Chapter Two

* Diane *

"Don't stay up too late tonight Diane," Mom said. "You and Chloe should stop talking and sleep before midnight."

"It's Chloe, Mom," I said. "She asked me to be there, and I have to give her my support. Even if it means staying up until midnight…until she falls asleep first."

"Your cousin is doing something honorable for our pack," Dad said, his voice low. He rarely agree to let me spend the night with Chloe. But tonight is different, he knows how she feels about the betrothal. I understood how my parents feel, because I am their only child.

It would have been better if my mother had given me a sibling, but after many failed attempts when I was younger. I stopped asking them for one.

"You heard what kind of wolf she is about to marry. Just try not to discourage your cousin about it."

"I won't speak about her future husband Dad," I promised, which was already a lie because I had promised Chloe I would help her.

Mom reached for me. "Sweetheart, please just always be careful ok?"

I smiled and hug my mother. "Of course Mom, I'm just going to sleep in the Alpha house tonight. No harm will come to me in a place surrounded by warriors. Not to mention our Alpha is there too."

That's when the horn blared outside. Two sharp, impatient beeps. I already knew that it was meant for me.

Chloe's black SUV was in our driveway. The driver was standing by the back door, holding it open. Chloe didn't even get out. She just rolled the window down, her face already fixed again, makeup redone but her eyes still red underneath. She looked like a doll, she's just too pretty to be married off to a monster.

"Diane! Come on!" she called, and her voice cracked.

I grabbed my shawl and wrapped it around my dress and ran before my parents could say another word. I heard Mom say my name once behind me, but I didn't turn around.

The Alpha house looked especially different tonight. Usually it was warm and loud. The big house on the hill where most of the pack pups ran in and out, where Aunt Clara and her maid Mara would be yelling about someone tracking mud inside. Tonight it was silent and lit up like it was holding its breath.

There were a few warriors of our pack that was standing on the porch. In full uniform. Hands behind their backs. None of them looked at me when the driver led us inside. Chloe's hand was crushing mine again.

Inside, the long dining table that usually held twenty people for Sunday stew had been set for only six. White cloth. Silver that I knew Aunt Clara only used when the elders from the Council came.

Uncle Daniel, our Alpha stood at the head of the table in his formal Alpha jacket. Aunt Clara stood beside him, her smile widening when they saw me beside Chloe. She walk towards us and stopped in front of me.

"Oh, Diane it's nice of you to come and stay with Chloe tonight."

She bent her head to kiss both of my cheeks and I answered her with a smile. "Happy to be here."

Uncle Daniel's face softened when he saw me, just for a second. "Chloe and Diane." He looked at me and I saw the surprise in his eyes, then a flicker of a smile. "Girls."

"Good evening Alpha." I bowed my head to my Uncle, despite being family, I know he deserved respect from everyone.

He nodded and gestured to the empty seats on the table. There were food for dinner, but I have already eaten with my parents so I shook my head.

"I finished dinner with my Mom and Dad, Uncle Daniel. Thank you for the invite."

Chloe squeezed my hand before she spoke to her father. "I have things to say to Diane in my room Dad, and I wanted to give her a few things. Things that I might not need when I, when I get married."

The smile on Uncle Daniel's face faded and Aunt Clara stepped back and go back to sit on the table. There was a few moment of silence while we stood there waiting for his word.

"Alright, you two go ahead and get some rest, Chloe."

Chloe move, before I followed her I smiled at Aunt Clara and bowed towards my Uncle.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as soon as we were inside her room, they don't know what we were planning.

"Chloe, when will the messenger leave?"

She looks at me and close her eyes. "Wait I have to mind link him, he's going with Charles."

I took a deep breath, knowing that Charles is going gave a big of a relief on me. He is a good warrior when needed.

Chloe's room is a lot bigger than mine, with a huge built in closet and a beautiful dresser. I look around the familiar space while waiting for her.

"Oh! They are already on the road outside the gates Diane. The car is park beside a tree and waiting for you."

I bit my lip. "Then I should go now."

"Go at the back door of the kitchen. Take the small gate behind, the warrior on guard is only one on that part of the Alpha house. He knows you, just tell him you are going back home because your mother insisted."

I took a deep breath and told myself I could do this. She look at me, worried.

"You can stay if your afraid Diane; you don't have to do it."

"Oh no! I definitely must do it. I have to talk to him, it doesn't matter if he is a monster. He won't hurt me, I know how to stroke his pride as an Alpha so he will at least consider what I have to say."

She nodded. I give her my best reassuring smile. "I'll be back before the sun is up tomorrow. You go to sleep now, don't overthink things. Charles and I will figure something out to help you."

Chloe was teary-eyed when she nodded again. Then I walk out of her room. Slowly I took the hallway towards the kitchen and then I was out of the door. The warrior on guard didn't even ask question when he opened the small gate for me.

"Diane, I can't believe you really came."

Charles was standing by the hood of the black Mercedes, it was Uncle Daniel's car. "Of course I would, I promised Chloe to help."

He opened the passenger door and then sat beside me at the back of the driver's seat. The one holding the wheels was the real messenger, I know him. He looked at me and nodded then started the engine.

"Good evening Miss Diane."

"Evening Oscar." I smiled at him and then glance at Charles beside me.

He is now watching the glass and outside, I know his mind was elsewhere. The betrothal was a depressing matter for both him and Chloe.

"You don't know how much I appreciate you doing this for her Diane. It's a dangerous plan and yet you are brave enough to do it for Chloe."

I took a deep breath; I felt stronger whenever I thought about my cousin. It helped me overcome my fear.

“Chloe and I have been friends since we were young; we were like sisters, so I would do anything for her. I'm sure that if I am the one in her situation, she will do the same to help me too.”

He glanced at me with an eyes full of worry and regret then gaze at the driver and just smiled at me. I felt that he has a lot to tell me however he can't say it with the messenger around. Except for me nobody knows about his relationship with Chloe.