Chapter 5

CASSIUS VALE POV

“What’s going on here?“ I asked as she flinched.

I hate when she reacts to me like that.

She was out of her room and I didn’t like that, I only wanted her out when I’m with her, Ravenwood pack wasn’t safe for her, the werewolves would easily sense that she’s human and might harm her.

The safest place for her was her room and with me.

“I… I only wanted to move around, I have been inside for too long.” She mumbled with her head lowered.

“Come with me…” I said, stretching my hand to her, she hesitated taking it for a second before she carefully placed her hand on mine, and I led her to the elevator.

Was she really about to follow the stairway of a six floors building?

I scoffed a laugh at the thought of that.

The elevator door slid close and I clicked the button to the first floor, the ride was a bit quiet and awkward.

My eyes drifted to her hand to see her fiddling with it, she does that when she’s anxious or nervous.

“Are you okay, Sweetness?” I asked as soft as I could, she nodded and shifted a bit away from me.

I didn’t want to press further so I let her be, I couldn’t afford creeping her out, not this morning.

The elevator doors opened and I led her out, placing my palm against her lower back guiding her out of the mansion.

I was about to take her to my vineyard and maybe to the garden.

A tricycle ride stopped in front of us and we entered. “Take us to the vineyard.” I instructed.

“You own a vineyard?” She finally spoke up, her eyes wide in disbelief, I smirked and nodded.

“Sweetness, I own more than one, I own a winery too.” I added with a light smile, I loved her reactions. She didn’t try to hide how amazed she was.

“I hate to admit it, but you’re doing amazing! Is this a benefit that comes with being a supernatural creature?” She asked as I let out a small laugh, she was effortlessly funny. She was clearly judging my kind by what she read in fiction novels.

“There is no success benefit in being a supernatural being, Sweetness. I’m only 32, I worked hard to achieve these.” She nodded, her eyes fixated on the pretty view of my large manor, a fixed smile on her lips.

She looked so bright and excited that all I could think of was how to keep it that way, I wanted her to see my home as her new home. I wasn’t going to let her go… She was mine forever.

“You have a really large estate here with beautiful view, I didn’t think it was this large from my room.”

“It’s best referred to as a community, some of my pack houses are here, so werewolves with no home stay here too.”

And that was another reason she wasn’t safe coming out alone, no one knew her, I hadn’t introduced her as my mate, and it was too early.

I wasn’t ready to tell her she was my mate either.

“So, you have a kind heart?” She Jeered as I smiled, knowing what she was trying to do.

“No, Sweetness. I am only nice to you.” I hadn’t spoken this much in a long time, the only time I spoke at length was when I addressed my pack. But I was willing to switch for her every once in a while.

“You’re nice to me?” She sneered with an eye roll. “Oh, okay. If this is your definition of being nice.” She said and turned away.

I looked down at her exposed laps, so smooth and soft that my wolf almost forced himself to feel it. I was in my best behavior, I was holding myself from hurting her.

I wasn’t soft, I didn’t know how to handle a woman softly during intimate moments. I didn’t want to traumatize her, she was a virgin. Pure and untouched, I wanted to have her only when I knew it was right.

I haven’t known her for long, and I was already a mess of emotions.

Soon, we got to the vineyard, I came down from the tricycle and held my hand out for her, this time she didn’t hesitate and I could tell that it was a subconscious response.

I held her tiny fingers protectively, making sure she felt safe. I needed her to know that I was more than the monster she saw that night.

I wanted her to know that she was an asset I wouldn’t toy with.

We stood next to each other as we took in the view of the neatly planted rows of grapevines that stretched down to a far end, the morning sun beaming over it… It was a 20 acre vineyard, completely filled.

“Oh my goodness, this is perfect!” She uttered, totally astounded, her eyes wide open in fascination.

“It is, that’s the winery. Let’s go get some wine.” I offered, leading her to the large winery building.

This was the best morning of my life, I felt appreciated in a genuine sense and not in an obliged way for the first time.

“Where are your parents?” She popped the question I hated so much, catching me off guard.

“You’re getting too comfortable, Sweetness. You shouldn’t know too much for your own good.” I cautioned calmly as she lowered her head in embarrassment.

“I’m so sorry for invading.”

“It’s okay, Sweetness.” I hate talking about them, they aren’t worth it. “I have rogue parent's, so they are what humans consider deadbeat.” I gave the simplest explanation I could think of, hoping she wouldn’t ask further questions.

“I’m so sorry…” She whispered, I could smell her concern, I hated being pitied.

“They are both doing okay, so all is fine.” I added with a small smile as we entered the building.

The smell of vintage wine filled my nose on stepping in as I turned to her with a small smile on my lips… She liked the things I liked and that made me even more obsessed. The dimly lit winery gave that ageless vibe, the people around were people that understood the aura.

The quietness, the light clicking of glasses were like music to my ears.

“I love it here.” She whispered, more to herself, all I could do was smile.

She was tapping on the side of me I never knew I had.

“Ever had a good vintage wine?”

“I have had a $20 dollar wine?” She replied as I let out a small laugh.

“I’m about to give you the best.”