I laid the stone upon my palm as it hung, studying the design. When my eyes slipped downwards though, I couldn’t help but frown. The necklace only highlighted how worn and utterly plain my clothes were. Oh well, I sighed. I couldn’t afford a new wardrobe so the necklace would just have to be my shining glory for a while.
I looked over at the gifts on the counter and remembered the card I never finished reading from Harvey and Wilma. I glanced down at the necklace once more, almost afraid it would disappear, before grabbing the card.
I smiled as I read Wilma’s addition: You’re a beautiful girl who deserves the world yet never asks for it. Make the most of your special day, Em. Happy Birthday!
A whole day they’d given me. I couldn’t remember the last time I had a day off. I was always picking up other people’s shifts or filling in on overtime at the diner. Granted, there were only four waitresses total, but we were busy enough to where I could work every day. Wilma never complained about it though she did try to encourage me to take a day here or there. I never did. This was my first official day off since working there.
I checked out the window, surprised to find a peaceful winter wonderland outside. It was the perfect weather to venture out in, no flurries confusing the roads, and I knew just where I wanted to go. The building. I was determined to check that third floor now that I’d had that flash before the end of my dream.
Ideas scurried across my mind of what I’d find as I got ready for the day. Could there really be someone up there or were the men I’d run into merely showing the property possibly for some private bidding war? What would lure someone to that place anyway? It was in the middle of an abandoned area, an area of town long forgotten about. It certainly wasn’t a building to start a business in that would require customers. Perhaps that was its appeal though. It was a decent size building near the outskirts of town, which meant it was cheaper, and with the lack of people around, it meant fewer distractions. Maybe an online company was interested. With my mind racing as it was, I couldn’t curb my excitement. I knew, regardless of the guts required, I was going to find out today once and for all.
My anticipation grew with each block. The closer I got, the more my nerves jumbled with my giddiness. I was doing this. I was really doing this. I stopped as I rounded the final corner. I stared straight ahead at my destination. Standing tall, I took a deep breath, blowing out the icy smoke, and trudged onwards.
I marched straight through the front door and directly to the stairwell, not even being cautious of voices, though I heard none. I walked straight up to the third floor and stopped right outside the door. I could hear voices and laughter inside. It sounded like a crowd of people actually. My heart was pounding, my breathing quickly becoming irregular as I tried to build up that final piece of courage needed to barge in.
I took a deep breath and raised my shaking right hand to the knob. I slowly turned the circular handle and pushed it open just a bit. I silently huffed in frustration. I couldn’t see anything. The sliver of a crack gave me no view whatsoever. It seemed there was a vertical wall creating a short entryway beyond the door. I was hoping to go unnoticed, just kill my curiosity and then leave, but it looked like I would have to be noticed if I ever wanted to discover the truth.
Sighing in surrender, I closed my eyes and took another quick steadying breath before pushing the door wide open and walking directly into…an orphanage?
—
Chapter Four
I froze a good four steps beyond the entrance, staring dumbfounded at the three rows of pinewood twin beds, at least thirty of them, all outfitted with the same white fitted sheet, chocolate comforter and white pillow case. They were the only items in the room and they were all positioned to face towards the wall of windows on my left, bare and uncovered to the world, yet tinted and certainly not hinting at anything from the street. Upon lifting my gaze, I cringed at the room full of now silent males, dressed in only athletic shorts, all staring at me, the intruder. I knew my cheeks colored as I glanced down at my own layers, feeling completely overdressed and out of place.
I looked back up at them trying to decide what to do. They’d clearly seen me and were probably wondering who the heck I was and why I was there. I cocked my head a bit as I took in the sight before me. I was originally overwhelmed with the similarities of the opening set up to the orphanage, but now that I studied them, they all looked alike. They all had the same olive skin and dark brown hair. Most of them had brown eyes too. They looked like brothers. Did I have it wrong? Was the first and second floor only for business and maybe the upper levels were residences?
Embarrassment swept through me. Feeling foolish for my impulsive bombarding, I swallowed my shame. Their glares weren’t harsh, more analytical really, but enough to make me uncomfortable. There was no noise, only a room full of at least twenty males looking at me like I had antlers growing out of my head.
I raised my right hand and lightly waved, “Sorry.” Readying to make a run for it, I carefully took a few steps back towards the door when one of them spoke up.
“We’ve been expecting you.”
I froze in place. I looked up in the direction I heard the voice: the far right corner. I frowned, certain they were mistaking me for someone else. “Huh?”
“Marco!” a male a few beds down yelled.
A door in the middle of the far right wall swung open and Marco walked through. I was immediately taken aback by his physique. It was obvious in the clothes that he wore previously that he was well built, but now, in only a pair of athletic shorts like the others, he was a god. His skin was bulging with muscles defined in every cut and angle. This was the body of a man who could defeat the strongest of warriors.
He looked directly at the one who had called him, no hesitance or confusion at who needed him. The male lifted his chin towards me; Marco followed his movement. The moment he saw me his face lit up.
