Hands on hips, my hair packed in a knot stop my head, I watch the men Nicholas sent move my luggage downstairs. The clock on my blue painted room wall read 11:45 AM.

“Hey hey, careful.” I rush toward my bedside table in black biker shorts and a loose-fitting red t-shirt. I quickly grab the antique lamp gifted to me by my grandma from one of the men as he is about to drop it roughly into the large box. “That's precious.”

“Sorry Luna,” the curly haired man bows in apology as I cradle the object in my arms and brush an invisible spec of dust away.

“Don’t sweat it,” I waved him off with a smile and walked barefooted on the black furry rug. I try my best not to fall as I side-step two other men who are also busy packing any object that seems valuable to me and of course my cookbooks from the shelf on the right wall of the room.

“I can't believe I'm doing this,” I mutter to no one in particular as I return to my position on the door and observe the life leave my room as any belonging of mine is being shoved into a box.

It's been two hours already since I woke to the noise of honking at my gate, only to descend the stairs and stalk to the living room where I peek at the cam. To say I was pissed is an understatement, however, it was as close to how I felt when I spotted Klein waving at the camera.

The past hours have been spent with a total of about eight men moving up and down the stairs as my belongings are transported to the awaiting empty van that came with.

“Is this necessary?” I frown as I shrink away from the entrance while my whole shelf is being moved past the door. “If there's no space for my books I can just keep them in the box and pick one to read when needed.”

“We just got orders from the Alpha to take anything we think you might need as you'll be staying with him in his mansion and not at the pack house,” Klein appears in his handsome glory, dressed in a white button up and blue slacks, hair in the simple style I've always seen him wear and a friendly expression. “Good day Luna.”

“Nice of you to answer my question,” I nod at him, my expression not so nice. “Are they done with the kitchen?”

“Yes, the utensils you requested are well organised and kept safely in the van,” he explains.

“Why only utensils?” I lift a brow sensing foul play. “What about my blender, oven, dishwasher, microwave, heating trays and the rest?”

“Alpha said new and latest models will be ordered and sent to the mansion once you get settled,” he responds to my question.

“Oh really,” I scoff, feeling agitated. “So he thinks it necessary to move my shelf, bedside table and some furniture but thinks it's not necessary to move my kitchen appliances?”

“Ummm--”

“Has he forgotten I'm a chef?” I ask in sneer. “Doesn't he know people in my line of work value their kitchen more than clothes?”

“We can still get it moved it you--”

“Where the fuck is this Alpha of yours by the way?” I question in a scowl, the lamp still secured in my hold. “Does he have no idea he should be here at least?”

“Well maybe it's a good thing he didn't come with you hence I would have made a barbecue of him for waking me up my nine-freaking-AM to pack for a place I know nothing about,” I growl out in one breath, eyes blazing as I puff in anger.

My outburst happened to have made everyone pause their actions as not a single noise is heard while eyes are trained on me. Cocking my head to the side I grin at my audience and wave. “Carry on.”

“I'm sorry Luna,” Klein speaks up as I proceed to sulk in a corner. “I can still order the men to-”

“I know I've asked this but where is he?” I blurted out in a query. “Isn't he supposed to be here by now? I mean we are almost done packing and--”

“Lisa Violet Dayle,” a male voice cuts me off and I peek at the hallway to see my best friend Josh in a crumpled white t-shirt and black track pants above white dusty sneakers. His face appears pale and his curly strands scattered all over.

“What's the problem Josh?” I implore in worry and rush toward him as he seems slightly shaken.

“Why- wh--”

“Deep breaths,” I urge as I reach him and notice him panting.

“Hmmm,” he exhales after a few seconds, seeming calmer.

“Now speak,” I advise and wait.

“Can you please tell me why I am meeting Nicholas Damien Lazarus the renowned architect and CEO of Damien Construction for the first time at your house?” He questions, vision trained on me.

“Hold up, don't answer yet,” he stops me as I open my mouth to say something. “Also tell me why I was roughened up and nearly beaten to a pulp by a group of scary looking guys if I didn't swear I was your best friend and nothing more.”

“How dare he-” I mumble and aim to thunder down the stairs when I'm halted by Josh who grabs onto me.

