“Rose.”
Chapter Three
14th November
Kira bit her lip and anxiously knocked on the door of Adam the Grey wolf pack’s Alpha. Her wolf was a little worried that they wouldn’t be accepted, but otherwise she was excited to be back. Lilah was watching her eagerly from the car.
They’d spent the last five days travelling through Virginia, crashing at sleazy motels and even sleeping in Kira’s tiny car once. Rather than speeding straight to Rose they had played it safe and spread their scents around. Kira was hopeful that by travelling to Rose in a zigzag pattern it would stop Joseph from being able to track them down. Although that really wouldn’t hold him off forever.
They were both exhausted and sick of motels. They’d barely slept, both too afraid that any moment Joseph would catch up to them and also afraid of who else might burst through the motel doors. The lock didn’t even work at one of them; they’d just stacked a load of furniture in front of the door. It was... worrying. Both their wolves had been skittish.
But they had finally made it to Rose. Now all she had to do was convince the Alpha to give them shelter. She waved at Lilah, forcing a smile on her face before knocking again.
Abruptly the door was thrown open. “What?!” Roared the Alpha.
His eyes were darkened, his hair tousled and he was wearing only a pair of jeans. Shit she’d got him out of bed.
“I’m… I’m sorry to wake you I…” Stammered Kira, wolf whining.
Adam’s gaze softened. “Kira, this is a surprise. I’m sorry it’s good to see you.” He placed a meaty paw on her shoulder and squeezed slightly.
“Look I can come back...”
“Adam, who is it?” A soft voice floated toward them.
A slim woman with long brown hair sidled round Adam. Her hair was ruffled and she was wearing an oversize shirt. Clearly Adam’s.
“Hi.” Said Kira awkwardly.
Adam slung an arm round the woman. “Rosalee this is Kira, Kira this is my mate Rosalee.”
Kira looked at the woman in surprise. It was unusual for a pack to have a human female Alpha. This pack was even more progressive than she thought. That boded well for her and Lilah.
Rosalee smiled warmly and took Kira’s hands in hers. “It’s so nice to meet you. Adam told me all about you. How are you?”
“Ummm, not great which is kind of why I’m here.”
Rosalee slapped Adam on the shoulder garnering a mini growl from the wolf. “Where are your manners Alpha? Clearly the poor girl’s in distress and here you are leaving her on the doorstep! Please come in.”
Adam sniffed. “Who’s in the car?” He asked a little suspiciously.
Kira hopped from foot to foot. “That’s my sister Lilah… she’s one of the reasons I’m here.”
Adam nodded and motioned for Lilah to get out. Lilah was a little startled. Adam was even more imposing than Joseph. Kira smiled encouragingly and reluctantly Lilah got out and came over to them.
Kira slipped her arm round her twin’s waist and introduced everyone. Thankfully Lilah’s bruises had healed, but Lilah still had difficulty making eye contact with the powerful Alpha.
Rosalee feeling bold hugged Lilah, who softened a little at the female Alpha’s gentleness. “Come on let’s go get some coffee.”
Soon they were all seated round the kitchen table sipping hot coffee.
Kira bit her lip. “I was wondering if your offer was still open to join your pack.”
Adam smiled widely. “Of course, I’d be honored to have you in my pack… and your sister too of course.”
“Who’s the older twin?” Asked Rosalee curiously.
Kira grinned. “Me, she’s my baby sister.”
Lilah snorted. “Yeah by nineteen minutes!”
Everyone laughed and Kira stuck out her tongue at Lilah.
Rosalee looked between the two of them. “I’d never be able to tell you apart if it weren’t for your hair… is that natural?”
Kira sighed theatrically. “Yes, I’m naturally blonde, and yes I get asked it all the time!”
Adam eyed his mate peevishly. “Getting back to the matter in hand…”
Kira stared at her cup. “Right, the thing is Lilah is still a part of her old pack, she hasn’t been given permission to leave.”
“Is that bad?” Asked Rosalee. There were so many rules about wolf packs; she was still trying to learn them all.
Adam exhaled deeply. “It means Lilah still belongs to her old pack. If I accepted her into my pack it would be like I was openly defying her old Alpha. It wouldn’t go down well.”
Rosalee pushed her hair behind her ear. She looked between Lilah and Kira. “Can’t you just ask for permission to leave?”