And Then There Were Four

Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Masks of Truth The wind wailed against the darkening sky, making those around aware of the approaching dangers. It was going to be the most unpleasant of days, but they say through the darkness one will always find a light. Or something like that. Caleb’s car pushed through the approaching rain towards his home. A sense of unease fell over us on the drive, and an internal debate on whether I had made the right choice made me curious as to what I was currently doing. Caleb wasn’t my mate, and yet, I had so willingly gone with him. Maybe I’m making a mistake. Pulling into his drive, I hesitated outside the car, “I think I should just go home.” Caleb spun around, his eyes staring at me with apprehension. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing, I just don’t think I should cause more problems.” Caleb slowly nodded his head, pushing his hands into his front pockets, “at least let me make you a cup of tea and we can get you an Uber if you would like.” Guilt washed over me at his response. Caleb had done nothing but been kind to me, and here I was acting as if he was a criminal. It wasn’t fair to him. He had done nothing wrong. “That sounds great.” I smiled, “let’s have tea and then I will call a cab.” A smile crossed his lips as he turned and continued towards the front door. “I’m sorry about what happened earlier.” Caleb’s apologetic voice called out as he moved around his kitchen. “It’s okay.” I replied softly, “everyone has their issues and yours and Damian’s seem to run deep.” Silence met the air between us as he set the kettle on the stove and prepared our cups. “Yeah…” He replied after a moment, “it’s a shame too because we used to be close.” As the tea was sat in front of me, I picked it up without hesitation and sighed into the delicious taste that filled my mouth. On long days, the best cure is always a cup of tea or, at least that is what my mother told me growing up.

I remembered sitting around the dining table with her after a rough day at school, and she would make me a cup of tea while we talked about what happened. Those were memories I cherished. *Thank you for being so kind and caring,” I replied with a smile. “I am just doing what any caring person would do, Ivy.” Something about the way that Caleb spoke set my nerves on edge. A smirk lay on his face that seemed more off than usual. Nodding my head slowly, I gave a small smile and fiddled my fingers around my cup. “I appreciate that.” I muttered softly, “I think I am going to call that cab now. I’m sure people are beginning to wonder where I am.” Standing to my feet, I stumbled a bit. My eyes blurring slightly and my head foggy. It wasn’t a feeling I had before, and with every step I took, I felt my body become heavier and heavier. “Are you okay, Ivy?” Caleb’s voice replied from behind me. An uneasy feeling settled in my stomach. “Perhaps, you should sit down.” Panic set into my veins as I tried to grasp a handle on myself and found it impossible to do. “What’s wrong with me?” I asked breathlessly. Unable to stand any longer, my legs finally gave out, and my body collapsed to the floor. A cry of pain left my lips as I tried to understand what was happening to me. “You don’t look good at all.” Caleb taunted, his heavy footsteps echoing against the wood floor as he approached me slowly “Wha-” I stuttered my head throbbing with a dull ache, “what did you do to me?” There was no doubt about it. The situation I was in wasn’t normal, and now I was questioning my judgment towards men. Had I misunderstood everything? Was Caleb really the devil in disguise? The fluttering of my heart as it raced echoed in my ears, and slowly Caleb’s face came into view as he crouched down near my face with a grin spread across his lips.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“Oh, my sweet dear, Ivy.” He replied shaking his head, “I didn’t want things to be like this. Honestly, I thought you were warming up to me. Then Damian made the spectacle he did today, and I knew I couldn’t waste any more time.” “What?” I cried out in pain and confusion. “Please… I don’t understand.” “I know you don’t, but don’t worry, I will explain everything to you.” He replied standing to his feet. Caleb POV For too long I had endured the idiocy that was Damian. The man wasn’t the Alpha his people needed, and instead of being cast aside and one of his other brothers taking over, they accepted him with open arms. Yet, they didn’t know the man like I did. Growing up in the pack, there was a moral code you went by. A standard that was meant no matter what. It was what was instilled upon us since we were pups, and Damian failed at it all. It didn’t matter if he and his brothers were orphans- they didn’t belong here. My eyes cast down to Ivy, who lay on the floor helpless to the drug I had given her. She wanted to know the truth. So who was I to deny her of that? “Damian never deserved to be Alpha.” I stated, “he was a piece of shit when we were kids, and he still is to this day. Always thinking that he was better than everyone else, and never taking anything serious.” | sneered at the memories that tried to resurface. “What does this have to do with me?” She whispered softly, the medication I gave her working double- time as I hoped. “It has everything to do with you, Ivy and in time you will know the details.” Her eyes slowly fluttered until her lashes brushed against her cheek. It was the sign that I had been waiting for. Grabbing the duffel bag from my sofa, I carried it towards my car, quickly preparing to leave for my next location. The brothers would soon come looking for their mate, and it meant that my time in my home was coming to an end. It wasn’t for nothing though. I had played my part within this town for long enough, and now that I had what I had been waiting for, I was going to move to the next part of my plan.

Constant buzzing from my pocket caused me to groan in irritation. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I watched my the good little wolf’s name cross the screen. “Ah, I was wondering when you would call.“ “Yeah, well I have been busy as always. Did you get her?” She replied with irritation. A chuckle left my lips at her tone, “of course I did. We will be heading that way in just a minute.” “Well, you better hurry,” she snapped, “They are up at the school looking for her. Considering the argument you had with Damian they will be coming to your place next. The last thing you need to do is get caught with her in your possession.” The news was unpleasant, and as much as I didn’t appreciate the way she was speaking to me, the girl had a point. I needed to be quick, “alright. We will see you tomorrow.” Hanging up my phone, I slid it back into my pocket before jogging back inside. Ivy’s body lay sleeping on the wooden floor of my living room, her hair sprawled around her like a halo. “Soon, my dear, things will change in my favor, and I will be able to show you what it’s like to be mated to a real wolf.” The thought itself made the bulge in my jeans tighten in excitement. I had wanted this girl since the first day I had seen her. Now, that I had her there was no way I would let her go.