“Before you go pouncing, I need answers,” he grips my shoulders and bores his irises into mine. “Why is he here? Why does it seem like you are moving? Lastly, why did you have me go to your restaurant and connect a video chat so you can speak to your employees when you could have easily done so yourself or called them directly?”

“Firstly thanks for doing what I asked without questioning me at the time, secondly there was no time for me to do so,” I murmur in gratitude.

“Why is there no time?” Josh interrogates and moves aside as the men go downstairs with what's hopefully the last round of boxes.

“To answer your questions,” I begin and show my ring finger where a glistening gold band sat confidently. “Nicholas is my fiancee.”

“I know you are angry,” I say as he moves to speak. “I apologise for the secrecy. You know how I am and how I like to keep things silent till it's certain.”

“How? Where? Wh-?”

“We've been dating for months now,” I lie through my teeth as I go on. “Remember my Saturday VIP client? That's Nicholas Damien Lazarus.”

“Wow!” He exclaims, eyes wide, nose crinkled and face ridden with disbelief. “Is this a joke?”

“I planned to tell you,” I blurt, trying to hide my guilt. “I just didn't get a chance to.”

“You didn't do that?” He implores, his tone rising a bit. “Oh don't give me that silly excuse. You had countless chances to do so Lis. If anything we've been together for the past week so don't you dare freaking lie to me.”

“Josh wai--”

“Was I really a friend to you?” He snorts and I frown.

“Of course, you are my one and only friend Josh, how can you say that?” I ask, sounding hurt.

“Then why would you keep such--”

I cut him off with a hug, partly to calm him and to stop myself from breaking in his sight. I wrap my hands tightly around him and bury my face in his chest while hoping he doesn't notice the tear drops that drip down my cheeks.

My tactic seems to work as I feel his buff arms circle me and press me to him as his anger slowly leaves him. “I'm sorry for losing my temper. I just felt left out and betrayed.”

“I'm sorry, I should have told you earlier,” I apologise, discreetly wiping the wetness with the back of my hand. I push myself off him and offer him a smile. “We should have had time to celebrate and party.”

“Yeah we should have. Guess you have yourself to blame for that.” He pouts and flicks my forehead.

“Ouch,” I yell in shock and pain at his action. “That hurt.”

“You deserve it,” he declares and whirls me around before shoving me away slightly.

The push wasn't too much to cause damage, however judging by how clumsy I am my legs get tangled together and I find myself falling. My mouth gapes in fear as the house seems to spin.

“Lis!” Josh gasps in worry and I shut my lids, ready to brace the impact.

“Falling into my arms already are we?” A thick but sexy voice asks as muscular arms cage me and my back meet a hard but warm surface.

I scramble around in shock, my eyes flashing open to meet blue irises, well carved brows, a sharp jaw and sexy lips that belong to none other than Nicholas. “Steady darling, your butt seems to be rubbing me the wrong way.”

I freeze at his statement, my stomach flipping as I feel something hard rub my butt through the material of my shorts. “Shit!” I blurted and jumped away in shock only to he yanked back to his side.

“Stay,” he whispers in my ear, minty breath fanning my skin and causing goosebumps to rise on the surface. Before I can utter a word in protest his left arm circles my midriff and pins my form to his.

“You alright Lis?” Josh implores in worry, a panicked expression on his facial features, more so as a gun is swiftly pointed at his head. “Fuck.”

“What are you doing?” I inquire, my eyes wide as I watch my best friend almost shit his pants, a sweat breaking out on his forehead. The men around him poised for attack. “Klein?”

“This is a warning,” Nicholas growls, his hold on me tightening as I aim to break free and run toward Josh. “Next time you poison any ounce of harm to my mate, you might have your head separated from your body.”

“Drop that gun,” I grit at Klein, my eyes spitting daggers. “Now!”

“Stand down,” Nicholas commands and I feel the power in his voice. Klein’s hand drops and the others stand back.

“Josh,” I call, breaking free from Nicholas as Josh drops to his knees, relief and fear washing over him at once. I squat beside him and clamp his shoulders gently. “I'm sorry Josh.”

“It's okay,” he exhales, forcing a smile as he shifts his vision from the floor to my face. “I'm fine. Just shaken up, that's all.”

“Did you have to do that?” I snarl, anger directed at Nicholas who despite my rage towards him, my mind can't help but deny how handsome he appears in black track pants and a red vest. I slowly help Josh rise to his feet. “Can't you tell he pushed me by mistake?”

