A soft knock at the door had Roxy snorting awake. Dazed by the minimal sleep she'd had, it took a few moments for her to gather her bearings in the new room. Without the walls of the small bedroom she'd grown up in pressing against her bed, she'd feared of rolling straight off the edge of the king bed she now laid in. During her sleepless night, her eyes had darted about the new shadows anxiously and her ears had been on high alert for any threat. But it'd been the homesickness that had kept her awake and sobbing into her pillow, along with the heartache of Isaac not only wanting her but literally running away at the sight of her. Eventually her sobs must've sent her into a sleep for a few hours.
There was another knock and Roxy pulled herself upright before swinging her bare feet down to the cool floorboards and padding over to the door. She scrubbed at her face as she walked, feeling her skin was still tight from her dried tears. No doubt her waves would be a knotty mess on her head. Plastering a smile onto her face, she swung the door open to reveal Kayla, a picture of perfection compared to the state Roxy was in. The bright smile she wore suddenly slipped at her appearance, a concerned frown knitting her manicured eyebrows together.
'Oh, Roxy. You look terrible.' Kayla peaked past her, her eyes finding the tangled sheets on the bed. 'First nights can always be rough. I'm sorry Isaac hasn't been to see you yet. There was some sort of emergency on the patrol and he had to pull a double shift. He'll be back soon though.'
Roxy chewed the inside of her cheek and forced another smile. Isaac had done a good job of fooling the people around him. Every part of her wanted to expose the act he'd been putting on. But it was obvious Kayla idolised her big brother, for reasons Roxy couldn't figure out, and she didn't have the heart to destroy her admiration. Not on the first day.
'I don't sleep well in new places.' Roxy folded her arms across her chest tightly. 'Is there a reason why you're standing in front of my door so early?'
A blush dusted Kayla's face. 'I was wondering if you'd like to join me for breakfast and then I was thinking I could give you a tour. I forgot to ask, how are you feeling? Did the soup help?'
Roxy was puzzled as to what she was referring to before she quickly remembered the tiny white lie she'd told to avoid meeting the pack members last night. 'Oh yes, thank you. Long days of travelling doesn't always agree with me. I'm feeling much better.'
A relieved smile filled Kayla's face. 'Strange to think that our domesticated cousins love car rides so much, huh?'
Roxy couldn't help but laugh while nodding. 'Give me fifteen minutes to get ready and then I'll meet you downstairs?'
'Okay. I'll go pick the fruit for our waffles,' said Kayla excitedly before racing down the hallway.
Roxy envied the girl's positive attitude as she turned back into her room, slamming the door after her. Ever since the rejection she'd felt like every bit of sunshine had been sucked out of her. She looked to the bed then to the pile of books sitting on her nightstand. All she wanted to do was curl up under the blankets and absorb herself in a reality that wasn't her own, allowing her favourite authors to take her on all sorts of adventures. On adventures far, far away from her soulmate who was apparently roaming about outside.
Finding the strength to push her pity party aside, she made her way to the wardrobe where her unpacked bags still sat on the floor. She'd hoped that Trent and Cleo would've figured out what the rogues wanted before she'd even have to unpack. But she knew those chances were slim, if not unrealistic. With a sad sigh she got down on the floor and flipped the lid on her suitcase. Clothes went flying about as she rummaged for something suitable to wear. Not that there was much of a range. Shirts and shorts were her go-to outfits. But she would be getting introduced to the pack members as their Luna, whether Isaac wanted to acknowledge that or not. A good impression was in order. At the bottom of the case, she pulled out a red summer dress patterned with small white flowers. Perfect.
After pulling off her pyjamas which she was disgusted to find were drenched with sweat, she slipped the dress over her head and zipped up the back. In the ensuite, which was the size of her old bedroom, she washed the dried tears from her skin and wiped her tired face with a warm washcloth. The feeling of the steam cleansing her pores, softening her tired face, made her feel rejuvenated. Brush in hand, she set to work in taming her wild mane, wincing each time the prongs yanked out a knot. After rubbing some serum through her fluffy hair, she managed to wrangle it back into a high ponytail, securing it with one of her favourite scrunchies. Satisfied with the reflection in the mirror, she slipped her feet into a pair of sandals and made her way downstairs. She hoped Isaac didn't think she'd dressed up for him. He could go jump for all she cared.
