*** Naomi's POV ***
I slowly opened my eyes to face myself in an unfamiliar place. The room has an old musty, earthy smell to it. The floor under me is wet and cold. I feel like my body has been hit by a truck, and my headache is on the brink of making my head split open. I lift my right hand towards my head only to realize I can't because I am chained. My wrist burns where the shackles touch my skin. I palpate the ground, mapping the floor underneath me. My fingers brush against the chain links, and once again, my skin sizzles at the point of contact. The chains are made of silver.
I lean closer to the wall, and bring my knees close to my chest and wait for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. The wolfbane injection given to me earlier by the strange woman had taken away my werewolf abilities.
*** Naomi's POV***I ran as fast as I could, dodging from trees to fallen branches to roots sticking off the ground. The sun is setting down slightly to my left, indicating I am on the right path.The rogues are still following us. From the sound of their paws on the muddy floor, I estimate them to be more or less ten wolves, but I am not stopping to count.Exiting the tree line onto a clearing, I spot a big house on the horizon up ahead. As I go further into the clearing, I notice the rogues didn't follow us. Morgan's body rests on my back while she uses her right arm to grip tight to my fur, preventing her from falling off. I was still running when, out of nowhere, Grayfang warriors surrounded us. Let me add that they did not look happy or friendly.
*A couple of hours before the reunion**** Matthew's POV ***I arrived at the wedding reception a little earlier and waited for Morgan to contact me.It was a formal event, so I wore a button-down white shirt, with the sleeves rolled back to my elbows, skinny gray blue-toned trousers, dark brown leather belt, and matching shoes. To finish my look, I accessorized with an oxford wristwatch and a pair of black aviator sunglasses.Mid-morning came and gone, and we were halfway through the festivity. Both grooms wore matching navy blue suits with a small white peace lily above their hearts. I was happy Rob had found a fantastic mate. Their happiness was contagious, and the entire pack see
*** Matthew's POV *** Gabe and I are standing next to Naomi's bed. He had just finished telling me her name when a guard interrupted us. -"Alpha Gabriel, a council witch wants to see you." -"Not now, Romeo. I have more important things at hand, as you can see." Gabe gestured to the unconscious Naomi. "Tell the witch she has to wait." -"But sir, the witch says she is here for your sister." The guard insisted. -"What?" Gabe and I exchange worried looks. What could the council possibly want with Naomi? No matter how small the issue might be. If they are involved, it can't be good. Gabriel didn't even have a chanc
Gabriel gave me a pair of light gray sweat pants and a white v-neck t-shirt. After getting dressed, I made my way to Rob's office with him. As we entered, I could see Rob's glass desk to the left of the room. His chair was a creamy white, which contrasted pretty well with the dark blue-gray color of the built-in and the dark wood floors. To the right was a sitting area where six mid-century natural leather color armchairs formed a square around the geometric glass coffee table. At the end of the lounge area, a small serving cart was used as a minibar.I take the center seat with Lee Benson to my left and Gabe to my right. Rob sat on his husband's chair armrest while wrapping an arm around Gabriel's, a glass of scotch on his other hand. We all had the same outfits. I guess a quick host tip for me to take in. Have ready-to-go outfits for my guests, noted.
*** Naomi's POV*** The surface underneath me feels like soft clouds. With my eyes still closed, I inhale the faint aroma of cinnamon coffee that has me snuggling my face in the fabric, enjoying the contentmentfeeling it provides me. The memory of being in captivity and chased by rogues jolts me awake. Sitting up, I scan my surroundings—toned-down blues and greens give it a relaxing vibe, while creamy neutrals like white and beige add a subtle contrast with the dark furniture finishes. Definitely not how a dungeon looks like. The nearby window allows me to see that it's dark outside, but other than that, I still have no notion of what time it is or how long I have been unconscious. Peeking under the covers, I confirm that I am still naked. The nightstand lamp provides enough light for me to spot a pair o
***Naomi's POV*** After seeing Morgan safe and sound, Matt guided me to Rob's office. Being a true gentleman, he had offered me his hand to hold, but I refused it. It took every cell of my whole being not to, but it was for the best. I can't possibly even think of being with him as he's married. We walked in silence, me following him at an arms-length down a staircase till we came to a stop in front of white double doors. This time Matthew didn't offer his hand. He took mine, not giving me room to refuse. I tried to remove it, but that made him tighten his grip. We walked in, hand in hand. Gabriel and his mate were on the office desk to the left, looking at a map spread across it. Lee sat on the sof
***Naomi's POV*** Matthew caught me off guard with his unexpected question, making me choke on the food I was chewing. He rushes towards me, offering his drink while gently patting my back. I drink it and take a deep breath. -"Pardon me?" -"The night you found out we were mates, why did you run away?" Oh, I heard him right the first time around, but I didn't know how to answer. I might have run off back then, but I can't do it anymore. I gave him my word. -"Because I saw my dreams of having a mate shatter to pieces. I know you must think I am a coward, but I didn't know what to do. My parents raised me to be a good girl, and good girls don't go jumping into married men's arms." I take a deep b
***Matthew's POV***The Alpha's retrieved to their bedrooms for the night, leaving Naomi and me alone in the kitchen. There is so much I want to ask her, but I don't know where to start. I observe her going through the kitchen, placing food on her plate. Her scent is so strong and vibrant. It makes me want to hold her closer. Her loose black hair perfectly frames her beautiful face. My fingers itch to place it behind her ear and caress her cheek. She reaches for food further away from her, and her crop top lifts slightly, giving me a glimpse of her bare tiny waist. It's taking all my self-control for me not to hug her.Naomi sits on the tall island chairs and puts together her super sandwich. She has been through a lot. I don't want to pressure her, but I need to know why Naomi didn't come to