Chapter 5

Alyssa

I wake early the next morning feeling groggy and confused. I must've fallen asleep during the night because the last time I remember seeing the clock was 9 pm. I check my phone for messages or missed calls but nothing comes up. I glance at the window to see the sun shining brightly outside.

I lay in bed listening to the sounds coming from downstairs. Someone is cooking breakfast which means they are already awake. I climb out of bed stretching my arms above my head enjoying the stretch. I have to get dressed and go help Alice in the kitchen. I don't want her to do it alone since she has been doing most of the work lately. I pull my clothes on slowly trying to decide whether I should wear jeans or shorts.

My hair needs washing too so maybe I could wash that before leaving my room. I run my fingers through my long brown locks pulling them back into a ponytail. I pick up my toothbrush and brush my teeth thoroughly scrubbing hard to clean every surface of my mouth. Then I spit the nasty stuff out into the trashcan by my bathroom sink. I take off my clothes and head for the shower.

As I step beneath the hot spray, I close my eyes letting the heat relax my body. After the initial shock of the cold water hits my skin, I begin to enjoy the warmth soothing my tired muscles. I shampoo my hair twice before rinsing it out then I rinse my body off quickly. I use soap to gently rub over my entire body paying extra attention around my breasts and pussy. I dry off with a fluffy white towel as soon as I finish cleaning myself. I step out of the shower and remain speechless when I see Adam sitting at the edge of the tub watching me with a smirk on his face.

"What are you doing here?" I ask looking down at my nakedness.

He smirks cockily and stands up walking toward me. "It's late and Alice is alone in the kitchen. Shall I remind you of your status in this family?"

I frown at him and cross my arms glaring at him. "You know exactly why I'm here and I will not allow you to talk to me like that. Now, can you please leave so I can dress?” I cover my chest with my hands embarrassed to show him my body while I stand there stark naked.

Adam laughs loudly stepping closer and reaching forward grabbing hold of one of my wrists forcing me to drop my arm. He pulls me towards him pinning me between his muscular body and the tile wall. I struggle against him but he holds tight to my wrist.

"Don't bother struggling little girl because you're powerless under my control," he says roughly dragging his hand across my stomach making me gasp.

"Let go of me or I'll yell," I growl.

His grip loosens slightly allowing me to move away from him. But instead of releasing me completely he moves to my other shoulder and grips me again holding me tightly against the wall.

"Now let's hear what you have to say before I punish you for being rude," he snarls leaning in close to my ear making me shiver.

"Why did you come barging into my room without knocking?" I demand angrily.

"Because I wanted to fuck you until you begged for mercy," he whispers harshly making me blush and look away. He starts laughing and lets go of me moving behind me pressing himself against my back.

"And now we both know who the dominant wolf in our relationship is," he chuckles running his hand along my hip making me shudder. "Now go downstairs and help in the kitchen."

I nod stiffly turning around and walking towards my bedroom door. I open it and walk inside shutting it behind me. My cheeks burn bright red knowing that he saw me naked.

When I reach the bottom of the stairs, Alice looks up from where she is chopping vegetables. She smiles brightly at me greeting me warmly.

"Good morning Alyssa! Did you sleep well?" she asks happily.

"Yes, Alice. Thank you," I reply smiling back at her.

"I'll cook lunch. I'd like you to prepare breakfast for the Blackwoods. You can make whatever you feel comfortable making. They love eggs, bacon and toast. And coffee of course. Is that all right? Or would you prefer something else?"

I smile widely nodding excitedly to be helping Alice. It feels good to contribute.

"That sounds great Alice. Thanks!"

She nods and walks away going about preparing food. I start gathering ingredients from the pantry deciding on what to fix. When everything is ready, I carry it to the dining area. Luna Brynne is already there, leafing through a newspaper.

"Morning beautiful," she greets me sweetly.

"Hi Luna Brynne," I greet her returning the compliment.

"Can I get some more sugar?"

"Sure," I tell her setting it aside. "Do you need anything else?"

Luna shakes her head and sits back down to read the paper. "Why don't you come join me for breakfast? It seems I'm alone this morning. Unless you plan on eating alone."

"No, I wouldn't mind joining you. That is if you want company," I answer.

"Of course I do. I was just getting bored by myself," she replies smiling at me.

We sit together chatting lightly for a few minutes before I decide to take my seat next to her. We eat quietly enjoying each other’s company, sipping our drinks, and nibbling on the delicious food.

"That's a beautiful necklace you're wearing," Brynne comments eyeing it.

"Thank you. This belonged to my mother and my grandmother before her. It's very special to me. It's all I have left from my mother. She gave it to me when I turned eighteen and told me to wear it always."

"Oh how lovely," she exclaims touching the silver pendant. "Interesting... this is no ordinary pendant. The markings match those of an ancient artifact worn by healers. Have you ever seen such a thing?"

"What are you talking about Luna?" I ask confused. Why does she keep asking me questions? What could possibly interest her in my family history?

"The healing abilities of your bloodline run deep. There is much written about them throughout time, even though they've been forgotten over the years," she explains taking another bite of her meal.

"But I'm no healer" I protest shaking my head. "I'm sure my family would have told me something. Surely they would have mentioned it if I had any magic ability. Maybe my father knows something but has never said anything to us."

"You may not have realized it yet, but this thing around your neck is very powerful. Your ancestors knew exactly what it was capable of. Perhaps one day you will understand its true potential. Until then, I suggest keeping it safe."

"Alright, Luna. Whatever you say. So long as you leave it here with me," I sigh rolling my eyes. I've never heard of such a thing before. Healers? I don't even have my wolf and the Luna talks about healing abilities. How am I supposed to believe these things?

"Your mate is coming soon. Be prepared. I hope he is everything you hoped for. Remember, he is the only one who can see the truth of yourself. Don't let anyone sway you from him."

"Thanks, Luna. For the warning and for telling me about my heritage," I reply smiling at her. "I appreciate it." Even if I don't believe a thing.

"Well, since you seem so keen on learning more about your past, perhaps you should find out why you cannot shift."

"You know? About that too? But we haven't talked about it. Not once!"

"Perhaps because I sensed it within you. You're not fully aware of what it means to be a shifter or how hard shifting truly is until you try to change form. No matter what happens, stay strong. He will help you through this," she says reassuringly.

"Yeah, thanks again, Luna. I really do appreciate it," I respond gratefully.

After breakfast, Brynne continues reading leaving me to clean up after ourselves.

"Morning, mother," Adam greets his mother walking into the room.

"Good morning dear."

Adam looks at me curiously. "What are you doing here? Why aren't you in the kitchen working?"

"Adam! Don't talk to the girl like this," Brynne scolds him. "And where did you learn manners? Did you pick them up watching television?"

"Mother, please," he groans. "Why does everyone keep defending Alyssa? Isn't she here to work for us?"

"Stop it! She's here because she needs the protection of a pack. Why don't you show her around the property? Maybe take her to the garden and the woods. It's a beautiful day outside."

"What," he grumbles. "Are you serious?"

Brynne stands quickly heading towards the door. "Have fun."

"Wait, mom! Where are you going?" Adam asks.

"To get some air. And to make sure you two behave yourselves. Now go play nice," she orders before exiting the house.

"She's crazy," Adam mutters looking down at me. "I'm not taking you anywhere."