Married to the Alpha

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

Into the Woods

|Maria|

"THAT is the reason why I strongly opposed your relationship with him, Maria."

I stared at him after hearing those. I could see the sincerity in his eyes as he said those. I sighed. Now that I've confirmed Lucas' identity, that he's really a werewolf and not just an ordinary werewolf, but an Alpha. The leader of his pack, the strong one.

I remembered that to be an Alpha of a Pack is either the previous Alpha chooses you or its the battle of the strongest. And unless you were born to be a purebred. But do purebreds still exist today?

I wonder how Lucas became an Alpha. Is it one of those two? Or is he a purebred?

Lucas is an Alpha, an alpha of the Lancaster Pack. And he happened to be my husband. I rested my back unto the sofa, still comprehending all the information in my mind. I can't help but to massage my temple, I felt so dizzy all of sudden.

And what shocked me more was my friend, Baron, is also a werewolf! Well, it could be since he's Lucas cousin. But I can't believe that he kept that to me!

Well, still, I'm not sure if we could still be friends if I found out his real identity. But I could accept it since I've accepted it the moment I saw one. Well, who am I to judge him if he didn't choose to tell it to me right? After all, it's not his responsibility to tell everything to me.

"Just thinking that you being in relationship with him is not really good--"

"Why? How about you? Do you think you were also good to me? Now that I've known that you're also a werewolf!" I slashed out. He froze at my sudden burst. He blinked for how many times before he heaves a deep sigh.

"Yes, I know that. But still, you're much safer with me than him since--OUCH!!"

I didn't let him finish his sentence when I punched his arms. He cried in pain because of that. Well, serves him right. I'll take that as my revenge after not saying that he's also a werewolf. Gracious, I didn't even know that I am once in a relationship with a werewolf!

"Argh! Where are you getting that strength? You're really an sss! You two are much the same!" he said as he scowls at me. He's almost glaring at me but I didn't even budge at that. I rolled my eyes to him as I crossed my arms together.

A few seconds passed when suddenly the main door opened suddenly. We both look at the opened door and from there, four men entered. When they noticed us, they immediately look at us, Baron, but their eyes stayed to mine. My heart hammered because of that especially when our eyes met with that guy who named 'Sandro'. He bowed his head after looking at me slightly, like how he does it when he saw Lucas, then looked back at me with a serious expression. I avert my eyes away because of that.

But I get to glimpse of Lucas entering last. My eyes stay at him. Maybe he noticed us like those four, so he looked at our direction. He looked at me for a couple of second before overlooking at my back, where Baron is.

I turned to Baron, only to see him nods again for some unknown reason, then he looked at me. He smiled but raised my brows to him. I looked back to where those five are, only to see them talking to each other. But I can't understand what they were saying since all of them are almost whispering!

"Let's go to your room, Maria."

I looked at Baron, now standing in my front. My one brow raised again in curiosity. Wait, Aunt Helen told us to be at the dining! We're supposed to have dinner right?

"Aunt Helen will bring your dinner at your room," he said like he could hear my thoughts and questions in my mind. He leaned forward and whispered. "They'll have a meeting at dining."

I looked at him and he smiled at me. I just nod at him and understand what he whispered. Well, it seems that those guys will talk something important and my presence might be a hindrance.

He started to drag me out of the living area. I looked at Lucas and saw how his jaw clenched with each other.

"I told you to only escort her to her bedroom Baron, not to drag her," he said deeply to Baron. The four remaining guys looked at us, especially that 'Sandro' again. I saw how he studied me. I swallowed and avert my eyes to somewhere, which happens to stop Lucas and only to find him glaring at that Sandro. He then let out a deep sigh as he closed his eyes like he saw something he didn't want to see.

"Stop looking at my wife," he said as he started to walk towards us, Baron. I didn't know who's he referring to but when I noticed that the four guys avert their eyes to me, that's where I get it.

"Baron, you entertain these four, I changed my mind. I'll be the one who'll escort my wife to my room," he said with finality. My eyes widen in shock as I looked at him.

B-But... I thought Baron said that they'll have something important to talk about?

