Chapter 7 Chapter Seven

I yawned and stretched in my bed, my whole body feeling relaxed.... Maybe too relaxed. I couldn't remember what it felt like to sleep peacefully in a bed. I'd become too familiar with the hardened rock and scratchy sheets I spread over the floor in the cave. That comfort made me sleep through the night and not once did I wake up to check my surroundings and ensure that I wasn't being attacked.

I always felt like running and sleeping in the cave would be my life forever.

'I like the comfort' my wolf said and I hummed in agreement.

It was good and such a huge relief but I couldn't let myself get used to it. My stay here was only temporary. If I become too relaxed, it'd be difficult to survive out in the world on my own again and I plan to find out about my true identity before death comes for me.

I go into the bathroom and take a shower, preparing for the day. It's still quite early, but I could hear people moving outside the door. I go into Leo's bedroom through the connecting door, he is sprawled in the center of the bed. At some point during the night, someone had moved him. I presumed one of the alpha's workers... or the alpha himself, but I didn't wake up, which means I had failed in my first responsibility to look after him.

With a tired sigh, I sit on the side of his bed and casually run my fingers through his hair. He groaned, and then his eyes opened, and I am once again amazed by the intensity of the color and how well it suits his face... giving him the face of an angel, but sadly reminding me of his devil father, which I'd rather not think about.

"Mama?" his brows pulled together in a frown.... I didn't correct him this time but continued to run my fingers through his hair.

He sits up abruptly and looks around.

"Did you stay here with me throughout the night?" I shook my head.

"I am a bad sleeper,  so they had to move you so I don't hurt you in your sleep"

"I don't care. I don't want to sleep alone ever again. Would you please stay with me?"

"Leo..."

"Please"

"Of course. If that is what you want " I smiled and he smiled brightly at me.

"You cannot ever break your promise to me, do you understand?" his attempt at being assertive and commanding was comical but I simply nodded at him.

"Do you want to get started on your day?" he nodded eagerly as he jumped out of bed.

Leo guided me through the whole process telling me what needs to be done and how to do them. I was surprised by how much he knew.

Dr. Elderman had earlier mentioned that he hadn't spoken in a while. I found myself gazing at him with admiration and an internal feeling of self-fulfillment that I was able to make him speak.

With Leo's help, we were able to get through getting him ready.  Just as we finished there was a knock on his door. The door opened a moment later and two women walked in and just as they were about to shut the door, Gabriel came in with two other men.

"Good morning" Gabriel spoke first with a smile and I returned it. Looking at the faces of the strangers and committing them to memory.

"Good morning Leo" he smiled at him but Leo hid behind me.

"I mentioned earlier that the alpha has gotten some help for you and also security because of Leo" I nodded.

"This is Elizabeth" he pointed to the much larger lady who stood ramrod still, back straight, shoulders straightened out, and neck upright. If she hadn't walked in here, I could have easily mistook her for a statue.

"She is in charge of the servant affairs here in the pack. You wouldn't have direct contact with her mostly but I thought it wise that you meet her. That way, you can know what she looks like in case you need her services" I nodded

"This is Sasha, your personal servant during your stay here, she will be responsible for your needs and also can be a middleman between you and Elizabeth or the other servants when you need them" he turned to the two men

"Ryder and Barth... exclusively trained warriors but they'll be your guards during your stay here and they are also responsible for Leo's safety. They'll go wherever you go and I advise that you listen to them when it comes to security concerns" I nodded again.

"Everyone, this is Anna. A special guest of the Alpha and Leo's guardian during her stay, please treat her with utmost respect and service"

"Yes Beta," they chorused and then he turned to me.

"Do you have anything to say to them?"

"It's nice to meet you all" they grunted in response but Leo tugged on my dress. I look down at him and he points to his stomach.

"I think Leo is hungry" I blurted out.

"Noted. Sasha will be bringing your meal up here except you wish to dine with the others"

"Here will be fine," I said immediately and she nodded.

"You can return to your duty posts" Gabriel commanded and then he looked at me.

"If there's anything you need, just let me know.. or just talk to your guards and personal servant "

"I don't think I need a personal servant," I said

"You do, trust me. Taking care of Leo will be tasking, you will need someone to help you out. She doesn't necessarily have to always be with you if you don't need her, but just keep in mind that she is available anytime you need her" he said and I nodded in response.

"In case you get bored, I can give you a tour of the pack" I rejected outright.

No exploring.

He nods.

"Leo likes to spend time in the library but for some reason, he stopped visiting right before his kidnapping, maybe you can get him ...."

"If he wants to go, we will go to the library" I cut him off.

I won't be forcing him.

"Right... but he suddenly stopped doing something that he loved. Anyway, I'll leave you to it. See you around" he said with a smile and then he was gone.

Our meal came up shortly after that and we ate together in silence.

Gabriel's words about Leo's hobby and how he stopped still hung in my head.

"Gabriel says you like to read" he shrugged

"Why did you stop?"

"It's lonely. Papa used to go with me but he stopped because of his meetings. Going there alone makes me unhappy"

"So if I offer to come with you... Will you go?" he nodded eagerly

"But you must promise me that you won't stop coming like papa did" I became mute. I couldn't make that promise.

His blue eyes searched mine intensely,  waiting for my reply.

I was torn. I shouldn't be making promises to this child.

"Mama?" his soft voice called and I cracked.

"I promise"

"Let's go," he said with an excited squeal and I followed after him.

The guards stationed outside the door said nothing but followed as we stepped outside the room.

I felt uneasy as we went into an empty hallway only filled with ancient artifacts, there weren't any guards stationed in the hallway, and even Ryder and Barth paused outside the hallway.

"Leo.... are we supposed to be here?"

"Yes, it's the library. Come on" he tugged at my hands and pulled me deeper into the hallway.

"That's a picture of me he suddenly announced and I looked up. Sure enough, it was him but that wasn't what caught my attention. It was the picture of another boy beside him.

The one from my dream.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" A voice thundered.