Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Chapter 1: Konnorónhkwa

~Alice~

The last of the customers had left for the evening, the travelers all nestled into their beds. I finished off my glass of apple cider and offered to help Corrine clean the bar and tables. It was a comfortable silence as it had been most of the day. Corrine was a nice lady who just needed company, and I was happy to give her such.

Connor was catching up on much needed rest. Achilles was growing weaker by the day and it was a blessing when I was able to escape the mansion. I had promised them both to be back before dawn. Mostly Connor. Lord knows what would happen if I failed to be back on time.

Corrine hummed quietly to herself but begin to look up every so often to study me. Just as I finished sitting the last chair upon the table, she slapped her towel down, put her hands on her hips, and glared.

"Now dear, you have had the same look all day. What's troubling you?" I scratched the back of my neck and laughed nervously. Corrine wasn't budging. "Sit." She pointed at the stools still pressed against the counter. I sighed and followed her directions.

Corrine walked around the bar and leaned against it, arms supporting her chest. "Spill it."

"I don't know what you're-"

"I haven't gotten this old by being stupid. I know trouble when I see it." I laughed and shook my head. Corrine followed suit before the seriousness settled back in. It was true. I had been thinking deeply on a matter I knew Connor not Achille's would appreciate.

Visiting home.

Not for my father. But my mother. She had become fragile after Jax passed. Father was so infuriated he refused to gather the body, despite mother's wishes. This was all included in the last letter I had gotten from her. Right after Jaxon had died.

They had fled to Europe for a few months until Mother begged to come back. She had sent the letter which included a date at the place where I once called home.

"Do you have children, Corrine?" Her eyes lost that little but of light for a split second. Then, it all clicked in my head. "I'm sorry-"

"No, no. It's fine." But the way her smile faltered didn't reassure me. "Lucas died two years ago. He was the main reason why Oliver and I were on the move. Why do you ask?" My tongue felt dry like I hadn't drank in days. I couldn't fall back now.

"What if Lucas ran away? You were angry and disappointed in him. Would you want him to come back home?" Corrine looked at me as if I were crazy.

"Of course I would. I'll let you in on a little secret." Corrine leaned in closer and I mirrored her actions. "A mother never stops loving her child Alice. You could punch your mother straight in the jaw and she wouldn't stop loving you. She may not like you at all, but the love is still there."

"Thank you." I sighed and still felt her gaze upon me. "One last question?"

"Of course, my dear." I fiddled with my thumbs beneath the counter before lifting my head. Her eyes were filled with knowledge I had yet to learn.

"Are father's just as easy to forgive?" Corrine's eyebrow crinkled in thought.

"I can't say anything from that point of view. Father's give more tough love to their children. But daddy's always forgive their little girls." I smiled to myself and stood from the stool. I laid down my money and turned to leave.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight Alice."

The hardest part was packing that night. Connor's light snoring was causing my nerves to stand on end. I loaded my clothing into a small sack and tucked money into a pouch. I would leave early in the morning after Connor left to hunt.

No notes or warnings.

I hid the bags deep inside the wooden closet and secured the latch. I slipped from my dress and changed back into my night gown. The soft silk felt heavenly as I climbed in beside Connor. Like a sudden attraction, he cradled me against his chest. His chin rested on the crown of my skull, fingers resting on my hips.

"What are you packing for?"

"I'm heading into town tomorrow. To meet an old friend." Connor backed off and stared down with questioning brown eyes.

"It isn't safe to communicate with anyone who might inform-"

"I got it, Connor. No need to repeat yourself." I yanked the covers over my shoulder with an angry huff. Connor didn't move for seconds on end, I could feel his eyes burning a hole in the back of my skull. "Sorry."

"Sleep." Connor shifted away, his warmth leaving my side. I mentally slapped myself for being so idiotic. I rolled so I was facing his back and curled my leg around his waist, arm slung over his broad shoulders. It must have been a comical sight. Connor being 2x my size.

"You can't stay mad." I teased him. The way his muscles relaxed from my words was a sure sign. I buried my nose into his hairline and inhaled the woodsy smell deeply. "I love you."

"Konnorónhkwa."

~Chapter End~

Thank you so much for the reads from the last story. I can't wait to show you what I have in store.