Chapter 5

Hands on hips, my hair packed in a knot stop my head, I watch the men Nicholas sent move my luggage downstairs. The clock on my blue painted room wall read 11:45 AM.

“Hey hey, careful.” I rush toward my bedside table in black biker shorts and a loose-fitting red t-shirt. I quickly grab the antique lamp gifted to me by my grandma from one of the men as he is about to drop it roughly into the large box. “That's precious.”

“Sorry Luna,” the curly haired man bows in apology as I cradle the object in my arms and brush an invisible spec of dust away.

“Don’t sweat it,” I waved him off with a smile and walked barefooted on the black furry rug. I try my best not to fall as I side-step two other men who are also busy packing any object that seems valuable to me and of course my cookbooks from the shelf on the right wall of the room.

“I can't believe I'm doing this,” I mutter to no one in particular as I return to my position on the door and observe the life leave my room as any belonging of mine is being shoved into a box.

It's been two hours already since I woke to the noise of honking at my gate, only to descend the stairs and stalk to the living room where I peek at the cam. To say I was pissed is an understatement, however, it was as close to how I felt when I spotted Klein waving at the camera.

The past hours have been spent with a total of about eight men moving up and down the stairs as my belongings are transported to the awaiting empty van that came with.

“Is this necessary?” I frown as I shrink away from the entrance while my whole shelf is being moved past the door. “If there's no space for my books I can just keep them in the box and pick one to read when needed.”

“We just got orders from the Alpha to take anything we think you might need as you'll be staying with him in his mansion and not at the pack house,” Klein appears in his handsome glory, dressed in a white button up and blue slacks, hair in the simple style I've always seen him wear and a friendly expression. “Good day Luna.”

“Nice of you to answer my question,” I nod at him, my expression not so nice. “Are they done with the kitchen?”

“Yes, the utensils you requested are well organised and kept safely in the van,” he explains.

“Why only utensils?” I lift a brow sensing foul play. “What about my blender, oven, dishwasher, microwave, heating trays and the rest?”

“Alpha said new and latest models will be ordered and sent to the mansion once you get settled,” he responds to my question.

“Oh really,” I scoff, feeling agitated. “So he thinks it necessary to move my shelf, bedside table and some furniture but thinks it's not necessary to move my kitchen appliances?”

“Ummm--”

“Has he forgotten I'm a chef?” I ask in sneer. “Doesn't he know people in my line of work value their kitchen more than clothes?”

“We can still get it moved it you--”

“Where the fuck is this Alpha of yours by the way?” I question in a scowl, the lamp still secured in my hold. “Does he have no idea he should be here at least?”

“Well maybe it's a good thing he didn't come with you hence I would have made a barbecue of him for waking me up my nine-freaking-AM to pack for a place I know nothing about,” I growl out in one breath, eyes blazing as I puff in anger.

My outburst happened to have made everyone pause their actions as not a single noise is heard while eyes are trained on me. Cocking my head to the side I grin at my audience and wave. “Carry on.”

“I'm sorry Luna,” Klein speaks up as I proceed to sulk in a corner. “I can still order the men to-”

“I know I've asked this but where is he?” I blurted out in a query. “Isn't he supposed to be here by now? I mean we are almost done packing and--”

“Lisa Violet Dayle,” a male voice cuts me off and I peek at the hallway to see my best friend Josh in a crumpled white t-shirt and black track pants above white dusty sneakers. His face appears pale and his curly strands scattered all over.

“What's the problem Josh?” I implore in worry and rush toward him as he seems slightly shaken.

“Why- wh--”

“Deep breaths,” I urge as I reach him and notice him panting.

“Hmmm,” he exhales after a few seconds, seeming calmer.

“Now speak,” I advise and wait.

“Can you please tell me why I am meeting Nicholas Damien Lazarus the renowned architect and CEO of Damien Construction for the first time at your house?” He questions, vision trained on me.

“Hold up, don't answer yet,” he stops me as I open my mouth to say something. “Also tell me why I was roughened up and nearly beaten to a pulp by a group of scary looking guys if I didn't swear I was your best friend and nothing more.”

“How dare he-” I mumble and aim to thunder down the stairs when I'm halted by Josh who grabs onto me.

“Before you go pouncing, I need answers,” he grips my shoulders and bores his irises into mine. “Why is he here? Why does it seem like you are moving? Lastly, why did you have me go to your restaurant and connect a video chat so you can speak to your employees when you could have easily done so yourself or called them directly?”

“Firstly thanks for doing what I asked without questioning me at the time, secondly there was no time for me to do so,” I murmur in gratitude.

“Why is there no time?” Josh interrogates and moves aside as the men go downstairs with what's hopefully the last round of boxes. 

“To answer your questions,” I begin and show my ring finger where a glistening gold band sat confidently. “Nicholas is my fiancee.”

“I know you are angry,” I say as he moves to speak. “I apologise for the secrecy. You know how I am and how I like to keep things silent till it's certain.”

“How? Where? Wh-?”

“We've been dating for months now,” I lie through my teeth as I go on. “Remember my Saturday VIP client? That's Nicholas Damien Lazarus.”

“Wow!” He exclaims, eyes wide, nose crinkled and face ridden with disbelief. “Is this a joke?”

“I planned to tell you,” I blurt, trying to hide my guilt. “I just didn't get a chance to.”

“You didn't do that?” He implores, his tone rising a bit. “Oh don't give me that silly excuse. You had countless chances to do so Lis. If anything we've been together for the past week so don't you dare freaking lie to me.”

“Josh wai--”

“Was I really a friend to you?” He snorts and I frown.

“Of course, you are my one and only friend Josh, how can you say that?” I ask, sounding hurt.

“Then why would you keep such--”

I cut him off with a hug, partly to calm him and to stop myself from breaking in his sight. I wrap my hands tightly around him and bury my face in his chest while hoping he doesn't notice the tear drops that drip down my cheeks.

My tactic seems to work as I feel his buff arms circle me and press me to him as his anger slowly leaves him. “I'm sorry for losing my temper. I just felt left out and betrayed.”

“I'm sorry, I should have told you earlier,” I apologise, discreetly wiping the wetness with the back of my hand. I push myself off him and offer him a smile. “We should have had time to celebrate and party.”

“Yeah we should have. Guess you have yourself to blame for that.” He pouts and flicks my forehead. 

“Ouch,” I yell in shock and pain at his action. “That hurt.”

“You deserve it,” he declares and whirls me around before shoving me away slightly.

The push wasn't too much to cause damage, however judging by how clumsy I am my legs get tangled together and I find myself falling. My mouth gapes in fear as the house seems to spin.

“Lis!” Josh gasps in worry and I shut my lids, ready to brace the impact.

“Falling into my arms already are we?” A thick but sexy voice asks as muscular arms cage me and my back meet a hard but warm surface.

I scramble around in shock, my eyes flashing open to meet blue irises, well carved brows, a sharp jaw and sexy lips that belong to none other than Nicholas. “Steady darling, your butt seems to be rubbing me the wrong way.”