The Alpha and I

Chapter 41: Warm And Cold

Maib's POV*

  The sun is settling down and we are now at the doorsteps of a house.

  "You must be hungry now. Come on let's put something in your tummies," Laila, Lily's mother and my mom's eldest sister welcomed us with a big smile and warm hugs. Lisa also welcomed us but she's not happy to see me, I guess. She stayed silent after her greetings. Mom's youngest sister, Luisa, never leave Lisa's side. She is also distant. Henry consoled me by putting his hand around my waist. I assured him I am fine. Besides, I already had expected that they don't like this surprise visit. Lily and Laila lead the way to the kitchen. Their house isn't big. It's like a cottage and the materials are all local. Lisa and Luisa remained seated in the living room.

"How do you find our place?" Lily asked while we are taking seats.

"Really amazing. I like this house. It's homey and I love the fresh air!" I said, feeling hyper again.

Laila smiled. "Maria is happy wherever she is right now. Impossible it may seem but you're really here in flesh. Though Lisa does not like it, Anna Marie."

I know. And I knew why she's not happy to see me. But I remained silent. Laila continued talking. She has the same lips with Lily.

"So, this is the lucky man." She gazed at Henry. "Quite young but..." she studied him first before finishing her sentence." He is strong and capable of killing faeries. Tell me young man, how many creatures have you killed?"

I choked and coughed hard. My eyes met with Henry's. Looking into his eyes, I knew he didn't expect this kind of question. My god! I knew Lily is straighforward but her mom is worser than her. I grab Henry's hand from his side and pressed it gently. He is so relaxed even though my aunt is grilling him. He cleared his throat, glanced at me and face my aunt. I can't wait to hear his answer. Did he kill someone before?

"Twenty-two." Shit! He did kill someone before! Oh my God! I am literally shocked. I knew he's not human at all and his kind is prone to disaster. However, I never thought this man, at a very young age, had already killed twenty-two fucking creatures! I stared at Henry in disbelief. He didn't tell me that he murdered whatever creatures before. But then, I was slapped with my own mind screaming because I haven't ask him about it.

"Vampires? Faeries? Nymph?" Laila continued her interview. Lily butt in, she looked confused.

"Whoa! Wait, are you some kind of a hunter?"

Seriously Lily? I wanted to laugh but the atmosphere is serious. Someone served the food on table. My stomach rumbled when I saw the whole roasted chicken and potatoes.

"Seriously child? Can't you really see what's his kind?" Laila raised her brow while glaring to her daughter.

"Nope. And I don't give a shit if I suck in classifying creatures." She drink the glass of water straight up.

"Don't tell her. She'll know it anyway after two days." I said looking at Laila. She smiled and mouthed yes. Lily seemed not to care.

"Whatever. Let's eat. I wanted to sleep. And mother, let them rest and you talk tomorrow."

"Of course child." Another girl came in and served the same food. Lily started eating in not so lady like manner. She's using her bare hands.

"Eat my love," I hear Henry's whisper on my earlobe. When I check on him, I have known that he is eating with his bare hands too. Well, I am starving. Maybe we will not die if we eat without washing our hands. I mimicked his way of eating the chicken without the utensils. This is new experience to me. The chicken tasted juicy and the potatoes are sweet.

Later that night. Laila's hospitality didn't just end up in the kitchen. She showed us where Henry and I are going to sleep.

"You and this cottage are the only memories your mom had left us." She said while opening the door. I stepped inside together with Henry. Laila remained at the doorstep. "Some of your mom's stuff are in that box," she pointed the wooden in the corner. "Goodnight Anna Marie and Henry. I am happy to see you, my niece." I notice the small tear in her right eye.

"Thank you aunt Laila. It feels great to see you." We embrace each other. I am happy, truly happy. I am here, in my mom's land. "Let's talk tomorrow. I'll talk to Lisa and Luisa tonight." Laila moved backward and smiled sweetly.

"Goodnight auntie." I smiled back. Before she left us, she glanced at Henry and said,"You are in charge here tonight. Keep her safe, young man."

"As always."

"Lock the doors. Do not open it even if you hear a knock or call. In this village, we do not wander around at night. It's not safe here, always remember that. See you tomorrow." We hugged again then she's gone. I locked the door. I was surprise to see three different door's lock.

"I'll wash first." Henry's voice made me jump. I turned around to face him.

"You look exhausted Maib." He moved closer to me and his hand knuckles caress my face.

He's right. I am really tired. My wet clothes were dry now and I am pretty sure, I'll be sick tonight. I can taste flame in my throat up to my tongue. But my feet and fingers are cold.

"I wanted to sleep in your warm arms, Henry," I whispered while resting my head on his chest. He swooped me into his arms and carried me into the small bedroom.

"Can you make it to the bathroom?"he asked, slowly putting me down.

"I think so." I searched my cottony shorts and tank top in my bag.

He handed me the toiletress and in my weak health, I tried not to slide down when I was inside the bathroom. After the cold bath, I hurriedly wear my sleepwear. Then, a shiver went down my spine when I was out in the bathroom. I am freaking cold but inside, I am burning. Henry took his time to wash and I tucked myself into bed. I feel sorry for not looking into mom's stuff tonight. But I promised myself to check the box tomorrow. I am almost drifting into sleep when the bed dipped down. Two arms pulled me and I knew it was Henry because of his scent. My head is now resting on his lean shoulder. I move closer to him until my mouth and nose lay on his neck. My eyes are too tired to open. I am drifting into total sleep. But Henry's movement is keeping me half awake. My free hand crawled unto his face and poked his nose.

"Stop moving, I wanted to sleep here." I poked his nose again. He grabbed my hand brought it to his chest. He didn't utter even a single word but pulled me closer, wrapping his arms around me. "Goodnight my love," I whispered over his neck. He didn't respond but I knew he's awake because his fingers are stroking my arm. This time I opened my sleepy eyes to check on him. He is staring at me, intently.

"Henry, is there something wrong?" He smiled and shook his head. Now, this is weird. He is acting weird.

"Why aren't you talking?" I yawned and my eyes watered. I yawned again. I am really sleepy.

"Go to sleep, my love." Finally he has found his voice. It was deep and hoarse. His eyes were gloomy, though he is smiling at me.

"You're gloomy," I shove my sleepy head away. I have to know what keeps him sad.

"Maybe a kiss can melt it away?" I rolled my eyes. "Please, Maib." I rolled my eyes again. I thought and considered his plea. If my kiss can make him happy, then so be it. My small fingers intertwined with his messy hair. Then, my lips touched his burning mouth. Henry kissed me thirstly. He is nibbling my mouth and his tongue played with my warm tongue. I am so freaking aroused right now. Shit! I have to pull back. Just when I am about to move my head back, his hand hold my nape. He whispered sexily,"Don't deny what you feel, my love."