“It might have been a mistake as you say,” Nicholas counters, irises trained on me as his lips curl to the side. “However, I believe a mistake should be corrected to prevent its repetition.”

“Shut up,” I muttered under my breath, rage blazing in my eyes.

“It's fine Liz,” Josh taps my arm to pull my gaze from Nicholas to him. He sends me a reassuring look and turns. “I apologise for pushing you roughly.”

“Glad to see you are a fast learner,” Nicholas chips in and I hear a ticking sound in my head as my anger is about to skyrocket to the roof.

I open my mouth to say something but Josh cuts me off by smiling though his stare carries a message I quickly interpret. “Bye Lis.” He nods at Nicholas, “Nice to meet you Sir.”

“Same here.” The handsome devil nods in return, his blue irises pinned on me as I happen to remain by Josh’s side.

“I'll see him out,” I murmur to his silent question as Josh takes steps toward the stairs. He didn't respond and I was grateful for that, however, I feel his hot stare follow me as Josh and I descend to the down floor, past the living room and toward the exit door.

Josh and I reach the veranda and spot the large white van with about 2-3 men around it. He drags me out of their vision before they can and together we walk to the corner of my building away from strange eyes.

When he is certain we aren't trailed he drops my hand and takes a step back, full of concern and worry shooting from his expression. “Is that the kind of man you want to live with Lis?”

“Josh, I know what you are thinking,” I aim to appease and take a step forward.

“Damn right you should,” he counters in a mild tone. “What do you think you are doing getting with someone like him? I've heard stories about him but never believed it till now.”

“Trust me he isn't all that,” I try to defend someone I don't even know. “He's just overprotective toward me.”

“I can see through your lie Lis,” he argues, his voice sad. “I've known you long enough to nitpick your words.”

“I know Josh,” I force a lighthearted outlook. “I just need you to trust me on this okay?”

“Your safety is what matters to me Lis.” He shakes his head. “But with what I've seen I can't assure myself you'll be safe.”

“You tend to see things negatively ,” I beam, hoping the doubt doesn't reflect in my orbs as I speak, however I have no idea I was speaking my mind as I say “If anything the incident today guarantee my safety more than any time in my life.”

“What makes you think so?” He interrogates, still adamant.

“His behaviour shows he is willing to bring down anyone who poses a threat to me even if that person is one I see as family,” I explain, eyes boring into his, the doubt I am scared of showing nowhere to be found as I believe every word that leaves my lips.

^^^^^^^^

The ride is silent as I sit in the passenger seat of the newest GLK model. The navy blue painted vehicle cuts through the traffic and concrete roads as we drive out of the city.

My vision was pinned at my window as we zoomed past houses, people and objects. The events of the morning run through my mind every now and then and I can't help but feel sorry for Josh who unfortunately got tangled up in my little mess.

Minutes passed and we are currently on a quiet road which if I'm not wrong leads to the Lazarus Estate. A wide space of land owned by the Lazarus family that was used to build a different kind of environment that housed thousands of people who were often seen or overheard as strange, people whom I now know to be werewolves.

The whole world knows there is something fishy about the estranged city but no one, not even the government or the strongest military can dare to investigate or have control over the land or people in it.

Nicholas’s mother is one of the most powerful women in the world and is oftentimes invited alongside the president and high ranking officials for certain events and occasions.

“Why do I get the feeling you are mad?” His husky voice cut through the quiet atmosphere of the car and my thoughts.

“Who wouldn't be?” I divert my attention to my left and observe him lift a brow as he steers the wheel on a straight path. “After the stunt you pulled on Josh.”

I unconsciously note his fingers tighten at the mention of Josh and I take that as something to ponder about later. His gaze darts in my direction as he says. “Not only mad, nonetheless I can sense a hint of sadness.”

“It's understandable on my part.” I shrug, “you won't expect me to be happy about leaving my home and the city I love to an unaccustomed environment I've never visited.”

“Think of it as an adventure,” he suggests, his lips tilting slightly as he tries to tease me.

“Adventure my foot” I scoff and roll my eyes. “More like kidnapping.”

“You came willingly so I'll like to call it an impromptu trip,” he defends and for the first time since I've known him I notice his expression relax to somewhat of a carefree one. “I thought chefs loved to travel?”

