Ashlee was shaking all over. She saw some really weird and scary beings poking at the car, shaking it while she was inside. She was terrified to death, yet it was amazing how strong she was holding back.

“I... I felt like I was gonna die.” Ashlee gulped, her voice broken. Her hands trembled as Kyle held them, rubbing them to warm her up.

“It’s okay,” Kyle muttered, calming her with his presence. He was being patient, his ego and arrogance fading away the moment he saw her, though he wouldn’t admit how hard he had actually fallen for her—despite not knowing she wasn’t his mate.

“No...you don’t understand... I...” She stopped herself, resisting the urge to say more. She clearly remembered a voice shouting in her head, urging her to let it out, to stop holding it back. She was terrified by the screams echoing in her mind.

“What is it?” Kyle murmured, waiting for her to finish, still holding her hand gently.

“Huh?” Ashlee mumbled, snapping back. “Nothing... I was just so scared. What was that, anyway?” She quickly changed the topic, making Kyle anxious.

It wouldn’t be wise to tell her that her life was in danger, that a crazy witch wanted her—but why? No one knew but her. Kyle still had to find out the truth.

“It was just some angry birds,” he brushed it off, shrugging and looking away with a blank expression.

“What about the wolves?” she muttered, biting her lip. She knew he was a wolf, but there had been so many. Were all of them wolves?

“That was my pack,” Kyle replied, meeting her gaze directly. He sensed her curiosity but knew she wouldn’t ask further. She must have been too scared to question him about himself.

“There are many packs out there. Ours is the strongest. No one here will hurt you; you don’t need to be afraid of anyone here,” he said, ensuring she knew she was safe.

“Is it like a tribe?” she asked innocently, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

“It’s not a tribe or cult. It’s like a family. I’m the leader here. They call me Alpha, and you’re my mate—as in soulmate,” he replied with the calm tone of a teacher explaining to a student.

“You’re the leader and they follow your commands?” she asked, forgetting her fear and growing curious.

“Yeah.” He filled a glass of water and handed it to her.

“Sounds like a cult to me,” she murmured, holding the glass to her lips as he glared at her. She was the only one who could get on his nerves and get away with it.

“We are not a cult, Ashlee,” he said firmly, her name rolling off his tongue as he enunciated each word. She stared at him, hiding a smile behind the glass.

Dropping the glass, she asked, “So is this your house or some special hideout?” Her sarcasm was back, making Kyle think she might be hiding her pain behind that pure smile.

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“Now yours too,” he whispered, smirking as she stood up, admiring the room. Everything—from the vases to the rugs—felt like she was in an ancient royal kingdom.

She was amazed by his place, but her heart remained heavy. Even this luxury couldn’t lift her from the well she’d been thrown into. But maybe Kyle could... though how could he convince her to stay by his side without being her true mate?

“You want a tour?” Kyle asked, watching her roam the room, lost.

“Can I?” she asked, a faint smile lighting her face.

“Of course, it’s your house too now,” he reminded her. She doubted she’d consider it home, but chose not to argue. They’d already been through enough.

He led her to the kitchen, and she was in awe of its size. She’d never seen a kitchen like this before, her fingers tracing the sleek counters.

“Wouldn’t it be lovely to cook here?” she whispered, smiling faintly. Kyle knew it would take time to bring her back to her normal self, but he was determined not to give up.

“You can do whatever you like here. No one would dare say a thing,” he murmured in a low, husky voice, running his fingers through her hair.

“Wow, you have so much silverware and crockery,” she remarked, opening an upper drawer full of antique pieces.

“You can have them all,” Kyle whispered, leaning close to her ear. He was losing control again, his wolf desperate to mate, but Kyle wanted Ashlee to feel comfortable first. He didn’t want to hurt her.

“Are you serious?” She turned around, surprised, and found herself face-to-face with him, close enough to feel his breath.

His eyes closed as if in pain, fighting something within. His hands rested on the shelf behind her, trapping her. Her heart pounded.

Suddenly, his eyes opened, glowing a fierce red. She wasn’t scared, only mesmerized, frozen in place.

She couldn’t help herself; her fingers touched his cheek, tracing just under his eyes.

“You’re so beautiful,” she whispered, confirming to him that she remembered the night he had transformed. She remembered everything.

“What are you two doing?” Esyn’s voice echoed, breaking the moment. Kyle’s eyes returned to normal, and he felt himself relax.

“Ashlee, this is my sister, Esyn,” he said, stepping back. “Esyn, Ashlee.” He introduced them as though Esyn didn’t already know.

“I know,” Esyn smirked, enjoying the moment. It had always been fun to tease Kyle, and with Ashlee here, it would be even better.

“Nice to finally meet you, Ashlee,” Esyn said, extending her hand. She’d seen Ashlee’s face for days but hadn’t heard her speak until now.

“Yes... sorry, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Ashlee stammered, nervously shaking her hand.

“Relax, I’m not a bad person. Better than him, actually,” she joked, pointing at Kyle, trying to put Ashlee at ease. Ashlee gave a faint smile.

“What are you doing here? Are you hungry? I can make you something quick,” Esyn offered, ever the caretaker.

“No, thank you... we were just looking around,” Ashlee replied politely.

“I’m showing her around the house,” Kyle explained, gently holding Ashlee’s hand.

“Alright. If you need anything, just ask.” Esyn flashed a smile and left.

Kyle sighed as she walked away, his hand warm on Ashlee’s cold one. He continued showing her the house, leading her through grand halls and many rooms. She felt like she was touring a luxury hotel.

“Finally, this is our room,” he said, opening the door to the same room she’d left that morning. The sheets had changed, and there were feminine touches in the decor, including a large mirror facing the bed. But why?

“Our room?” Ashlee echoed, unsure if she’d heard correctly.

“Yes.”

“We’re both going to sleep in the same bed?” she asked, pointing to the king-sized bed, her cheeks flushed.

“Stop acting like we haven’t already,” he scoffed, rolling his eyes before realizing his words. Now, both were left speechless, each embarrassed.

Why was he always embarrassed in front of her? He’d flirted with and been with many women before, but with her, it was different.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” he corrected, turning to see her still blushing. “I meant normal sleep,” he added, keeping his distance. She looked so adorable—and incredibly attractive—in his clothes.

‘I doubt I’ll be able to control myself.’