My morning arrived early.The sun was just rising.I freshened and sat at the window welcoming the cold breeze.

What happened yesterday shouldn't have happened.I was ashamed of myself.I shouldn't have lost my composure and ran like a madwoman after Aeran to complain about his Granna like that.That's not how Ma raised me.But I couldn't change it now.Neither could I fault Aeran in his hatred.I can very well imagine how it feels to have something in your reach and then not being able cross the distance to it. Isn't it what happened to me. Aeran is so close even then I am still not allowed to look at him.

I can understand his vexation with me but his anger terrifies me.Yesterday was just a glimpse,I am quite sure about it.

How can we go on like this.?

The chirping of birds was replaced by the cacophony of noises.I looked down to find the morning activities started.Many members were working hard ,lifting heavy log pieces of wood.Some kind of construction must be taking place in the side of the mansion.I suppose.I should venture out of this room and look about this new place. I feared my intrusion would be harshly condemned by all.They barely tolerated my presence in front of Granna. Undertaking the lonely journey to look around the house seemed a risky prospect.But I couldn't stay in this room forever.I'll have to ask Granna's permission first.

A knock on my door had my attention.I waited but unlike the last time there was no violation of my privacy.I walked to the door to find the smiling face of Aiinata.

"Good morning.How are you.?" She asked politely.

"Good morning to you too.I am fine thank you."

"Well I am glad.Elder Kurona wants you to have morning breakfast with her.She wants to know if you'll be there by 9?"

"I'll be happy to oblige her."

"Great.I 'll inform her.I'll wait for you." With that she walked away.

I looked at the clock.It was past 8.I should get ready .It won't hurt to arrive early.I could just sit at the table.

But what if Aeran is there.I was in no condition to face him today after yesterday's encounter.

No, he won't be there.Why would he.?

Leaving my thoughts behind I made my way to the dining area avoiding the living room like the plague.The memories still disturbed me.

I stopped, looking at the people occupying the room.

I had thought it was just Granna and me like last night.But today almost every chair was occupied.

I froze at the entrance of the hall separating the living and dining area to find Aeran sitting there as well.I took them all in. Granna had still not arrived. My eyes suddenly stopped at the pair of violet eyes staring at me.

I quickly averted my gaze.My body started shaking.They were all looking at me. No one said a word but I could feel their anger radiated towards me.Suddenly I found the company of the empty room much more preferable than this hall filled with people.I turned around to walk back when I heard my name being called.

"Zairi,come child.I was waiting for you.Join us ." Granna hobbled out the kitchen and took her place at the head chair.

I looked at the unoccupied chair near the end of the table far from everyone and proceeded towards it.But Granna's words halted me.

"Zairi,your place is here." I looked at Granna to find her standing near her chair. Aeran got up as well from his chair.I confusedly look at the place she indicated to find a blond head facing away from me looking at Aeran.

"Ravine,I suppose that's not your place anymore.Please find some other chair to sit on. Zairi come sit here." To my utter dismay she called out.

The girl named Ravine kept sitting stubbornly.I looked around at the shock on other's faces.I was too afraid to look at Aeran thus kept my eyes on the ground.

Granna why do you have to make it so difficult.Don't give them any more incentives.

Gulping I walked the few steps.Ravine stood up.She was taller than me by few inches.I kept eyes down when she passed me arrogantly pushing my shoulder.I just hoped Granna didn't see that.I subtlety passed an enraged Aeran keeping my eyes down keeping a wide berth between us.I sat down gingerly.

After a moment of silence Aeran moved to sit in the chair adjacent to me.My back straightened.With his close proximity to me,my heart kept thudding and body kept shaking.I was this nervous.I sat stiffly at the edge of the chair.The silence was chilling and the tension in the room was palpable.

Granna initiated the conversation"Zairi. You haven't met the clan members properly.I would like to introduce you to them today." She smiled politely."You know my son,Aeran's father, Alpha Zediah and sitting next to him is Sarah,Aeran's mother."I looked up briefly and mumbled a hello to find hostility in their gazes."The one sitting next to Sarah is Leann and Jarus Claron,their daughter Ravine and son Rave. "

I couldn't see Ravine but Rave was glaring in my direction.His features were similar to his sister.The same hair and same dark brown eyes.His lips were compressed tightly to show his displeasure. Jarus was looking at me intently as if he was trying to find someone.I found it odd as his wife was shooting daggers at me.

