Chapter 02
Ethan.
I opened my eyes slowly, still dizzy from sleep. Morning sunlight streams in through the wide glass window, bathing the room in a golden glow. I got out of bed carefully, my feet touched the cold wooden floor. Everything in this room is made of wood: the walls, the floor, the built-in bookcase that runs the entire length of one wall.
The bed, rustic and robust, welcomed me during the night with a comfort that I had not expected. The soft mattress sagged under my weight, and the wool and choche blankets kept me warm throughout the night. The fluffy pillows molded perfectly to my head and neck.
Next to me, the built-in bookcase overflows with books. An eclectic collection of titles. I imagine the stories they hold, the adventures that await me in their pages, as a book lover I believe that this bookshelf will be my faithful companion.
A white plush carpet covers the floor at the foot of the bed, when I step on it I feel my feet sink into its softness. Through the window I see the forest covered in a white blanket of snow. The tree branches stick up like bare fingers against the clear blue sky, and the silence is broken only by birdsong.
It”s hard to believe I”m here. Just a few days ago, I couldn”t even imagine asking for help. And now, here I am, in this cozy room, feeling more at home than ever, and it was so strange.
I put a coat on my body, I needed to take care of myself, I took some clothes that my father had left for me, I put everything on my shoulders and I found the courage to leave the room.
My bare feet touch the cold wooden floor as I walk down the hallway. The house was still silent, I imagined everyone was asleep. I head towards the bathroom at the end of the hall, driven by an urgent need.
Upon opening the door, a surprise awaits me. The bathroom is completely different from what I expected. The walls, floor and even the sink are made of polished stone, which shines in the sunlight that shines through the small window. The environment is cold and damp, but somehow relaxing.
I take a deep breath, smelling the fresh smell of the stone. I wash my face and brush my teeth, looking at myself in the wood-framed mirror. I”m still processing everything that”s happened over the last few days. It”s hard to believe that I”m here, in this strange house, with a father I barely know.
But despite everything, I feel a strange sense of peace. As if something here called me, welcomed me. I”m grateful to be alone right now, to be able to enjoy the tranquility of the bathroom before the day begins. I took my shower, put on my clothes, took a deep breath and it was time to face reality.
I walked down the stairs with my heart pounding in my chest. The house is still silent, but a delicious aroma wafts through the air, guiding me toward the kitchen. Upon entering, my eyes widen at the scene I encounter.
The table is set for breakfast, with a variety of dishes that leave my mouth watering. Fresh breads, juicy fruits, eggs, crispy bacon, golden pancakes... everything I could imagine and more. And in the center of the table, a steaming pot of coffee, waiting to be enjoyed.
But the biggest surprise isn”t the food. It”s the person sitting at the head of the table. Javier, watches me with a warm smile on his lips. He”s even more handsome than I remembered the night before. Tall, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. A muscular body that fills out the white shirt perfectly.
I feel butterflies in my stomach and my cheeks redden. I try to hide my nervousness, but I know I”m not fooling anyone. Javier is gorgeous, and I can”t help but be attracted to him.
— Good morning, Ethan — he says, in a soft and welcoming voice. - Please sit. I prepared breakfast for you.
—Good morning, Javier—, I reply, trying to remain calm. - Thanks for the food. It looks delicious.
I sat at the table, still feeling nervous about Javier”s presence. He watches me while I eat, with a smile on his lips that leaves me even more disconcerted. I try to focus on the food, but my thoughts keep coming back to him.
— So, Ethan — he begins, after a few minutes of silence. - Tell me a bit about yourself. What do you like to do?
— I like reading — he smiles — that doesn’t suit a wolf much, does it?
— Your father told me that you are an omega, so this softer characteristic is in your nature.
— I, I don’t know if I understood very well… — I stopped speaking embarrassed, I really had no idea.
— Omegas are bearers of life, they follow a different law, they are treated with more attention and in heat they are kept safe. — Javier gave me a look that left me disconcerted.
— I don”t think I understand yet.
— You can have puppies, you can generate them, they are special for that reason, the offspring belongs to the alpha, but if you are married you can have the right to take care of the puppies, that”s why we make marriage agreements, so that the omegas take care of their offspring.
The information was like being punched. How do men get pregnant? That was impossible, but also, turning into a wolf was a reality. I pretended to be natural when faced with the information.
— My father talked about the agreements, but he wasn”t so clear.
— Your father needs to act as a leader, so he will seem cold, but don”t forget, he will always protect you.
Javier is so easy to talk to, so open and friendly, but I feel awkward and shy. Still having the information that he is an alpha. In fact, everyone in this house is, except me of course.
We talked for over an hour, about everything and nothing. With each passing moment, I feel more at ease with Javier. He”s smart, funny, and kind, and I find myself enjoying his company more and more.
— Ethan — he begins, with a mischievous smile on his lips — how about you accompany me to work today? I would love to show you the registry office and introduce you to my daily life.
I feel my cheeks instantly redden. The idea of ??spending the day with Javier makes me nervous and excited at the same time. He”s so attractive, so interesting, and I can barely contain my curiosity to know more about him and his work.
— I... I don”t know, Javier — I reply, hesitating. — I”ve never been to a registry office before. — Javier laughs at my answer.
—Don”t worry, Ethan. It”s all very simple. You will just watch me while I work and explain everything I do. — He looks at me maliciously and leaves me breathless. — And who knows, you might even be able to help me with some things — he added, with a playful tone in his voice.
I know I should refuse, that I should make up an excuse and run away. But something in me stops me. Something tells me this is an opportunity I can”t miss.
—Okay, Javier — I reply, finally gaining courage. — I would love to go with you.
