Chapter 7 SEVEN

J A D E

Two days passed by in a blur and still there was no sign of Markov.

It was too lonely in here and if I wasn’t talking to Eliza, I was in my room sleeping. At one point, it got tiring.

I decided to do something different today. Back in the Silvermoon pack, I was never given the privilege of having a TV or even anything close to that.

My room was a small storage room with a bed that hurts like a bitch and a small window for air. Ever since my parents death, I had slept in that room and I couldn’t even complain unless I wanted my head chopped off.

Not wanting to reminisce about the past, I got off my bed and walked down the stairs. The living room was empty, but I could hear clattering of plates in the kitchen.

The maids were probably there, preparing dinner.

I took a seat on the soft leather sofa, and took the remote, turning on the TV. It felt strange to be doing this, and I was surprised I could even operate a remote. Just how much of my life have I missed out on?

I’ve lived a boring life for the past twenty years, no one wanted to be my friend because I was a worthless orphan and they didn’t want to be tainted with my bad blood.

My wolf has been my only companion, and now she seems to also be turning her back on me.

“There has been rumors of a beast out on the loose. Six hunter bodies have been found, their faces unrecognizable due to the amount of claws marks on them. Their bodies have also been mutilated…

If you see any suspicious activities, please do not hesitate to call the Hunter Association.”

Then they proceeded to share a picture of the bodies, a gasp escaping my mouth at the gruesome sight.

They were all covered in blood and I could barely see the skin underneath. Their limbs were ripped off, their eyes missing.

It looked like something straight out of a horror movie. No wonder, they called it a beast. Was this what I would have faced if Markov hadn’t saved me from the woods?

My lifeless body, surrounded by blood and my flesh rotten and torn. The thought alone made me shudder. Goddess.

The TV went blank and I turned my head around to see who had done it.

"You shouldn't be watching this kind of stuff," Markov said, as he took a seat next to me. He seemed tense, not the usual jovial man I had met two days ago.

He was standing next to an unfamiliar man, but I couldn’t get my eyes off of my mate. He looked like he had just arrived from war, his eyes were bloodshot and his shirt was tattered and stained with blood. What had happened to him?

"Markov..."

"It's good to see you, little wolf. How are you holding up?" He asked, as he reached over to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

My heart was beating fast in my chest and I wanted to throw myself into his arms and stay there forever, but the other man was still there.

He smelt like a shifter so I knew he was also a werewolf. I didn't want him to know our secrets, so I kept my mouth shut.

"I'm doing good. It's a relief that you're finally here. Where have you been?"

"Business stuff. Don't worry about it," He replied, a hint of coldness in his voice.

Was I annoying him by asking him too many questions? It was a habit of mine to do so and it didn’t help that my wolf was very curious about him. But, she still remained silent.

I could sense that the stranger was staring at me, and I shifted uncomfortably on the sofa.

I felt like prey and he was the predator.

"Oh, right. This is my beta and friend, Tristin. I’m sure you both haven’t been introduced to each other."

Tristin.

That was his name. He was a handsome guy and his dark brown eyes reminded me of chocolate.

His dark brown hair was neatly cut and he was muscular.

I didn’t know much about fashion but, the clothes he was wearing looked expensive. He was definitely not someone to be messed with.

"Nice to meet you," I said, smiling shyly.

I wasn't sure if I was supposed to stand up and bow, or what. Back in the Silvermoon Pack, all the kids were taught to greet their superiors properly.

"Likewise. So you're the mate, huh? Didn't think you would look like this."

"Excuse me?"

"I mean, you’re definitely more gorgeous in person. I don't blame Markov for losing his shit.

He talks about you a lot," He winked, chuckling when Markov growled at him.

I could feel the blush creeping on my face and I quickly looked away, biting on my bottom lip.

What was he saying? That Markov talked about me?

"She's shy," Tristin commented.

"Stop teasing her. She's not used to being around other people."

"That's okay. She’ll definitely come around. I could introduce her to my mate, I’m sure they’ll be good friends. I should invite them over sometime," He said.

"Maybe some other time. I don't want to overwhelm her," Markov replied, rubbing his chin.

"Right. Well, I'll get going then. See you soon, little wolf."

Tristin patted my head before leaving and I smiled weakly.

Little wolf.

Why did they all seem to like calling me that?

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay. But, what happened to you?" I asked, my curiosity taking over me.

"I can't tell you." He said coldly.

"What? Why?"

"Because it's not something that you need to worry about. Besides, I'm all healed now. I'm not hurt, little wolf." He tried to change the topic.

I would have let the topic slide with his dismissal, but I was tired of all he was hiding from me, if we were to be mated and get married, the least he could do was to be honest and tell me everything, right?

I needed to know…

"Why don't you trust me enough to tell me what's wrong? You keep brushing me off whenever I ask and it makes me feel like you don't trust me or believe that I'm not ready to handle the truth. You claim you’re my mate, yet I know nothing about your personal life, your family, business and literally everything. What if you’re a wolf monster and this is all a plot to lure me into a trap and kill me?" I said the last sentence with a laugh, but he didn’t seem to find it funny.

He frowned at me, his lips in a tight line. "Are you done?" He asked harshly.

Was he bipolar?

"Yes," I said quietly, not liking his tone.

"You don't know what I've done, or who I really am. If you knew the truth, you would hate me, and I can't afford to lose the only good thing in my life right now," He whispered, and his words sounded like a plea.

I couldn't be angry at him, not when he was like this. I didn't want to make him sad.

"I'm sorry. You're right, I shouldn't have pushed you. You don't have to tell me."

He smiled slightly. "I want to tell you, I do. Just not now, alright?"

"Okay," I replied, as I nodded.

I wasn't going to argue with him, it wouldn't get me anywhere anyway.

"How have you been?" He asked, taking my hands into his.

I loved how his hands were so big and they engulfed mine.

"Bored, but good."

"That's good to hear. I have a surprise for you. I know you're a bit afraid to go outside, so I brought a few things."

"Things?"

"Just wait here," He said, as he stood up.

"Wait, Markov! What are you going to do?"

"You'll see," He winked, as he left the living room.

I waited for him to return, wondering what he was going to bring. Was it a puppy? Or maybe a cute cat. Oh, what if it was a unicorn? I read in one of the books that the witches used to tame unicorns and ride them.

I always dreamed of riding a unicorn and having one as a pet.

I was snapped out of my thoughts, when Markov returned, carrying a small cage in his hands.

"A cage?"

"Open it," He urged, grinning at me.

I hesitantly opened the door, and peeked inside.

It was a bird!