Granna's return made the entire week happier for me.It was refreshing to listen to her trip adventures and tell her about the progress made in the garden.In no time it will be as green as I could make it.

I was staying in the main house again.It felt as if I was not thrown out just a couple days ago.No matter how hard I tried I still wasn't able to forget that cruelty.Maybe some part of the brain wanted to retain that memory forever. Aeran had certainly lost the seat of the high altar he occupied in my heart. Nonetheless love for him still bubbled every time I saw him doing something out of his character.Like yesterday he scooped up the little boy who had fallen and scraped his knees.How lovingly he soothed him and talked to him,calming down the little hellion.It was unforgettable how the little boy paid Aeran back by kissing his cheek with utmost love and respect.The devotion the pack members held for him.How they hung on his every word as if the sun itself was shining out of that noble face. Aeran returned that same affection and warmth to every member of his pack,old or young.Despite knowing his love for Ravine,every girl still swooned when he took off that shirt, in that very guy manner.Ravine never missed the chance to show everyone what her place was in Aeran's heart.It was kind of funny how she boasted it to any girl who failed to conceal her hidden desire for Aeran.

She was ruthless and managed to make more than one enemy as was quoted by Aiinata."That girl will one day find herself kicked down a notch or two by all those ,she discards with a flick of her hand."

I don't know what it was but Aeran managed to impress and compel others to just love him no matter who.He easily gained everyone's respect and warmth by not even trying.It was just this aura around him that forced you to notice him,to like him,to talk to him,to be near him.A sense of authority cloaked him that made people just follow him without any qualms.

I was not safe from that attraction as well.My heart longed for him despite everything he had done.It was never hard to forgive him.But to forget what he did was also impossible.My heart and my head were always in conflict.I didn't know what to do anymore.Many a times my body decided that it still feared the very enraged Alpha and started quivering on its own whenever he was in vicinity.Other times I found myself lost in him.In those soulful eyes he had when he talked to Granna or when he looked at Ravine.The warmth he radiated when he hugged his mother.The respect he bestowed whenever he conversed with his father.I didn't miss a moment ever and captured him many a times by peeking him at him ,always hiding but always watching.I couldn't help it.I guess old habits die hard.

He didn't talk to me after that interaction when he allowed me to stay here.Like everyone else I found myself obsessed with the power named Aeran.

The same thoughts kept on plaguing me as I returned to the main house.Climbing up the steps I entered only to halt at the sight before me. Granna stood near the stairs along with Aiinata who was looking green in face.A very troubled Aeran was trying to talk Granna out of something.Sarah and Leann watched the exchange from the living room,looking worried.Ravine had an almost murderous look on her face as she turned towards me.I frowned and took a few steps near to hear what was going on.

"Granna,please don't do this."

"Aeran,I didn't expect this from you.Now get out of my way." Granna's tone held a chill.

Hearing me approach, Aiinata turned to me "Zairi has returned, Elder Kurona."

Granna turned immediately and pinned me with her gaze.I stopped walking feeling alarmed.What has happened..?

"Zairi ,you are just on time.Come and lead me to your room." I looked down nervously.What should I do now..?"Zairi I am waiting.Show me yours and Aeran's room." The implication wasn't lost.

My eyes widened.Does she know that Aeran and I don't share a room.

"Don't look so scared child.I really have this urge to see the room previously shared by me and my husband,his grandfather." Granna pointed her stick in Aeran's direction.I swallowed ."You do know the way right..?Of course you both share the room."

"Um.That is..Granna..it's ..I.." I uttered incoherently.I didn't know how to diffuse this problem.What am I to say that I am unaware of any room in this house except my own room and Granna's.

I cringed as Granna said a little louder."Speak up,child.I hate being kept in dark.Come now and lead us." She motioned with her hand."Do you not know it..?" She asked then quietly.

I didn't dare look her in eyes for the fear to see disappointment there.I couldn't keep the prospect of the illusion of the shared room any longer from her. Leveling my eyes to her I said the only truth shaking my head slightly "I don't the way Granna..I am sorry."

"What exactly are you sorry for Zairi?Do you think you have done something wrong..?"

I flinched."Yes I did wrong by hiding the truth from you when you asked me.I am really sorry Granna.I didn't want to hurt you."

Granna looked away from me and to Aeran."It's not your fault child.Its all mine."She kept her gaze on Aeran for a bit longer and then started climbing the stairs one at a time refusing Aeran's help.He appeared shaken when Granna didn't take his offered hand and took a hold of Aiinata's instead.He looked morose at the blatant display of the hurt and anger he could make out on Granna's face.

"Zairi,hurry up and pack your bags."Granna turned back to me and gave me way to proceed her.I didn't had the courage to question her then.Without further ado,I passed Aeran not looking at him avoiding all contact.