Just as she reached the foyer, Kayla came through the front door, a basket hanging off her arm. Inside Roxy could smell the sweetness of freshly picked berries; raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. Her belly rumbled when she imagined them sitting atop of fresh waffles, drizzled with maple syrup.
'They smell delicious,' commented Roxy as she followed Kayla into an impressive kitchen that looked like it belonged in a restaurant rather than a homey ranch house.
Kayla set the basket on the marble top of the large island counter and set about bustling around the kitchen to prepare the waffles. 'I'm bit of a cooking fanatic so I like to use as much fresh produce as I can.' She turned to face Roxy, her hair fanning around her. 'How about you? Do you cook often?'
'Yes and no. My sister taught me how to cook but she was always better at it than me.' Roxy's throat tightened at the thought of her sister whose calls and messages she'd been screening.
Deciding to divert her attention she looked around the kitchen which was a replica of the rest of the house with rich timber and country-style decor. Brass pots and pans hang from a rack above the island counter. An oven which looked like it could roast a human in it was set into the wall next to a large fridge which she was sure was plentiful with food. The countertops which surrounded the kitchen sat beneath open windows, allowing the morning summer air to flow through.
'Do you cook for the entire pack in this kitchen?'
Kayla laughed, now setting to work in mixing the ingredients for the waffles. 'Not the entire pack. I cook for the younger wolves after they've finished training. I could make ten trays of cookies and there wouldn't be a crumb left afterwards. You know how hungry newly-shifted werewolves can be.'
Roxy smiled, feeling at ease with Kayla. It was hard to believe she was the sister to such an arrogant and hurtful Alpha. 'You really look after them.'
The other girl slowed her beating, remaining silent as she poured the batter into the waffle toaster. 'My mother used to be the lifeline of the pack.' A sad smile spread her lips and Roxy feared she'd stepped into sensitive territory. 'The house would always smell of delicious food her and my grandma would make. I take it upon myself to continue their legacy; to make them proud.'
Roxy smiled tightly, unsure of what to say. 'Well I just know these waffles are going to be delicious. I'm sure they'd be proud.'
Kayla's teary eyes snapped up to her, her mouth agape. She seemed to shake herself before replying. 'Thank you, Roxy. You have no idea how much that means to me coming from you.'
Coming from you? Roxy wanted to ask what made her so special but decided against it and instead took the liberty of washing the berries in the sink. After she got Kayla to show her how to use the confusing contraption. Who would've thought a simple creation like a tap could have her stumped? They worked in a comfortable silence while Kayla continued cooking the waffles and Roxy washed. It allowed Isaac to invade her thoughts again and she found herself looking out through the windows. A part of her wanted his scent to float through the air, to put her angsty wolf at ease and to tell her that he was alright. He'd been out all night. Had there really been an emergency? Is that why he'd ran away from her? Was he on his way to see her before being called away? It was a nice thought and she hoped it might be true but deep down she knew it was all to avoid her.
She thought of herself sobbing on the balcony yesterday, grieving for the life she'd been made to give up all for someone who didn't want her. Then she'd sensed him in the trees which surrounded the pack house. It'd made her wolf dance with anticipation inside of her. The heartache he'd put her through suddenly vanished when she finally spotted him amongst the shadows, her eyes captivated by his just like they were two years ago. Finally, the man she'd dreamt of for so long was right before her, looking even better than she remembered. Her body warmed with the memory of his naked torso, the veins which had bulged in his arms whilst his jeans hung around his hips. Sexual sensations she'd never felt before had stirred inside of her, almost causing her to leap over the balcony. But then he'd broken the moment by turning away and shifting into the most magnificent black wolf she'd ever seen and vanishing amongst the trees. The same question which had kept her tossing and turning all night came to the front of her mind again.
If he didn't want her, if he despised her so much, then why had he allowed her to come?
'How are those berries going?' Kayla suddenly coming up beside her made Roxy jump, the berry in her hands bursting in her clenched fist, its juices splattering onto her dress. So much for making a good impression. Kayla was quickly dabbing at it with a wet cloth hysterically. 'Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to sneak up on you!'
