Grace POV:

I jolt awake from my deep slumber panting with sweat marring my forehead. I lean against the bed frame and catch my breath.

I tightly close my eyes and try to erase the images from my mind. The same nightmare I've had for the past 3 is a recurring thing. Dreams about that night haunt me constantly and leave me restless. Most nights I get sleep undisturbed, and some days I have nightmares about the bloodshed I had witnessed.

I can't help but hate Arsen after those dreams. Knowing that he's the reason for my pain leaves me unsettled. The fact that he's my mate adds more fuel to the fire. Knowing I won't get anymore sleep, I rub my eyes and slowly observe my surroundings. Last time I checked I was in the infirmary, now I'm in a bedroom.

My legs are stretched on a queen size bed in a modern looking room. A dresser sits across from me with a T.V hanging above it. A bathroom resides in the far corner of the room and next to it is a window with a full view of the forest that stretches for miles. The room doesn't have any indication that anyone uses it leading me to think its the guest room.

I begin to panic as I realize that I'm in the house of the man who killed my family.

Quietly getting up, I stretch my muscles knowing I won't have time for it later when I make a run for it. I grab my shoes and throw them on and quickly run a hand through my knotted hair. Slowly I open the door of the room and take a peek. I look left and right before silently stepping out, closing the door behind me.

I descend down the stairs as fast as I can. Barely anyone is awake since it's the break of dawn which gives me an advantage.

Catalina says as she paces back and forth in my mind.

She will never understand why. She is blinded by the fact that she has found her mate.

I ignore her and continue to walk down the hall. I turn the corridor and spot the door leading me out of the pack house. I bolt over to it and begin to fiddle with the lock but quietly curse under my breath when I see the complicated locks on the door. I continue to try to unlock the door but no avail. Suddenly someone's hand lands on my shoulder and I jump in fright and turn around.

A girl stands there with the biggest smile on her face. She has a tiny face and auburn hair that falls a little past her shoulders. She's absolutely stunning.

Suddenly she pulls me into a tight hug that practically squeezes the life out of me. Not knowing what to do, I stand there with my arms limp to my sides. After a few seconds she pulls back and squeals. "I am so excited to finally meet you. My names Macy. I'm Arsen's awesome sister." She says as she extends her hand towards me.

I hesitantly take her hand and give it a brief shake before pulling back. "Look, I'm your brothers mate, but I really need to leave." I rush out while I frantically look around to see if Arsen is anywhere near. The smile completely wipes off her face and she looks towards me with a confused look.

"What do you mean you need to leave? Arsen won't be too happy with that. Plus, you just got here. We need to get to know each other." She says linking our arms together and begins dragging me somewhere.

I sigh loudly before following. She soon stops in front of a door and we walk into the kitchen. As soon as I walk in, two pairs of eyes turn towards me. It was the two betas from yesterday. I avert my gaze look somewhere else. "Mason, Nick." Macy acknowledged them as she pulled me farther into the kitchen. "Hey Macy, Luna." They both said as they bowed their heads.

My head shot up at the acknowledgment as I vigorously began shaking my head. "No, please don't call me that. Grace is fine" I said. I didn't want anyone giving me that title. I don't intend on staying here and don't want any attachments.

"As you wish Grace." Mason I think said.

It became silent before Macy started talking about some trouble the children of the pack got into. From what I picked up they had played a prank on Arsen while he was sleeping and his reaction was, as Macy said, "to die for".

I stayed quiet for the most part, but slowly after them starting a conversation with all of them I began feeling more comfortable. We all joked and laughed for a while. But it was when Nick began imitating and mocking Arsen when I lost it and burst out laughing. It felt like the first time in ages that I had laughed like that and it felt good. We were all laughing so much that we didn't realize someone else had joined us. That someone was Arsen. His arms were crossed and he had an eyebrow raised with a questioning look on his face.

We all quieted down but Mason and Nick let out a snicker here and there.

"What's going on? Anyone care to let me in on what's so funny." He drawled out.

"Nope." Macy said as she popped the P.

"Fine, I'll just ask Grace." Said Arsen before my eyes met with his. I soon felt myself getting lost in them again as our eyes remained locked on each other. We continued to just look at each other, and it was when we heard the door close, we both snapped out of it.

I cleared my throat and averted my gaze towards anything but him.

I heard him cough before saying, "Um, sorry that you had to wake up in an unknown place. I hope you didn't mind that I carried you to the room. I saw you sleeping on the uncomfortable bed so I moved you to the guest room."

"It's fine. Thanks for your consideration." I replied as a burst of happiness and contentment flew through me as I realized how considerate he had been to make sure I was comfortable. Maybe he cared.

Before he or I could say anything else, my stomach decided to make the sound of the dying whale and let its hunger be known. My cheeks immediately turned red as I peeked at Arsen through my lashes.

He let out a hearty laugh before walking towards me. "Come on, breakfast is ready in the dining hall." He said before grabbing my hand.

Sparks flew between us as shocks of electricity went through my veins. I looked towards Arsen to see that he was already looking at me. He gave me a small smile as I stared into his eyes. There, I saw the admiration in them. Right then I decided that just for a few hours I'd forget. I would allow myself to let my guard down and feel what it's like to have a mate.

With that said, I tightened my grip on his hand and returned the smile. And for the first time, I felt like maybe, just maybe one day I'd be able to accept the bond between us.

-*-*-*-*-*

Yay! Another update. This ones a little late.

This week was hectic but I'm back and ready.

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter!

I'll see you all soon!