people who share the same bloodline or have an emotional bond with, or are our mate.
"Mira, please take care of my pups," I said silently, not moving my lips. I could hear her response too. "Where is your room?" I asked, still using our telepathic connection.
"MIRA is my code. Just hit the alphabets on any available intercom or the one that will be given to you," Mira responded with a sense of calmness that immediately put me a little bit at ease. Knowing I could reach her for help if anything happens.
"Thank you, Mira," I said gratefully.
"You are welcome," she replied.
As we walked towards the big white castle, I began to feed my eyes. The castle was a sprawling mass of stone and marble, with intricately carved statues adorning the walls and walkways. The gardens were immaculately groomed, with fountains and blooms that were fit for a president.
I felt a mix of fear and curiosity about what lay ahead. I didn't know where they were taking me to and what I would encounter. The strange question kept banging in my head.
I walked into the castle and marvelled at the opulent décor. The walls were adorned with intricate paintings, and the floors were made of the finest marble. The furniture was made of shining brass and gold, and the air was scented with the sweet fragrance of exotic flowers.
I was shown into a large hall that was filled with more expensive furniture and decorated with tapestries hanging from the walls. From there, I was led up a grand staircase that wound its way up to the upper floors. The staircase was lined with sculptures, oil lamps, and paintings that were a sight to behold.
Once I arrived at the top of the stairs, I was taken down a long corridor, which had several doors on either side. The ornate doors themselves were a wonder to look upon. Through the castle's winding corridors, our footsteps were muffled by the plush carpets that lined the floors.
I was led to a room that was as opulent as the rest of the castle, with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and plush draperies. In the center of the room sat a grand mahogany table, surrounded by plush chairs that looked like they had never been sat in. On the table were stacks of documents, a silver pen, and a bottle of expensive champagne.
The female bodyguard pointed at one of the chairs. I hesitated for a while before taking a step further.
As I took my seat at the table, I couldn't help but feel like a pawn in some elaborate game. But as I looked around the room, all the luxury and decadence, I realised that it was a game I was willing to play. It is better than going back to the Eclipse Pack. I took a deep breath and sat on one of the chairs, surrounded by three men and a lady.
Five minutes later, a fruity scent like ripe peaches and berries mixed with musk filled the entire room. It was quite nice and I continued sniffling. "Mate!!" My wolf purred in my head. I wondered who he was.
Two men strode into the room. But none of them was my mate. A man walked in later. His presence filled the air, dominating the space with his commanding energy. I noticed the scent was coming from him. Despite the seriousness of the occasion, I tried to appear relaxed, but honestly, I wasn't.
The Alpha was impeccably dressed in an expensive tailored suit, and a golden watch glinted on his wrist.
The three men in black suits who guided me to the room were clearly his security detail, standing rigidly at attention in strategic positions around the room. The Alpha didn't acknowledge me at all. It was as if I was invisible.
As he took his seat beside his two friends, he leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs, and lighted a cigar. The scent of tobacco filled the air, mingling with his cologne and natural scent. He puffed out a cloud of thick smoke. His eyes were hidden behind a pair of dark sunglasses, but his gaze was intense and unwavering as he surveyed the room, sizing me that sat before him up.
There was a palpable tension in the air, and the Alpha seemed to revel in it, enjoying the power dynamic of the situation. Despite his nonchalant demeanor, there was a hint of danger in the way he carried himself, a reminder that he was in charge and that he expected to be obeyed.
"Stephanie, I think you invited the wrong person," he murmured after a while and I shivered, wondering how he knew I was Emily and not Lily.
"Alpha, she is…" one of the bodyguards tried to protest, but Alpha Brady interrupted her.
"Shut up!" He snapped.
Oh, my God! Did Lily do something to him? I wondered. Suddenly, it became clear why everyone was asking me what I did to him. My fear intensified. Taking up my sister's identity was one of the most difficult challenges I had ever faced, but for the sake of Ryan and Tyler, I made up my mind not to give up.
"How did you know she is not the right person?" One of his friends that sat beside him asked, looking at me.
"The one I had an encounter with is not my mate," Alpha Brady said, removing the dark sunglasses he covered his eyes with and fixing his piercing gaze on me. I lowered my gaze as I could not stand his. I wondered why my wolf was not excited to meet the mate we had been searching for years. Probably because I was not excited.