chapter 26

“Of course they will, my people don’t often judge others on things like that. Some of them are even ex-slaves themselves, so they know what you have been through.” He explains, his voice low and reassuring. He takes my hand in his, “You don’t have to worry about fitting in baby, you are perfect just the way you are, don’t let anyone tell you different.”

“Thank you.” I whisper, blushing. “I just don’t want to let you all down.”

and it was true, I didnt want to disapoint any of them, or their packs, i wanted the people to like me, i wanted to be a part of everything, i wanted to be accepted. I was more afriad of being regected by them than having to take Balthazar's insane punishements. at least with the punishments i knew what to expect and how to behave. this was all new territory for me and i didnt know how to behave, or what was expected of me.

Would the packs be able to accpet me even though i was once a slave?

Would they want to cast me aside becuase of my past?

“You won’t, but it’s a testament to how worthy you are because you think that.” he smiles, kissing the back of my hand, "Don't overthink this Annalise, you wont let anyone down by just being yourself, thats impossible."

“I don’t understand.” i whisper, my skin tingling from where his lips touched.

“What I mean is that you are so concerned with how we feel that you haven’t even taken the time to process all of this. You've barley told us how any of this is affecting you. So, how does it feel?”

“How does what feel?” I frown. did he mean the kiss?

“Having four mates to call your own, to be the Red wolf of legend?” He says, watching me closely. “What do you think to it all?”

“I don’t know.” I say honestly. “I never expected any of this when I escaped, the most I thought of is that I need clothes and somewhere to stay.” My frown deepens. “I have never really wanted one mate, let alone four; but that was before I was free so now… well I do want you. All of you.” I’m silent for a moment before I add; “I guess I always knew that I was different, ever since I was a child I was treated differently to the other slaves. I just guess that I never gave it much thought, being in Balthazar’s sights isn’t exactly a good thing. He caused me a lot of pain and heartache.”

“But now you accept us? You want to build a life with all of us don’t you?” He asks, hope and fear littering his voice.

I thought for a moment, but the answer was clear, it always had been. “Yes I want to build a life with all of you, I don’t think I have ever wanted anything more. I just don’t know if I’m the right one for all of you. I don’t know if you’ll accept me.”

“We’ve already accepted you Annalise.” Dean says as he approaches with the others, the bench suddenly becoming crowded as I receive a kiss on the head from each of my mates. “You are the only one that we want.”
“You are the only one that we want.”

“I want all of you as well.” I say, smiling at each of my men. “I want us all to be happy together.”

“We will be.” Zane assures, his blue eyes full of love.

How did i get so lucky? one minute i was a slave and the next i have four men surrounding me that love and cherrish me.

“Yeah no need to worry darling, we’ve all got your back, from now until our last day.” Matthew confirms, his smile bright and addictive.

“How did I get so lucky to have all of you?” I whisper shyly, a blush creeping across my cheeks.

“How did we get so lucky to be pared with the Red wolf.” Dean adds. “We’re all a little unsure and on new territory, you aren’t the only one who has questions sweetness.”

“I’m just happy we’re all together.” I say.

“As are we.” Alexander smiles, pulling me onto him as he stands, moving to hold me in his arms.


I growl under my breath, not sure why they all insist on carrying me when I have two perfectly good legs myself, but I say nothing; I didn’t really want to upset him when he seemed so sure it’s what he wanted to do. We all headed back into the pack house and into the den, the guys arguing over what movie to show me next, and that I needed educating quickly before I enjoy the wrong ones. I didn’t know why it was so important to them and they they had to argue, but the serious looks on their faces made me laugh. Alexander moved us to the sofa and sat down with me in his lap, his eyes watching my every move as I witnessed the others nearly physically fighting over the streaming site they had finally chosen.

“How about another Disney film?” I ask, trying to defuse the building situation.

“We’ve already lost her!” Zane grumbled as he dramatically fell back on the sofa, his hand over his eyes. “We’re too late.” He fake sobbed.

“I liked the last one.” I argue, unsure why they hated the idea so much.

Alexander nodded, tightening his arms around me as he spoke. “It’s true, she was glued to the screen the entire time.”

“You didn’t seem to mind.” I frown, wondering if I had bored him to death.

“You were more entertaining than the film.” He laughs, shaking his head. “It was like you thought you were a part of the cast.”

“It wasn’t. I just wanted to know what happened.” I protest. “I bet you’ve been engrossed in a film before.”

“Not like that we haven’t sweetness.” Dean chuckles, shaking his head as he rummages through the pile of DVDs.

“How about we all pick a DVD and she chooses the one that looks the most interesting, then we’ll watch that.” Matthew suggests, rubbing his stubbles chin in thought.

“That’s a good idea.” I say in agreement. “Then no one needs to argue.”

“Alright.” And “ok.” The others say, all rushing towards the five shelves of DVDs in search of the right one.

“Just nothing scary, I don’t think my poor heart could take it.” I quickly add, worried that they would pick some sort of horror movies.

“Damn. I know exactly what to pick!” Zane shouts, rushing from shelve to shelve.

“Nothing scary. Got it.” Matthew nods, concentrating on the movies in front of him.