I took a wobbly step back nearly tripping myself. I was utterly confused. The only thing I knew to do was run, yet I wanted answers. I was fighting the urge in my twitching toes. Fiddling with my hands, I looked all around unsure of myself.
Marco started to make his way towards me. His eyes locked on mine as he approached. I couldn’t help the instinctive retraction. A small gasp escaped me as I hit a wall - or the door - behind me.
“Don’t be afraid, Emma. You’re where you belong. You were led here for a reason,” he said, extending his hand towards me. His tone was comforting, yet the sheer number of strong, vivacious males to the single, lone female—me—unnerved me.
My eyes darted everywhere. No one had moved. They were all glued to their same spots, waiting, watching what transpired.
My breathing became shallow as the walls started closing in. Everyone was looking at me; I had no place to hide, no place to run. Marco, large and dominant, stood before me, cornering me where I was. The others were anticipating my next move.
Suddenly the room started to swirl and blur. It was too much. They were too much. This was too much. I shouldn’t have come here. I struggled to feel along the wall for the doorknob. It had to be close.
My heart was pounding in my ears as a cold, clammy sweat broke out all over me. I couldn’t find the door. No one was moving; no one was helping me get to freedom. They only watched me clam up as I fought to remain calm and sane.
Abruptly, Marco took a final step towards me, closing the gap, officially trapping my upper arms. I began to shake. He unlocked our gaze. My vision swirled as my limbs became limp. A second later, everything went black.
—
“Back up!” Marco growled.
My head was pounding, as if I’d been hit over the head with a brick. I felt the pumping of blood pulsating through my sore brain. I scrunched my eyebrows searching for a tiny bit of relief.
“Emma?” Marco’s voice rolled over me.
I fluttered my eyelids, uncertain whether it helped to keep my eyes closed or not. “Yeah?” I whispered, settling with my lids at
half-mast.
I flinched when a cold rag was placed on my forehead.
“It’s all right,” the woman said, pressing the cloth to my head again.
Suddenly I was being pushed back down, though I didn’t fight it. I was momentarily distracted by how different she looked compared to the others. She appeared to be in her mid-thirties while all the males were somewhere in their teens or twenties. She was white, her skin a soft ivory. Her hair fell just above her shoulders, and while it was brown, it had more of a medium, mousy hue that appeared plain and boring next to her hazel and honey eyes.
“Are you alright?” she asked.
I looked to Marco on my left; his forehead creased with concern. Beyond him I saw the others. They were keeping their distance; their expressions equally worried. That’s when I realized that they truly meant me no harm. I knew it was stupid of me to panic the way I did, but given my past experiences, I couldn’t control my reaction.
“Emma?” I returned my attention to Marco. “Are you alright?” he pressed. I nodded my head softly in response.
“It might help if you take off a few of those layers,” the woman offered with a small smile, her eyes darting down to my puffy, not-so-white-anymore marshmallow jacket.
“Can…can I sit up now?”
“Slowly,” she agreed. Marco stepped closer, his arms falling outwards prepared to spot me should I need it.
“I’m okay,” I said, rising to an upright position. I winced as the acute dizziness set in. I breathed through it though. I knew these people meant me no harm, but I also knew I could only trust myself.
My hair fell out of my ski hat as I removed it, having stuffed it all underneath that morning. I quickly unwrapped the navy scarf and unzipped my jacket. The moment I began to slide my jacket away though, multiple gasps ensued.
“Holy shit!” someone breathed.
I stopped with my jacket halfway down my arms, shrinking back a bit, unsure of what caused their reactions. I turned to Marco who was blatantly staring at my chest, despite it being completely covered in a turtleneck. I looked down and stopped when I saw my necklace. I wasn’t used to having it. It was an exquisite piece, certainly gasp worthy. I relaxed then, understanding the reason for their reactions. I finished removing my jacket and folded the items in my lap.
“I’ll take those for you,” the woman said.
“Oh, thank you…” I didn’t know her name.
“Sarah,” she prompted.
“Thank you, Sarah.”
“You’re welcome,” she replied, taking the items from me.
The moment they were gone I felt naked despite being fully clothed still. I suppose it was a by-product of everyone still studying me as if I was something under a microscope. Their eyes were wide, foreheads creased and focused entirely on me, or pointedly, my necklace. Unyieldingly, I lifted my hand and covered the necklace hoping to break their concentration.
“What’s your last name, Emma?” Marco asked.
“Um, Bledri. Why?”
“Shit.” The word was a harsh whisper. His hands clenched into fists immediately at his side, his nose snarled and I could have sworn I heard a minute growl.
I frowned, nibbling my bottom lip. “What’s wrong with my last name?”
Just then Kuha came into view. He smiled brightly at me, coming to stand next to Marco. He crossed his arms arrogantly over his chest, as if he’d just one-upped someone.
“You don’t know?” another asked, joining Kuha.
I slowly shook my head negatively. “No, I’m sorry, I don’t.”
“Were you born under a flipping rock?” the guy scoffed, a broad smirk on his face.
This time there was no mistaking the growl emanating from Marco. The man shrunk back into the crowd at Marco’s rebuke.
“No,” I stated softly. I didn’t understand his attitude.
