Chapter 4: High Expectations

Hades POV

She clutches at me with trembling hands, her eyes imploring me. “Hades,” she whimpers, “you don’t know how terrifying that was.”

I want to yank her hands away. I dislike being touched in general. She’s meant to be my fiancée however and for that, I grant her some leeway. She’s not exactly as I envisioned. One of the reasons I had insisted on this contract marriage had been because Marissa possessed a white wolf, one of the rarest, most powerful wolves of our kind. Instead of hiding she should have been easily able to overpower the human traffickers. Why had she hesitated and why had she left her maidservant of all people to fend them off? It had virtually been a death sentence and had it been any other woman, they would have died. I'm in awe of Raven, who successfully held her own despite the odds, although I don't voice it.

“They were merely human. Easy to take care off,” my voice is harsh, “I would have thought a white wolf such as yourself would have easily subdued them.”

She looks slightly panicked. “I um, wasn’t thinking straight. My human side got the better of me,” she stammered, “and I knew that Raven was capable of looking after herself.”

Why did I have the distinct feeling she was lying to me? I detested liars. She flutters her eyelashes at me and I inwardly roll my eyes. If she thinks using such pathetic womanly tricks like that were going to soften me, she was in for a shock. I didn’t play games, not like that. I preferred women who were honest, blunt and not afraid to speak their minds. Somehow, I already knew that Marissa did not fit into that category.

“But you used a gun,” she whispered shakily.

It was hardly a comparison. I fought to hide my annoyance.

“I used a gun because it covered the distance quicker than if I shifted and attacked. Besides, it was not necessary to shift. I could have easily defeated the man in a fight in my human form.”

She falls silent. I take the chance to pry her hands away from me. When we arrive back at my pack, I climb out of the car, feeling relieved. Just her perfume alone, strong and overly sweet, was enough to make me feel nauseas.

I told you this was a mistake, my wolf whispered triumphantly, you should have listened to me.

I ignored Lucifer, studying my fiancée’s reaction. She looked put out as she got out of the car and when she saw the packhouse her face instantly turned to one of disappointment, making me feel even more frustrated.

“Is this it?” she doesn’t even bother to hide her disdain.

I grit my teeth, reminding myself that my packhouse would not be to everyone’s liking. Still it infuriated me that she was being blatantly rude about it.

Jackson’s car pulls up. The girl, Raven gets out and excitedly views the house. She puts a hand to her mouth while Marissa continues to stare, perhaps hoping the house will transform in front of her eyes. She's out of luck. This was now her home whether she liked it or not.

“This house is like something out of a fairytale,” Raven breathed, her voice slightly musical as she eagerly scans the exterior. “It’s exactly how a packhouse should look like.”

My packhouse is a large cabin like structure, consisting of several different levels and made from wood. It has all the modern amenities but I had designed it with large open windows and balconies so that pack members could appreciate the beautiful scenery surrounding us. It was carefully maintained, flower beds spotting bright and vibrant flowers. The appreciative look on Raven’s face makes me feel a burning pride. There’s something about this woman that made me instantly like her, even as I kept my expression neutral. I'm not supposed to like her and I'm not supposed to be distracted by her. Not when my own fiancee is standing not even five feet away from me.

“But, I thought, that you would have a mansion,” Marissa seems stunned and in state of disbelief.

“This cabin is huge,” Raven’s voice is filled with awe, “it’s better than a mansion,” she exclaimed and I felt like a peacock preening in front of her.

Marissa looks glum. My Beta glances between her and Raven, silently judging the both of them. I can already see his strong dislike for Marissa. I gesture impatiently. “Maybe the inside will be more to your liking,” I snarl, taking Marissa aback.

“I doubt it,” she muttered under her breath, not intending for me to hear.

It took every ounce of will power not to respond in that moment. I was amazed at my ability to control myself.

Marissa’s expression does not change once we enter the packhouse. If anything, her expression becomes more brooding. I notice Raven nudge her out of the corner of my eye, silently prompting her and she plasters a fake smile on her face.

“It’s quaint,” she said faintly.

“It’s marvellous,” Raven can’t contain her enthusiasm, “these paintings, they’re so amazing. Look Marissa,” she clutches at her arm and I frown as Marissa impatiently pulls her maidservant’s arm away, “they all have wolves in them. Don’t you see?”

Jackson smiles warmly at Raven. “It was Alpha Hades idea to bring in the outdoors inside. Our paintings pay homage to our shifter side and allow us to feel more comfortable.”

She nods adamantly, still looking around, her head whipping back and forth.

“It’s so minimal but it doesn’t need anything else.”

Despite myself, my lips curve up slightly. It’s impossible to ignore her enthusiasm. I’m glad somebody appreciates the home I took such care to build. My fiancée merely bit her lip, making no effort to show any appreciation at all. Clearly, she was used to far more luxurious surroundings.

“I thought you were rich,” Marissa wrinkled her nose.

Jackson gives a low growl, angry now, “Just because we have wealth doesn’t mean we see the need to announce it to the world. Hades has always been humble. Don’t tell me you’re one of those women who only want the most expensive things in life?”

She sniffed and looked offended. Raven quickly takes charge. “Marissa why don’t we get settled in. You’re distraught after all. A rest might make you feel a bit more…” she paused, “charitable,” she muttered.

“Jackson, take them upstairs. Give them the room next to mine,” I instructed heavily.

Unable to bear her presence any longer, I turned swiftly on my heel and headed for my study, intending to while away the next few hours doing pack business, knowing I needed some form of distraction.