Moonlit Alpha

4

Sunlight tickled my nose as I fluttered my eyes open. An aching in my lower abdomen sent pain throughout my body as I tried to readjust. A cast was securely wrapped around my torso and my ankle was elevated— I felt like I was in a hospital room. But upon glancing around, it seemed more like a penthouse or an estate.

Memories of last night jogged through my mind. I did not know how much of it was true, but I did vividly remember the moment when Elijah turned into a demonic wolf. The image sent shivers down my spine.

It was probably just my eyes playing tricks on me. People can't turn into giant dogs— I was almost one hundred percent sure of that.

But something about the wolf from last night was familiar. As if on cue, I pictured the large, black dog from Central Park; its gaping fangs and monstrous claws made my cheeks run white.

My heart dropped as I put two and two together. The resemblance was uncanny; Elijah had looked just like that snarling creature from two nights ago. They were perfect mirror images of each other.

"Have you ever heard of Werewolves, Adeline?"

I wanted to convince myself that it was just a coincidence, but Klaus's sinister words filled my head. Over and over, his question repeated itself— each time was louder than the last.

Werewolves.

I hesitantly chomped down on my bottom lip, perplexed.

"Werewolf," I quietly mumbled as if I was trying out the word for the first time. It had an unusual ring to it— like it wasn't even a real word.

An arguing couple in the room parallel to mine broke my train of thought. My curious eyes wondered over to the joined wall; I tried to focus my hearing. I recognized the male to be Elijah, as his words were stone cold and harsh— like always. The woman, however, I couldn't peg. Her voice was light and filled with concern.

"She's just a young woman— barely twenty! You're going to be the reason she loses her life one day. Do you really want that?" The woman yelled.

"Of course not. But what do you want me to do? I can't leave her alone, now can I? Did you see how Klaus targeted her?" Elijah fumed. His words leaked from his lips along with a deep snarl.

"Then man up and claim her already. She's going to suffer if you don't. You know as well as I do that other wolves will target an unmarked mate— especially since she's yours."

I swallowed. What the hell were they talking about? I had a gut feeling that I was the person they were referring to— but nothing else made any sense.

"I don't want her to get hurt," Elijah's voice was softer now. "I don't know much about her, but my wolf seems to want her safe at all costs."

Then there was silence, leaving me alone with my heavy thoughts. I didn't know what to think— everything was so confusing. All I could do was wait in this bed for an explanation.

"Then do something about that."

Footsteps echoed outside of my room. Like a brass drum, my heart thumped sporadically— within moments, I'd get answers to my many questions. The door creaked open, allowing Elijah, who was dressed in a deep navy suit and maroon tie, to step forward.

My eyes hazily graced his figure— his hardening face seemed perplexed, yet concerned. His deep golden orbs softened as they met mine.

"Ms. Charlotte—"

"Adeline," I weakly croaked. Wincing, I sat up properly on the bed with the comforter still covering my abdomen. My ankle was still elevated on a stack of pillows, but my back was now propped up against the headboard.