He finally arrived in front of me. He took my hand from Baron's hold and pulled me to him, almost hugging me. My face buried into his chest. After that, I heard a burst of laughter behind his back. I couldn't tell who was it but I assumed that it's the four guys he left.

"Leave him, Baron. Maybe he missed his wife." teased by one voice behind him. I don't know who owns that voice though.

I could feel the blood rush into my cheeks. I bit my lower lip and felt so ashamed. I could tell that I'm blushing!

"Agreed. When it comes to Luna, he always changed his mind," added by another one. They laughed again and Baron joined when I heard him chuckle behind me.

"Silence. If I had known that this will happen, I shouldn't have invited you all." Lucas said, annoyed. He immediately cut our hug. Our eyes met and we stare for a couple of seconds before he held my one hand. He then pulled me as we ascend above and all I did was to follow him.

I looked at Baron when we passed him by, and only to see his teasing smile at me. I squint at him and focused my attention on ascending up.

We arrived at the front of his room in no time. He opened the door and pulled me again to enter the room. He didn't let go of my hand as he opens the lights and locks the door. I looked at him because of it.

Then our eyes met when he turned to me. His silver-eyes stared deep into mine. Maybe I was mesmerized again that I wasn't able to pull away. When I realized what I did, I immediately looked away and feel so ashamed.

He walked again towards the bed as he pulled me with him. When he sat on it, he then pulled me to him and let me sat on his lap. I almost gasped in shock especially when he buried his face into my neck while both hands are hugging me. I bit my lower lip when I felt his breath tickling on my neck.

"For sure, from what happened and what you've seen, you already know my true identity.." he said, almost in a whisper. His hugged got tighter on my waist. I have no choice but to hug him back. I closed my eyes as I feel him, he's so warm.

"Did Baron told you the truth?" he asked. I nodded as an answer. He stayed silent and felt him again heave a deep sigh.

"Then.." he stopped and pulled away a bit from me. He looked into my eyes, I looked back. "A-Are you.. afraid of me after finding out?" he continued.

I didn't utter a word after hearing those. I only stared at him I saw fear and worry in his eyes. I could understand about him being worried if I'm afraid of him. Well, a big possibility that I might not accept the truth. But him being afraid? Am I really the one who feel afraid or not?

I just found myself caressing his face using my right hand. Our eyes meet again but I didn't take off my eyes like I usually do. But after doing so, his eyes became expressionless. I couldn't find the fear and worry in his eyes again.

I smiled at him a bit. My mind thought at his question. Am I afraid of him? Maybe at first, maybe after I knew that he's a werewolf. I was so afraid of him that I can't help but to tremble in fear whenever when his around. But after knowing the truth why he wanted me here, my fear instantly faded like a bubble. In the end, I accepted it, especially when I saw that sincere looked when he was worried about my well-being.

What could I do, right? There are things that really is still a mystery in this world. I am married to him, which happens he's an Alpha of a pack. In the end, it's my choice to accept it or not. And I choose to accept what's happening right now.

I looked at him again, I could see the glint of worry and fear in his eyes again, even he tried it to mask with his expressionless face. I smiled.

"I'm not afraid of you..." I said, almost whisper. I saw how his eyes change into happiness. I can't help but smile more especially when I noticed the trace of pair of cute dimples in his cheeks. I looked back into his eyes again, not able to stop myself from smiling.

He looked so confused as he stared at me. Maybe he's wondering why I am smiling widely at him. I pouted to stop myself but I can't just help it.

"I really thought... you're afraid, again." his last word was almost whispered so I didn't hear it clearly. He buried back his face on my neck as he hugged me tightly. I froze by his sudden movement but instantly withdraw myself up.

What? Is he assuming that I'm afraid of him? Well, I can't argue with him when he concluded that I am really afraid of him. Maybe he saw it.

We stayed in our position for about a couple of minutes, staring at each other until we both heard three knocks outside his room.

"Lucas, Baron and Sandro are expecting you.." Aunt Helen said from outside. I wanted to attend the door to open it but Lucas hold is still into me like he has no plan of letting me go and attend his visitors outside.

