Page 18

Sara woke up feeling reinvigorated. She seldom has a good night's sleep and consciously acknowledge that it was restful and blissful. But once she noticed her surroundings, Sara was confused, alarmed, and amazed.

"Where am I?" She asked herself. The moment Bowen's strong scent registered in her brain, she knew.

She scanned the enormous and fine interior of the room.

She approved of the minimalistic taste in design and color tone of the entire room.

She was fascinated by the room that she noticed late that she was alone in the room.

Her mind debated if it was a good thing or a bad thing.

And as if on cue, the door opened. Bowen already anticipated that Sara is awake.

He was left breathless with the sight of Sara fresh from slumber.

Her hair was tangled.Her left cheek still bears a faint pinkness, the impression of her knuckles lingering as if they'd been her pillow.

But despite those, Sara looked radiant and peaceful.

Bowen smiled at her. "Good morning. I took the liberty of carrying you last night and have you sleep in my room and on my bed.

You are never entering your former room again!

I already had someone buy you new clothes and stuff as your old ones are unfit for use.

For the meantime, Trin lend you few pieces of clothes that you can use. "

The last statement made Sara raised an eyebrow. "Hmmm, I am not sure about the last part. Trin and I have a different sense of style. I do appreciate the gesture, though."

"You can by all means borrow my shirt if you want." Bowen offered as mischief danced at the corner of his eyes.

Sara stood now. "Thank you but I'd rather try Trin's." She looked around wondering where the bathroom is. Then she thought for a moment. "Wait, why was I in your room again?"

"Because with the elder witch still out there, you are still in danger. As part of your protection, you stay close to me at all times." Bowen informs.

"I want my own room. At least the room next to yours, but not here. It does not seem right for me to be here....with you." She reasoned.

"No." Bowen quipped. "The bathroom is there. Freshen up because after breakfast, you and Trin will appear in front of King Adar's witch. It's the moment of truth." Bowen ordered then left the room without giving Sara any room for complaints.

As Bowen walked out of the room, Sara rolled her eyes. "It's the moment of truth." Sara scoffed.

Sara finished her marvelous shower. She wore a white towel over her wet hair and a white robe as she inspects Trin's clothes.

However, the smell of coffee got her attention.

She found a tray of sandwiches, cookies, and coffee by the side table.

The smell of the coffee was divine. She took the cup and decided to sit on the floor because she does not want to damage Bowen's elegant settee with her wet robe.

One sip from the cup and she groaned in appreciation. "Ohhhh!"

Sara got startled as Bowen abruptly opened the door and entered the room. His eyes got dark when he saw Sara's exposed legs.

"You will be the death of me." He murmured.

Sara became self-conscious, set the coffee cup on the floor, and stood up, adjusting her robe as she rose. "What the hell? Don't you knock?" She went for defensive than abash.

"This is my room, remember." Bowen countered. "You shouldn't be moaning that loud if you do not want me here." He warned.

Moaning? Sara thought, what could he mean, now. Oh! She realized now. The coffee!

"Jeez, it was the coffee giving me full satisfaction!" She teased and tested Bowen's composure.

Bowen growled and in seconds was holding Sara in her arms. "Should I be jealous of that coffee?"

Sara laughed heartily. "Oh, Alpha Bowen! Yes, you are way out of your league with that coffee pot. I suggest you keep that coffee away from Trin, too or you may end up without any mate at all!" She jest.

Sara was still snickering when Bowen stole a kiss from her. Sara stilled and battled between pushing him away or pulling him closer. Her hate prevailed. "Stop!" Sara pleaded.

Bowen stopped. Dismay is etched on his face. "I'm sorry. Dress up now and meet us at my office." He caressed Sara's cheek, finding it hard to distance himself from her. One more endearing look and then he walked out again.

Sara released a deep breath. She is mentally conflicted over her reaction to everything Alpha Bowen.

Sara decided on Trin's white casual dress. When she looked at the mirror, she thought it was not that bad. It was a bit low on the neckline but it will do. Her chest could contend with that of young Trin's and so the dress fit just fine.

Sara knocked on Alpha Bowen's office. Davos opened the door for her. Davos already gave her the look. As soon as Trin saw her, she was itching already to comment on her get up. Davos and Trin exchange looks and were chortling.

"Thank you, Trin, for lending me some clothes." Sara said seriously hoping to stop the two's teasing.

"You look hot, Sara!" Trin erupted in excitement.

"You should really put on a jacket over your skimpy dress." Davos suggested, still grinning. "The alpha will not be able to talk at all with you looking that- charming!"

Even before Sara could make a rebuttal that Trin's outfit is way more daring, Bowen entered the room with a middle-aged woman. Mystery and solemnity is stamped on the witch's face.

Trin, Davos, and Sara quieted and gathered towards the conference table. Bowen looked shocked upon seeing Sara but the witch took the floor with her greetings.

The witch in black robe said, "ahhh, finally ladies, we meet at last!" She took a good look at Trin and Sara which the two found uncomfortable. "I am Isolde, a witch at the alpha king's service." Trin and Sara nodded.

"Isolde, have a seat here." Bowen offered and pointed at a chair on the right side of the table. Davos led Trin and Sara to sit at the left side as he took the chair next to Isolde. Bowen, of course, sat at the head of the table.

"Now, on to business. I was called here to help Alpha Bowen identify his true mate.

I thought it would be a simple task, but my entourage was wiped out on my way here.

Humbly, now I realize this was a grave task.

And being here in the same room with you two, I could already sense a very strong presence of black magic.

" Isolde started with an ominous observation.

Sara's skin begun to form goosebumps.

The witch stood and shouted, "luna!"

Isolde explicitly pointed a finger at one of the ladies.