Chapter 2. The Stranger

~"A man might befriend a wolf, even break a wolf, but no man could truly tame a wolf."

The silver blade had been stabbed into his chest. The ugly man lay lifeless on the ground and in front of him was another man wearing a very long black cloak with a hood covering his head. I could barely make out his face but from the outline of his jaw and his lips, I could tell that there was a pretty face hidden by his clothes. He stretched his hand to help me up and I quickly took it. My body shivered when my hand came into contact with his very calloused and warm hand. How could that happen? I wasn't even cold. I brushed the dirt off my clothes and checked up on Paige to see that she was alright. I could still feel pains in my throat but the dizziness had subsided. There was something about the man that made my wolf feel giddy inside. There was also something very strange about him, I couldn't perceive his scent. I tried to get a glimpse of his face but he hid it too well. Paige came to stand behind me also looking at him with admiration and curiosity.

"Thank you sir for saving our life. Is there any way we could repay you?" I uttered, expecting an answer but the only thing he did was turn around and start walking away. Puzzled by his actions I tried to catch up with him, Paige closely following behind me. "At least can I know your name sir?" I asked but he still walked on. What the hell is wrong with this man? I gripped his wrist but unintentionally tore a part of his sleeves. He tore my hands from him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that." I apologized and tried to get a hold of him again but Paige placed a hand on my shoulders stopping me. "I don't think he wants to be thanked. Let's just go back home before we find ourselves in danger again." She scolded annoyed that I was still following the man. I listened to her this time. He hadn't spoken a word back but something about him sparked my curiosity. I wanted to see his face, know his name and everything about him. What I felt when he touched my hand, was a feeling that I'd never experienced before. I didn't understand it and it scared the shit out of me.

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The Crescent castle was located further away from town. It was heavily guarded by warriors who looked scarier than my father when he was angry at me and that's saying a lot. There was a wall about six feet tall around the castle with an entrance gate. In front of the gate was a path which led to a bridge which eventually led to town. The bridge was built because of the river that passed through Boulderstall to the sea. Boulderstall was located near the sea. There was a secret tunnel located under the castle which only my parents, Paige and I knew about. My parents weren't aware that I knew of the place. If they were, they would have had it closed by now. Paige and I used to play around the corridor that led to my room when we were eight. There were pictures of our ancestors hanging on the wall and we would try to see who could pronounce the names of all of them. While we were playing, she playfully shoved me and I hit the wall making the picture of Alpha Bodolf slightly turn. One of the bricks in the wall came out and I pushed it back in.  That was when we discovered the tunnel. It led to a secret opening in the woods which was located at the back of the castle. We never used the place but today was a special day for me so I convinced Paige to help me sneak out. Today was the day I turned eighteen and everybody was busy planning my dinner party this evening so no one noticed my absence. We sneaked back into my room and quickly changed our clothes before anyone saw us. "I'm never helping you sneak out again!" Paige declared and shot me an annoyed look while trying to tie her hair in a bun. It was how maids were to dress their hair. Paige was an omega. She lost her parents in a rogue attack when she was eight and was brought into the castle where she served as my companion. It was only two years ago that my father made her my maid as well. She huffed as she struggled to tie her hair up. Paige had blonde hair and I often envied her for that. My hair had a deep black colour which didn't go well with my pale skin. "Here, let me help you. "I took the pin from her hands and pulled her hair upwards before fixing the pin in. Just as I was about to turn around someone barged into my room startling both of us. "Where have you been Reika?" Kira shouted as if there was a hundred-meter distance between us. "Why do you always do that? Do you want to make me deaf or what?" Paige who was standing next to me quietly moved behind her and exited the room. Great friend Paige, you deserve an award.

"When will you...… Oh my! what happened to your hair Reika? How can you be so careless sometimes? Have you thrown all the manners I taught you away?" Kira scolded while looking at me with discontent and disgust. I couldn't blame her. My hair looked like a bird had died in it. Honestly, I was tired and didn't have the energy to argue with her. Kira was my etiquette teacher. She was assigned by my father to teach me all there was to know about 'being a proper lady'.

"I'm so appalled by your behaviour. Seriously Reika when are you going to stop acting like that to behaviour and grow up for once? Look at you. You're a total disappointment to this family. I mean how could you even be Alpha's daughter…." At this point, I had tuned her out. If I listened to her every time,  I would be an old woman by now. I sat on my bed as my mind wandered back to the stranger in the alley. He felt so familiar yet I had no idea who he was. I could tell he was a man because of how flat and masculine his chest felt under my warm hands. A blush appeared on my cheeks and I quickly shook my head to stop my dirty thoughts. Kira who grew tired of me ignoring her finally left the room. Upon her exit, Paige re-entered with a mocking glint in her eyes.

"Oh, the damn witch finally left. It still surprises me how you haven't lost your ears yet from how loud she screams." She teased and sat beside me on the bed.

"Oh really! Well, I'm also amazed by how fast you run away, and leave me alone with her whenever she shows up."

"Don't be mad. I do that because I love you."

 "How does that show that you love me, huh"

"You know I suck at lying. I'll probably spill the beans if she turns her attention on me."

"Well, that does make sense. I couldn't ask for an even better friend like you."