Chapter 3 – His voice

Alice never wanted to lose those daggers. She can’t lose them. She pleaded the man with a look.

Conrad took a moment to sigh. “Why don’t you drink first?” He gave her the glass of water and she took it. She’s really thirsty. After finishing the glass, she realized there’s food on the table. She stared at them almost longingly.

“I don’t think bringing a lamp would help much. Let’s wait for morning to come. Are you hungry? You should eat first.”

When he gestured for her to move towards the table, she was slightly taken aback. The food… she can eat them? It’s been so long since she had a proper meal. On at table. With utensils. But her daggers… she hesitated to move.

“I promise we’ll get your daggers back tomorrow.” His voice seemed to be pleading.

When she stared at him, he has this calming effect on her. She frowned for a few seconds before gasping again. This man… his scent… is he her mate?

Seeing the changes in her expression, Conrad could only guess what went on her mind.

“What’s your name?” Although he already knows, he wanted to hear it from her.

She hesitated a moment before giving him her name. “Alice. My name is Alice.”

His is Conrad, right? Is he really her mate?

He moved back and gestured for her to sit by the table. As she did so, Alice frowned. She couldn’t help staring at him some more. He was doing the same as he sat on the edge of the bed.

“Eat.” With this prompt from him, she picked up the utensils and started eating everything on a loaded plate. As she chews, she would glance at him and stare. Her desire to see him overrides the shyness she’s feeling at being stared at.

“My mother told me… about mates.” She spoke up and she wondered what made her do it. She doesn’t normally speak to others, especially to strangers.

“So, are you feeling the mate pull?” He asked with a small smile and he leaned back on the bed.

“Aren’t you?” She asked back with a hint of worry.

“I do.” There was silence after that.

Alice continued eating and finished everything in ten minutes. It was a very delicious meal.

“Thank you for the food. Everything tasted delicious.”

“Glad you liked it.”

Alice fidgeted in her seat. What is she supposed to do now? She looked around and saw a smaller door near a corner.

“Is that the bathroom?” She asked while pointing at it.

“Yes.” Conrad replied before getting up. He asked his mother to bring clothes and supplies for her. He looked through his closet and found nothing.

He turned and walked to the bathroom. He saw a pile of clothes and a small bag on the counter. He looked at her, who had been following his movements.

“My mom brought you a change of clothes and some supplies. It’s inside. You can use them.”

Alice was glad to her that. She was relieved and moved towards it. Conrad quickly made way for her.

She frowned, thinking his actions were akin to avoiding her proximity. Her mom said mates normally stick together, especially in the beginning. Mates are intimate and loving towards one another. They couldn’t bear to be away from each other. She has no experience with being intimate with anyone except her mother. And those are only hugs and kisses.

Alice stared at him for a minute being getting inside the bathroom and closing the door. She picked up the small bag and found toiletries. She sighed in relief. From what? She’s not sure. She brushed her teeth and washed her face. Seeing a mirror available, she quickly checked how she looks now. She’s probably thinner. She was a little chubby when she celebrated her eighteenth birthday. Her cheeks were plump back then.

She looked around before looking through the available clothes. They were dresses. Three of them. Sets of undergarments were also included. They were soft, made of cotton. Looking at her current state, she couldn’t help the tears falling from her eyes. She looked pitiful. Dirty, tattered clothes… maybe that’s why he was keeping his distance. She tried sniffing herself and knew she must’ve smelled bad. When’s the last time they bathed? When’s the last time they had a proper change of clothes? Clean ones? She feels overwhelmed by the sudden availability of these good things.

They make her so happy she was crying happy tears. She smiled while looking at the beautiful dresses. She quickly turned on the shower and removed the rags she’s wearing. She didn’t feel bad throwing them in the waste basket. As for the dirty shoes, she set them aside under the sink. She looked for slippers but didn’t see a pair. She shrugged and decided to go barefoot. The place should be cleaner than the forest.

She spent quite some time under the warm water. She scrubbed herself clean, using the body wash and shampoo for about three times. When she was satisfied, she dried herself and wore the dress she liked the most. The hem of it touched her knees. It wasn’t a tight fit and she liked that. She’s able to breath properly.

Conrad cleaned up while she’s gone. He asked someone to bring more clothes for her.

When she got out, though, and he saw her bare feet stepping on the floor… he sighed. He looked though his shoe cabinet for fluffy slippers. He’s sure there’s a couple of pairs somewhere in there.

Alice curiously watched him as he rummaged through something in a corner. Then, she looked surprised at seeing what’s in his hands. He walked over to her and bent down to set the slippers by her feet.

“Thank you.” She quickly wore them. They were soft to the touch, making her smile. Such comfort…

She looked at him again. He was scratching the back of his neck as he stood a few feet away from her. This made her frown again. She doesn’t smell bad now, does she? And the new clothes are clean. She was disheartened by his distance and she decidedly looked down at her feet.

“You look beautiful.” His words made her look at him. He was smiling at her and she returned it.

“Thank you.” She looked uncomfortable as she doesn’t know how to proceed.

“Aren’t you tired? Why don’t you sit down? Or do you want to sleep already?”

The prospect of sleeping… in his room… she assumed this is his room. She walked towards a chair and sat while facing him.

“Where are we? What’s this place?”

“Our pack is called Snow Mountain. One side of the territory is protected by a mountainous area. It gets covered in snow during winter.”

“Your wolf is white… as white as snow?” Alice couldn’t remember seeing white wolves before. He was the first she’d seen. Of course, she’d seen others earlier. He seemed the whitest, though.

“That, too.” Conrad grinned.

“You have a very nice room. You must have a rank.”

Conrad is proud of his rank so he promptly answered. “My father is the Alpha.”

Her expression showed surprise. She wasn’t expecting him to be of the Alpha’s family. But then again…

Silence ensued.

“Why… why are you distancing yourself from me?” She’s curious about this.

Conrad frowned at her question. “I thought you would feel uncomfortable. I’m giving you space and time to get used to my presence. I don’t want to startle you.”

“I see.”

His explanation satisfied her and they stared at each other again. Conrad is finding it more and more difficult to stay put with each passing hour, maybe even minutes.