CHAPTER 5

Amelia was not having much fun. With every day that went by, the enormous manor that was now her home began to resemble a gilded cage. In search of something to occupy her wandering thoughts, she ended up wandering into the kitchen. She met the pack's chef, Kate, who had earlier informed her that Amelia's mother-in-law would be stopping by.

Amelia took a deep breath to calm herself down and walked up to Kate, who looked confused instead of surprised.

"Mrs. Amelia! What... what are you doing here?" Kate raised her eyebrows and asked.

Amelia smiled broadly in an attempt to reassure the chef. Since you are the chef, I figured I could take over for a while since I heard my mother-in-law was coming. Is that okay?

Kate's eyes widened. "Mrs. Amelia, I fear that might not be a wise decision. I doubt our Alpha would be in favor of it."

Even though Amelia could see doubt in Kate's eyes, she answered, "Oh, I do not think he would care." "Please, Kate. Who is going to discover if you remain silent?

Kate wavered her affection for Amelia and her allegiance to the Alpha at odds. Perhaps because her mother had also been human, Kate had developed a liking for the human woman in contrast to many other members of the pack. Admiring Amelia's glistening blue eyes and endearing personality, she could see why the Alpha might have been drawn to her despite their unusual union.

At last, Kate gave in. "This entire kitchen is yours," she declared as she moved aside.

With a mission to make her mother-in-law proud, Amelia got to work in the kitchen. Her thoughts turned to what had happened the night before as she was cooking. No matter how hard she tried to concentrate on the task at hand, the memory of Bruce's touch sent an electric current through her body.

"Aww!" Distraction taking over, Amelia cried out as she burned herself on a hot pot.

Kate's voice interrupted Amelia as she was plating the meal, saying, "I see you are finished." "Hopefully, it tastes as good as it appears. She has already arrived."

Amelia felt her heart jump up in her throat. "Already?" she gasped, her nerves snapping.

Kate smiled encouragingly. "I am sure she will like you, so do not worry."

Amelia nodded, taking another deep breath to settle herself, and headed to the living room. As she opened the door, she was greeted by the sight of a blonde-haired woman with striking features reminiscent of Alpha Bruce. The woman's face was a mask of cold indifference, causing Amelia to falter momentarily.

"Good day, Mrs. Caroline. I'm—"

"Amelia," Bruce's mother cut her off sharply. The look on her face morphed from indifference to thinly veiled hostility. "How much do you need?"

Amelia blinked, confused. "I'm sorry?"

"How much money do you want to get as far away from my son as possible?" Caroline clarified, her voice dripping with disdain.

The words hit Amelia like a physical blow. She had hoped to make a good impression on her mother-in-law, but it seemed Caroline had no interest in even giving her a chance.

"But Mrs. Caroline, I don't think—"

"Don't you have any manners?" Caroline interrupted again, her voice rising. "You're not just a human, but an uncultured one at that. I've made myself clear. Name your price and leave this place immediately."

Amelia's mind raced. She knew her marriage to Bruce was essentially a business arrangement, but she had signed a contract. Running away wasn't an option unless she wanted Bruce to hunt her down and take her to court.

Amelia managed to say, her voice hardly audible above a whisper, "I am afraid I can not do that."

The golden flash in Caroline's eyes served as a sharp reminder of her otherworldly status. Unable to help herself, Amelia recoiled as she realized how exposed she was to these strong creatures.

Caroline growled, "I do not care if you want to leave or not." "I already found someone who is much more worthy of my son than a pitiful person."

Amelia heard the door open behind her before she could process this statement. She turned to see a young lady walk into the room. Amelia could not help but notice how the newcomer, who shared Bruce and Caroline's blonde hair, seemed to fit right into this world that Amelia had been thrust into.

Amelia felt the woman get closer, and her heart almost stopped. The dawn of recognition was accompanied by a wave of disbelief and shock.

"Ema?" Staring at her best friend from the human world, Amelia gasped.

Ema's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed again in an instant. "Amelia? What are you doing here?"