Chapter Twenty-Three

Reed asks one of his pack mates to take me back to my room after dinner. I'm so stuffed I can barely breathe. He told me he already sent Samuel on his way, and that he'll return in a day or two with the news. I'm having a hard time looking at him, after what transpired between us in the room.

Frankly, I'm embarrassed. Couldn't I have waited until he finished talking? I had to hop on him and kiss him? I need Raphas with me, to ease my worries as he usually does. I can't wait to see him, but I'm surprised to discover that I don't miss him as much as I should. Ut doesn't physically hurt like the last time. It's all because of Reed. Sometimes when I look at him, it feels like I'm looking at Raphas. So it's like we're not apart.

I don't know why he never mentioned that Reed was his twin. Shouldn't his mate know that there's another him roaming the globe somewhere? It's unsettling sometimes, especially when I catch him staring at me. It feels like Raphas is right here with me. They even share the same scent, so it's impossible not to feel this way.

I sleep comfortably for the first time in a long time. The bed is soft and I wake up content. The curtains are dark, so I don't wake up to the sun on my face. It's a lovely change. I could live like this forever.

I peel my clothes and I head to the bathroom. I haven't been in a bathroom in so long. It feels incredible to flush and not have to dig a hole. I run the water and I groan. It's warm and I step under the spray. It's so soothing I could cry. The bathroom fills with steam and I scrub my body with soap. I thought werewolves led simple lives, but this is the pure definition of luxury. Everything is fragrant and clean and looks expensive. Even my house with Gavin wasn't like this, and Gavin's parents were loaded. Well, that's what he told me, anyway. Who knows if he was lying? I was too naive back then. Easily controlled.

I grab the shampoo. Where do they get these things? I haven't been outside yet, but I'm pretty sure this mansion is surrounded by trees, too.

I haven't felt this clean in a while. I even shaved. I wrap a towel around my body and I'm surprised to find clean clothes on my bed, and the ones I was wearing have disappeared. There's a navy dress waiting for me. It's just my size, and I don't know how they've gotten it right. It's beautiful, although not appropriate for hiking through the woods, which is what will happen as soon as Raphas gets here. If they truly have such a truculent history, I don't think he'll want to stay, which is a shame. Granted, I don't know what we'll do afterwards, but we'll work on it together. And maybe I'll try to convince him to stay. We'll see how it goes. He needs to get here first.

I put it on and I twirl around. It balloons around me and I giggle. I feel it's delicate material between my fingertips. I've never had anything this nice.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

For a moment I think it's Raphas, and then I stop in my tracks. The scar. It's Reed. My face flushes. "I'm sorry, I thought you were Raphas."

"Don't be."

"Yes, it's beautiful. Thank you very much for your kindness."

"I picked it especially for you. This color suits you well. And it'll be more comfortable than the clothes you had on."

"Thank you," I say again. My gaze involuntarily lowers to his lips and I blush again. I need to stop, but the again I can't really help myself. He looks just like Raphas.

"I came to escort you to breakfast. The table will be full today, and I want to formally introduce you to everyone. Is that alright?"

"Yes, of course."

I follow him down the staircase and to the dining room. All the rooms are glamorous. I can't stop looking at everything with awe. I can't believe Raphas abandoned this life to live a miserable one with Dantes. I haven't had time to process my conversation with Reed last night. Do I even believe him? His story is believable. Everything makes sense. About Dantes being a horrible person, about Sylvia. My heart goes out to her. I need to tell him about Sylvia's mysterious disappearance. Maybe he knows something about it, or maybe he'll help find out what happened to her.

We reach the dining room and every seat is occupied except two. The head of the table and the seat on its right. I can't believe he reserved the seat on his right for me. I'm flattered and embarrassed. Perhaps that seat belongs to his Beta?

"No, Bea. It's yours from now on." He says and I startle. Only Raphas could read my thoughts.

"How'd you know what I was thinking about?"

"It wasn't hard to guess. Yes, the seat is normally reserved for the Beta, or the Luna. In my case, there is no Luna yet, so my Beta sits there. But I don't want you sitting among strangers. I only did what I thought would make you more comfortable. If you aren't, I could always make other arrangements."

I blush, embarrassed. "No, I'm sorry. I truly appreciate everything you're doing for me. I'm just a little overwhelmed."

"You don't have to explain yourself to me, Bea."

We stand at the head of the table and all eyes focus on us. I gulp and I scan their faces. Reed says, "StoneMoon, I'd like to present Bea." His voice is loud and clear, and laced with authority. "She'll be spending some time with us from now on. I would like all of you to welcome her to our abode, and treat her as if she's one of us."

I take my seat after his speech. They're all still looking at me, but not with suspicion like in Dantes' pack. I can feel their warmth and kindness from here. The female sitting next to me gives my hand a squeeze and it stuns me. She doesn't even introduce herself.

There's a platter of food in front of me and my mouth waters at the sight of it. Bacon, eggs sunny side up, toast. This is normal food. I try to eat slowly and elegantly like everyone else. Reed is in deep conversation with the person sitting on his left, and I can sense that this male is his Beta. I'm surprised to find that he's looking at me, and I swallow. His eyes are inquisitive, but not unkind, but there's some pity there, too. I don't know why. I look down at my plate and focus on enjoying my meal. I haven't had one like this in a while.

"Is everything to your liking, Bea?" Reed asks me and I look up.

"Yes, thank you. Everything's perfect."

He smiles and in this moment, he looks so much like Raphas that I feel the urge to kiss him. It passes quickly and blush creeps up my neck. Again? I hope he didn't notice that. I hope nobody did, actually. It's like they're the same person, but Reed is different in subtle ways. He's more confident, more authoritative. Raphas is calmer and more of a free soul. In any case, I don't want to be this close to him. It's jumbling my emotions. I need to focus on Raphas, and Raphas only.

"I want you to meet Gregory. He's my Beta. If you need anything, you can always ask him."

I smile at Gregory, and he inclines his head with respect. This is a real Beta, not that phony Emilio. He's dead now, anyway, so there's no need to focus on his flaws. But this is what it should be like. A pack, I mean. Everything here is organized and they have this togetherness that is impressive. Reed is an excellent Alpha, and I'm sure Raphas would be one, too.

Breakfast ends and Reed gives me he permission to explore the house. "Samuel will be back in a day, maybe two. Meanwhile, you can go wherever you like. This house belongs to Raphas as well, so it belongs to you, too."

"Thank you." I'm so grateful for everything he's doing for me. I regret snapping at him yesterday for kissing me. I caught him off guard, not the other way around. I was being unfair.

He leaves and I make my way around the house. It's like this all cane out of a magazine. Everything is so organized. Who keeps all of this so impeccable?

I find myself in the kitchen and it looks like a restaurant. There are so many people cleaning and working on lunch. They greet me warmly and offer me treats I accept. They're delicious and rich. I haven't chocolate in so long. I haven't had anything delicious in so long.

I thank everyone for their kindness and I walk out. There's still so much to see around here. I look to my left and I see Sylvia exiting a room that looks like a scullery. I blink. I can't believe what I'm seeing. It is her. That long black hair and tanned skin. That vacant expression. I call her name. "Sylvia?"