Chapter Seven
Adriel
I turn onto the long, winding driveway of the Jorg Estate, the hum of my car engine filling the air as the gates glide open before me.
The estate looms ahead, timeless and grand, just as I remember it. This place, with its sprawling grounds and stately architecture, holds a part of me, even if I much prefer my life back in the human city.
It’s been almost half a year since I returned home, but nothing has changed.
As I park the car and step out, I’m immediately greeted by Charles, the old groundskeeper who’s been with the family longer than I’ve been alive. His lined face lights up at the sight of me, and his voice carries that familiar warmth I’ve missed.
“Master Adriel,” he says, his tone laced with genuine delight. “It has been far too long.”
“Charles,” I reply, shaking his hand firmly. “It’s good to be home. How are you holding up?”
“Better now that you’re here,” he says with a chuckle. “The estate always feels a little brighter when you visit.”
I grin. “Flattery will get you everywhere, old man. How is everyone here?”
Charles laughs, more at my first words, then he folds his hands behind his back. “Your parents are well. They’re in their mansion, as always. And your brother, well, it seems we may have a wedding to prepare for soon.”
I still can’t believe it. “So, it’s true then? Silas has finally chosen a mate? An Omega?”
Charles nods, a knowing smile on his face. “Indeed. His intended arrived not long ago. She’s probably in his office as we speak.”
“Interesting,” I say, feeling my lips curling into a smirk. “I think I’ll drop by and meet her. After all, it’s not every day my brother takes such a monumental step.”
Charles bows slightly. “I’m sure she’ll find your presence most agreeable, Master Adriel.”
I chuckle and stride toward the main building, the familiar sounds and smells of home washing over me. As I make my way upstairs, I catch sight of a few maids bustling about, their faces lighting up as they spot me. One of them blushes furiously, her hand flying to her mouth as I flash them a smile.
“Ladies,” I say smoothly, tipping an imaginary hat.
Their giggles trail after me, and I can’t help but grin. Some things never change.
As I near Silas’ office, my steps slow. The grand hallway feels almost still, the quiet interrupted only by the soft thud of my boots against the polished floors. And then, the door to Silas’ office swings open with force.
The sight that follows stops me dead in my tracks.
A woman storms out, her movements quick and purposeful, her face set in an expression of restrained fury. But it’s not her anger that makes me freeze. It’s her.
She’s stunning.
Tall and poised, with vibrant red hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of fire. Her green eyes flash as she moves, holding a depth and intensity that pulls me in before I can even process it. Her figure is commanding, her presence magnetic. Even in her anger, there’s an elegance to her that makes my breath hitch.
Damn.
Is this the woman Silas has chosen? This fiery creature who looks like she could burn the entire estate down with a single glare?
As she marches, I can’t help but let out a soft chuckle. Knowing my brother, he’s probably said something so perfectly infuriating that it’s pushed her to the brink. That's just how he is, plus he isn’t exactly fond of Omegas.
A few moments pass, and Joseph steps out of the office, his expression a mix of concern and resignation. He catches up to her, and they exchange words I can’t hear from this distance. Joseph gestures as though trying to calm her down, and I watch as he begins to lead her away.
I smirk, straightening my jacket. Time to step in and use some of that good old Adriel charm.
I stride toward them, my movements confident as always. My footsteps catch Joseph’s attention first, and he looks up, his face brightening.
“Master Adriel!” he exclaims, his voice carrying a note of surprise. “You’re early!”
I grin. “Wouldn’t miss the chance to meet my soon-to-be sister-in-law.”
I shift my gaze to her, locking onto those mesmerizing green eyes. She looks at me, caution obvious in her expression, and I feel a thrill run through me. Reaching for her hand, I lift it to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles.
“Adriel Jorg. I’m Silas’ younger brother,” I say smoothly, keeping my voice as warm as ever. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Her cheeks flush a delicate pink, and I catch the faint hitch in her breath. Her voice, soft and melodic, catches as she replies, “Danae Walker.”
The sound sends a jolt through me, as though the universe has wrapped it in a spark meant just for me.
Joseph clears his throat, pulling me back to the moment. “I was just about to show Ms. Walker to her room. She’s had a long flight and must be tired.”
Oh no, no, no. Not quite yet.
I place a hand on Joseph’s shoulder, grinning playfully. “Look at her, Joseph. Does she look like a woman who tires easily?”
Danae opens her mouth, almost in a gasp at my joke. I notice her lips curl into a bashful smile, and that’s all the invitation I need to press on.
“Come, let me show you the estate. It’s a tradition, after all,” I offer.
Her hesitation lasts only a moment before I take her hand again, leading her away. Joseph watches us go, his expression torn between amusement and disapproval, but I pay him no mind.
As we step outside, the fresh air greets us, the gardens sprawling before us in all their vibrant glory.
