Conrad went to the room next door and took a shower as well. He promised that they’d look for her daggers, and he meant to do that first thing this morning.

He was ready to go when she came out of the bathroom. She was wearing a white shirt and blue pants. Ah, he forgot the shoes again.

“Wait here for a moment. I’ll get you some shoes.”

He quickly went out, and while he was away, Alice looked around his room. She was not able to do so yesterday. When he left her to sleep, she truly fell asleep.

He returned with a pair of white rubber shoes. He took her hand and guided her through the pack house. There was that undeniable spark when they touched.

“Are we going to the woods?” She’s still anxious about losing her daggers.

“Not yet. Let’s have breakfast first. My mother wants to meet you.”

In the kitchen, her mother was already there. She was usually early at work, overseeing the pack house management.

She approached when they entered the dining hall.

“Hello. You must be Alice. I’m Selena, Conrad’s mom. You can just call me Selene.” Her warm smile and friendly tone lowered Alice’s guard. She was actually reminded of her own mother. She was just as sweet and caring.

Selene gave her a brief hug before directing them to a table. The three of them sat down as someone brought out three plates. They were early, as breakfast didn’t begin until thirty minutes later. Alice felt comfortable with the scarce number of people around them. She would most likely freak out if there were too many people. One reason he brought her here before the others poured in.

His mother chatted with her, mostly asking if she was feeling comfortable or if she needed anything in particular.

“We’ll go and look for her daggers in the forest,” Conrad explained what their next activity was.

“Daggers? You use them?” Selene was intrigued. The young woman in front of her had a small frame. Though, of course, it was also possible that she knew how to fight. Every wolf had that tendency to learn to protect oneself.

“Yes,” Alice replied simply.

“We have daggers in the storeroom, don’t we?” She turned to her son.

Conrad looked at Alice before answering, “Yes, we do.”

“Why don’t you just get new ones? The forest is vast.” Selene suggested kindly. It made Alice uncomfortable.

“My mom gave them to me.” Her voice was small and sad as she kept looking down.

“We’ll find them,” Conrad promised her. Wait, he already promised her last night, didn’t he? Why did he forget about it so soon? He was losing points for trust. She might have thought he was unreliable.

“I see. Of course, you should look for them. Take all the time you need. Do you want me to pack lunches for you?”

“It’s fine. I can find them quickly. I’m sure I have my scent on them,” Alice assured them that it wouldn’t be a time-consuming task.

“Even so, you don’t need to rush,” Selene insisted, then turned to her son.

“Why don’t you show her around the territory? Have a picnic. I’ll prepare the food.” She smiled at them before returning to the kitchen.

Conrad stared at Alice’s figure.

“Look at me. Keep your head up,” he told her. When she didn’t budge, he reached out and touched her chin with a finger.

“What’s wrong?” He became concerned because of her expression.

“I need potions to conceal my scent, too. You said your pack has them?”

“Yes. We’ll drop by the storehouse. I told you, the borders already conceal everyone’s scent. You don’t have to worry about it.”

“I just want to be doubly sure. I don’t want to risk it.” She bravely looked directly into his eyes. She liked that he was concerned about her.

He smiled at her before lightly caressing her cheek. Her skin was too soft and fair. He decided that he’d ask her questions after they found her daggers. She seemed jittery because of her lost daggers. She didn’t mention last night how important it was to her, but he did think it had that kind of significance.

“You said the daggers were given by your mom? Where is she?” Or maybe he shouldn’t have asked.

Her expression became dark and sorrowful.

“I’m sorry.” He pulled her into a loose hug and caressed her back.

Alice couldn’t stop herself from crying. Her mother’s death was horrifying and terrible. The memory alone could make her tremble from fear. Even now, she was wondering how she managed to run away from that nightmare.

But in a way, she understood it was because her mom protected her. Clung to her killer so he couldn’t go after her immediately. That was enough time for her to leave and run endlessly.

Selene returned with a packed basket to witness this scene.

“What did you do?” She was ready to reprimand her son. You don’t make a lady cry! Even more so when it was your mate!

Conrad winced at his mother’s tone. He silently mouthed the words “her mom” to her.

“Oh . . .” She correctly assumed that her mom was already dead. Death was always going to be the worst experience one could have. No one truly knew how to deal with it. It was different for everyone.

