The handsome alpha scans me up and down for a second as we stop in the hallway, the four of us just standing there.
Finally, he greets me with "Hi," and I manage to feign a smile, but I don't know what to say.
"Congratulations. You must be excited."
"Uh… yeah," I choke out. I guess he knows who I am, then.
I have no idea who he is, but judging by his suit and his overall appearance, I'm guessing he is important.
"Thousands of girls wanted the job you just won," he continues, his tone becoming friendlier the more he talks. Maybe he wasn't in such a hurry after all.
I am not sure what to say to that, so I just stand there… like an idiot.
He chuckles at me. "Well, I hope that you can get over your nervousness soon. You have no reason to be scared." He pats me on the arm, and the touch of his hand sends electrical impulses all up and down my skin.
"Th-thanks, See you later."
I'm not sure if he's talking to me or Adam or all three of us, so I say nothing, but when he withdraws his hand to carry on his way, my arm feels cold, like it's meant to have his hand on it.
Shelby giggles. "Isn't he dreamy?"
Before I can respond, Beta Adam clears his throat. "You know I can hear you, right?"
"Oh, Thayer !" she says, rushing up to grab his hand. "You know I think you're the dreamiest of all!"
Poor Beta Thayer. He looks over to me for backup, but I don't want to lie. I remain silent.
By the time Shelby returns her attention to me, I feel it's too late for me to speak. So I say nothing.
But yes… I do think that man was dreamy. Whoever he was.
A few minutes later, we arrive at a large wooden double door, carved with flowers and filled with gold inlay.
It's beautiful.
"Here we are," Beta Adam announces, pushing the door open.
I stand outside and stare for a moment, first at the door… and then at the room.
It's gorgeous–and huge. I think most of my house back home would fit in here.
There's a living room area with a large plush red sofa set before an expansive television set.
The sitting area is nice and inviting, despite the bold colours. The rug on the rich wooden floor is also red with gold accents.
My eyes follow it over to the bedroom area, where a huge four-poster bed with a red canopy and matching silky red bedspread invites me to collapse and take a nap.
All of the woods are a rich brown colour with red tints.
Behind Beta Thayer, there are three huge floor-to-ceiling windows with matching red and gold drapes. I can't see outside just yet because of the angle, other than the bright azure sky. I can't wait to rush over and see if there's a garden view. That would be lovely.
"This is great, isn't it?" Shelby asks. "The king had it done up as a second Luna suite. Oh, and in there is your bathroom! All white marble with a jetted tub big enough for at least two! Who will be the lucky man?" Shelby giggles coquettishly.
My eyebrows arch. I would love to sit in it...alone if possible.
I notice that the room matches my dress and wonder if that's just a coincidence. It would have to be, I suppose.
"It's beautiful," I tell them.
She walks over to an armoire and pulls it open. "There's a ton of clothes in here. I think you will find that everything is in your size, but if not, let us know, and we'll get you the right fit."
All I can say is, "Thank you." It probably makes me seem unappreciative given the room that was just offered to me, but, you know, I didn't ask for any of this.
She smiles at me and closes the armoire door.
"Well… I'm sure you're probably tired," Beta Adam says. "We'll get your luggage from your escort and make sure that you have your things from home."
I haven't brought much, but I would like to have the little I did pack. "Thank you." That seems to be all I can say.
"Of course. You'll have some servants, but we'll give you a chance to rest before we bring them in to meet you. If you do require anything, just pick up the phone and dial nine." He gestures to the gold antique-style telephone on the nightstand.
"Thank you…."
He smiles at me and then gestures for Shelby. "Come on, honey."
She walks back over to me first. Wrapping me up in another hug, she squeezes tighter this time.
"I'm so glad you're here," she says before the two of them give me a little wave and leave the room.
I am alone–and I feel it. Even though Shelby is nice, and I've met some very attractive men who seem to be interested in me, it doesn't matter because I have no idea who they are. And I still haven't met the four men I'm meant to bed.
My eyes go to that piece of furniture. All I want to do is fall asleep and wake up back at home.
I sit down on the edge and take off my shoes, but I'm too afraid to change clothes since I have no idea when I might be summoned.
I lie down on top of the blanket that matches my dress and close my eyes, wondering what will happen next.