The Alpha's Mate ON HOLD TILL JAN 2025

Chapter 33

LEAH

There was a light shining through somewhere. It was warm.

Moving slightly, I felt softness underneath me.

Where the hell am I?

What happened?

My mind tried to trace what happened as floods of images rolled into one, like a homemade video.

My grandfather showed up and caused a scene. His words that I didn't want to remember came flooding back harshly.

I felt tears form, but I didn't let them come. Why would I cry over something about a man I only met once and clearly wanted nothing to do with me? Yeah, he was supposed to be family, but after everything that had happened, family clearly meant a different word to him. His eyes were full of hate toward me as if he wouldn't care if I lived or died.

My heart sank. Even though I never knew the man and probably would want nothing to do with him again, it was hard even to register that a man from blood would stoop the way he did. Part of me wanted to know why, but the other part, the childish part, knew I didn't care. I owed him nothing.

I slowly opened my eyes but moved my head and turned over as the brightness came in. I adjusted to my surroundings, moving up slowly till I was sitting up, and looked around to see where I was.

A bedroom, but it wasn't mine.

It was a man's room, which was obvious, but I didn't know whose.

Whoever's room this was, they liked things simple but dark. The walls were a light grey, but there was dark furniture placed around. It was clearly a man's room with weights in the corner that would put many people to shame. A TV hung on the wall that could fit a lounge with speakers on either side, and that's not including the stereo system the person had.

My eyes roomed over the room, taking in everything till I landed on the couch in front. Someone had been sleeping there, the way the cushions were pressed down as if someone leaned back and rested their head in.

There was no one here, though; I was alone.

"Not completely alone," Tala's voice rang out in my head, making me jump slightly.

Her soft giggle vibrated through. "Sorry," she murmured.

"You scared me," I muttered. "Where were you last night? I needed your help."

Tala's giggle stopped abruptly. "I'm sorry you had to go through that," she grunted. "That man was out of line."

I said nothing.

Knowing that she knew what happened was enough to let me feel okay, but an image of a black wolf appeared.

I closed my eyes as a little film played. It was raining, and the wolf was just staring at me. I didn't feel scared about it, which was shocking.

The most shocking part was feeling calm; I somehow knew it wouldn't hurt me.

"He wouldn't hurt you," Tala blurted out. "He was watching over you."

"What do you mean?" I asked, confusion sweeping in.

"The wolf was watching over you," she said, but nothing afterward.

Great, I was more confused.

A slight tapping sound came, making my eyes stare at the door. I said nothing as I watched the door open slowly, and a girl's head poked around it. Her eyes scanned the room till they landed on me as a smile inched the corners of her lips. "Hey," she said. "You're awake."

I kept quiet and watched the girl enter the room. She closed the door behind her. She looked familiar to me, but I couldn't place her. But when she stopped by the couch and sat, her eyes met mine again.

Her head cocked to the side as she spoke. "You don't remember me, do you?" she asked.

I shook my head as she smiled. "It's okay," she said. "I would forget our meeting too if I could. I was the girl you spoke to in the hospital, Cassie."

Cassie smiled.

Everything came flooding to me, and I frowned. "Now I remember," I muttered. "You said I should give my mum a chance."

Cassie stilled, but her eyes softened. "Sorry," she whispered, looking down at the ground. "I didn't know the whole deal with you and her until last night."

I stared at her, confused.

"Last night?" I asked. "How do you know about last night?"

Cassie stared at me for a moment before she spoke again.

"I only know what my brother told me," she said. "Your grandfather said some hurtful things, and you ran off."

My eyes widened, but she continued. "Don't worry, though," she said, leaning back on the couch. "My brother wouldn't let anyone come here, not even your mother. I believe he told her it would be up to you what you want."

My mind was racing. Who the hell was her brother? I mean, was he the boss or something? No one can tell anyone what to do unless they have authority.

I looked at Cassie as she smiled. "Don't worry," she said. "We will talk more later. I think now you would like a shower and some fresh clothes."

I gave her a slight nod as she jumped up from the couch and walked over to the bed but stopped slightly at the side. "I will put the shower on for you," she said. "I will get your clothes. I left them in my room, which is only down the hall."

Sounds like a plan; I moved toward the edge of the bed and sat.

Cassie smiled.

"After a shower, I will take you to the kitchen, and you can have some food," she said.

The mere mention of food had my stomach growling, which made her giggle. I couldn't help my cheeks flame slightly.

Cassie held her hand for me to take and helped me stand. She guided me to the bathroom behind the couch, which wasn't too far. She opened the door, and we both went in. I stood by the sink, leaning on it as I took in the spacious room.

You could have a freaking party here.

"Big, I know," Cassie said, as my eyes landed on her as she pulled the cord. Water sprayed out of the shower head.

Cassie moved slightly but came nearer to me. "I won't be long," she said. "Give me a shout when you are done, and I will give your clothes to you."

I smiled and nodded.

"Thank you," I murmured.

Cassie nodded and walked out of the bathroom.

Slowing and turning around, I leaned on the sink for support and lifted my eyes up to see myself in the mirror.

Oh, God. I looked ill.

I was filthy. My hair that was stuck to my head gave me heart failure. It was like a bird's nest. It was tangled in knots.

This wasn't good.

Slowly moving away from the sink, I get undressed and walk into the shower.

As my head went under the water, it burned slightly till I got used to it. I closed my eyes as I let the water take everything away, but my mind was lingering on who was Cassie's brother and the wolf.