Roxy gently took the cloth from her hands, placing one of her own on top. 'Kayla, it's fine. I was off in la-la land.'
'But your dress...'
Roxy shrugged casually. 'Raspberries are red. I'm sure it won't be noticeable.' Although she was doubtful herself, she didn't want Kayla feeling anymore guilty.
'I really am sorry.' Kayla gave a heavy sigh, waving a floppy arm to the steaming waffles. 'Well breakfast is served. That's if you even want to eat with me still.'
Roxy laughed. 'Of course I do! They smell too delicious to resist!'
Kayla's face lit up as she ushered Roxy to a stool behind the breakfast bar, sliding the plates piled with waffles and berries towards her. She skipped off towards the walk-in pantry, emerging with a glass bottle and plonking it between them as she sat. Roxy poured some over her breakfast before cutting into the fluffy waffles eagerly. She couldn't help but let out a moan when the combination of waffles, maple syrup and fresh berries had a party of bursting flavour in her mouth. Kayla was some cook. So good that it might make what she presumed what was going to be a challenging stay worthwhile.
'So you said your sister taught you to cook?' said Kayla as they now sat behind polished plates, sipping at fresh orange juice. 'I'm sorry for being forward but... do you not have parents?'
Roxy swallowed her mouthful, pondering on how to answer the tricky question. 'My sister raised me after my mother suffered from the effects of my father leaving us when I was young. She's always been in and out of my life – more out than in.'
'Oh that's so sad.' Kayla reached out to squeeze her bare arm. 'I can't understand wolves who can treat their soulmates in such a way. It's just... unimaginable.'
Roxy almost choked on her juice. Oh yeah? Well your own brother rejected me before he even knew my name. 'It's definitely... tough.'
'I'd say.' Kayla shook her head in dismay before biting her lip nervously. She glanced around the empty house before leaning into Roxy. 'Can I let you in on a little secret? Well, a big one. It's a big secret.'
Roxy grinned curiously. 'Sure.'
Kayla sucked in a deep breath before blurting out, 'The Beta, Tobias, is my soulmate and we've had to keep our relationship a secret from Isaac for a whole year because they're best friends and we all know what happens when a best friend is involved with the other best friend's little sister. There's only one other person who knows and that's my best friend Abigail. You can't tell anyone.'
It took a short while for Roxy to understand exactly what she'd said. 'You think Isaac will hurt Tobias if he found out?'
Kayla looked at her as if she'd grown two heads. 'Ya huh! My entire life Isaac has been protective of me. It's part of the Alpha bloodlines, I guess. No doubt he'll be the same towards you too.' She suddenly squealed with excitement. 'But now you're here Isaac will turn all soft and gooey like every Alpha does with his soulmate and then when we break the news to him hopefully no one will get punched... or banished.'
Roxy's eyes widened. 'Wait, Kayla. You're relying on me to be the building bridge in all this?'
'Yep! Isn't it perfect?'
Roxy swallowed hard. Suddenly her own heart wasn't on the line but Kayla's too. If she told Isaac about her and Tobias without knowing about the rejection her new friend was set for a world of hurt. She'd been determined not to rock the boat but she had to tell her the truth before she did something that couldn't be undone.
'Kayla, there's something you nee–'
Kayla gasped suddenly and downed the rest of her juice before grabbing Roxy by the wrist and yanking her off the chair. 'Look at the time! Come on, it's time for the tour!'
'Everyone loved you!' gushed Kayla when they stepped into the house almost two hours later.
'I'm glad,' replied Roxy uneasily, quickly moving to stand beneath a ceiling fan which pushed the warm air around.
She wasn't sure if it was the heat or act of being a Luna that was making her feel faint. She thought of the pack members she'd met today, their eyes filled with admiration as they welcomed her. The children had jumped about her legs eagerly, spitting out as many questions as their little mouths could. She'd also met Abigail, Kayla's friend she'd grown up with in the pack, who had the same hyper positivity. Roxy liked both the girls and hoped they would all become good friends if she wasn't exhausted by their never-ending energy first.
