The Alpha's Mate Who Cried Wolf novel Chapter 21

"I'll be eighteen in five days. I used to live with my dad, a forty-five-minute walk from here," I reply. 

"How exciting! You'll meet your wolf this week!"She says excitedly. I give a fake smile. 

"Yeah, so excited..." I say with a tinge of sarcasm and sadness-the phone rings. 

"I better get back to my desk downstairs," Brooke says, running downstairs in her court shoes. I answer the phone. 

"Zenith Creations. Astrid is speaking. How may I help you?" I ask. 

"It's me. Zenith. Make us both a latte and bring them to my office," he says, ending the call. I push open his door with the lattes in my hands and put them on his desk. 

"You've done well today, Astrid," he says. 

"Thank you," I reply, sipping my latte. 

"We need to discuss your living arrangements. You can stay in the packhouse with the boys and me if you're comfortable doing so," Zenith offers.

I pause in thought at his offer. I don't have anywhere to stay, and I don't want to live with his sons. So, what choice do I have? 

"Okay, just for now, though," I smile, accepting his offer. 

"Good. It's settled then," Zenith smiles, sipping his latte.

At 5 pm, I follow Zenith to the elevator. John and James follow behind. 

"You can hop in with me," James offers, smiling. 

"Thank you. I'll go with your Dad," I say, smiling.

I get into Zenith's car. A vital phone call takes his attention for the duration of our ride home. Finally, we arrive, and I see a sign that reads Shady Crest. I gulp. Wait, this is the Pack Vanessa and Alice lived! The Pack abused Vanessa and used her as the pack slave. 

"Is something wrong?" John asks, staring at me.

"No, I'm just admiring the house. It's so lovely," I say, trying to contain my nerves. His house is large and impressive. It’s not as big as Ryker's, but still gorgeous. The car stops. Zenith opens his door and helps me out. My court shoes crunch on pristine white gravel.

"Are you okay, Astrid? You're shaking," he says. 

"I'm fine. I'm cold," I lie, rubbing my arms. 

"Let's go inside." 

We walk up the twenty stone steps to a glossy green front door and walk inside into a foyer. Zenith puts his black leather case on a nearby table with his coat.