The Alpha's Mate Who Cried Wolf novel Chapter 21

"I'll be eighteen in five days. I used to live with my dad, a forty-five-minute walk from here," I reply. 

"How exciting! You'll meet your wolf this week!"She says excitedly. I give a fake smile. 

"Yeah, so excited..." I say with a tinge of sarcasm and sadness-the phone rings. 

"I better get back to my desk downstairs," Brooke says, running downstairs in her court shoes. I answer the phone. 

"Zenith Creations. Astrid is speaking. How may I help you?" I ask. 

"It's me. Zenith. Make us both a latte and bring them to my office," he says, ending the call. I push open his door with the lattes in my hands and put them on his desk. 

"You've done well today, Astrid," he says. 

"Thank you," I reply, sipping my latte. 

"We need to discuss your living arrangements. You can stay in the packhouse with the boys and me if you're comfortable doing so," Zenith offers.

I pause in thought at his offer. I don't have anywhere to stay, and I don't want to live with his sons. So, what choice do I have? 

"Okay, just for now, though," I smile, accepting his offer. 

"Good. It's settled then," Zenith smiles, sipping his latte.

At 5 pm, I follow Zenith to the elevator. John and James follow behind. 

"You can hop in with me," James offers, smiling. 

"Thank you. I'll go with your Dad," I say, smiling.

I get into Zenith's car. A vital phone call takes his attention for the duration of our ride home. Finally, we arrive, and I see a sign that reads Shady Crest. I gulp. Wait, this is the Pack Vanessa and Alice lived! The Pack abused Vanessa and used her as the pack slave. 

"Is something wrong?" John asks, staring at me.

"No, I'm just admiring the house. It's so lovely," I say, trying to contain my nerves. His house is large and impressive. It’s not as big as Ryker's, but still gorgeous. The car stops. Zenith opens his door and helps me out. My court shoes crunch on pristine white gravel.

"Are you okay, Astrid? You're shaking," he says. 

"I'm fine. I'm cold," I lie, rubbing my arms. 

"Let's go inside." 

We walk up the twenty stone steps to a glossy green front door and walk inside into a foyer. Zenith puts his black leather case on a nearby table with his coat. 

"No, I haven't. Dad is telling me to choose one, though," he says, winking and brushing my leg with his under the table. I blush and look away.

"Amelia, I'd love you to give me a tour of the house," I say, smiling at her. 

"I would love to, Astrid," she replies with a smile. We finish our meals, and she skips around the table and links her arm with mine. "Let's tour," she says excitedly.

Strange that Vanessa said she was once a slave here and beaten. Everyone seems pretty civilised here. Everyone has been amicable. I might even get used to the boys flirting. I'm sure I can find out more information through Amelia.

"This is the dining room," she giggles. She shows me through the kitchen, hallways, and upstairs bedrooms. 

"This is my room, mine and John's. This room over here is vacant. You can take this room if you like, then we will be near each other," she says excitedly.

"Sure. I'll take it," I say, smiling. The room is pleasant and straightforward. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a bathroom. 

"Where would I find the bathroom?" I ask. 

"Only the highest ranks here get a bathroom. There are a couple of communal bathrooms, two doors up and the other down the hall. James' bedroom is next to yours if you need anything," she smiles. 

"Oh, thanks. That's great," I say, hiding my unease.