Chapter 5 Chapter Five

ANNA's POV

I couldn't keep the grin off my face even if I tried. The hard headed alpha had given in and asked me to stay. His request wasn't necessary for me to make up my mind since Elderman already convinced me.

I just needed him off his high horse. He needed my help and he had to ask for it. Luckily he had given in or I'd have looked like a fool when I decide to stay after all.

"Glad that has been sorted out" I looked up at Elderman whose tense posture had disappeared and he had a wide smile on his face now.

"Gabriel will have you settled in your room"

"What about Leo?" I gestured to the small pup who was still wrapped around me like a vine. Trying to pull him off me will only cause a tantrum.

"If you don't mind being with him until he's deeply asleep and then we can take him away. But you'll need to be there when he wakes up or I fear his condition will worsen if he starts to think that you left him after all" I nod in understanding.

There had to be a way to make things work while I was here. For the short time, I'd do my best to make sure Leo got better.

"I'll need a map of the castle"

"What?" Elderman and Gabriel stared at me like

I'd grown an extra head.

"To navigate the castle. From my room to Leo's room and maybe the places I'm restricted from entering. Also, so I can stay out of the alpha's way"

"It's not ideal that you have to look for Leo's room or travel from one part of the house to another just to see Leo"

"Then what do you suggest?"

"A room closer to Leo's room. This is for the effectiveness of the treatment of course" I frowned.

"Won't Leo's room be close to...."

"The alpha’s room" Gabriel finished for me and I instantly rejected the idea.

One of the reasons for requesting the map was to avoid the alpha. How could I achieve that if we are on the same floor, only one room apart from each other?

"That can't work"

"That's the only way. Leo cannot be moved out of the alphas wing so the only option is to have you moved in"

"I want to be far away from the alpha for so many reasons. And you can't just make decisions like that. He might have agreed for me to stay and help Leo but I know for sure he didn't approve of me staying on his floor in his wing. Doing that without his authorization is a recipe for disaster and I want no part of it" I said, putting my foot down. Leo shifted uneasily in my arms and I had to pat him softly while cooing until he settled down. When I looked up again, the two men were staring at me in wonder.

"Well?"

"I can ask the alpha and get his authorization. Will you be willing to move in then if he agrees?"

I shrug hesitantly unable to provide a verbal answer and he nods.

"I'll speak to him immediately" Elderman rushes out of the room and I'm left with Gabriel.

"It looks very natural for you" Gabriel said lightly after a long stretch of silence. I looked up at him.

"What do you mean?" I frowned.

"The child. One would think you have your own children" I laugh but say nothing.

"Do you?"

"I've never held a child before him" I say softly. I didn't need to look at him to know he was surprised.

"You must be blessed by the goddess herself. With a magical touch" I laugh.

"I doubt that. Children hardly know anything and may cling to anyone or anything that seems right to them"

"That must tell you something. He thinks you're right for him"

"No. I saved him. In that moment, he saw me as a hero and I believe that's the reason for his attachment" I only hope it wears off soon. This place wasn't home and the earlier he got tired of me, the faster I could be out of here.

"I keep wondering about something though. How was he able to sneak past the guards stationed within the pack"

"We're still looking into it. He's not that sneaky to have successfully gone past well trained guards. I believe there must be someone attached to this incident. Someone working with those who tried to kidnap him"

"I believe that may be the case too. Look into it. They seemed really vicious with an intention to harm him" Leo wasn't safe just around anyone.

"Rest assured, there won't be a repeat of what happened today. The alpha has ensured the security for him be doubled and with you here, keeping his attention, I hope he has no reason to run off again"

"I'll do my best" he was about to say something else when Elderman returned with a grim look on his face. The alpha must have rejected the request. I already knew that would happen. Good for me though.

"I'll need that map" I say, standing up.

"He agreed" my head snapped towards him so fast it was a wonder my neck didn't break.

"What?"

"He agreed to have you stay on his floor in a room closer to Leo. The servants are already preparing the room. Do you need to go back and get your belongings?"

"I have nothing?"

"I mean.." I cut him off.

"I understand but all I have on me is all that I own" I didn't miss the looks that the two men exchanged but I had no explanation for them.

Whatever little that belonged to me was in that cave and I'd pick it up the moment I was out of here.

"Let's go then" Elderman took the lead out of the room and I followed with Gabriel close behind. We passed through the grand staircase and from the first floor, I caught a glimpse of Alpha Xander below.

His head snapped up as we walked past and our eyes met and for a moment I wonder.

Why is he allowing me move into his wing?