Love & Tribulations

Chapter 4

Rose's POV

I had been staring down at a report for a few minutes, re-reading the same line. I can't seem to concentrate, everything about that woman drew me in, like I was being hypnotized. The entire interaction was utterly out of character, as if I couldn't control myself. It's been well over a month, so why can't I get her off my bloody mind.

I sighed, closing my eyes, already drained from the countless meetings I attended throughout the day. My final meeting will be with the new alpha of the nearby pack. I need to go clear up some rumors concerning the cause of the previous alpha's death.

They had already questioned the group of individuals I had sent over to assist a few weeks prior. I had no problem confirming my innocence if it meant gaining the new alpha's trust. I had to ensure that they intended to keep the truce between us as well. I'm just hoping this new alpha doesn't want my head on a spike.

Again, my mind wanders back to that woman. Every detail of her was seared on my mind. She was so beautiful, her wolf was majestic with her white thick coat of fur. I'd never been so intrigued by a wolf before. When she transformed into her human form, I couldn't help but take her all in.

Her mixed skin and hazel eyes sent shivers across my entire being. She had curly, long brown hair and light freckles fanning out from her nose. Her face was flawlessly sculptured, and her cheekbones were perfectly shaped.

I instantly knew she was my mate, my insides were screaming at me. She was so effortlessly breathtaking, that I couldn't help but want to touch her; the urge to just feel her skin was almost unbearable. The scent of her blood made my mouth water, I've never smelt blood so enticing before.

I was jolted out of my thoughts when Elias, my brother, came into my office. He had medium length, wavy brown hair, blue eyes, and was the same height as me.

"Are you ready?" he asked as I rose from my seat, shaking off whatever trance I was in.

"I need to check with Caleb first, I'll find you when I'm done", I responded, walking out the door. Caleb is my advisor, and one of my close friends.

"What did you need me for?" I asked, entering his office. He had black medium-length hair and gray eyes. He was a few inches shorter than I was.

"It's just some paperwork you need to sign for the changes you made." He said handing me a folder.

"Thanks", I replied sarcastically, causing him to shake his head.

"You know, you could reconsider delegating some of your work", he suggested.

"Yeah, because it worked out so well last time", I responded, walking out of his office to find my brother.

When we arrived at the pack's region, we were escorted in by a man named James. We were met with nothing but glares as we made our way to a large mansion, it was breathtaking. He led us inside and asked us to wait a moment outside an office.

We sat down and waited for the alpha to question me. It instantly hit me, the spring-like scent of lily of the valley, spicy with hints of lemon, so green and sweet. My gaze was drawn to the door as it opened. Mate.

I bit my lower lip as my gaze wandered over her white buttoned-up shirt, which clung to her curves wonderfully. She was dressed in black pants and heels, with her hair flowing freely down her back. She was a goddess.

"Ms. Vlaire, I will see you now", she stated coldly, breaking me out of my daze. Wait, she's the new alpha? I thought to myself as I stood up and walked to the office, leaving Elias outside to wait.

She gestured towards a seat at the front of the desk, as she made her way behind it. There were four guards in the room along with James.

"I'm Alpha Ezra Pierce, I requested you here to confirm that you were not involved in my father's death", she spoke with such a callous tone that I couldn't believe this was the same woman I met in the woods. What I heard was anger, yet I could feel the pain in her words.

"Of course, my condolences", I replied softly. It was heartbreaking to learn she had lost her father. She nodded and glanced at me with a frigid expression over her delicate features. Her eyes were dull, as if she was on the verge of hopelessness.

Werewolves have the ability to detect lies, and while the interrogation never deviated from the matter at hand, the amount of information she gathered from me was unsettling. My whereabouts, affiliations, and my people. The air was strained, and her words were sharp and to the point.

After she finished questioning me, she appeared slightly relieved, but the discontent in her eyes drove me to act without thinking again. I promised her that I would do all in my ability to assist her in locating those responsible. I knew I was acting recklessly, but the glint of hope in her small smile seemed enough to justify my actions.

She told James to announce my clearance and ordered the guards out to return to their posts. We discussed matters with the truce, and she assured me that it was still in effect, which set my mind at ease.

"I would like to stay a few days with my brother to observe how my people are handling the shift in leadership", I requested.

"Of course, I'll prepare rooms for you both; if you have any trouble finding your way around, please let me know", she spoke as she stood up and extended her hand toward me. For a short moment, the sparks that ignited my body as our hands connected caused me to stop breathing.

We locked gazes, and I was lost beyond the point of no return. Heartache, sorrow, torment, and so much more bled from those magnificent orbs, speaking volumes more than words could ever express. We heard a knock on the door, and she averted her gaze. I hadn't realized we were still holding hands until she withdrew hers from my grasp.

"Come in", she answered, clearing her throat slightly before returning to her seat. When James came in to drop something off, she urged him to arrange rooms for us to stay.

Our eyes met again, and I quickly turned away, only to discover my brother standing at the door like a lost puppy. Elias introduced himself and thanked Ms. Pierce for allowing us to stay before James brought us up to our rooms.