Aiinata infiltrated the tension in the room with the delicious food on the tray.

"Two of the elders are not present at the moment.But I am sure you'll get to meet them at a later date.You haven't still looked around your new home,have you.?"

I shook my head slightly at Granna.

"Well that can be arranged.I am sure Sarah would love to give her daughter-in -law the grand tour."

An uncomfortable silence followed after Granna's statement.

"Sarah?" Granna asked.

But I knew the answer before she could say anything if the the slap was any indication at the wedding,I was pretty accurate about her feelings towards me.

Without raising her voice Sarah replied"Mother,I don't think you get it yet.We have been respecting your wishes for a while now.You did what you thought best and have successfully destroyed any chance of happiness for my son.You forced my son to marry this thing."She looked at me in revulsion.Her loathing apparent by her demeanor.

"You forced this thing in our home but you won't be able to force her in our hearts.So I suggest you stop trying." Banging the table she stood up and left without touching the food on her plate.Leann followed her out with her daughter Ravine.Alpha Zed and Jarus stared after them but didn't get up.

Rave kept looking at Aeran.I dared a glance in his direction to find him gripping his fork tightly in his hands with the tips digging in his fingers under the table.A few droplets of blood found purchase in the carpet below.He was staring straight ahead as if not even aware of the hurt he was inflicting on himself.

He must have felt my gaze because he suddenly looked at me.I gasped quietly unable to break the eye contact.The rage in his face broke my stupor.I trembled violently but kept my composure.Looking away from his face I looked at the ground.

Aeran stood up.The sudden movement jarred the table and the hot cup of coffee sitting on the edge fell upon me.I screamed in pain as the hot coffee seared the flesh on my hand.Without looking up I could hear the snickers from Rave.

"Zairi....Someone bring some cold water.Hurry." After getting no movement from others she stood up and came to my side.Urging me up she walked me to the kitchen and held my hand under the cold spray of water.

My hand kept on burning.There will be blisters by tomorrow over the charred skin.

"Does it still hurt.?" Granna asked kindly after applying some ointment.

"No,it stings a bit" We came back to the dining area only to find it empty.

He didn't do it intentionally.I just know it.I desperately wanted to confirm my doubts with Granna. I wanted to prove his innocence in this small act.

I excused myself from Granna's instant hovering over the small burn and counted my steps to my room distracting myself from having any negative thoughts.

As I reached my room a hand grasped my inflicted hand tightly.I screeched at the pain.

"Ouch.Let go.Please let go."I pleaded.

"I am sure it doesn't hurt as much I would like to inflict on you but it'll do for now." A feminine sound entered my ears.

Ravine.

My hand was still in her tight grip.I tried fighting her off but to no use.Up close her eyes glittered menacingly.

"You stole my destiny,my Aeran from me.I'll make sure you pay the price for it dearly.You are not fit to take my place.I hope you are ready to take everything we dish out." Giving me a final shove she strode away.

I brought my hand to my chest carefully, looking at the red marks.The burning sensation intensified.All the ointment was rubbed off by Ravine's fingers.The stinging returned with an uncomfortable amount of pain.

I entered my room and sat on the bed cradling my hand.

I have to apply the ointment again.It was totally rubbed off. Granna must not know about this.Unconsciously my thoughts slid to Aeran. Did he put something over his fingers?It was bleeding when I last saw him.Did anyone bother putting some ointment on his hand as well.Did anyone even know about it?

Ravine must have helped him.She seemed to care about him.

I laid back on the bed.It must be Ravine then.That girl I saw yesterday with Aeran. I was not surprised.She was gorgeous.And tall.She looks so much better with Aeran than I ever will.They suit each other.And me,I am just a small hindrance.

Aeran's mother Sarah sees me as a "thing".Aeran loathes me.Ravines wants to kill me.Rave and Alpha Zed would probably help her.I don't know about this Jarus person though.

Strange.Somehow he feels familiar as if I know him somehow.

And its just the second day.

I smiled sadly.

Is this what I signed up for.?!