With her presence, though, Alice stopped herself from crying and wiped her face with her hands.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to cry.”

“It’s okay to cry,” Conrad softly replied by her ear. She shivered a little.

Selene breathed in relief. It was good that she could pull herself together quickly. “Here’s your lunch. Don’t let her go hungry. Also, be careful when you’re on the training grounds.”

“Yes, mom.”

“Does your father already know? Or should I tell him you’ll be away from your duties today?”

“I already informed him.”

“Good. I’ll see you both for dinner.”

“Thanks, mom.”

“Hmm . . .”

“Thank you,” Alice didn’t forget to express her gratitude and stood. They should go now, right?

Selene smiled at her.

“I hope you’ll feel at home here. I would like to welcome you into the pack in advance.” She gave Alice a warm but brief hug.

“Another one?” Selene gladly embraced her again when she saw how she looked disappointed at their parting.

Alice was glad, too. She missed her mom so much.

Conrad kept close to her as they made their way toward the forest. He’s got this prickly feeling in his chest whenever he caught another guy looking at his mate. It was an irritating feeling, but he knew he needed to keep it under control.

Alice noticed his closeness, but it did make her feel safe in this unfamiliar territory. At one point, he grabbed her wrist and held it as they walked. Then, he started telling her the areas in the pack that they’d come across. She looked around and felt a certain level of calm in her heart. This place seemed to have that effect on her. It looked peaceful. It was simple and neat, but that was its beauty.

She frowned at how organized and tidy the place was. Her old pack was known for being chaotic and messy. The environment alone kept her alert and on guard. But here . . . she liked the momentary feeling she was having. She took in a deep breath and then smelled his scent again. Apples. At some point, his hand had moved toward hers and clasped it. It was warm and seemed to be sending a tingly feeling through her arm toward her body. She knew this was a result of the mate bond. She wanted to be as close to him as possible.

He tugged her towards the woods they were in yesterday, and she simply followed while staring at him.

She actually found her mate, but what should she do now? Last night, she hadn’t been able to make a decision. It’s a good thing that she didn’t want to let go, but her conscience couldn’t let them suffer because of her. She had to go.

Sensing her feelings, Conrad squeezed her hand and stopped walking. She bumped into him, a clear indication that she was spacing out.

“I’m sorry.” She looked around, unsure why they stopped walking. This wasn’t the place.

“You look sad.” He carefully touched her cheek, and she savored the feeling.

Alice bit her lip. Yeah, she was. She stared directly at him. She would commit his appearance to her memory. She was happy to have simply met him, so she smiled.

Sighing, Conrad asked, “Can you tell me what your situation is? Your companions couldn’t tell us much. All they know is that you’re being hunted. Who’s after you and why are they hunting you down?”

This was the task his father gave him, but he was equally curious. Why would anyone want to hurt his mate? An indescribable anger surged from within him, and she felt it. Her eyes widened, and she tried to pull her hand away.

Conrad closed his eyes and took deep breaths, but he didn’t let her go.

“Sorry. I just . . . I’m angry because there are people who want to hurt you. I won’t let them hurt you. I’ll protect you.”

His words were sweet, but she couldn’t . . .

After she retrieved the daggers, she would ask them for supplies. Then, she would be off. Just like that, she had made her decision. Her heart ached, but it was what she must do.

“Alice?”

“I have to leave. I can’t stay here.”

Her words alarmed him.

“No. You have to stay. This is your home now.” There was urgency in his voice, and he gripped her hand tighter.

Home. That sounded nice.

“I can’t . . .” she told him again.

“Why can’t you?” he pressed for an answer.

Alice shook her head. “I don’t want to cause you trouble. They would attack your pack if I stay here.”

Just thinking about it made her feel so much guilt. Her mother died protecting her.

“We know that part already. And as my mate, do you really think I would simply let you go? I’m going to protect you. My father agreed it’s the right thing to do.”

“It’s too risky . . .” she continued. “Members of your pack could die if they attack.”

“We’ll be prepared for that. We’re not exactly weak.”

Seeing the doubt on her face, Conrad knew he must convince her.

“It’s the Silver Crescent, right? They’re notorious for their strength and brutality, sure, but I can assure you that we can take them on. Won’t you trust me?”

Okay, it might have been too early to ask that from her. They didn’t know each other yet, but here he was, asking her to trust him.

