Chapter 5 Special treatment

I feel more relaxed than ever when I wake up.

My mind was functioning now, and I became aware of the black and white swath that filled the space. The vast room was sprinkled with hints of rich red. I smiled as I took in the opulent and magnificent decor.

I rush from the bed and untie myself from the blankets I've cocooned myself in, telling myself to steal one for myself if I have the time.

I stretch a little to get rid of my grogginess. I feel a lopsided smile tug on my lips as vitality surges through me.

I had a nice morning this morning.

I enjoyed mornings, even if I detested having to get out of bed in the morning. I cherished the notion of being able to complete a task. Every night, I would go to bed feeling defeated and guilty about my lack of success. I had a chance to accomplish anything in the mornings.

I stealthily open Theo's empty room door and take out his black hoodie from his wardrobe.

Then I step outside and smell my mate's sensual aroma. Although his smell makes me feel anxious, it also calms me down. This might be one of those Bath and Body Works therapeutic creams.

I looked everywhere for evidence of werewolf presence, but I found none.

Fantastic.

It was time to pilfer.

I extend my hand to pick up a totally gold carousel music box from the table, but I hastily pull it back when I hear footsteps.

I turn to face the suspect and pretend to have an angelic grin. That is, I believed.

The blondie from last night murmurs, "I'm going to choose to ignore what you just tried to do, so you owe me one."

What was the name of this man? Leo? Miller? Emmy? Emily? Emilio?

"I suggest you take back those last words," I say. "Do we really want a dislocated bone right now?

"Fantastic. Two evildoers are living together in our house. The end of the werewolf era is near. He murmurs loudly beneath his breath, intending to let me hear, "The Moon Goddess really let the demons loose."

It's been a long, empty hell. Identify their destination."

"Here apparently."

"Lovely."

Emilio flings his silky, glossy hair with his hand. "Everyone's out training, if you're wondering."

I nod, continuing to clasp my hands behind my back. I tried not to steal, even though I was dying to. "Thanks."

"Try not to steal anything and follow me," he says, casting a glance at me with his blue eyes.

"Aye, aye, captain."

I follow silently for the remainder of the journey. It was barely midday when my social media battery ran out.

Fantastic.

I take advantage of the quiet to watch. As the seconds ticked by, I noticed Emilio taking bigger, quicker steps, as if he was desperate to get away from the uneasy atmosphere that hung over us both. As if afraid I might catch him watching, he hesitated to turn around and gaze at where I was. Nevertheless, as we walked down the steps, I shifted to stand by him, and he looked at me, examining me.

Oh, how sweet. Someone is interested in me.

Emilio showed me outside the house shortly after. The sun's brightness struck me as if it were a motherfucking train. Without delay, I pull up the hood to conceal my hair and shield my eyes from the gleaming object with my free hand.

"There are training grounds inside and outside the residence," he says in his final statement. But most of the time, we work out outside, generally with Theo supervising. He says he likes to watch us suffer in the heat of the sun."

"Excellent!" I sigh. The faint sound of Theo's voice causes me to inadvertently quicken my pace. A foolish companion connection.

We eventually get to the training grounds sooner rather than later.

Emilio stops and looks at me. "I'll take it; you won't need me anymore."

I give him a brief nod of thanks as he turns to leave. I couldn't help but feel that my pockets might have been so full that they would have dropped to the ground if it weren't for him.

My gaze strayed across the clearing, populated by exhausted, perspiring werewolves.

I see that they were split up into three groups. First, there was a gathering of kids and teenagers. They seemed to be under the supervision of my stunning friend, Scarlett. Once more, her hair was arranged in a ponytail. The younglings ran many laps under her direction.

The twin, Celestina, was in charge of the second group. The majority of them were women.

"Yes, Gamma," a woman replies to her in a voice that reaches my ears.

Nice agreement.

Celestina gives her a nod. "Go."

I look at the men and women, mostly in sports bras and leggings, who are shirtless. While some of them were exhausted, the majority of them completed their tasks without breaking a sweat.

Where is Theo now?

I narrow my eyes, searching for his enormous form. Another group, including a towering, strong monster that was definitely Theo, were the furthest away from me and everyone else. I march towards Theo, and eyes follow me as I pass them.

There were mostly men in the gathering and not many women. As I approached, it became evident that these individuals were the most formidable members of the pack-their finest fighters. They were obviously stronger, more agile, and more skilled. It was easy for me to see that their training was more rigorous and severe.

My senses are awakened by Theo's soothing aroma, and judging from the way it comes through, so is his.

I say, "Good morning," a little too cheerfully.

"It appears that my dear Alexandria is a morning person."

With a scowl, I respond, "Good morning again."

His brows rise with amusement. "Great morning."

I express my happiness by thanking him.

For the millionth time, I couldn't resist letting my gaze stray over Theo's nude physique. How fortunate we are! He was really a piece of art.

He also wore grey sweatpants, which won my heart in the best possible way.

They have a way of making any guy ten times more attractive-well, maybe not every guy.

He looks at me while crossing his arms. His muscles flexed, a characteristic that I also noticed.

Show me your back now, sweetie.

I clear my throat and look him in the eye. For a few moments, it was fixed on me, but then, as if something clicked, he burst into a smile. How the hell about it?

"I see you've got your workout clothes on, my love," he says to me. His mischievous twinkles in his eyes. "Care to join us?"

Oh no, no, no.

His guys halted their movements to stare at us, confused that a stranger would be joining such a formidable warrior gang. They carry out their deeds after I give them a cold gaze and snap my head at them.

"Theo, I believe I'm still a tad bit exhausted and emotionally drained from last night's incidents," I pretend to joke. Upon more reflection, I'm more of a night owl. I should return and take a nap."

He mimics my forced smile and says, "You know what they say: morning workouts will keep you active for the rest of the day." " Sunshine, good morning. It's training time.

"Now that I think about it, I feel incredibly energetic. I argue that I don't think I'll need this training.

"All right. I can promise you that training will be simple now that you're moving."

I give up smiling and offer him a firm "no." Just my luck, I feel a rumble in my gut. I was actually not aware of how hungry I was until now.

"Oh my god, this is so embarrassing. If you agree to train with me, I'll have my people make you a meal." Taking advantage of my hunger, he continues, "I'll make sure you get special treatment because I'm the one supervising."

Then, I believe, you say, "Deal."

There was one thing I really missed: home-cooked food.

I whisper, "Only if you cook for me."

"Anything for you," he says with a lively look in response. He shifts his weight away from me and toward the exhausted others in his group. His foggy eyes brighten as though he were pleased at the prospect of pummeling me to pulp.

His soldiers stopped what they were doing right away and turned to face Theo, bending slightly.

His gaze shifts to me. "As you've all noticed, a new member." "has merged with the group. She has asked to participate in our training with us. Everyone is familiar with the routine. And just to remind everyone, please show respect. You know what happens if I hear anything rude in any shape or circumstance."

asked to see my ass.

"Yes, Alpha," they reply. With their feet firmly planted, they await his command.

"Make your way to your partners," Theo adds, grinning at me.

Oh no, fuck off.

I did not want "special treatment" like this.