Chapter 7: Secrets

Walking down the stone pathway, there are beautiful flowers of all colors and neatly trimmed bushes on both sides. At the center, there is a magnificent fountain lined with benches all the way around. We walk to it and sit down. I have never seen anything more beautiful in my life. Hearing the water flow and the smell of flowers all around is magical.

“Kate, I know this is all so new and confusing, but I need you to start taking it seriously. People will try to hurt you to get to me.” Troy says

“Why?” I question

“I’m the youngest Alpha to ever lead a pack. Some people want my position and power and will do anything to get it. That includes hurting you. Alpha James is the biggest threat; he has been trying to kill me since the day I became Alpha.” He explains.

“Why does he hate you so much?” I ask.

“That’s a long story.” He says, looking away.

“Well, don’t you think I need to know why?”

“No.” He states sternly.

“Yes, I do if this guy is willing to hurt me because he hates you so much, I deserve to know why,” I state accusingly.

“No! Kate, you do not, and I will not say it again. This conversation is over!” He snarls.

I stand up too quickly and stumble, still feeling the effects of the wine from dinner. After I steady myself, I walk back towards the house, not looking back. I hear Troy’s voice call after me, but I do not respond.

“Kate, wait.” He yells.

As I’m walking into the house, I start to think about what he is hiding from me. Someone doesn’t just hate you that much for no reason. So what could he have done to make James hate him? I mean, I don’t know anything about this guy. He could have killed someone for all I know. I have to find out what he is hiding from me, so I know if I need a plan to leave him and this craziness. As I start to walk up the stairs, I hear voices in the kitchen. I stop to listen in, trying to gather all the information I can.

“Do you think he will tell her the truth?”

“Maybe one day, but not anytime soon. She needs time to settle in and learn our way if she is going to understand.”

“That's true. Hopefully, she will learn quickly because it is coming, and she needs to be ready, or we will not survive this.

“Let's hope so.”

I hear footsteps walking my way. I make my way quickly up the stairs so I am not seen listening. I make it to the bedroom and shut the door softly. I wonder what they were talking about. What did I need to be ready for? I don't understand why everyone is so cryptic. I need to be smart about this.

Troy

“Kate, wait,” I call after her, but she does not respond.

Damn, why can't this girl just listen? She is so suborn, which I like. This means she will be a good leader for the pack. I just hope she will understand when she finds out the truth. I sit at the fountain for a while, thinking about how to go about everything. I need to mark her as soon as possible so she can start training. She will need all the time she can if she is going to be ready for that war that is coming. But I know she is not ready yet, so how can I make her ready? I'm either going to have to do it against her will or try to convince her. I'd rather have her agree to it on her own, as it will make the transition easier for her. If she takes too long, I'll have to take matters into my own hands. It's getting late now. I'd better get to bed, tomorrow is going to be a busy day. I make my way to my room. As I walk in, I see her sitting on the bed, lost in thought. I clear my throat to make my presence known.

“What are you doing!” she jumps.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. It's getting late, we'd better get to bed. Tomorrow is a busy day for us both.” I say.

“Okay? So why are you in here?” she questions.

“This is my room, you know,” I say while walking over to the other side of the bed and lying down.

“We are not sleeping in the same bed, are you crazy! I don't even know you,” she yells.

“Where would you like me to sleep then?” I ask.

“I don't care where you sleep as long as it is elsewhere.” She says, crossing her arms with a glare.

“Fine.” I stand up, walk to the closet, and grab clothes for tomorrow. “I will see you in the morning. I will have someone bring you some new clothes. What size are you? I ask.

“You don't ask a woman her size, that's so rude!” she spat.

“Okay. If they don’t fit, that will be your own fault.” I start to walk out the door.

“Size 16 or XL,” she says softly, looking away.

“Thank you, goodnight.” I close the door behind me.

Kate

I watch as he walks out the door, damn, he's really good-looking. I shake my head, trying to expel the thought from my mind. Am I crazy? Thinking my kidnapper is good-looking, I must be losing my mind. I lay down trying to calm my racing mind so I can sleep. I close my eyes, letting my mind drift off to dream.