A wide smile spreads across Javier”s face.
-Excellent! — he exclaims. — So let”s go at nine in the morning, I usually start working later, but since I want to show you everything, we can go earlier.
In the middle of the cafe, more people start to appear and the atmosphere starts to get strange, I know I”m new to the environment and somehow I ended up attracting attention.
— Andrey left already? —Karise asks with a simple smile.
— Yes, I prepared breakfast for him, he ate it and left, he said he will be back very late at night, he has a shift today. — Javier responds to his mother with that smile on his face.
— Boys, I”d love to stay here with you, but I have a meeting at the summit early in the morning. — My father speaks and then looks at me. — Around noon, I want you to go there, we have to work out some details.
I just nodded, I didn”t need to show all my nervousness, everything was happening too quickly. A few days ago I was a clumsy student and now I was a wolf in search of my place in the world. How corny.
Aleph and Asaph entered the kitchen and looked in my direction. I didn”t understand what it meant, but I could have sworn I saw one of them licking his lips.
It was like being at home, but without being in my house. I understood that my father had plans for me and I also understood that those wolves had something much bigger in mind.
— Don”t feel intimidated here, we will all help as best we can and you are an equal member of our family. — Karise directed her speech towards me.
My father smiled and gave him a kiss, then he turned to the door, he didn”t say goodbye to anyone in particular, but I noticed that his eyes lingered on his stepsons.
My aunt Clara always told me that everything in life has a reason, and she always reinforced the fact that people are made of feelings. She knew about my father”s nature and never looked at me differently for it.
On the clock, almost eight o”clock in the morning, I finished my coffee, put away the dishes, but Karise stopped me from washing them, said that she would do it later or that Nena, the housekeeper, would do it when she came.
I went up to the room and stayed there in silence, sitting on the edge of the bed, watching the snow fall outside, it was at that moment that Javier entered my room and stared at me.
— Living in the mountains isn”t so bad. — he commented, sitting next to me.
— I don”t care, I really liked the place.
— I”ll finish getting ready and come by to take you, you”ll enjoy the ride. — Javier blinked one eye and I felt my whole body shiver.
As soon as he left and left me in silence again, I looked at myself in the reflection of the window and I could see the fool in love face he was making.
”That”s not going to end well”
As soon as we left the house, I was greeted by the snow hitting my face, I had been feverish since the night before and until then I didn”t know the exact reason, but I believed it was because of the transformation.
The houses looked like they came out of one of those medieval history books, but they maintained a strange mix with modernity. Like electric light posts on the streets, or the existence of cars.
Halfway along, some buildings begin to dominate my field of vision, and the one that caught my attention the most was the church, it was big and very beautiful, all carved in stone, colorful stained glass windows with sacred images, I never imagined this in a city of wolves , but our species does not need to define our belief.
Next to the church, another building, and from the sign I knew it was the registry office, I thought the place was too big and honestly, I wasn”t expecting all that.
— All the city”s documents pass through my hand, we are a total of five hundred thousand inhabitants and believe me, I know ninety percent of them. — he smiled without showing his teeth.
— This city is not on any map.
— The government knows about the city, the human world and ours are mixed, but we keep the disclosure confidential, few know and those who have the information are only those who need it. — He laughed. — I know I was redundant, but it was necessary.
He looked so handsome laughing, he even looked like one of those princes from fairy tales, in a suit so he was even hotter.
At each place we stop, Javier introduces me to the people he knows. Everyone greets me with warm smiles and makes me feel welcome. I feel grateful to have found such kind and welcoming people at Mist Hill.
Javier”s registry office is a warm and welcoming place, with light wooden walls and shelves full of books and documents. The air is perfumed with the smell of old paper and polishing wax. Sunlight streams in through the windows, creating a peaceful and inviting environment.
Javier guides me through the registry office, showing me every corner and explaining its functions. He is passionate about his work and his eyes shine as he talks about the weddings he has performed. I watch him in awe, fascinated by his intelligence and dedication.
We arrive at his work table, which is covered in papers and books. Javier invites me to sit next to him and offers me a coffee. I accept the coffee and take a sip, enjoying the smooth, aromatic flavor.
— You see, the only difference in your new home is that here, there will no longer be the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
— I think I”ll adapt, but I still feel worried about some small issues. — I tried not to look at him, but it was practically impossible.
— There will always be problematic issues, and you will always feel insecure, just know that we are all on your side.
I was so innocent at that time that I didn”t realize what was happening to me, much less what awaited me, I was giving my heart and trust into the hands of that man. A beautiful face, seductive manner, soft spoken and penetrating eyes.
At one point, Javier approaches me and looks me in the eyes. His eyes are blue like sapphires and shine with an intensity that takes my breath away. He touches my face with his hand and kisses me softly. The kiss is full of passion and tenderness, and I feel myself melting in his arms.
I responded to Javier”s kiss, feeling heat spreading throughout my body. My lips move in sync with his, and I forget everything around me. There is only me and him, in this magical moment. It was my first kiss.
The kiss ends, but the feeling of euphoria remains. I look at Javier and see the same desire in his eyes. He pulls me close and hugs me tightly. I feel your heart beating against mine and I feel safe and loved in your arms.
- What was this? — I asked a stupid question to which I knew the answer, but I wasn”t referring to the act but rather the motivation.
— Since last night I”ve felt this way, I wanted to have you in my arms and be able to taste your lips. — he replied, giving me a peck at the end of his speech.
If it were today I would have pushed him away, but that day, it all came down to the fact that Javier was special to me and that I was falling in love with him.
I remained silent in his embrace, not knowing what to say or how to act. Somehow, it felt like Javier was reading my thoughts.