"Hey," I called for his name. He heaved a deep sigh and moved. I thought he'll finally let me go so I was ready to get off from him but he changed our position. He let himself fall from the bed with me so I almost shrieked in shock!

Now, I am above him, still hugging me. He then changed our position again, putting me finally on the bed, which is in his side, but still not breaking his hold to me. I let out a deep breath.

"Please let him know that he can take care of them. I'm staying here with my wife.." he mumbled into my neck. I blinked and wonder if Aunt Helen heard it all, and surprisingly, he heard it very well!

I felt him inhaled on my neck like he's smelling me. I can't help but to bit my lower lip stop myself from laughing. It's tickling! Especially I could feel his stubble on my neck, adding the ticklish I felt!

"Okay Lucas, I'll tell them." Aunt Helen said as I heard her steps away from Lucas' room.

My forehead creased because of that. Even though I don't want to pull myself away from his hug, I choose it so we could talk. I thought they're having an important talk? He's an Alpha, right? A leader and I think it's a must that he's there!

I could feel his protest when he felt that I'm finally pulling away from him, but in the end, he let me and we faced each other. Our eyes met again, and I really wanted to look away because of his way of staring at me, but I stopped myself doing that.

Keep practicing not to look away from him, Maria.

"Baron said that it's an important matter? Why aren't you attending to it?" I said but only noticed his smile. My eyes stop at his cute dimples again.

"Nah. Baron can do it. He could tell me about it tomorrow. I'd rather stay with you than with those idiots." he explained naturally, ready to pull me again to him but I put both of my hands into his chest to stop him.

"Why? You're a leader, right? You're supposed to be there." I reasoned out.

"Yeah. And I am a leader that I can also choose not to attend to it," he answered with finality and pulled me to hug me again. He buried his face back to my neck. I sighed in defeat. Well, who am I to insist it right?

I hugged him back as I rested my chin on his head. I smiled inwardly, my body is getting used to his touch. Well, I was forced to be used at his touched. I always found myself being frozen and in the end, I was used to it.

I closed my eyes and enjoy the moment. I wonder how long this will last...

"I STILL can't believe that you agreed to marry my cousin, Mars.."

I can't help but chuckle at what Baron castigated. How many times did he tell me about it since we got here?

"You think it's funny?" he asked one brow raising.

"Well, do you think also I choose to marry him?" I replied back.

He stayed silent and squint at me. But he moved his chair near to mine. I didn't mind him and looked back at the mansion, especially to an open balcony that can be seen in our place. I'm starting to love this gazebo outside. I think this is one of my favorite places here, with roses around me.

My eyes stopped when I saw from afar that Lucas is looking at us. He rested both of his hands onto the railings in a bored manner as he stared at our direction. I looked away and looked at Baron. His smirked immediately greeted me. I can't help but roll my eyes to him.

"What?" I said as his eyes stayed to mine. I know he's teasing me so I glower at him. But the i***t only smiled. He moves his chair facing me. He went back to sit and leaned his back on it as he crossed his arms together to his chest, eyes not taking off of me. I scowled at him again.

"God, enough with your stupid plays Baron!" I grumbled. But the i***t as an i***t, he smirked again.

"Why? I love teasing my cousin," he said with a wide grin plastered on his face. I rolled my eyes to him again. How did we become friends again? As far as I could remember, he's not this i***t as right now.

My eyes flew at Lucas' direction. And I almost gasped in shock when I saw him sitting on that railing! Goodness! I suddenly stood up because of fear that he might fall from there!

"Lucas!" I called for his name. I went out of the gazebo and looked up to him. I wonder if he heard me. I can't help but feel anxious at his position! What is he doing?!

"Hey! Get down in there, you might fall!" I shouted but he didn't budge at what I've said. I heard a burst of laughter at my back making myself turned back to Baron. I gave him a glare but instead, he smiled back to me. Why is he laughing? His cousin might fall at that height!

"Why are you laughing? Aren't you concerned about your cousin!? What if he falls from there?" I burst out. He laughed again like he didn't hear me.

