Chapter 7

**Reynard POV**

I stood there watching as my brother, Alex, dragged Nerissa out of the kitchen.
What was all that about? I wondered. I was irritated he was the one to tend to Nerissa’s wound, and why all of a sudden is he acting so weird? Even going as far as to bring her to see Dr. Reed himself.
Emily was cooking, keeping silent and to herself, and having no other choice since the Alpha demanded I help, I went behind the kitchen island and continued to cut the vegetables that Nerissa had started.
As I am cutting the vegetables, my mind goes back towards the incident that just happened. I saw Alex moving purposely around her, but her reaction to him was what caught my attention.
She seemed annoyed, but why was she so reckless when cutting? She was usually never like that.
They were acting strange, but now that I think about it, Alex has been acting strange since the moment Nerissa and Emily were brought here.
My brother enjoyed female company from time to time, but I haven’t seen him enjoy any for a while now. How many times did I see him deny female company in these past months? I lost count. Could it be that Nerissa had his interest? But then again, he was always cold and distant, not showing any interest towards her. Well, none until now at least.
A growl rumbled from my chest, startling Emily as she snapped her head towards me and backed away in fright. I faced her before taking a deep breath. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
She gave me a small, unsure smile and shrugged her shoulders. “It’s okay, I just didn’t expect it.”
Giving her a forced smile as I don’t want her to see I was upset or anything, I made up a lie and told her, “I was just thinking about these carrots. Did I cut them wrong? Do these pieces look a little too big for the stew?”
She left the pot she was preparing and walked towards me, looking at the pieces I was showing her. She smiled a genuine smile at that. “They are perfect.”
Relaxing a bit as I managed to pass off my lie, I smiled at her as she took the chopped vegetables and put them in the pot.
“Anything else I need to help you with?” I was hoping she would say no so I could leave, but then again she was close to Nerissa and if I wanted to get closer to her, what better way than to become friends with her own best friend?
“No, I can take it from here. Thank you so much for helping me with these,” she replied.
“Are you sure? I have no problem helping if there is anything else you need me to do,” I tried again, making her turn her head towards me.
She smiled at me. “No, it is all under control, but thank you for asking.”
Though I was happy I didn't need to be there, just a second ago I was thinking how much that would benefit me. I was now disappointed with her answer as I realized I needed to get closer to her to be able to learn more about Nerissa.
Deciding I had no other choice but to stay in the kitchen and keep Emily company, I went to take my seat at the island and watched her.
I noticed she was attractive, but hell, not even close to how attractive Nerissa is. Maybe if I didn't have my eyes set on Nerissa I would have looked at Emily in a different way, but what is done is done, and being friends with her is a smart thing to do.
“So, Emily, how long have you and Nerissa been friends?” I asked, hoping she relaxes into our conversation and I get to learn something more, maybe something new about Nerissa.
She looked at me for a moment and then continued stirring the stew. “Well, our families were always together so we have known each other since we were born.”
“So, I guess you both know a lot of things about each other then?” I asked in a casual manner as she chuckled.
”Yes, I guess you can say that,” she answered, making me arch my eyebrow. I was intrigued and wanted to know more.
“Can you tell me about your childhood? I bet you two were in trouble a lot when you were young,” I said teasingly. I noticed she froze for a second making me realize what I just said, cursing myself silently.
“I am sorry, Emily. I didn’t mean to…” I started to speak but she turned her head towards me and I saw the pain in her eyes, knowing it was because of my mention of her family.
Shaking her head, she cleared her throat, whispering, “No, it is okay.”
She took a deep breath before she went on, “Yes, Nerissa and I would always do something together that would drive our mothers crazy.” She laughed slightly at the memory she was telling me. I sat still and waited for her to continue.
“One time when we were little, we were playing tag with the other kids. We were forbidden from entering the woods, but Nerissa and I disobeyed. We went into the woods and hid from the other children.” I listened to her words, silently begging to hear more. To know about Nerissa and her childhood.
“We could hear everyone calling our names, trying to find us, but we didn’t move a muscle. A little later on, our fathers came back home, and when they were told what happened they both went to search for us,” she said, letting out a shaky exhale as she continued to stir the pot.
“It was getting dark already, and Nerissa and I had grown tired long before. We fell asleep, curled together and that is how our fathers found us,” she told me.
“Then what happened?” I asked, interested in hearing more.
“Well, both of them were glad to have found us safe, but they were mad as well.
Nerissa went with her father as mine took me, and when we got back home our mothers hugged us, then lectured us for an hour on what we did wrong,” She finished as she chuckled, making me chuckle as well.
“That must have not been too fun for you, but I am glad that you were found safely,” I told her honestly as she gave me a sweet smile. “Tell me, did you or Nerissa ever find your mates?” My heart was pounding hard in my chest as I anxiously waited for her answer.
Her eyebrows furrowed as she thought about it for a moment; it felt like hours passed before she spoke again. “No, we didn’t. Why do you ask?” she asked as she looked at me.
”Well, I consider you both my friends, or at least would like us to be, but if the question was too outright and straightforward I am sorry. I didn't mean to offend you,” I told her. Her eyes widened slightly when she heard my answer, making me add, “I told you both the first night you were brought to us that I wouldn’t hurt you, and I meant it, I still do. And, when I said that I was truly sorry for what had happened, Emily, I meant that as well. From the bottom of my heart.”
She looked at me, sadness filling her eyes and a weak smile, and said gratefully, “Thank you. I know that Nerissa can be stubborn at times, but we both are grateful to you for your kindness and friendship.”
Smiling widely at her as I heard her words, I replied, “I do hope that Nerissa feels the same way too. Sometimes it’s so hard to read her, and I don’t want to push myself at her. I don’t want her to think badly of me.”
“Nerissa… Well, you have to understand she has had a hard time here, and trust, as she says, is earned not given. Give her time, she will open up,” Emily told me.
“I can do that. I am in no rush,” I said, smiling at her as she smiled back at me.
We continued talking about their childhood and happy memories as she prepared the stew. I got a chance to learn more about her and Nerissa and was happy about what I was learning, It’s information I can use.
She asked me some questions that I was happy to answer, and before we knew it, we were laughing and having fun. When the back door of the kitchen opened and I saw Alexander walk inside the kitchen, face stone-cold and emotionless, my eyes flew behind him to search for Nerissa, but she wasn’t there.
“Where is Nerissa?” I asked as I stood up and looked at Alex, his dark eyes narrowing at my question.
”Ryder is waiting for us in my office as he has some news to share,” Alex said to me as he moved past me towards the hallway, but before he left, he turned back towards the kitchen and told Emily, “Tell Nerissa, and you should know as well, that this weekend we are having a pack gathering with a few other packs in attendance. Everything must be spotless and food will need to be prepared ahead of time. Whatever you need, find me, or Ryder, and let us know, It will be provided, understood?" Emily nodded her head as she silently agreed to his demands.
“Reynard, come with me, Ryder is waiting," Alexander said. We left the kitchen and headed towards his office in silence. I could feel his anger pouring out of him in waves, making me wonder what made him so mad.