Chapter 7: The Alpha’s Sister

Over the course of the following week, I kept mostly to myself. Cole and his roommates had some work they went off to everyday, so I had the penthouse to myself. I gave thought to going out and exploring Alexandria.

But, the image of that crazy Luna somehow finding me on the street kept me tucked safely inside of the penthouse which was very comfortable, with a workout room and indoor pool. If I wanted or needed anything, I could have it delivered.

If I ever needed fresh air, I could sit on the balcony outside of my room.

As I took in the view and looked down at the street, it occurred to me suddenly that this would be the first time I’d be living in a big city with so many humans. My life with Ms. Julie had been anchored in territory that was purely filled with shifters.

I had always been cautioned to just keep my distance from humans.

When I went back into my room, my eyes fell on the rucksack I’d abandoned in the corner since I got here. After taking out the cash and fake ID, I didn’t want to have anything to do with it and what it represented.

But for some reason, this morning my curiosity got the best of me. I rummaged through the bag and extracted the burner phone. A small voice in my head told me to throw it away. But there was another voice – Julie’s voice – telling me that I needed to reach this uncle.

I found the card with his information and then turned back to the phone. It was a burner phone, unopened. What was the harm in just calling the number? He could be worried about me. I should at least let him know that I was alright.

I unboxed the phone and slipped the SIM card and battery in place.

I was waiting for the phone to power up when a knock on the door startled me. Shoving the phone under my pillow, I went to answer the door.

I came face to face with a beautiful and slim woman. Her dark hair fell in delicate waves past her slim shoulders and seemed to cover her up more than the two-piece she was wearing.

“You do exist!” she squealed and stuck a hand out to me. “I’m Tessa Williams,” she introduced herself excitedly. “Cole’s half sister.”

I smiled and shook her hand, noticing that she had the same chocolate brown eyes as her brother.

“Cole told me not to bother you. But, I felt like I should at least check and make sure you were okay. There are so many rumors going around…”

“Rumors? About me?” I asked, feeling apprehensive at the thought. Who would be talking about me and why?

“Girl, you can’t get rescued in Alpha Cole’s private chopper and not expect a few tongues to make up stories about it,” she chuckled.

“What are they saying?”

“Usual petty nonsense.” She waved a dismissive hand in the air. “I came over for a swim. I thought it was only polite to ask you to join me.”

“I don't have a swimsuit.”

She giggled and waved her phone in my face. “There’s an app for that. One piece or bikini?”

I wanted to decline altogether and then she decided for me.

“One of each…” She clicked her manicured nails across the screen of her phone until she was satisfied.

The suits arrived in less than an hour and I chose the navy blue one piece over the bright red bikini. She pulled me into the kitchen where a fresh food spread waited at the breakfast bar so we could nibble and chat.

Despite her initial pushy intrusion, Tessa was a welcome change and a breath of fresh air, even though she found it hard to take a breath as she spoke.

When we did make it to the pool, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was warm and comfortable.

“I have to say, Kayleigh, you are nothing like what I expected…”

“What did you expect?” I asked with a frown.

She took a moment to look embarrassed.

“Well, the rumor was that you were a wounded rogue Cole found in the woods.”

I nodded. “That is true.”

“Well, he’s my brother and an Alpha, so… I’ve seen many so-called high born females go to idiotic lengths to get his attention.”

“I didn’t know your brother until last week,” I said. “He was just…”

I almost said that he was following me, but that was something I had yet to talk with him about.

“In the right place at the right time,” Tessa finished for me.

“Exactly.”

“Well, all the boys you met on game day seem to like you,” she told me, and I blushed, feeling like I should explain I wasn’t a party girl. “I like you too.”

“Thanks, I like you too,” I told her.

“Great. Tomorrow, I need to go out and do a little summer shopping. Will you come with me?”

“Sure,” I agreed.

“Wonderful! Well, might as well put this pool to good use,” she said and began swimming. I did the same.

We spent the entire day together and I was able to learn more about Cole.

“Our father died when he was fourteen. He’s had a regent take care of most of the pack business, but now that he’s twenty-one and has his wolf… You can only imagine the pressure he is under to find a Luna and get the next heir on the way.”

“Yes, I can imagine,” I told her, and then she gave me a pointed look. “Oh, no… I am not Luna material in any way I’m just… I’m nobody.”

She frowned a little but didn’t comment.

“He did say you could stay here, right?”

I nodded. I read something in her eyes but I couldn’t tell what it was. She gripped my hand.

“I just want my brother to be happy,” she said earnestly.

I didn‘t know how to respond to that.

“He has one more year before he finishes school, then he will be compelled to fully take the pack over.”

I nodded again, but didn’t see where that was my concern, so I decided to remain silent.

“Anyway…” She smiled away her somber tone. “It’s summer time now, so we will just party and worry about the pack’s future another day.”

I wasn’t entirely comfortable with the way she said 'we', but I didn’t think too much about it.

Cole returned to the penthouse to find us on the sofa watching a movie. His eyes shifted between us as if trying to decipher what we were up to.

Tessa waved an annoyed hand at him. “You can’t just keep her to yourself, Cole. Learn to share.”

He quirked an eyebrow at her but remained silent.

“I’m taking her shopping for real clothes,” she informed him and then, “Of course not!”

I looked between the two of them feeling as if I had missed something. She looked at me apologetically.

“Mindlink. He was asking me a rude question… I will be a good role model.”

“Oh…” I said surprised. “I’ve heard of packs having that.”

Her eyes widened as if it never occurred to her that rogues didn’t have mindlink because we weren’t a part of packs.

“Isn’t it time for you to get home?” Cole asked her, frustrated.

“Sleepover,” she announced to both of us at the same time.

Cole shook his head and walked away. “I’m headed back out. The frat has duty tonight, so you’ll have the space to yourselves.”

Tessa giggled triumphantly.

“What did he say to you in the mindlink?”

“Oh, he was concerned I might take you someplace edgy or inappropriate. He knows how much I like to party, and my orders are to be good and not put you in any danger. I’ve never seen my brother so concerned over anyone before.”

“Really?” I couldn't help blushing. I was the only one he was this concerned about?

“Yes, really,” she said, pinching my cheek. “I do have to head home and get changed. But, I will be back before sunset. You should get some rest.”

I went back to my room to lie down.

I couldn’t help thinking about the way Tessa spoke of Cole needing a Luna. I had the feeling she was hinting that I should apply for the position. She didn’t know that I was basically on the run and in hiding.

Being a Luna to an Alpha as wealthy as Cole would only bring me in the spotlight. Being anything to an Alpha like Cole would bring attention my way. Apparently, it already had. There were rumors spreading about Cole’s wounded rogue.

I realized then that I wouldn't be able to stay. I felt my heart squeeze in on itself at the thought of having to leave Cole. But as things were, it was just too dangerous for this rogue to get involved with such a high profile Alpha.