Argh! i***t!

"Have you forgotten what kind of man your husband is, Maria?" he answered.

I was caught off guard because of that. But I rolled my eyes to him again. I heard him say 'Brat' but I didn't mind him. But it scared me to death when suddenly I saw him jump from the second floor of the mansion!

"LUCAS!!"

Wait, did I saw it right? Did he jump or he falls? It would have been good if it is too low, but not! I immediately run towards the high bushes where I saw him fall. Goodness, I felt so afraid right now. I don't know what to do if I found him full of bruises and in pain!

I was gasping for air when I arrived from the bushes. I was about to find him there, expecting him to be groaning in pain, but it shocks me when he went out at those bushes, calm and unharmed. I stopped midway and stared at him.

The feeling of dread and worry for his well-being instantly changed into sudden annoyance and irritation. I should feel relief that he's okay, but somehow, I can't help but to annoyed at him.

Is he making fun of me?

He walked towards me with seriousness. I noticed his corded eyebrows as he walked. He's looking at me deeply, planning to take his eyes off. I swallowed when he finally arrived in front of me. All I could do is stared at him even when I wanted to s***h him out because of the stunt he just only did.

"I hate it.." I heard him said. I absently raised my eyebrow as I looked at him. What is making him aggravates? I was supposed to be the one who feels that. He closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh. I was not surprised when he grabbed my hand and drag me out there.

"Hey! Bring back Maria, here! We need to talk about something!" I heard Baron protest at our distance.

Instead of looking back to his cousin, I heard him groaned in annoyance. I looked back at Baron and was expecting his disapproving look. But the i***t is grinning widely like he likes what is happening. I can't help but to scowl at him, he's making fun of his cousin again.

I looked back to Lucas. I couldn't see his face but somehow, I could feel his grumpiness. The annoyance and irritation I felt started to fade away. I pout to stop myself from smiling. Goodness! My heart instantly melts because I find his grumpiness cute?!

We arrived inside the mansion in no time. He then pulled me to the second floor of the house. Then we walked in familiar hallways until we've arrived into the front of his room. I wasn't surprised because he usually does that when he's annoyed or something.

We went inside, and as usual, he locked his room again and faced me after that.

I stared at his silver eyes again. I can't help but remember what happened last night. It was perfect, well for me. We may stay silent for the whole time we're together, I don't know but somehow, I could feel that we understand each other.

Aunt Helen brought food for the both of us. We ate inside his room and shared the food together. He was so sweet that I can't help but not to believe it. It's so good to be true! Is this how marriage works? But we've only known each other for only days?

Why do I feel that he seems to know for a long time now?

It was instantly disrupted when we were visited by his visitors. Good thing, we've just finished eating our food. The four men, including Sandro, bid their short goodbyes and promised to be back. It was last night that I found out that they're a member of the pack. And each of them paid their visit to me after hearing that I am here.

I can't help but wonder why would they visit me? There's nothing special to me. I'm just married to their Alpha. And as they talked to me, they keep calling me Luna.

Luna. Where did I hear it again? Wait, did I heard it or read it? It was a flash when I remembered its meaning. Luna as in moon? But why is that?

But before the four of them could ever walk away, they teased Lucas which made them laugh. I can't help but stare at them quietly. It seems its a natural for them to tease one another. I can tell that they had been friends for a long time.

We slept into his room, together that night. And when I woke up, it was different from those days when you woke alone in your room. I don't know why but I feel complete at that time. And in a short period of time, I'm not expecting that I'm starting to enjoy being married, especially when you woke up, the first one you see is your husband.

"Maria.."

I went back to reverie when I noticed how near Lucas is from me. I raised my head and looked at him. Our face is almost inches away from each other. And I could feel his heavy breath touching my cheeks.

His eyes staring to me deeply. I swallowed hard when his one hand raised. I thought he'll do something... err... but he only tucked my unwanted hair from my face to the back of my ears.

I don't know why if I am the only one who felt it but, the room suddenly felt tense. Both of us seems to observe each other next move.

