Chapter 6

Sophia’s POV

I took another look at Amelia, who was now munching away in a hushed manner but sneaking peeks at me every few bites.

“Could you share a bit more about Amelia? I’d really like to understand why she’s so reserved. I always figured kids around this age were full of energy and outgoing. She ought to be dressing up in costumes, hosting pretend tea parties with her stuffed animals and dolls…” I began digging into the bacon on my plate.

“Mr. Ethan didn’t fill you in? I had a feeling he wouldn’t.” She arched her eyebrows. She stepped nearer and positioned herself right next to me, acting as if she were cleaning the table with a grimy cloth.

Then she glanced to her left and right cautiously before she finally leaned in and murmured to me, “She’s the daughter of the Alpha from the Syria pack, and she’s one of the few survivors from her original pack.”

She must have picked up on the puzzled expression crossing my face, so she went on, “A pack is essentially a close-knit community made up of werewolves. The Rogue Alpha Emperor launched an assault on that pack and slaughtered her parents. Luckily, King Blackwell arrived just in the nick of time and managed to rescue her along with a handful of others he could save. This all went down roughly two weeks ago. She didn’t utter a single word for an entire week, and she kept calling out for her nana. Tragically, her former nanny lost her life while shielding her.”

A single tear escaped and rolled down my cheek. I brushed it away tenderly. I stole another glance at the young child, and fought back the fresh tears that were welling up and threatening to spill over once more.

I made a silent vow to look after her with everything I had.

“So, are you saying that this entire pack consists solely of werewolves, with absolutely no humans among them?” I whispered in a deliberate, measured tone.

She gave a nod accompanied by a strained smile. “Don’t fret about it; nothing bad is going to happen to you.”

She returned to her task of wiping down the kitchen island.

Now everything started to click into place—Mr. Ethan’s icy glare, the way he seemed to hold back an immense power just beneath the surface. He wasn’t fully human at all. That revelation struck me like a sudden splash of freezing water cascading down my back.

I set my fork down onto my plate with a soft clink. My hunger had vanished completely. Perhaps it was due to the heartbreaking tale of Amelia’s past, or maybe it was the shock of realizing I was encircled by creatures capable of tearing my head clean off my shoulders without even exerting much effort.

What in the world had I gotten myself entangled in?

My heart raced wildly inside my chest, creating a heavy pressure that refused to ease up. Even after I gently tucked Amelia into her bed and observed as her eyelids fluttered shut with a gentle grin on her face. I looked over at her one more time and carefully adjusted the blanket to cover her properly.

I remained seated at the foot of the bed, staying perfectly still without shifting even a little. Earlier, she had drawn a wolf with striking gray eyes, and she was adamant that the wolf in her artwork represented a princess. According to her, this princess was on her way to rescue the werewolves from some age-old curse. I couldn’t shake off this strange sensation that washed over me whenever I gazed at the wolf’s gray eyes, and each time I examined the simple sketch, it felt as though I shared some inexplicable link with the image.

My mind was a chaotic jumble of ideas, resounding louder than the profound quiet that surrounded me.

There were really only two paths I could take.

The first option involved staying put and potentially meeting my end at the claws of these beings.

The second meant attempting to flee, which would almost certainly lead to my death.

I drew in a trembling breath, nibbling on my lower lip nervously.

But… what if I actually succeeded in escaping?

Another inner voice countered softly. “And what if you don’t make it?”

Even so, I couldn’t simply remain idle and do absolutely nothing.

I rose to my feet gradually and crept out of the room, stepping into the deserted hallway.

All of a sudden, I bumped straight into something solid.

I staggered backward, looking up in surprise at a towering figure.

“I’m so sorry. Are you alright?” the man inquired, his tone velvety and composed. He was dressed in a blue button-up shirt and black trousers, topped off with a white lab coat, and a stethoscope draped around his neck.

I blinked in astonishment. He possessed warm, compassionate eyes and a partial smile that felt utterly mismatched in this mansion filled with beasts.

“Sorry, I… I wasn’t paying attention,” I offered my apology.

“Clearly, but no harm done,” he chuckled lightly, placing his hands on my shoulders to help balance me.

I experienced something unusual, like a magnetic pull drawing me toward him. I locked eyes with him, admiring the stunning hue of green they held.

“You must be the woman Ethan hired to be Amelia’s nanny. I’m Lucas, his brother, and I serve as the pack’s doctor. I’m not frightening at all, I assure you,” he grinned.

I didn’t return the smile, but I also didn’t pull away.

“You seem like you could use a moment to catch your breath. Come on, let’s step outside for some fresh air.” He pivoted, motioning for me to come along. There was an aura about him that inexplicably made me feel secure.

He guided me out to the balcony, which overlooked a expanse of trees and scattered homes. There was a comfortable couch there, and he indicated for me to take a seat. Lucas settled down next to me, maintaining a respectful distance—not too near, but not overly distant either. The breeze was crisp and gently wafted around us.

“You’re feeling completely swamped,” he observed straightforwardly.

“Yeah. I essentially signed my life over this morning,” I said, rubbing my eyes softly with my hand.

He gave a casual shrug. “Yeah, that’s pretty much the way things operate around here.”

I gave his arm a light shove. “That’s not exactly comforting.”

He let out a quiet laugh. “My apologies. I’m not the best at giving motivational speeches. How about we become friends? I promise I’ll keep you safe.” He winked at me.

“Alright, Lucas. I’m Sophia, and you’re now my bodyguard buddy.” I grinned.

“Deal.” He burst into laughter. He sported a dimple on just one side, the left, and his teeth gleamed brilliantly white, enhancing his overall appeal.

A comfortable quietness descended between us, but it wasn’t the least bit uncomfortable. It was punctuated by stolen looks. His eyes connected with mine, lingering a bit more with each exchange. He inched closer gradually and took my hand in his, giving it a tender squeeze.

His touch radiated warmth.

We held each other’s gaze for a few additional moments, almost as if we were entranced. Then he leaned in even more, our breaths intertwining.

I slightly parted my lips, on the verge of meeting his. Abruptly, the door burst open with force.

“What the fuck is happening out here?” Ethan’s voice sliced through the space like a sharp knife.

I jerked back from Lucas in an instant. Lucas sat up straighter, appearing unfazed. He maintained a neutral expression as he turned to face his brother.

Ethan positioned himself in the doorway, his hands balled into tight fists.