“Well this chef doesn't,” I declare and whirl my face back to the window in the bid to hide the tears I know will be clouding my irises as I think of the past. “I've only travelled for sad and unplanned reasons.”

The atmosphere returns to silence after my words and I can't help but pray he doesn't discern the trembling in my voice at my last statement. Seconds tick by and I jump in shock as a palm rests on my thigh exposed by the shorts I have on.

I swerve sharply to make sure I am not imagining things, my eyes widening as I trace the hand to its owner, Nicholas Damien Lazarus. My outlook is a pure definition of disbelief as my mouth unhinges.

He seems to notice as he shocks me further by giving the spot a squeeze, causing lines of electricity to run through my bones.

He surprises me further by briefly looking at me as he says, “I promise to make sure this doesn't fall under one of the sad reasons you've experienced.”

I am rendered speechless by his utterance as his words keep ringing in my head. Never in my dreams did I think the cold hearted man the world talked about will have a soft side.

What I just experienced is so fleeting that it can be taken as my imagination playing tricks on me, however the present feeling of his index finger drawing circles on my thigh is a reminder that I didn't imagine it.

I remain mute for the rest of the drive hence the constant circles on my skin renders my brain useless to the point of not being able to form words. I try to speak as we pass the entrance of the Lazarus estate but no sound leaves my lips.

My silent question is answered as we zoom past the large walls to another gated land, this one 10 times smaller than the estate however, it is 3 times larger than most mansion compounds.

He honks at the tall black metal gates and it takes mere seconds for the object to slide to the left, giving space for the vehicle to enter. Steering inward, my mouth games in awe as the first thing my eyes meet is a water fountain that sits at the centre of the vast compound.

I spot the van that contains my belongings parked in front of a two story striking edifice, the same men of earlier offloading the objects. Two tall and well crafted white pillars standing strong and imposing as the house is built in the most modern state of the art architectural design.

Floor to ceiling glass windows reflect our forms as he cuts the engine and unlocks the car for me to step out. Nicholas alights after me and I cover the bumper of the GLK to meet him a few feet away from the veranda of the white painted building.

“I can't believe my man is back for good,” A blonde haired man appears from the entrance doors, brown eyes shining, straight nose between nice cheekbones and lips stretched in a welcoming smile. “Come here.”

He is adorned in a loose fitting black shirt that shows his lean figure above a pair of jeans and white sneakers. As he approaches, I notice a hint of resemblance, nevertheless it is something I find myself unsure of.

“Will it be a sin to show some respect to your senior cousin and Alpha of your pack?” Nicholas implores as he dodges the man who charges at him with a goofy expression and arms spread wide for a hug. “Don’t come close to me.”

“You know I won't let you be till I have my hug Nick,” the man conveys as he pursues Nicholas who strives to hide the smile peeking at his lips.

“You also know I hate public displays of affection, Jazreal,” Nicholas growls at whom I now know his name as he jumps away from an attempt to tackle him.

“Well you have to suck it up like you always do,” Jazreal counters and halts his movements. I have to hold in a laugh as I watch the grown man put his hands on hips and tap his foot like some impatient mom waiting to spank her child.

“Why do you look like a mom right now?” Nicholas asks in a frown, blurting the words that sat in my head.

“You know this will end with you succumbing,” Jazreal tilts his head to the side. “So why don't we end this now with you accepting my arms?”

I marvel as Nicholas comes across to be pondering the words of the blonde man. I'm more shocked as he proceeds to nod and ready himself as he says. “Okay, but only to the count of five.”

“Enough time for me,” Jazreal beams and the next second, he has a grumpy Nicholas wrapped in his embrace. Despite the reluctant expression he is portraying, I see warmth in his eyes as I observe his body relax.

“5, 4, 3, 2,” Nicholas counts. “1, that's enough.”

“Now that's out of the way,” Jazreal grins as he is pushed away by a scowling Nicholas and turns to me. “Can I be introduced to this exceptional looking woman here?”

“Lisa, meet my cousin and pain in the ass Jazreal,” Nicholas introduces and grunts as I am roughly snatched into one of Jazreal’s hugs. “He is my best friend and beta.”

“Jazreal,” he calls between his teeth as his cousin still has me trapped. As if burned I am swiftly released and he breathes a sigh as he goes on to say. “This is Lisa Violet Dayle, my mate and future Luna of this pack.”

