Chapter 8 EIGHT

J A D E

A blue colored bird that looked beautiful. It was the prettiest creature I have ever seen.

"I found it near the park, and thought of you," He said.

I was overwhelmed by his generosity. The last gift I got was from my mom.

It was a silver necklace with a wolf pendant, and I still had it, it was my only reminder of her.

"Thank you, I love it. Do you think I can name it?"

"Sure."

"Hmm, let me think. Bluey! Yes, that's a perfect name. Look at his blue wings, it's the same color as his body. Don't you think it's pretty?"

"Yeah, just like you."

"Oh, hush. Come on, Bluey, let's play together. I can't wait for you to meet Eliza. She's the sweetest girl ever. You guys would be best friends."

"Do you have any pets, little wolf?"

"No. My old alpha would never allow it. But, I have a secret friend."

"Is that so?" I could detect the anger in his voice even if he tried to hide it. There was a slight growl, and his eyes darkened.

"Yup. He's a rabbit and his name is Jack. He's white and has beautiful fur. Sometimes, I would sneak out at night to visit him and give him food. But when Mason found him, he killed him." I said, sadly. Jack had been my only companion, but Mason and his father would rather die than see me happy so they killed hum out of spite. I remember grieving over my pet rabbit for days. It was a painful memory.

"What a sick fuck." Markov gritted out.

"Yeah. I was devastated. Anyway, it doesn't matter now. I have a new friend, and this time, no one is taking him away from me," I said, as I petted Bluey's head.

"Don't worry, little wolf. He's safe with us. He's all yours and you can take care of him. Just don't forget to feed him. I'll bring you a bird cage and all the necessities that he needs tomorrow."

"Really? You'll do that for me?" I asked, looking up at him.

"Anything for you, my love."

"I don't know how to repay you. You're being so nice and kind to me. I can't even begin to explain how thankful I am."

"You don't have to repay me. Your happiness is all I want."

"Still, there has to be something I can do. Anything."

"Well, if you insist." He smirked.

"Yes, please."

"Come here," He ordered.

"Huh?" I said, suddenly feeling shy.

"Just come closer, little wolf."

"Why?" I asked, as I moved towards him.

"Because, I want to do this," He whispered, before he cupped my cheeks, leaning down and pressing his lips against mine.

Markov was kissing me. Again.

I felt my eyes widen, but then, I closed them, and relaxed. I kissed him back, feeling him smile against my lips.

His kiss was gentle, but there was a hint of passion in it. I felt sparks go through my body, and a wave of heat engulfing me.

His hand snaked around my waist, pulling me closer and I wrapped my hands around his neck.

And all of a sudden, I felt my wolf growl, tugging me away from him.

What the hell was wrong with her?

"Get away from me!" She snarled.

"What's wrong?" I asked her.

"T-this man is a –"

Before she could finish her sentence, she crawled back to the back of my mind and I was left feeling confused.

What had gotten into her?

"My wolf has been acting strange since you saved me. Maybe it's a side effect. She's just scared, that's all." I lied.

"That makes sense. Are you sure she's okay?" He asked, sounding concerned.

"Yeah. I think I'll go and rest, it's getting late. Goodnight, Markov."

"Goodnight, my love."

I left him in the living room, and hurried up the stairs, my mind running a thousand miles per hour.

Something was wrong.

The way she growled at him and her hostility towards him was unnatural.

My wolf would never do that. She would have enjoyed the kiss, not push me away from our mate.

What did she mean when she was going to say, Markov is a –?

He was a shifter, and he was my mate.

I had no reason to doubt him, right?

Right.

---

I was sitting in my room, reading a book while Bluey was in his cage, sleeping soundly.

The next morning, Markov brought a huge cage and all the bird necessities. He was surprised that Bluey was already eating fruit from my hand, but I told him it was because I was feeding him the first day.

"What are you doing in here? Why aren't you with your friends?" I asked, closing my book and looking at Eliza. She was wearing a pair of black leggings and a crop top. Her long, blond hair was braided into two braids. She had her usual black eyeliner on and a small amount of makeup. She was dressed ready to go outside.

"I came to see if you wanted to join us. We're going to the clubhouse. We have a bar and a pool table. You'll like it." She offered.

"Really? You're inviting me out with you?"

"Yeah, you've been locked in this room for too long. Plus, Markov won't stop talking about you, so this will shut him up for a bit," she said, making me laugh.

"You're not going to tell me that I'm not welcome there or anything?"

"Jade, what is this place?"

"I don't know, the pack maybe?" I asked, sarcastically.

"It's a clubhouse. It's a place where members can relax and have fun. And you're a member, which means you're free to come and go as you please. It's your home. Our home. So, don't be silly, let's go."

"But, Markov doesn't like me leaving the house."

"Don't worry, he'll be busy with the boys. And besides, we'll have our own girls' night. Come on, get changed and we can go," She said.

I jumped off the bed and rushed to the wardrobe.

I opened the drawers and rummaged through the clothes. I chose a pair of jeans, and a white, lacy shirt.

I stripped down, and pulled on the jeans, followed by the shirt.

I went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth, before I pulled my hair into a messy ponytail.

"You look great," Eliza commented.

"Thanks." I gave her a smile.

"Let's go," She said, grabbing my arm and pulling me out of the bedroom.

I locked the door and followed her outside. The sun was shining brightly, and it was a perfect day.

We made our way inside the clubhouse. There were people everywhere.