“It’s quite the large estate,” I say, glancing at her. “While I would love to take my time showing you every inch of it, I fear Joseph was somewhat right when he mentioned how tired you must be. Is there anywhere you’d like to see first for today?”
She hesitates, then says, “The gardens. I would like a closer look. It’s beautiful.”
“Well, Charles would be beyond pleased to hear that. He takes his work as groundskeeper quite seriously.” I grin. “Come, I’ll show it to you.”
We walk through the gardens, the scent of flowers filling the air. The colors seem to come alive around us.
But the true marvel is how perfectly she seems to fit here, like she belongs among the roses and the ivy.
I watch her out of the corner of my eye. She’s distracted as she looks around, and I can see the smallest hint of a frown on her face. It seems she’s still upset about whatever happened earlier.
I look away and bump into her slightly as we walk. She catches herself and glances over at me.
I smile. “You just got here and it seems you are already having second thoughts.”
She balks at my words.
“Oh, not at all. How could I?” she says with a practiced politeness. “Your brother went to the trouble of choosing me, a recessive omega, when he could have had his pick of the best. I am very grateful.”
I frown at her words. “Did Silas say that to you?” My brother can be harsh, but to go this far.
She looks up at me again, her surprise evident. “Pardon? No, but that much is clear.”
I stop walking. “If my brother has not said so, then he does not think such. You should not speak of yourself that way. I do not like to hear it,” I say in my most compassionate voice.
Danae stops walking as well, her eyes wide. I expect a blush or some other evidence of her being charmed, but she just seems confused and even more cautious. She lowers her eyes, her lips turning down in a slight frown.
“Understood,” she says. “I will be more mindful of my words.”
Sorry, what?
Wow. She’s a tough nut to crack. While it is true that I don’t enjoy hearing her speak lowly of herself, I dramatized my response on purpose, turning the charm up to a hundred. Usually, a woman like her should have seen my overt kindness and attention as flirting. Which it very much was.
It’s as though I’m flirting with a brick wall. That was such a lackluster response. Is it that she does not think I would try to flirt with her, or is she just that distrustful?
“You know,” I say, reaching out to pluck a single rose from its stem. “You remind me of this.”
She tilts her head, curious. “A rose?”
I hold the flower up, studying it before meeting her gaze. “Strong, with thorns to protect yourself. But also beautiful. Delicate in ways that matter.”
Her brows raise, and she looks from the rose to my eyes. “That’s so cliche,” she mutters as though in disbelief.
I press my lips together to keep from laughing in surprise. Oh my goodness, this is better than I thought! She’s so interesting!
“You’re very different from your brother,” she observes.
I grin. “Is that a good thing?”
She tilts her head again. “I don’t know. You’re nicer, but you seem more dangerous somehow?”
She’s honest.
“You’re right.” I chuckle.
“Joseph seemed to be surprised to see you. Do you not live here?” she asks.
On a first-name basis with Joseph, I see.
“While this will always be my home, you’re right again. I don’t live here. I’m an actor. I live in a human city,” I admit.
“Oh.” She pauses after she says that.
I smile wistfully as I wait to see it. That look in her eyes that says she thinks I’m a wastrel. It doesn’t come. I blink in surprise as she continues to look at me with the same expression as before.
“You’re definitely different from your brother. An actor, huh? I can see it. You’re ridiculously hot,” she mutters.
Her eyes widen as she realizes she said that last part out loud. For the first time, I see her falter, her cheeks staining pink in embarrassment while she waves her hands and splutters, “I mean that respectfully, of course.”
She’s looking everywhere but at me.
I step closer, my hand moving almost of its own will, lifting her chin gently so those beautiful green eyes can hold me again. And true enough, they do. They hold me captive, and for a moment, the world seems to fall away.
“There’s something about you,” I murmur, my voice low. “Something I can’t quite explain.”
She doesn’t pull away. Her breath hitches as she stares into my eyes, seeming to feel the same attraction I do. The space between us narrows until I can feel her breath mingling with mine.
And then, just in that tantalizing moment.
Oh, for fuck’s sake!
A gardener walks by, his footsteps crunching on the gravel. He doesn’t notice us, but the spell is broken. Danae steps back, her cheeks aflame, while I force myself to smile, masking the frustration coursing through me.
We continue walking, but there’s a charge in the air now. A dam barely held back. I’m not even trying to fight this magnetic pull driving me to her, and something makes me think I’m not the only one feeling it.
As we near the edge of the gardens, I stop, turning to face her. I take her hand again, pressing a meaningful kiss against her palm.
“This is just the beginning,” I say softly. “I’ll give you a proper tour soon. Welcome to the Jorg estate, Ms. Walker.”
She smiles, and the sight of it makes something stir deep within me.
Oh, I’ll give you a tour, alright, the tour of a lifetime.