Roxy looked to her wrist, now adorning a corsage made with fresh geraniums. It'd been given to her by one of the elder women who'd made it herself with the flowers she grew around her cottage. Roxy's heart sunk fast. Could Isaac not see that his web of lies were going to hurt not just her, but his entire pack? How were they going to react when the rogue threat left Saltwater Woods and she'd be returning home? The thought of breaking the hearts of the people she'd just met was too hard to bear. Although she held no ties to them, somehow they did feel like her own blood.
Family.
'The kids can be a little full on sometimes.' Kayla pulled a face as she plonked down on a couch and turned on the large TV. 'Sorry about that.'
Roxy laughed. 'It's really no...' A prickling sensation on the back of her neck and her anxious wolf made her turn around. 'Problem.'
The last amounts of air in her lungs whooshed out at the sight of Isaac leaning against the doorway, his arms folded across his chest as he regarded her with the same intense green eyes from the White Moon Ball. The white T-shirt tucked into his jeans behind a belt buckle clung to his muscular body, the sleeves bursting at the seams around his huge biceps. He looked calm and collected, his jean clad legs crossed at his boots, but Roxy could sense every emotion coursing through him like a tsunami. Lust, wonder... sadness.
'Isaac.' Her voice was barely a whisper and she swallowed in an attempt to moisten her dry throat. 'You're... you're back.'
'Can I talk to you?' His husky voice made a pleasurable shudder rattle her body. 'In my office?'
'Y-Yes,' stammered Roxy, feeling giddy as she rose from the couch.
It felt like she was walking on clouds as she followed him along hallways. The resentment she felt towards him melted into a puddle at her feet with every step. All the pain he'd caused was whisked away on the scent of him. A scent she still wasn't able to put her finger on; a mixture of pine, fresh air and a whole lot of wolf manliness. Their magnetic attraction seemed to vibrate in the distance between them, dying to come together. Their wolves whined for one another, desperate for their bodies to touch. Roxy curled her hands into fists, digging her fingernails into the palms of her hands to try distract herself from the heated feelings rushing through her.
Her legs skidded to a halt when Isaac came to a door, standing by it as he held it open for her. With a deep breath, she brushed past him, sending her skin ablaze. She looked over her shoulder, willing him to touch her again, but it was as if he was immune to the bond that connected them, not even giving her so much as a look as he shut the door after them. Unlike the rest of the house, the office was dark and moody. The walls were a dark grey and every piece of furniture black. Being in the centre of the house there wasn't a sliver of natural light.
Just like it's Alpha, it seemed.
'Sit.'
Roxy was jolted out of her intoxicated state as she watched him walk around to the other side of the desk. Feeling stupid for drooling over someone that didn't treat her with an ounce of respect, she did as she was asked, her face aflame with humiliation as she lowered herself into the leather chair. The energy coursing between them pushed against the walls of the closed room. Roxy stared down at her hands clasped tightly in her lap, willing the warm tears building behind her eyes to remain at bay.
'I'm assuming your sister has told you know one knows about the rejection?' Isaac's tone was cool and calm, a stark contrast to the emotions inside Roxy.
She snapped her eyes up to look up at him, his figure and the office around him blurred by her tears. Suddenly the rose-coloured glasses that their bond put on her face were smacked off and she saw Isaac for exactly what she was – an arrogant, wealthy, dominant, heartbreaker of an Alpha.
'How can you expect me to protect you after how you treat me?' she spat.
Isaac's eyes narrowed. A low growl reverberated form his chest. 'As long as you're in my pack I'm your Alpha. Youobey me.'
Roxy chuckled darkly. 'And if I don't?' Her tone rose with challenge. 'What are you going to do, Isaac? Banish me? Reject me – again?'
'It'd be smart of you not to make me do such a thing considering the danger you could be in,' his voice was low with warning, making a shudder creep down Roxy's spine.
'I met your pack today. Somehow, they're the kindest wolves I've ever met. What happens if the truth comes out? It'll break their hearts,' she said sadly, looking down at the corsage.