“Alice, you’re my mate. That means you’re going to be this pack’s Luna later on. There are no coincidences to the moon goddess, is there? You’re meant to be here.”

Alice very much wanted to believe his words and rely on him. But could she really?

“Why don’t you tell me the situation first? That way we would be more prepared. We need to know what you know to do that. You can tell me anything, Alice.” He liked saying her name. It still felt surreal to him that he found her after so many years. It was a good thing that he waited until now. The elders had already advised him to choose a mate instead. Thankfully, he didn’t listen.

“I ran away from my pack,” she began after a few minutes of silence as they stared at each other.

He nodded and encouraged her to continue.

“Alpha Walter wants me dead,” she admitted.

Conrad frowned at this. “Why?” Why would that vicious wolf want her dead?

“He . . . he killed my mother. He k-killed his mate. He’s my f-father.” Her voice trembled as she told him the truth.

Conrad inhaled deeply as she finally gave him some answers. So, some of the rumors were true. The guy actually killed his own mate. But that begged the question, why?

The rumors . . . somehow, he couldn’t bring himself to ask her. ‘Are you sure he’s your father? Why would he want you dead if he is?’

The implication would be . . . her mother was truly unfaithful. Then, who was her father?

Alice watched his expression closely.

“They’re saying he may or may not be my father, aren’t they?” she asked in a low voice, her expression turned serious. She considered it, and it could be possible. Otherwise, the man who showed her love for many years wouldn’t just . . . kill his own flesh and blood.

“Your mother didn’t tell you anything?” Since she brought it up, Conrad simply wanted to make sure.

Alice shook her head. Her mother didn’t say anything. She couldn’t even understand how her father could possibly know what the truth was. He came home one night with the intent to murder them. It was horrifying. Remembering that night made her cry, and Conrad was alarmed to see her tears.

“I’m sorry. I promise he won’t be able to come near you. I’ll protect you.” He enclosed her in his arms, and she finally let herself grieve. It had been so long, and she’d been enduring so much.

She cried for a while, and Conrad tried his best to comfort her. He felt helpless with his words. He knew he would truly protect her and keep her safe, but she couldn’t seem to accept it. He could tell she was having thoughts of leaving.

Alice found comfort in his arms. She grudgingly admitted to herself that she liked the feeling. To have someone to lean on . . . but she really didn’t want to trouble them.

She wiped her tears and stepped away from him.

“I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about,” Conrad replied, itching to touch her again.

She turned away from him and asked, “Should we move on? I really want to retrieve my daggers.”

Conrad checked their position and gestured towards a certain direction, “This way.”

As soon as they neared the place, Alice sniffed the air. The daggers definitely had her scent. They were very dear to her, and she slept at night holding them. Conrad picked up the scent as well, but he let her find it. It wasn’t difficult at all. She adorably ran towards the left and slumped on the ground, heaving a sigh of relief.

She’s glad, but her eyes pooled with tears again. She couldn’t bear losing them: her mother’s last gift to her.

“Glad you found them.” Conrad sat next to her, and they stayed like that for a few minutes.

After a while, he extended an arm and put it around her shoulders. He’s glad she didn’t stiffen or anything to indicate she didn’t want his touch. He was even more pleased when she leaned on him.

They enjoyed the companionable silence. Having her this close, he was tempted to kiss her again. It was as if she could hear his thoughts. She looked up at him, and they stared into each other’s eyes. Clearly, there was a pull. He gave in to it and kissed her. He was just about to deepen it when someone called him. He almost growled his annoyance.

“Hey, Conrad. Why are you sitting there?”

He recognized the voice as Wayne’s. He glared when he turned to face them.

“Oh, sorry.” It was then that the newcomers saw the woman next to him.

“We’re on our way for our shift. Guard duty. This isn’t a good place for a picnic, is it?” Wayne noticed the food basket next to Conrad.

The man sighed, tempted to yell at the disturbance. That wouldn’t leave a good impression on her, though.

“We retrieved something she left here last night. We’ll be going near the lake later. Why am I even explaining to you?” The last bit was grumbled out, making Wayne and the others chuckle.

“I’m surprised you’re not roaring at any unmated male that looks at your mate.”

At the mention of this, Conrad’s eyes constricted, and he sharply looked at the others behind Wayne. Aside from him, the others are unmated trainees.