"Can I ask you a favor.," he asked, with a hoarse voice. His eyes traveled down to my nose until it stopped to my lips. The stupid me, licked my lower lip like I'm inviting him into something.

I stared at his long lashes. "What is it.." I almost whispered back. I gulped again.

"Can you please not.. to stick with Baron, all the time?"

I blinked for how many times. Wait, what?

"Why?"

His lips protruded at my sudden question. He averted his eyes to mine and made a step backward. My forehead creased at his sudden action, especially when he turned his back to me and walked towards his bed.

He goes away from me?

"Lucas? Baron and I are just friends. And--"

"I don't care." he interrupted. " I just don't want it." he continued. My one brow raised again. I don't understand why does he want me to stay away from Baron. And can I stay away from him? We've been friends! And why will I stay away from him, right? He might be an i***t but he's still my friend. Imagining he heard this, I know he'll smile widely. Tsss.

But well, in the first place, I'm not sticking around to him. It was vice versa. Whenever I am around, he'll drag me anywhere where Lucas could see us both. If I hadn't known, he's teasing his cousin again.

I stop my thoughts when I realized something. Wait... a minute. I bit my lower lip and look down at him. His corded brows show how annoyed he is as he stared at me. I wasn't aware that he's staring at me.

Is he... jealous of Baron?

I walked towards him slowly and sat beside him on the bed when I arrived in front of him. He didn't move and didn't even look at me. His eyes stayed in front of him. I sighed because of that.

"Lucas," I mumbled his name. I looked into his face, hoping that he'll face me. But he didn't, instead, he laid his back on the mattress and closed his eyes like he's sleeping. He then put one of his arms on his eyes, hiding it from me. I pouted.

"Lucas," I called again but he didn't respond. I heaved a deep sigh before finally making myself lie beside him.

I immediately face him and can't help but to study him. Even with his arms hiding his eyes, my eyes still wander to his pointed nose and red lips. With these two, you could really tell that he's a handsome being. Is he really my husband? He's like beyond my reach. I'm just a typical beauty you could see anywhere, while him?

I closed my eyes as I let out a deep sigh. Goodness. Will I ever stop thinking about this matter?

I felt him so I opened my eyes. His silver eyes met mine. He moved to level himself to me. I bit my lower lip and looked away to him.

"I can't do what you're asking me. Baron is my friend." I started and looked back at him. He stared at me seriously. After a couple of minutes when he pulled me to him, and buried his face again into my neck and hugged me. I was surprised by his sudden action!

Goodness! Why does he love burying his face into my neck? He's like a kid wanted to be hugged?!

"Okay. I understand. It's just that... Baron is so annoying..." he mumbled. I can't help but chuckle at his remarks to his cousin. Well, I agree, Baron is annoying in his own way.

"You can't do anything about it, he's your cousin." I only said which made him groaned again in annoyance. I smiled widely because of that. We both fell into silence after that. He's breathing like he was sleeping so I pulled away to look at him.

But he then moves and faces me. My eyes widen in shock when our faces almost, an inch away from each other. I felt dizzy suddenly as I looked into his eyes like it's hypnotizing me!

"Let's go out?" he invited like its a normal thing. I blinked as my heart hammered into my chest. Wait, what?

"Let's take a stroll... " he said again like he could hear my thoughts.

"W-Where are we going?" I asked almost stammering. If w-we are going out, the town is almost two hours away from here. Well, unless he'll take me somewhere else nearer right?

Goodness. The thought of two us going out, I can't help but blush. I hope he'll not notice it, especially when I get red, it's noticeable.

"Well, do you want to stroll around?" he asked like he's assuring me if I really wanted to go out.

Of course! But, what time is it already? After lunch? I hope it's near so we can go home before dark.

"O-Of c-course.." I replied, almost in a whisper. I avert my eyes away from him.

He then gets up and caught my eyes. He smiled at me and pulled me up. I can't help but chuckle when I noticed how excited he is. Well, same as me. I feel giddy suddenly.

"I'll let Auntie prepare what I've prepared," he said. My forehead creased at his remark. He then went out of bed. He waited for me then we both walked towards the door.

