Chapter 29

When I woke,I knew I had slept for hours, maybe a day. Much of my body ached, but my head was the worse, pounding, making it hard to think. I took the opportunity to look around my room.

The walls were faded, and there were no decorations. The sheet covering my body was a heavy percale that had been mended repeatedly, and the quilt appeared handmade and well-used.

I listened for sounds to learn if I was alone or if others were milling about.

The woman's footsteps were silent, like a ninja's. Suddenly, she filled the doorway, studying me. "Your color is better."

"Where am I?" I didn't sound demanding. Instead, I sounded lost as I tried to recall if she'd given her name.

"My home. The ward of the Leader brought you."

I tried to remember what had happened. I slowly replayed her words, hoping something would make sense.

"The more you struggle to remember, the harder it will be. Your memories will come."

"How long have I been here?"

"Five days."

"What?" I tried to sit up. I felt like I needed to be somewhere else, but the pain shooting down my back and wrapping around my ribs stopped me.

She moved to my side and assisted me in returning to my prone position.

I was breathing hard from the effort.

"Your body is weak from your injuries," she explained. "That is why rest is best for your healing."

Was she a doctor? Did this place have a medical facility?

"You may not recall, but last night I introduced myself. I am Miriam, and I am called a healer."

"Talia brought me here so you could help me." I couldn't remember that, but it felt right. But…where was Bredon? Why wasn't he here? I needed to learn more before I freaked out. "What happened?"

"You were attacked." She pulled the chair closer to my bed. "I know no more."

I could think of nothing else to say. It felt like she was telling the truth.

As I considered that, my eyelids grew heavy.

I was uncertain how much time had passed. I sensed that I was getting stronger. Now, I could sit in the hard wooden chair for periods of time. The pounding headaches happened less often, but my left arm was still in a sling.

Miriam was pleasant in our dealings. She was tight-lipped when questioned, or maybe I was asking the wrong questions.

My memory of the night of the ball had returned. It started with bits and pieces, and now, what had happened left me on the edge of freaking out. Had I lost my mind?

I'd seen men turn into giant wolves.

Miriam grew tired of my questions regarding a head injury. Could the wolves be a side-effect of my concussion?

I could think of no other reason for what I recalled.

If only Bredon would come. I could ask him.

I closed my eyes to fight off the burn of tears. I missed him and was confused and frightened that he had made no attempt to visit.

"Look into your heart, child, and you will know the truth," Miriam advised.

After many hours spent considering her words, I had to accept that meant werewolves were real.

I wasn't an idiot who relied on what Hollywood had shown in movies as the truth. My hope that Bredon or Talia would visit had waned. Even the serious Sig would have suited my purpose. I had questions that I needed answered.

A sound drew my attention. There were many voices inside Miriam's home. Occasionally, she would have a visitor or two, but this felt different. They were speaking loudly, and heavy footsteps came down the hall.

I watched my door as my heart pounded in my chest. I was defenseless.

A man entered my room, wearing a jacket displaying various ribbons and medals. "Anton Redd, Leader of the Redd Pack." He then stepped back to allow Bredon's half-brother entrance.

Anton wore an ill-fitting suit. His white shirt was dingy and pulled across his soft middle.

The man with the medals spoke again, "Stand in the Leader's presence."

I struggled to my feet.

Miriam entered the room. "She cannot stand for long, Sire."

Anton waved his hand, and Miriam rushed to my side, easing me into the chair.

"You live," Anton surmised in a disappointed voice.

I didn't reply. Any answer would be redundant.

"I have questions. Do not lie to me, human." Anton was trying to intimidate. "Did Bredon tell you of us?"

"Tell me what?" I didn't understand the question.

"That he is Lycan?"

"I don't know what that is." I glanced at Miriam, who was watching Anton intently.

"I see." Anton began to pace. "Bredon has taken an interest in you."

I tamped down on my excitement and remembered that Bredon had not visited or sent a message.

"He claims you are his mate." Anton studied me. "I have other plans for my half-brother. Finding you presents a dilemma."

I didn't like the sound of that.

"In our world, accepting a human as a mate decreases your status. I would have to demote Bredon. However, some packs prefer to communicate through him."

Did this man not realize that he just confirmed that werewolves are real?

"I should say the upstarts prefer to deal with Bredon. The well-established Packleaders will only talk to me," he explained.

Were the people that hung around the manor really wolves? Had I met any of them?

"Some might view it as a misstep if Bredon mates with you. They would expect that I could arrange for an appropriate mate for Bredon. You mating with Bredon makes me appear weak."

Even before meeting Anton, I hadn't liked the sound of him. When I'd been presented at the ball, he'd barely glanced at me. Now...I was on edge. Something told me it was a rarity that he would venture beyond the manor's walls to visit this humble cottage.

When he spoke of Bredon, I sensed jealousy and dislike. Plus, he was telling me too much. A strong Leader would act, not ramble on about his importance.

"It cannot happen." Anton sneered. "What was he thinking? You are not beautiful. He has had many lovers who were much more attractive than you."

I tried to ignore his words. Although, Bredon's glaring absence added weight to Anton's statements.

"There is still time to save Bredon from this folly. You are not formally mated. In time, he will forget about you." Anton's body relaxed, and he appeared very pleased with himself.

Miriam's hand grasped my "good" shoulder.

"What do…" I had to clear my throat. "What does that mean?" I knew it could mean nothing good.

"You appear well enough. Tomorrow, you will move to special accommodations in the manor."

Miriam's hand tightened on my shoulder. "As you wish, Sire."

Anton turned and walked out of the room.

Miriam followed them.

I tried not to panic. There was no way I wanted to be under Anton's thumb. I didn't trust him. His only goal was to keep me from Bredon.