“Who raised you, Emma?” Marco pressed.
“I…was raised in an orphanage.” I looked down, fidgeting with my fingers, waiting for his response. In truth, I was waiting to be cast out. I was stuck in the orphanage until I was eighteen because no one wanted me. I never understood why. I had tons of interviews and first visits, but everyone always backed out. Why would they be any different? That’s why I cherished Wilma and Harvey. They were the first to accept me and give me a chance.
When minutes passed and everything was still silent, I chanced a look at Marco. I gasped as I leapt off the bed away from him and scurried through the maze of beds. I slowly turned back towards the crowd still standing around the bed I’d been in. Marco’s face was a mask of anger and his eyes still blazing a bright gold and honey hue.
“What…” I shook my head, struggling to think clearly with my erratic heart fluttering. “What are you?”
He closed his eyes and inhaled. When he reopened his eyes, they were back to their normal brown.
“Come into the other room, Emma. I believe this is a conversation we should have alone.” At that moment, several more males walked through the door, a few of which were Caucasian.
“Hi,” one of them waved.
“I claim her!” another shouted, his baby blue eyes landing directly on me as he spoke.
“You wish,” another pushed him away.
“She’s gotta have someone to cuddle with at night.” He gave me a charming smile as he winked in my direction.
“Enough,” Marco firmly declared. He glared at the guys on his way past them. He held the swinging door open for me.
I hesitated. Moments before I’d just seen his eyes glow in an otherworldly, very inhuman way. It was like the pictures of a dark forest with merely a pair of eyes shining through visibly in the photo.
I was teetering. While I felt safe around Marco—he had saved me from Ryan after all—I was uncertain of him beyond that. I only knew that he would protect me, yet I couldn’t fathom why.
“I’m not going to hurt you, Emma. I could have already if I wanted to.”
“I know that. I just don’t know what you are…and that makes me nervous.”
“I am exactly as you are,” he riddled.
I studied him a moment longer. I glanced around at the others, working my lips. They all seemed call, patient, almost compassionate, as if they understood what I was experiencing on some level. I couldn’t decide if that was comforting or not.
Deciding I didn’t have anything to lose at this point, I stepped through the door into a large open kitchen, dining room and living room. The room was massive, each wall at least seventy-five feet long.
The kitchen at my left was updated with cherry wood cabinets, at least fifty of them, gorgeous sand and honey hued granite countertops and commercial grade stainless steel appliances. A large island with twelve barstools pulled up to it was the anchor between the kitchen, dining room and living room.
Straight ahead beyond the kitchen was a large dining area with three thick, solid wood tables in the same dark cherry as the cupboards, each spanning a good twelve feet with twenty or more chairs around each. They were clear of any centerpieces, allowing their rustic, simplistic design to be showcased against the wall of windows beyond them. I hadn’t realized it before, but this building backed up to the woods, offering a gorgeous view.
The living room area was comprised of two identical setups side by side to take up the entire right half of the room. There were two large, overstuffed, saddle brown leather U-shaped sectionals. In the center of each was a large, wood coffee table, again with nothing on them. The showcase was a sixty-inch flat screen TV mounted on the wall in each living area. With nothing else on the walls in the entire space, it screamed bachelor pad, which made sense with all the males I’d seen.
“Sit anywhere you’d like.”
“How long is this going to take?” I countered, still taking in the space.
“There’s a lot to cover.”
I headed for the closest couch. If I was going to be sitting for a while, I at least wanted to be comfortable. He sat a few feet dow
n from me recognizing my need for space. I wrapped my arms around myself, waiting for it all to begin.
“What do you know about your parents, Emma?”
“Why does everyone keep bringing them up?”
“If you knew anything about them, then you would know why. What’s your middle name?”
I furrowed my brows, fidgeting a bit. I didn’t understand the need for all these questions. They were personal; they were keys to my identity. I’d come to the crossroads, I suppose. I had to choose whether I was going to divulge everything in hopes of learning something, or walk away now and keep my secrets but forever wonder about theirs.
Marco patiently waited. It was as if he could tell I was deciding whether or not to tell him. He didn’t push. He remained motionless on the couch, a hand resting on each knee, occasionally running up his leg a bit, as he leaned towards me slightly.
“Rayne. My full name is Emma Rayne Bledri.”
“Have you ever translated your name?”
“No.”
“Your name translates to universal queen werewolf ruler. Emma, you’re one of the very few female werewolves in the world and your father, Adolf Bledri, is our leader. He’s essentially the king of our kind.”
I knew he was waiting for my reaction, but really, how could or even should I react to that sort of information?
“Am I going to turn into a wolf like in the movies?”
He chuckled. “No. Females can’t shape shift, only males. Your bodies are driven emotionally while we’re driven physically. You’re weaker in that essence.”
I merely nodded my head. I couldn’t disagree that physically we were the weaker of the two, but I always believed we were stronger when it came to mind over matter. We’ve always been the problem solvers in the world despite men running it.
“Was I born like this?”
He cocked his head, his eyes narrowing a bit. “Yes, but you didn’t change until today.”
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