Chapter 9: The Library
Adam's pov
The meeting was dismissed, the expression on the elders face were inscrutable. I could feel their eyes on my back, but I didn't look back. I couldn't risk giving anything away. I had to stay focused, had to stay strong.
I pushed open the door and stepped into the corridor, the echo of my footsteps bouncing off the walls. I tried to keep my composure, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. I knew I had to get to Mabel, but I didn't know what I would find.
I took a deep breath as I exited the estate, the cool air hitting me like a slap in the face. I tried to clear my head, to focus on the task at hand. I needed to get to Mabel, to make sure she was okay. I didn't know what I would find when I got there, but I knew I had to be prepared for anything.
I started walking, my footsteps quick and steady. I had to get to her as soon as possible. I couldn't let anything happen to her, not on my watch.
I walked up to the cottage, taking in its beauty. It was something out of a fairytale, a picturesque vision. The front door was made of intricately carved wood, and the windows were draped with intricate curtains. It was the most beautiful place I had ever seen, and it made my heart ache. I knew that Mabel was inside, and I couldn't wait to see her.
I took a deep breath and knocked on the door, my heart pounding in my chest. I waited, my palms sweaty, my pulse racing. I just wanted to see her, to be with her. I knew that it wasn't up to 5 hours but I felt obsessed with her
Ever since last night, I had been unable to get her out of my mind. It was like she had taken up residence in my thoughts, my every waking moment consumed by her. I couldn't help but think about her, about the way she made me feel. It was like I was under a spell, unable to break free. But I didn't want to break free. I wanted to stay like this forever, consumed by her.
I had always used this cottage as a refuge, a place to escape the troubles of the pack. It was a place where I could be myself, a place where I could relax and recharge. And now, I wanted to share that with Mabel. I wanted her to feel the same peace that I felt here, to be able to escape the world for a while.
I knocked on the door again, my anticipation growing. I could hear movement inside, and I knew she was coming. I braced myself, my heart beating faster and faster. I couldn't wait to see her, to be with her again.
Mabel's pov
I explored the cottage, taking in the beauty of it all. I was in awe of its luxury, its opulence. I had never experienced anything like it, not even in the beta's home. My father had always been strict with me, had always kept me on a tight leash. But now, with Adam, I felt like I could finally breathe. I felt like I was finally being seen, finally being heard.
I couldn't help but compare the two men, the way they treated me. I had always felt like an afterthought with my father, like I was second best.
I lay on the bed, the softness of the mattress a welcome relief. I closed my eyes, taking a moment to relax. But after a while, I found myself restless. I couldn't stay still, couldn't quiet my mind. So I got up and began to wander around the cottage, exploring every nook and cranny.
I came to a door that I had not noticed before, tucked away in a corner. I pushed it open, not knowing what to expect. What I saw took my breath away.
The room was a library, filled with bookshelves from floor to ceiling. I was in awe, my eyes wide as I took in the sight. It was like a hidden treasure, a secret place. I ran my fingers along the spines of the books, overwhelmed by the possibilities. I reached out and randomly grabbed a book, not caring what it was about. I just needed something to distract myself.
I sat down on the floor, my back against the wall, and I began to read. The words began to flow, transporting me to another world.
Reading had always been my escape, my way of escaping the pain and rejection I had felt from my parents. Back home, I had devoured novels, anything to take my mind off of my situation. And now, in this new place, with this new pack, I felt a sense of peace. It was like I had finally found my place, finally found a home.
I read on, letting the words wash over me. I could feel my stress melting away, my mind finally at ease. I knew I could not stay here forever, but for now, it was enough.
Hours passed as I sat there, engrossed in my book. The pages turned, the story unfolding before me. I could feel myself being pulled in, becoming a part of the story. It was a welcome respite from the turmoil of my life, a much-needed break. But eventually, I had to tear myself away from the book, from the fantasy world it had created. I had to face reality, to figure out what I was going to do next.
I got to my feet, stretching out my stiff limbs. I returned the book to its shelf, knowing that I would be back for more.
I heard a knock on the door, and I knew who it was without even opening it. I rushed to the door, my heart beating in my chest. I pulled it open, and there he was. Adam, the Alpha. His eyes were bright, his smile wide. He looked me up and down, taking in my disheveled appearance. But he didn't seem to mind, his gaze warm and welcoming.