Page 51 of Malcolm

“Why do you hesitate?”

She searched her heart for why she was reluctant to place her hand on the book.“You said the sooner I send this out, the sooner we’ll have to leave.”

“Yes.”

She pressed her lips together, “Can you give me a few more days? At least till after the Ceilidh?”

“You’re mate. You wish to spend more time with him?”the goddess asked.

“I wish he were truly mine, but that can’t be. I’m no one; I'm merely a mob character in a story.” She sighed, letting her fingers brush the spine. “I want to spend more time with him; I hoped to see him become the leader of his people.”

“I will grant you this time, but in exchange, you must leave when it is time,”the goddess said somberly.

She nodded, removing her hand from the book and giving it back to her. “I will, don’t worry.”

The voice slipped away. She sighed and, walking over to the bed, she plopped down. Rubbing a hand along her leg, she couldn’t seem to steam the anxiety running through her.

A knock on the door made her groan. She got back up and headed out into the hallway towards the door. “Who is it?”

“It’s me,” She frowned, the person speaking sounded an awful lot like Morgan.

Confused, she reached out and opened the door, only for Morgan, Agnes, and Lily to burst in. They looked at her with confusion. Their gowns made her think of a period play.

“What are you guys wearing?” She asked in blank astonishment.

Agnes answered first, “Well, the traditional gowns of our pack. Our Scottish roots demand it.”

Eliza quirked a brow, “You sound as Scottish as I do.”

Agnes waved her off, “We only wear clothing like this during ceremonies and today. Our Alpha is to be chosen by the heavens,”

“The heavens?” Eliza repeated skepticism clearly in her voice. She didn’t think heaven had anything to do with it, more like monster strength and claws that could rip someone’s head off; oh, let's not forget the whole changing into a large-ass wolf bit.

Agnes completely ignored her and motioned to her appearance. “Why are you not dressed?”

Eliza blinked in surprise, “Do you want an honest answer or something made up?” she looked pointedly at the door to her bedroom, “the first one is terribly boring.”

“Enough of that,” Agnes said, marching over to her side. She gently grabbed Eliza’s arm and directed her to the bathroom. Brush your teeth, shower, and don’t worry—we brought a gown for you. We’ll make you hot for Malcolm in no time.”

“Why do I need to look hot for—” her words were cut off by Agnes shutting the door. She glared at the door; she could blow it down, but there really wasn’t any point. She would wash up, and then once she was done, she’d head out and give bossy Agnes a piece of her mind.

Sadly, she never got a chance as she was rudely pulled out of the bathroom. Someone had rifled through her bags, and a clean pair of underwear and bra were on the table; her body was pulled in a different direction as Lilly and Morgan assisted Agnes in thier torture of her. The only thing she had to stop them on was her hair. She oiled it and braided it herself.

“Aww, aren’t you such a bonnie lassie?” Agnes said with a fake brogue.

Eliza frowned, looking in the mirror, the tip of her finger brushing the words. “Awe, you're just so pretty,” Agnes mocked and sniffed.

Morgan clicked her tongue. “Not that anyone else will get a chance to enjoy it with how Malcolm acts?”

“You’re not lying,” Lilly added, laying a hairpin down. “He looked like he would take Harry’s head off when the guy stopped you from falling when you were helping in the kitchen last week.”

While she knew there was a connection between her and Malcolm, she didn’t believe it was as deep as people said. “He’s been a good friend to me.”

“A friend?” Lilly said, her eyes wide. “Eliza, if every alpha looked at his friend like Malcolm looks at you, there’d be nothing for the women to do around here.” She cackled, and Eliza couldn’t help joining her. “Now enough with the shy act. Malcolm is a full moon away from stirring your pot. What do you feel for him?”

She looked up, meeting the three woman’s probing stare before she looked away. “It’s a little more complicated than you think.”

“Then uncomplicate it,” Agnes said as she stepped back to let Lilly put a hairpin with flowers decorating it into the back of her braid. “The man wants you, there is no doubt about that.”

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