'That's why it won't,' he said in a tone that would put a halt to any argument. 'If word gets out about the rejection it's not just my pack's broken hearts on the line. They'd lose respect for me and all hell will break loose. Not to mention the judgement from the other packs, being an original pack we're held to a higher standard. In a matter of days the pack I've spent the last seven years building up will be destroyed. Do I need to list any more consequences if you decide to open your mouth?'
'Help me understand one thing,' Roxy's voice quivered with sadness. 'If you don't want me then why would you allow me to come here? Why risk letting your dirty little secret be exposed?'
Isaac stilled, his gaze piercing straight through her before standing from the chair and leaning on the desk in front of her. 'Despite what you think of me, I'm not a total arsewipe. The thought of my soulmate being harmed didn't sit well with me – or my wolf.' His Adam's apple bobbed. 'When your sister reached out to me I couldn't refuse.'
A single tear dribbled down Roxy's cheek, her head shaking with confusion as she tried to make out what he was telling her. 'Then why did you reject me?'
His eyes darkened with a tightened jaw. 'I have my reasons.'
He moved around the desk, leaving Roxy gaping in disbelief at his vague response. A manilla folder was tossed in front of her and she glared at it. 'What's this? My lines for our performance?'
Another growl rumbled from Isaac. 'No. This is your school information.'
'School information?' Roxy snatched the folder from the table, flicking through the pages of timetables, maps and class information. 'I think I've gone through enough. There's no way I'm starting a new school. I haven't got that long left anyway.' She tossed the folder back to him. 'Thanks, but no thanks.'
'You start Monday. I'll drive you and pick you up every day. Under no circumstances are you to travel with anyone else without my permission. I'll need to know every detail of every friend you make and there will be no bringing them back to this territory. Do you understand?' Isaac continued talking before Roxy could even try get a word in. 'I understand that in Saltwater Woods you attended a normal high school with humans.' His eyes flashed up to her. 'Moonlight Ridge Academy is a bit more... prestigious. The school is werewolves only. Most of the students are from our pack while we have a few from other packs attending. Considering the potential danger you could be in I think you'd benefit from the specialty classes.'
'Specialty classes?' Roxy begrudgingly took the folder back, flicking until she found a flyer. 'I'm pretty sure I know everything about our species.'
'Not to the level I expect of my pack members.'
'My sister is a Luna. I know more than you think.' She glared at him, snapping the folder shut.
'Well then it won't hurt to polish up your knowledge then, will it?' Isaac gave a teasing grin which almost made her anger shift. 'Now, for the pack rules.'
'Oh good there's more,' she muttered sarcastically.
'I don't know what the rules were at Saltwater Woods but here, there's no willy-nilly of running around in wolf form. Here we see our wolves as weapons. The quicker werewolves understand that the less accidents there'll be.' Roxy noticed a deep sadness descend over his features but it was gone within seconds, quickly replaced by the powerful Alpha demeanour. 'The only time someone can use their wolf form is for patrols and training. Everyone, apart from you due to the risk of danger, takes part in two patrols a week. We train every afternoon as a pack Monday to Friday.' A playful glint filled his eyes. 'I'm not a total hard arse of an Alpha that I expect my pack to train on weekends.'
'Such a saint, aren't you?' Roxy's eyes followed him as he paced the office. 'Thank you for your personal bodyguard services, but I'd prefer to watch my own back. I think it's best if we stay apart.'
She rose from the chair and began making her way to the door, only to stop in her tracks when Isaac's tense voice spoke behind her. 'The rogues who have been spying on your pack are after one of the Saltwater Woods pack members.' Goosebumps rose on her skin as he approached her, his voice closer. 'The sooner you realise it could be you, the better.'
Roxy whipped around to face him, fresh tears brimming her eyes. 'I appreciate your concern, Alpha Winters, but I would rather be torn limb by limb by a rogue than have to be around you every damn day knowing I'm not good enough.'
'I'm doing it for you.' Isaac's voice was rough as if he was choking back tears of his own. 'When this is all over I hope you'll understand.'
Roxy might have stayed to console him if it wasn't for the hurt and betrayal consuming her. Instead, she gave a bitter scoff and stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind her and making a beeline for her bedroom. What possible reason could he have to reject her? To be so cruel? Her feet thumped up the staircase. And how could she ever possibly understand?