It has been five years since Strays took my parents. Even though a lot has passed, it still seems like yesterday. Everything has changed since that day. Although there was nothing I could have done to prevent their deaths, everyone in the Clan holds me responsible. Every pack respected my parents, who were formidable fighters. But now everyone stays away from me.

"Emma, wake up already!" Connor's voice and a thud against the closet door interrupt my sleep.

My heart is pounding as I startle awake. It is 5:30 a.m. I slept in too late.

I hastily get out of bed and swiftly tie my apron after removing it from the shelf. I get a slap across my face as soon as I swing the door open.

"Ugh!" I scream, clenching my cheek and giving Connor a fierce look.

Once my closest friend, Connor is now the Second in the Clan and is acting differently. He wasn't always a saint, but he seems like a different person now.

He grips my hair and complains, "Come on, lazy." I scratch at his arms as I attempt to push him away. "I'll make you regret it if you ever look at me that way again."

Frustrated, I spit at him. "Why do you behave this way toward me? You have not been harmed by me.

For a moment, he seems unsure of what to do and freezes. Then, without a word, he hugs me tightly.

He whispers, "Emma, I don't have a choice." "I apologize."

I feel his hold on me and blink in surprise. When was the last time he gave me a hug? It's been a long time.

He pulls away after a few seconds, and as he looks at the bruise that is developing on my cheek, I can see the sadness in his eyes. "You need to hurry," he says. "If you are late, Alpha will be furious. Tonight, come see me at Clearwater Lake. We'll work things out."

Even though I'm still perplexed by his unexpected generosity, I nod rapidly in appreciation for what he said.

I inhale deeply as Connor leaves. With the day I have ahead of me, I cannot allow myself to become sidetracked.

I try to ignore the looks as I rush down the hall. I try not to be bothered by the whispers that some people make as I walk by. As the whispers grow louder, I walk more quickly, nearly running.

I knock on Alpha Liam's office when I get there.

"You're late," he says inwardly.

He's standing at his desk when I open the door. His hazel eyes meet mine with their typical icy gaze, but today... something's different.

I lower my head and say, "I’m sorry, Alpha."" As you requested, I stayed up late last night to make sure everything was prepared for your parents' visit."

I'm surprised that he doesn't yell at me. For a moment, he just looks as if he's truly considering it.

"Stand up," he says quietly. "This time, I'll overlook it. You completed everything in a flash, and I nearly forgot that my parents would be visiting tomorrow." He lets out a sigh. "Just tidy up my workspace."

Uncertain of what just transpired, I blink. That was surprisingly pleasant.

I start working right away, attempting to maintain my concentration. I have just an hour or so before he returns to begin his regular tasks. I start by tidying his desk. Everywhere you look there are empty cups and wrappers. He adores his snacks. Before he comes back, I make sure everything is in order.

Then I see my name written on a sticky note: "Emma Hughes, possible mate."

I read it out loud with a frown. "Emma Hughes, possible mate?" Confused but too anxious to give it much thought, I hurriedly replaced the note.

I jump, feigning to be at work, as the door opens.

Alpha Liam returns an hour or so later, looking irritated.

He murmurs, "Move," and collapses on the couch. Reaching for the remote, he flips the TV on.

I take a step back and lower my head, prepared for whatever comes next. I pour him a glass of whiskey at the bar. By now, it's a habit. He takes the glass away from me, downs it all at once, and then returns it.

His fingers graze mine as I reach for the cup. I'm taken by surprise and get a weird shock. I drop the cup before I can react.

I mutter, "Oops," as I reach down to pick up the shattered pieces.

His voice is irritated but not as irate as usual as he says, "Just use a broom."

One of the pieces cuts my hand as I try to clean up, and I wince as blood begins to run down my wrist.

I pull my hand back and groan softly, "Ow."

Alpha Liam immediately notices. He approaches and gently takes hold of my wrist while examining the wound.

He says, "It’s just a cup," in a more relaxed tone. "It's not a big deal."

His hand is still on my wrist as he helps me up, but it feels different now. He leads me to the couch and says, "Sit here." "I'll clear the glass."

Perplexed, I sit. I'm not sure what to think as I watch him clean the shattered glass. He's usually cold and aloof, but today he's... not like that.

He whispers, almost to himself, "I'll heal your hand."

He leans in and lightly touches my hand before I can respond. He licks the wound slowly, and I can feel his warmth. It feels odd, but not in a negative way. I'm struggling to articulate my thoughts.

His hazel eyes meet mine as he pulls away. He seems to be researching me.

He breaks the silence by asking, "Your birthday is tomorrow, right?"

"Yes, Alpha," I say softly, still attempting to make sense of the situation.

"Relax for the remainder of the day. He turns to his desk and adds, "And tomorrow too." "I'll handle the glass. Simply put, don't touch it once more.

I give a nod. "All right. Thank you.

I quickly exit the room and shut the door. Leaning against it, I try to make sense of what has just transpired. I'm still baffled by Liam's behavior. He has always been harsh and aloof. However, today was different.

What about the note? What does the note mean? Is he truly my partner?

I'm not sure. One thing is certain, though: a change is on the horizon.