His action made the others tense, and they quickly looked elsewhere. Anywhere but the woman. Wayne was the only one chuckling, but his expression turned serious when Conrad growled at him.

He huffed, “What? I’m already mated. Ah, fine. We’re leaving now. Shift starts in five minutes. Good luck with your date.”

Wayne led the others away, and Conrad turned to see her red face.

“Why are you embarrassed? It’s not as if they know nothing about mates.” His tone was teasing.

Well, he was not wrong. Even she was aware of what having mates meant. The pull between them was not easily ignored. Unless you truly hated the other person, you were most likely to succumb to it.

She didn’t hate him. In fact, she would love to have him as her mate. But she was afraid, and her conscience couldn’t let him and his pack be in danger.

“Should we go to the lake? I guarantee you would like it.” He picked up the basket and took her hand as he stood. She followed quite willingly.

Conrad glanced at her. She was too quiet. What could they talk about?

“Have you seen a lake before?” he asked, unable to think of anything else.

Her lips curved upwards, “Yes, I have.” It was not as if lakes were rare.

“Do you enjoy going on a run?”

Okay, he might have phrased it badly. She’d been on the run for months now. Her step faltered, and he felt it when he had to tug her hand forward as they walked.

“I’m sorry. I meant taking a run in your wolf form,” he quickly amended.

Alice took a deep breath before walking again. “I do. What kind of wolf doesn’t?”

Conrad was glad to see a small smile on her face again.

“Do you want to go on a run? There’s enough space around the lake. It’s a small lake, actually.”

Alice couldn’t help blushing. She had never transformed into her wolf in front of another person, except her mother.

Seeing her this way, Conrad stated, “Don’t worry. There’s a cottage where you can change your clothes.”

Near the lake was a favorite running spot in their pack, so his father allowed the building of a few cottages near it to accommodate the ladies and to serve as a shelter during sudden rains. Not that most wolves minded rains, but some do.

She was relieved to hear this. “Okay.”

They walked for quite a while, and he only managed to ask simple questions.

“What food do you like? I’ll make sure the kitchen prepares them.”

“Please don’t bother them. I can eat anything,” she replied.

“But there must be something you enjoy the most. Does your mother cook?” He kept his tone gentle, not wanting to trigger her. He thought talking about her dead mother was what she needed.

“Yes, all her dishes are delicious. That’s why I can’t choose just one.”

He observed her expression closely, making sure she was fine talking about it.

“I see. My mom’s a good cook, too. But there are a few dishes she can’t do.”

“Is that so?” Well, she herself couldn’t cook much, so . . .

“Yes. Why don’t you tell me the things that makes you happy? You’re in a safe place now. By any chance, do you enjoy cooking?”

The first part of his statement was quite serious, but she chuckled upon hearing his last question. She shook her head.

“I can barely cook, so, no. I don’t enjoy cooking. I like chatting with my mother, though, while she works in the kitchen.”

“Is that right? I’m sure mom would love chatting with you. She’s usually in the kitchen before meal times, helping the others prepare the food.”

“Your mom is nice.” Alice recalled the warm hug she received from the older woman.

“She likes you.”

“I’m thankful.”

“She would love to have you in the pack, as do I.” Here, he made his position clear. He wanted her to stay.

“I can understand your worries. They’re valid. You’re right. The pack could be in danger if we keep you here, but we also can’t not help someone who’s being hunted by evil wolves. Especially when she happens to be you. My mate. My Luna. This pack’s future Luna. You may not be one of us yet, but abandoning you would feel as if we abandoned one of our members. You’re already part of this pack, whether you like it or not. You don’t need to feel guilty about it. You have to trust me. Trust the pack that we will surely keep you safe.”

She couldn’t help feeling touched by his words.

“How about you? Do you want me here? Won’t you despise me if someone else gets hurt? Won’t you blame me if they ruin your pack?” There was both despair and hope in her eyes.

It broke his heart to see such an expression on her.

“I’ll surely blame myself if you get hurt. And yes, I want you here. I want you to accept me as your mate.”

She stared into his eyes, wanting to see the depth of his sincerity. He’d shown her nothing but kindness. But still, they’d only met yesterday.

She took a deep breath before shyly looking away. She didn’t know what to say to that.