"You've prepared something?" I asked in shock. He turned to me and nodded, still his wide smile plastered to his lips.

"Yeah. I was really hoping you would say yes," he said then opened the door and we went out of the bedroom.

We immediately walked towards the kitchen when we descended the stairs. We then saw Baron entering the mansion from the main door. I stopped myself from walking to talk to him but Lucas didn't let me. He pulled me towards the kitchen and all I could do is to stare at him with curiosity. He really doesn't want me to see with Baron.

"Can I talk to Baron? I would--"

"No. He's not going with us. It's just you and me. I want to spend my time with you, only you." he said before I could ever finish my sentence. I pressed my lips together as I looked at him.

I want to spend my time with you, only you.

Well, I was expecting we're the only one who's going out. I'm not going to ask Baron to be with us because for sure the moment will turn to disaster if he's around. I just wanted to ask Baron about something but it slipped into my mind because of Lucas. I smiled secretly.

I stayed where am I and only to noticed that he's putting food into the basket. When he's finished, he closed it and bring it to me.

"Picnic?" I concluded as I looked at him.

He smiled widely again and reached for my hand to hold it. He then pulled me to walk out of the kitchen. I even saw Aunt Helen smiling towards us. But when we arrived at the foyer, we found Baron sitting freely on the couch. He immediately saw us.

"Oh?" he reacted as he looked at what Lucas is holding. "You two have a date?" he asked with smirked plastered to his lips. "Can I come?" he added and immediately stood up.

We stopped walking and Lucas faced his cousin. I smiled when I noticed his glare throwing towards Baron. I looked at the devil to gave him a message through look but he smirked at me and looked back to Lucas.

"You're not allowed to, Baron. Just do your obligations here while I'm away with my wife," Lucas said and he then pulled me to a hallway just under the staircase. I wasn't able to bid my goodbye to my friend but when I heard his bark of laughter echoed the room, I think I don't need to say goodbye to him.

We did some turns on the hallway until we've found a way out of the mansion. We walked to the backyard of the mansion. I stared at the tall trees a few meters away from us. But, why are we here in the backyard? All I could see here is some benches and inches behind it was the healthy garden of vegetables of Aunt Helen and a wide lawn at the right.

I looked at him to asked about it but I got an idea that we might go to a picnic inside the woods! Maybe there's something beautiful scenery in there! Right?

"Where are we going?" even though I have an idea about going into the woods. I hope we'll arrive there in no time.

"I wanted to show you my world," he said and then pulled me again to walk at the wide lawn. And then we've arrived at the entrance of the wood. I looked at him again as the rays of the sun kiss us. He gave me the basket so I took it from him. I followed his next step but only to be shocked when he undressed his top and then kneel back to me. His wide back greeted me. I stared at how detailed his muscle back is. Gracious.

"What.. What are you doing?" I asked stammering. I held tight the basket. He turned to me and looked up. He then smiled.

"Ride my back after I shape-shift," he said.

I stilled at what he said. Shapeshift? Goodness, don't tell me?!

And my hunch was right. I wasn't expecting the next thing happened. I almost jumped in shock when I saw him shape-shifted from human... to a wolf. A massive werewolf. Wait, have they always been this big?

He's like a thrice larger than a normal wolf, or much bigger! He's like a bull!

I stared at the black wolf at the front of me. I looked directly into his red eyes.

'Ride now, Maria..'

I gasped in shock when I heard him in my mind!

'Maria.'

I was taken back to reality and move like a robot. He lowered himself so I can ride his back easily. I could feel how my body trembles, not in shock but to excite! When I've finally ridden his back, he stood on his four feet. I grabbed onto his fur to support my balance. His black fur is so soft...

'Ready?' he said on my mind again.

I swallowed the nervousness I feel. I could feel hear loud beating of my heart. I looked into the woods and after a second, I answered and looked at him.

"Yes," I whispered. And I wasn't able to prepare myself when he suddenly ran into the woods. I shrieked and hold to him tightly, afraid that I might fall.

Goodness, I hope that I'm still alive when we arrived at the place we're supposed to go!!!

To be continued...