Chapter 11: A Friendly Warning
Anna POV….
The next day…
The ride to his house was a long one, but it was even more unnerving because we kept passing dense, shadowy bushes. At one point, I was convinced he was going to kidnap me. Fear had completely taken over my thoughts.
"We're finally here."
His voice cut through my spiral of anxiety, snapping me back to reality. I blinked rapidly, trying to reorient myself and take in my surroundings.
"Gosh!"
My mouth dropped open as my eyes landed on the building in front of us. It was old but incredibly sophisticated—the kind of place I had only ever seen in movies, and not just any movies, but ones about wealthy supernatural beings.
Everything about the structure screamed elegance and affluence.
The exterior was a flawless blend of grandeur and timeless charm. The centuries-old stone façade bore the graceful signs of age, made of honey-colored limestone that seemed to glow softly in the sunlight, as if it held a light within.
The entrance was imposing: heavy wooden doors with ornate iron hinges and a polished brass knocker shaped like a wolf's head invited us in.
Above the doorway was a stone balustrade, supporting a small balcony. The railing was intricately carved, a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era.
"Shall we?"
His voice, like an angel's, pulled me out of my awe. I nodded silently as he extended his hand. I took it.
The moment we stepped out of the car, I saw them—figures standing silently in front of the massive building, as if they'd been waiting for us.
I had been so captivated by the house that I hadn't even noticed them earlier. Among them were clearly maids, their uniforms distinguishing them from the others, who were dressed with refined elegance.
"Good morning, Alpha," the maids said in unison, bowing as we approached.
Strangely, he didn't react. His expression remained unreadable, as if he hadn't even heard them.
Alpha?
The word echoed in my mind, sending a jolt through me. My thoughts flashed back to the first day I met him—the tattoo on his chest: Alpha Damien.
Is that what he really Is?
"Son! Welcome home."
An elderly woman beamed with warmth. It was immediately clear she was his mother—the resemblance was striking. Now I knew where he got all that beauty from.
"Good morning, ma," I greeted with a respectful bow. She smiled at me kindly.
"Is she the one?" she asked, leaning in as she gently placed her hands on my shoulders.
"Yes, she is," Angel replied, his voice like a melodic note. Her smile deepened.
"She's so pretty."
I blushed at her words, cheeks growing warm.
"I didn't bring her here for you to admire," Angel said dismissively. "I brought her so we can start planning the wedding. Remember, it's in two days."
His mother smacked him playfully on the head.
"Don't be a jerk, you fool." She tugged at his ear before turning back to me. "Don't mind him," she said, taking my hands gently. I nodded with a forced smile.
"These are my daughters," she continued, gesturing toward two women standing beside her.
My gaze followed her hand—and then it hit me. They were identical twins. And wow… they were stunning.
"Hi!" I said with a smile, extending a hand for a handshake.
Their reaction was nothing like I expected.
They stared at me with icy glares, as if I were some long-lost enemy. Neither of them moved. My hand remained awkwardly suspended in the air, ignored.
"We didn't ask for a handshake. And you're not welcome."
Wait—did they just speak at the same time?
My eyes widened. They spoke in perfect unison, like they could hear each other's thoughts.
Or… maybe they could? If Angel could hear mine, then maybe they could read each other's too. They were twins, after all—and I'd heard stories about twins sharing strange connections.
"Why a human?" one of them sneered sniffing me, her tone laced with disdain. "Are you sure you're not making a mistake? You should marry Emma instead. She deserves your love more and would make a better mate."
They weren't even trying to hide their hatred for me.
Emma? Who the hell is Emma? I wondered.
"Harper!" Angel snapped, his voice echoing with authority. "That decision is mine to make. So you better close that mouth of yours."
The weight of his command was so intense that Harper recoiled.
"I'm sorry," she mumbled, clearly shaken. She grabbed her sister's arm. "Let's get out of here."
The twins walked off together, still radiating hostility.
Angel's mother gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
"I'm sorry about that. They're always like that in the beginning, but once they warm up to you, they're the sweetest beings."
I nodded silently.
"It's nothing, ma," I lied.
But deep down, I was shaken. How was I supposed to face those two?
"Oh! Did I mention I have another son?" she asked, her voice bubbling with excitement.
Another son? Oh boy. I just hoped he wasn't as scary as the twins.
"He's currently abroad for his education, but he'll be back soon," she added with a fond smile.
I smiled back, trying to seem genuine. She was kind, and I didn't want her to feel like I wasn't enjoying her company.
"Come, I'll show you around the house—you're going to love it."
She took my hand and pulled me toward the entrance before I could steady myself.
As the massive doors of the mansion swung open, my jaw dropped—and I froze.
What the hell?
Was I still on Earth, or had I stepped into another realm? Because the beauty before me was beyond anything I could explain.
The high ceilings, adorned with intricate plasterwork and gilded moldings, stretched heavenward.
The walls, painted in soft shades of cream and gold, glowed with warmth, providing the perfect backdrop for the stunning artwork that lined them. Masterpieces by renowned artists hung alongside old family portraits, each one telling a silent story.
The polished hardwood floors gleamed like mirrors, reflecting sunlight streaming through the tall, arched windows.
Crystal chandeliers, like frozen waterfalls, hung from the ceiling, scattering prismatic light in every direction, casting rainbows on the walls.
And then, there was the grand staircase—curving gracefully through the foyer, its banister carved with breathtaking detail. The steps, worn smooth by time, seemed to whisper secrets from centuries past.
Gosh!
I could go on and on and still not find the right words to describe the breathtaking beauty that stood before me.
"Do you love the house? You've been staring at it for ages," Angel's mom said, her calm voice pulling me back to reality.
I nodded, still dazed by the view.
"The building is just so unique and beautiful," the words slipped from my lips without thought.
"Really?" she giggled. "Just wait until you see your room—you'll be even more amazed…"
Her voice trailed off as someone called from behind us.
We turned around—and there she was.
A woman whose beauty felt like a direct challenge. Bold. Intimidating.
I watched as she approached, giving me a full view of her striking features. Her long, waist-length hair shimmered with a green tint, perfectly matching her bright green eyes.
Those eyes were large and round, glowing with intensity. Her nose—gracefully sculpted. Her lips—full, plum, and sensual. She was magnetic, and I hated how I couldn't look away.
"Emma."
Angel's mom next words snapped me out of my trance.
Emma?
That name… I had definitely heard it before.
Oh! Harper. She had said Angel should marry Emma instead. So this is Emma?
Pathetic, I muttered under my breath, feeling a sharp jolt of jealousy rise inside me.
"Anna, this is Emma—Damien's assistant," Angel's mom introduced her, smiling warmly.
Damien?
So Angel's real name was Damien. That made sense.
I forced a polite smile, but inside, I was seething. Why does she work so closely with him?
"And Emma, this is Anna—Damien's bride-to-be," she added.
The moment those words left her lips, I felt pride swell in my chest. Now she'll know her place.
But my satisfaction was short-lived.
Because as I looked into Emma's eyes, I saw something that made my blood chill—a deadly glint. Her smile didn't reach her eyes. It wasn't friendly. It was a warning.
"I hope we get along," she said sweetly, reaching for my hand without waiting for permission.
Her fingers wrapped around mine in a firm handshake, her lips curling into that same unsettling smile.
And just like that, a cold shiver ran down my spine. What exactly is she?