I quickly ran up the stairs and tried packing the few things I owned.I walked briskly to the stairs where Granna stood staring at me."That's where you lived these past days.?" She questioned when I reached her.

I nodded my head slightly.She turned to Aeran then with furious eyes "Servant's quarters ..?Is that how I taught you..?"

"Granna,It isn't ...." He whispered,head bowed slightly.

"I am so disappointed.Not only at you but others as well." She shook her head displeased."Follow me Zairi."Aiinata took hold of my bag and I filled Granna's empty hand.She didn't shook it off but neither did she tighten her hold.

Climbing the steps we crossed the long corridor.We walked along the length of the hall to stop at the very end. Granna left my grip and opened the door.Looking at me she motioned"Inside."

I took a belligerent step inside and looked around at the very wide and masculine room which contained both traditional and modern outlook.The living room downstairs failed to compete with the area of this room.It was spacious in earthly tones.A flat screen occupied one section .There was a high defined stereo system attached.Two game consoles were lying on the cushions in front of the TV.A huge bed occupied the area opposite the wardrobe.An old brick fireplace completed the room architecture.

A white door with intricate designs was in the far corner near the patio doors.I walked unable to control my feet.I wanted to explore what lay behind those closed patio doors.I gasped as I stared at the scenery in front of me.Different colored leaves gave way to a dense forest.A single mud trail disappeared in the trees that surrounded the area as far as the eyes could see.At the far distance a range of beautiful mountains encompassed the forest on all sides.The blue of the sky contrasted perfectly with the green of the Earth.It was the most amazing view of the whole forest and what lay far beyond.

A hand touched my shoulder.I looked at Granna smiling widely."It's so beautiful Granna.I have never, in my whole life seen such brilliance of Mother Nature."

Granna chuckled at my enthusiasm."I wanted to to stay angry at you.But you .." She pulled my nose lovingly."I am so glad you liked the room."

"I am sorry Granna.I won't ever do anything like this again.I promise." I told her excited.

She smiled "You will stay in this room from today onwards. Do you hear me"She looked from me to Aeran who still hadn't entered the room."And anyone who says otherwise can come and have a talk with me."

I looked at him as well."Granna,please .."

Granna didn't let me continue."I don't want to hear it child.Now stay and rest.I 'll take my leave."

I took her hand in mine to help her down but she shook her head "No stay here.I can go by myself." With Aiinata's help she went out not saying a single word to Aeran.

Aeran looked after her for a while.I stood still not knowing and fearing his reaction.

Not a minute had passed when Ravine came running and fell into Aeran who still stood the same way when Granna left.Automatically he wrapped her in his arms.

"She's taking everything.This belongs to me.Why did you let this happen..?" She started beating his chest, fighting his hold."I hate you.I hate you.."

"Ravine,you know I cannot refuse Granna anything." He soothed Ravine and glared at me.I looked away from the cold eyes and a shiver wracked my body.

"She tricked Granna. You know it as well as I do.I don't want her here.Please throw her out.Please Aeran." She cried pulling Aeran's shirt in her hands."She'll take everything that belongs to me."

Gripping her hands in his ,he said "Listen to me,she doesn't exist for me.Do you hear me.I don't care whether she lives here or dies.I don't give a fuck." His rage was taking over.I could see it."You are my heart.My soul belongs to you and only you.No one and I mean no one can even try to compete for it.Do you understand."

Aeran brought his hands up and cupped her cheeks wiping away the traces of the few tears that escaped her eyes.He bent his head a little and touched her head.They stayed connected that way for a while.Ravine seemed to have calmed down a bit.My heart pained as he bend his head even lower to kiss her passionately right there in front of me.My eyes took the horrible scene in front of me not missing a single detail.I couldn't look away.I did try.

Breaking the kiss Aeran embraced her tightly as if the need to keep touching her was necessary.

With a fierce scowl Ravine left the embrace and stalked towards me.I took a step back.I didn't see the hand flying towards me until the pain exploded on my left cheek.But she didn't stop there.Raising her hand again she slapped me again and again.I kept falling back as she advanced on me more.Keeping my hands up to escape the torrent of her slaps.

"It's all because of you, you slut."I tried stopping the assault but it didn't help much.She was much stronger than me.Her wolf eyes glowing in the semi darkness that started surrounding us more and more.Her hits became more intense.I brought my hands to protect myself as best as I could.I wanted to cry for help.But who would help me here?

Suddenly she was pulled back by two strong hands."You won't ever win.He's mine.You hear me,you bitch."

He turned to Ravine and very calmly assured her of my position in his life."Stop it.She's not worth it."

Aeran kept his hold on her and coerced her towards the door.

They left me there.I looked around and moved out to the open patio gazing up the sky.Gingerly,I touched my cheek.It pained.

"How much more..?" I whispered in the darkness.