Chapter 6

~~Imogene's POV~~

We were back on the road now. The carriage shaking slightly as we rode, heading deeper into the woods. I stared out the window, watching the trees blur by. As we neared a clearing, the anticipation built in my chest. I still couldn't shake off the stories I had heard of Fenrir, the Alpha who was both feared and infamous for taking what he wanted. I couldn’t help but be curious. What exactly did he have planned for me? 

A secluded part cleared up and when we finally reached a closed gate, I took a deep breath, bracing myself for whatever was ahead. The horses slowed, and the sound of clanking metal filled the air as the gate creaked open. My heart raced as we rolled into what I can only describe as a bustling town—a thriving life hidden in the woods. It was astonishing!

The first thing that hit me was the lively environment. Women in flowing gowns and men in sharp, tailored coats walked about confidently, their heads held high. Shops lined the streets, each one filled to the brim with goods, fresh produce, and colorful materials. It was beyond anything I’d seen before. A well-organized market town, where everything seemed to run flawlessly on a working system.

“What is this place?” I muttered under my breath, hardly believing my own eyes. Was this really the home of rogue wolves? 

As the carriage rolled toward a grand estate, my jaw dropped even lower to the floor. There, standing tall and proud, was Fenrir’s mansion. It was more like a palace than a house. Its stone walls caught in the sunlight, the intricate designs twisting up toward the sky. It was magnificent, regal, and definitely not what I expected from a rogue leader.

Fenrir stepped down from the carriage, and I felt a feeling of surprise as his eyes caught mine. “Welcome to your new home,” he said, a hint of warmth in his voice.

I hesitated. This man was supposed to be ruthless, a monster with blood on his hands. Yet here he was, being… nice to me. Confusion filled my head but I decided to just flow with things for now, reminding myself of who he was. Reluctantly, I took his hand, and he helped me down from the carriage.

As we entered the palace, I held my breath. The inside was amazing. High ceilings stretched above us, decorated with golden bulbs with bright lights and warm lighting throughout the house. Portraits hung on the walls, showing drawings of battles and beautiful forests. Everything screamed luxury. My mind struggled to understand that I was in the home of a Rogue Alpha. A rogue!!

Just then, a girl with striking red hair and freckles on her cheeks burst into the room. “Alpha Fenrir! Welcome back home!” she exclaimed, her voice bright as sunshine. But when she noticed me standing beside him, her smile faded instantly, replaced by a frown that did little to hide her annoyance.

“Is she the one?” she asked, her eyes scanning me like I was a puzzle piece that didn’t quite fit.

Fenrir looked at me with a softness in his gaze. “Yes, Kaira. This is Imogene,” he replied, his tone calm. “Get a warm bath prepared for her.”

Kaira rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. “I’ll get some of the girls to do it.”

“No!” Fenrir’s voice was suddenly harsher, and even I was shocked. The harshness in his tone showed that side of him I hadn’t really seen much of before but heard about. The ruthlessness part. 

“I want you to do it. It’s you I trust the most and…” He paused, glancing at me. “...she’s a special one.”

“Special?” I thought to myself, holding in a scoff. There he went again with that ‘special one’ talk. What could possibly be special about me?

Kaira flinched at his tone, but then her demeanor shifted as if someone had flipped a switch. She plastered on a smile that felt forced. “Let me take you to your room and run you a bath,” she said.

Before I could even respond, Kaira whisked me away down the tall hallway. I barely had time to take the place in when we stopped at a large oak door. Kaira pushed it open with a shove.

“Get in!” Her tone was harsh.

I blinked, wondering what I had done to annoy her so quickly. Didn't we just meet? 

I stepped inside, and the room was just as stunning as the rest of the house. Wide space, tall windows, an even larger bed. 

Kaira walked off towards a separate door, most likely the bathroom and I just stood awkwardly in the room. 

After a moment, Kaira returned and nodded sharply. “I’ve set a bath for you,” she said, not bothering to wait for my response. “When you come out, there’ll be clean clothes on the bed.”

And then she left, closing the door behind her. I stood there, the silence wrapping around me like a heavy blanket. Alone now, my thoughts went back to the same questions. Why did Fenrir pick me? What was this “special” thing he kept mentioning? The questions floated in my head, but my body was tired from the long journey.

I pushed my thoughts aside and decided I needed the bath before trying to figure out anything. Slowly, I took off my clothes, and stepped into the bathroom, which had the pleasant aroma of strawberries and citrus all around the air. Light steam curled in the air, caressing my skin.

But as soon as my toes touched the water, I yelped. It was burning hot! I had underestimated the steam coming from it. It felt like the water wanted to cook me alive.

“Ah!” I shouted instinctively, pulling back.

Did Kiara not check this water temperature before leaving? Or did she do it on purpose?

Just then the bathroom door burst open, and there was Fenrir, eyes wide with concern. “What is the problem?” he asked, rushing in.

My heart raced. Not from fear, but from this whole situation. Here I was, first time here, with the ruthless Alpha of the rogues barging in on me completely naked.