5:ALPHA TRISTAN.

VANESSA’S POV

The reflection of the sun that was peeping through the window casted its glow through my eyelids, and that was what woke me up.

My eyes scanned the room and it landed on the clock that was hanging on the wall. It was 9:15 in the morning.

I don't remember when I fell asleep while crying my heart out last night, but I felt a little relieved this morning. Maybe that was because the pain I was feeling had reduced, and I didn't wake up to a throbbing headache, or maybe it was because the constant feeling of putting on my best behaviour just to be seen and acknowledged by Declan was out of the list — either way, I feel much better.

I got up from the bed to stretch my body and that was when I noticed a note on the nightstand.

"You can change into the dress lying on the bed if you need something after freshening up. You can find your way to the kitchen if you are hungry — you will find what to eat there. I will come fetch you soon and take you back to where you belong.

~Tristan."

Just like he had stated in the note, a dress was folded neatly on the bed and as much as I appreciated the thoughtfulness and gesture, the last line of his note disturbed me. He wants to return me to where I am from. I felt a little disappointed because it seemed like he had made up his mind, but first, I needed to eat and freshen up.

I opened the door to the bathroom in the room, and I opened my mouth in awe at the sight of it. Everywhere was shining, and not a single stain could be found on the floor.

I turned on the cold water, and took a long, calming shower, letting the cold water wash away some of my anxiety. I enjoyed the effect it has on my body as it helped me to relax a little.

As soon as I was done, I changed into the dress he left on the bed and headed outside. To my surprise, nobody was in sight.

I thought the house was filled with maids yesterday. Where are they? After several failed attempts, I finally found the kitchen. The house was a bit extravagant to be this empty, I sighed.

Tristan wasn't lying when he said I would find food in the kitchen. I opened the freezer, only to be welcomed with all types of food. The entire freezer was filled up with packs of cooked food. I let out a breath of relief, as I brought out a pack and microwaved it.

Seeing how nobody was in sight and there was nothing to be embarrassed about, I ate as much as I could like a starving woman. Maybe I was actually starving after all. I mean, I was unconscious for six days and I didn't get to eat anything. Same thing yesterday, I was overwhelmed by my situation and couldn't think of eating. I was indeed a starving woman.

After eating to my satisfaction, I washed the dishes I had just used because the entire place was spotless and it would be stupid to leave without cleaning it up.

I took my time to look around the kitchen, everywhere was filled with polished marble countertops that glistened under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers, casting a warm, inviting aura, to the carvings while a row of state-of-the-art appliances shone delightfully.

Moving from the kitchen, into the grand lounge, the ceiling soared to dizzying heights, decorated with hand-painted art that blooms the room, with each image illustrating the artist's skill. Plush, furniture in rich quality stood elegantly, while a grand piano stood as the centerpiece, ready to be played in its melodic grace.

If I weren't a stranger who was in dire need of a place to stay, I would probably be sitting in front of the piano, playing my favourite sound.

I looked out through the window, and I was welcomed with the view of a beautiful garden and a sun-drenched terrace.

I walked up the staircase, admiring the beauty of the house with each step.

I continued to stroll down the hallway, the house seemed to come alive through antique artefacts and photographs displayed in decorated cases. The chandeliers of different types bathed the corridor in a gentle, golden glow— tall mirrors decorated with sophisticated golden frames that reflected the grandness of the surroundings, extending the sense of space and luxury.

I don't need an expert to tell the love Tristan has for art. It was evident in every aspect of his house, and I must confess, he sure does have a good taste.

I was stopped by the sound of Tristan's voice in front of a room. And I paused my sightseeing for a while to talk to him. Before I could bring myself to knock at the door, I heard another voice speak up. "Alpha, I think it is about time you find your mate and get yourself a Luna." I became interested in their conversation, as I continued to eavesdrop.

"He is right, Alpha. The news of the rebel rogues who keep getting stronger is not a new thing and all of the neighbouring pack have been looking for a way to protect their people, through the alliance. As we speak, almost all pack from the north have joined the group, but I doubt you would be allowed to join since you don't have a Luna — we need you to protect our people,"

"What makes you think I can't join them? I mean, I am an Alpha of a powerful pack. They can't ignore that fact," Tristan pointed.

"While that may be true, they believe an Alpha without a mate is not responsible, thus, the committee will not agree to it. But we all know that we can't afford to lose that opportunity — our people's lives will be at risk and we need you at the forefront of this alliance.”

It took only a second for me to understand their words. It was the same alliance the elders and Declan were discussing on the night of his birthday party. The stupid alliance that hit me kicked me out of my home and took my life away from me.

“The Alpha of the Wild-Heart pack is most likely to be the head of the alliance and you know what that means.” One of the elders spoke.

They were talking about Declan and that piqued my curiosity even more. Has Declan found another Luna? Already? My heart sank to my stomach. It took him six days to replace me. To replace his Luna who spent her childhood and youth loving him. The cruelty of it had my heart aching.

“Oh please, Declan doesn’t know anything about ruling. He’s reckless. They would be foolish to give him that much power just because he has a Luna!”

Tristan’s voice and words held his strong dislike for Declan and as much as I wished that feeling was mutual, it wasn’t. My heart still ached for the only man I have ever loved.

I became more interested in the topic of their discussion. I continued to eavesdrop until a voice called out from behind.

"Who are you and what are you doing there?" I immediately snapped my head in her direction, already feeling guilty for getting caught as I tried to think of lies to cover up for what I was doing.

I opened my mouth and closed it immediately at the sight of the pretty woman standing in front of me. Her presence was like a sudden splash of colour in a black-and-white world. Her eyes held a mix of curiosity and caution, and I fumbled over my words, trying to find a plausible explanation.

"And why are you wearing my dress?" She frowned, catching me off guard.

"What dress?" I asked foolishly as I was dumbfounded for a while to process what was going on. Wait, she couldn’t possibly be who I think she is, could she? Going by everything I just heard from Tristan and the elders, Tristan was without a Luna. Who was she then? Different thoughts invaded my mind as I struggled to form an actual word.

"The dress you are putting on, it is mine," she folded her hands across her chest as she glared at me.

Shit! I thought it was a new dress. I contemplated whether I should tell her about my situation and how I ended up in Tristan's house in case she was starting to get any idea but the mere thought sound worse than speaking it out loud.

Would she even believe me? If I told her the truth now, she would expect me to leave the house immediately and I have no where else to go. I was just waiting for Tristan to finish his meeting so that I can ask him to know if I can stay. I doubt she would ever agreed to that now.

I remained quiet as I thought of how to get out of this situation without getting misunderstood, when Tristan opened the door, revealing himself and the elders behind him.

Okay, maybe I should just leave and save myself from the embarrassment, I thought to myself as everyone stared at me like I was some kind of some supernatural being with four heads.

The silence was killing me and the atmosphere was awkward. I risked a look at Tristan, expecting him to save me from this predicament because I sure as hell couldn’t save myself.

However, Tristan’s idea of saving me caught me off guard.

Without any warning, Tristan pulled me closer, leaving my mouth ajar from the sudden closeness as he introduced me to the woman standing in front of us and the elders.

"Perfect timing," he said with a smile.

"Meet Vanessa, she is my mate and the future Luna. She is carrying my child—my heir.”