CHAPTER 8 The Rules

　　Elsie's POV

　　Arrogant. Spiteful. Cruel.

　　These were the words I would use to describe Theo Warren. His ugly heart began to show through clearer the more time I spent with him.

　　What difference did it make to Theo if I trained for a little while, when I was off nanny duties?

　　My instinct told me to stick this out, be the bigger person and prove Theo wrong.

　　"I accept your terms," I spoke through gritted teeth, my eyes fixed on Theo's. Usually so stubborn in my ways, I wouldn't back out so easily from something I really yearned for.

　　"Good," Theo smirked "A little obedient lady has joined our Pack, my brothers," He turned on the spot to face Kai and Oris.

　　The brothers both stood to their feet and joined Theo's side. Oris remained silent, but his eyes lingered on me. I felt a sudden wave of heat wash over me, something about the way his eyes so full of wisdom, studied me. I enjoyed his gaze on me.

　　"Heck yeah!" Kai punched the air "This is awesome!" He approached my side, and I felt Kai's warmth against me "Welcome to the family, Red,"

　　"Thanks," I replied, thinking politeness would be the easiest way forward.

　　I took my attention back to Theo, whose eyes also lingered on me "Now that's sorted, can you show me where I'm staying?"

　　Theo cleared his throat and took a quick glance at his watch "Gracie and I have an appointment in twenty minutes," he held out his hand as Gracie jumped off her seat and linked her tiny hand with Theo's "But Kai will show you,"

　　"Oh," I wasn't sure if the expression appeared on my face, but I felt like I must have winced at Theo's words "Sure, fine," was all I could say in response, I was done with arguing with Theo for today.

　　Theo and Gracie left the room and I shifted my gaze to Oris, who had taken his seat back at the table and buried himself back into his book. Fantastic.

　　"Shall we?" Kai asked, a grin spread on his face as he offered his arm. I refused his gesture, and made my way out of the room. I heard Kai grunt with disapproval as he followed.

　　Allowing Kai to lead the way, I followed him up a set of wide marble stairs. This Pack sure had some money and investment judging by how lavish their home was. As we walked, I admired the art on the walls, dotted with cute photos of Gracie between. From being a baby, to how she was today.

　　"Et voila," Kai said as he pushed the bedroom door open "These are your quarters. You have an ensuite bathroom and a balcony," he gestured to the door directly opposite my room "This is Gracie's room, so you won't be far from her,"

　　With curious interest, I made my way past Kai and entered the room. A small gasp escaped my lips as I admired my surroundings. The most beautiful bedroom I had ever seen, the decor an earthy green, accented with copper reds. I felt as though I was in the comfort of the woods, with nature just like I had been in my warrior training.

　　An extremely large bed was the centrepiece of this room, with four mahogany posters decorated with carvings of leaves and vines which swirled up and around the posts. The same design crept along the headboard, while silk draped across the top of the posts.

　　"Kai," I said, unable to form any words "This is like a dream,"

　　Kai nodded as he joined me inside the room "This was my idea," he paused as I took my eyes to him.

　　"Are you serious?" I asked, expecting him to be acting foolish again.

　　He shrugged "Yeah, I noticed how in your element you were during the warrior selection. You seem like someone who enjoys being with nature," he smiled and gently ran his fingers through my hair "And with your gorgeous red hair, I figured these colours would compliment you,"

　　I narrowed my eyes, not believing anything he said "You're joking me, you can't be that deep,"

　　Kai shrugged again "I can be," he went over to the bed and jumped on it, landing on his backside "We knew you would accept this job, so I went out of my way to sort out an emergency interior designer. And here we are," he patted the bed next to him "Come feel how comfortable this bed is,"

　　I started to buy his story, after all, I didn't know Kai truly. I only judged him on what I had gathered from the surface, he could be a deeply emotional person inside. So for now, I dropped my guard slightly for him.

　　Sitting next to Kai, I felt his warmth radiate from his body again. Gazing into his blue eyes, it was then I came to realise how handsome he actually was, gorgeous in fact. His dark hair fell down, framing his face and accentuating his strong jawline. The tips of his hair just landed on his broad shoulders.

　　"You know Red," He spoke in a soft tone "I find you absolutely breathtaking," his voice began to stagger with his excitement "I've been attracted to you the moment I laid my eyes on you,"

　　The same embarrassment began to fill me, I felt my cheeks become warm from his words. I wasn't used to these kinds of affectionate words from a man. Not even Rory had spoken to me in such a way before, he barely noticed when I made an attempt to dress up, nevermind complimenting me.

　　"Oh, thank you," Was all I could say in response, unable to handle the compliments. A piece of hair fell in front of my eyes, and Kai swiftly caught it, pushing it behind my ears.

　　"I mean it," Kai husked "Elsie, I want you so badly,"

　　It was sudden, but I found Kai's lips against mine, his hands gripped onto the side of my head, pulling me into him. His tongue wandered between my lips as he invaded my privacy.

　　Using my strength, I pulled away from the kiss. Without hesitation, I pulled my arm back and slammed my palm across Kais cheek. His cheek began to redden instantly from the force of my hand.

　　"How fucking dare you!" I yelled "You're all the same! You Alpha's think you can take the pick of whichever woman takes your fancy!"

　　Standing to my feet, I kept firmly on the ground "I am here purely as Gracie's nanny," I wanted to make that clear to Kai "Nothing else, I'm not your whore," My hand gestured toward the open door, my finger pointing in the direction for Kai to leave "get out of my room,"

　　"Elsie.." Kai began to apologise but I wouldn't allow it.

　　"I said get out!" I screamed "I won't let you use me for your own pervert gain!"

　　Without further argument, Kai instantly left the room, closing the door behind him. My chest burned with rage as my lungs heaved through my strong breaths. I tried to control the wolf within me, Ashe ached to break free and deal some violence toward the Alpha. I managed to resist her animal instincts to protect me.

　　There had been no way I would allow any of these brothers to take advantage of me, not like Rory. I had learnt my lesson, the only person I could trust was myself. I would not allow any man to use me ever again.