Chapter 36

The garden was breathtakingly beautiful as we walked around, we chatted some more, but mostly about me and what I liked. I didn’t have much to say, but what I did Alexander listened and took it all in, as though he was attaching every moment to memory. We sat on a bench that was located at the edge of the garden, facing the dense woods with a cup of hot chocolate, something I had never tried before but quickly learned that I liked.
“I’ve never tried this before.” I say, taking another sip. “Balthazar didn’t have things like this they I knew of.”
“I’m glad you like it, it’s gets cold here so hot drinks are good for you.” He responds with a smile, taking a sip of his own drink.
“What is your favourite drink?” I ask, curious about what he likes.
His smile widens as he looks at me. “I would have to say coffee, I’m not myself without it. I can be quite grumpy on a morning.”
“I can see that.” I say with a laugh. “What’s your favourite colour?”
“I’ve always liked blue to be honest, so I guess that’s my favourite.” He answers honestly, the time drifting by around us. “Do you like music?”
“I do.” I nod, smiling up at him. “Though I’ve only heard things that the guards play, so I don’t know much.”
“We’ll have to change that.”
“What do you mean?”
“When you come with me to my pack I can show you my extensive music collection, its really big but I love all of it. I would like to share that with you.” He smiles once more, throwing his arm around my shoulder. “I can’t wait for you to see my home, it’s so big and amazing, my people will all welcome you with open arms.”
“You really think they will accept me?” I ask, nervously playing with my hands. “I don’t know much about the world, or being a good mate.”
“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. “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.”
“You won’t, but it’s a testament to how worthy you are because you think that.”
“I don’t understand.”
“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. So, how does it feel?”
“How does what feel?” I frown.
“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.”
“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.
“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.