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Jazreal.” I stretch my fingers toward Jazreal for a shake but get turned down.

“We don't need that after our hugger section,” he waves me off. “Also call me J, I find Jazreal a mouthful.”

“Okay,” I offer a smile.

“You can call him Nick too,” Jazreal suggests and lifts a brow at Nicholas. “I think aside from me, you are the only one permitted to call him that, am I wrong Nick?”

“No, you are not,” Nicholas agrees to my surprise. “Nick is fine from that pretty mouth of yours, though I'll prefer you moaning Nicholas when I have you in bed.”

“Again with the sexual innuendos.” Jazreal rolls his eyes at his cousin who proceeds to smirk at me as my cheeks go flush in response to his statement.

“What?” He raises a brow at Jazreal. “She’s my mate, it's only fair I let her know how she'll scream my name when I'm fucking her insides up.”

“Uhh I can't deal with you hormonal teenager,” Jazreal scoffs and abandons us to walk in the path of the wide wooden doors. He seems to have noticed our lack of movement hence he turns and cocks his head. “Aren't you tired of standing out there?”

“One will think it's your house and we are your visitors,” Nicholas, who I'm permitted to now call Nick, mutters under his breath, shaking his head.

“Well technically it's my house,” Jazreal shrugs and pushes the barrier inward as we walk behind him. My feet meet shiny black marble tiles as the first room we enter is the supposed living room.

A massive fireplace is at the left end of the maroon coloured wall, a sparkly white piano facing it, a bookshelf to its right that contain what comes off as ancient books from their worn out covers and a rocky chair beside the window.

In front of me is an empty space that leads to the staircase behind the longest blue leather covered couch that sits between two matching coloured smaller ones. A glass table is situated at the centre with gold rimmed legs.

a 72 inch screen TV is pinned on the wall facing the plush cushions with suitable sound systems below it. The grandfather clock above the TV is in the same gold-rimmed style as the foot of the table, couches, and stair rail.

Everything my vision touches screams class, taste and riches, my feet seem to be rooted to my spot as my eyes try to drink in everything. From what I can see I can tell the whole floor is taken over by the living room.

“How is it your house?” Nicholas asks in reply to Jazreal’s earlier statement. “I own the land, plus I single handedly designed every inch of it, so how is it yours?”

“You can't call a house you abandoned and rarely visit yours,” Jazreal counters, their conversation enough to make me tear away my attention from the objects before me to them. “I'm the one who keeps it running and safe from invasion and imminent collapse.”

“In-invasion?” I inquire in slight confusion.

“Oh, about that you see Nic--”

“I'll fill her in about the situation in time,” Nicholas cuts him off and my curiosity is stirred. I open my mouth to ask but he interrupts. “Patience hun.”

“I've been told the patient dog eats the fattest bone so you're good,” Jazreal says in an attempt to assure me I'll definitely get the full gist later on.

“Alpha, Luna,” two women appear from a corner dressed in aprons, one older and the other looking about my age, however judging by the fact they are all werewolves it's hard to guess their ages.

“Lisa, meet Olivia,” he points at the brunette haired older woman, she is spotting a flower patterned brown dress beneath her apron. “She's like a mother to me.”

“Pleased to meet you Olivia.” I walk to grab her hand in greeting as I feel a warmth from her grey eyes and wide smile. She is a bit on the plumpy side and a few inches shorter than me.

“Next is her daughter Charlotte, and your personal maid,” he introduces the other female with sandy blonde hair, blue eyes, pucker lips and cute cheekbones. She is clad in jeans and a blue blouse.

“You are beautiful Char,” I utter in greeting, not hiding the truth. “Can I call you that?”

“You can call me anything Luna,” she beams in delight, her cheeks staining pink. “And you are more beautiful.”

“Glad that's settled,” Nicholas blurts and turns to me, “you can get settled, I'm sure your meal is ready, right Olivia?”

“Yes Alpha,” Olivia answers. “You can sit on the couch, we'll bring your food.”

“Is there no dining area?” I implore you to do nothing. “I can eat in the kitchen too.”

“Guess you need to bring out the furniture from the attic,” Jazreal conversed and Nicholas nodded. “You now have someone to sit with.”

“Yes,” he murmurs absentmindedly, an unknown emotion entering his eyes. “Now I do.”