The next morning, I woke up to Michael's arms still wrapped around me. He was still sound asleep. Memories of last night came rushing back. I can still feel his kisses on my lips and skin. I can still feel how his stubble felt grazing my skin. My skin tingled with acute awareness of Michael's exploration last night.

Slowly and gently, I removed his arms from around my waist before slipping on a clean t-shirt in his closet. I slipped out of the bedroom and escaped back downstairs to my bedroom. I didn't want anyone to know that I was in his room all night again.

When I reached my bedroom, I quickly stripped off his t-shirt and took a shower, washing any essence he left behind. When I was done, I carefully hidden his t-shirt in my drawers before finding myself a cream color blouse and blue denim skinny jeans. I slipped on a pair of boots.

After dressing, I brushed my hair to rid of any tangles and left my hair to dry by itself. When I walked out of my bedroom, I ran straight into Lucia. She was just coming out of hers.

"Hey, I swung by your bedroom but you must be knocked out cold or something last night. You didn't hear me when I knocked." She said as she walked up to me.

Lucia had long curly brunette hair. Her skin was also sun-kissed from working out in the garden long periods of time. I can see little freckles on her cheeks and nose.

"Yeah. I was exhausted." I replied.

We fell silent for a moment. She was watching me under a calculated gaze. I hope she didn't ask about Michael because I was such a bad liar.

"You know today the Harvest Moon festival starts today, right?" She changed directions.

Oh yes, that's right. Every year in this pack, they do a three-day celebration during harvesting season. Donna told me about this when I first arrived. The full moon that shows up closest to the autumnal equinox is often called as the "Harvest Moon". The reason why it is often called the Harvest Moon is because the bright spirit of the full moon sheds light to farmers which allows them to work longer into the fall night; giving them access to harvest the hard-earned vegetables and fruits they worked in spring and summer for.

Today the farmers market was selling their best vegetables, breads, handmade clothes, scarves, gloves, and everything that you can think of. There was even a competition in the many delicious food made around this year.

"Sebastian and I were just about to head out. Did you want to come along?" She asked. "Or did Alpha Michael need you?"

She was watching my facial reaction. I shook my head.

"I don't think he needs me. I'll come along." I shrugged indifferently.

She nodded, "Let's go then."

The festival was held downtown-not that there was a downtown. The town was very small. One main street with everything you need on both sides. A few houses around town for those works and own shops and stores. It was a small town but large enough to have the streets filled with vendors and people.

When we arrived, the sun was up the horizon already. Children were out playing on the streets. The whole street was blocked from beginning of town to the end of the town. No cars were allowed. We had to park our car on the outside and walk into the festival.

Music weaved around in the air. The sound of laughter and smell of food coming from inside the festival was enough to lure anybody in. Sebastian, Lucia, and I quickly headed inside.

We passed a few vendors who were selling clothes and amulets. Sebastian stopped a vendor who was selling hats. He picked one up and placed it over his head. It was a pink frilly Sunday hat.

"How do I look?" He asked, while posing.

I laughed, "Beautiful."

Lucia pinched both his cheeks, "Aww, sister Sebastian. You look lovely."

He wrinkled his nose when Lucia pinched his cheeks hard, "Lucia!"

She laughed and let go of his cheeks. We continued further down the street until I spotted Donna selling food. I quickly ran up to her and grabbed a strudel from her stand. She gasped and slapped my hand.

"Hey now! I am trying to make a living here." She scolded.

I popped the warm piece of flakey delicacy into my mouth relishing in the creamy sweet that burst from the bite.

"Thank you, Donna." I winked at her.

She huffed in annoyance but I caught her smiling before she turned away from me. Lucia and Sebastian returned to my side carrying in their hands donuts and coffee. Sebastian handed me a coffee.

"Thank you." I took it from him, sipping on the hot morning coffee warmed my inside. It also brightened my mood tremendously. I don't know what it was about coffee but it makes me a happy woman.

He made the drink just how I like it-simply black with no sugar or cream.

We stood on the sidewalk and watched people walk by. It was so busy that literally people were almost squeezing by. Although even with the busy streets I was able to spot a certain very tall man. He looked dangerous and too damn handsome for his own good. Lucia turned my direction.

"Oh, Alpha Michael is here with his father and the Beta." She mentioned.

Sebastian turned then to look, "I wonder why..."

"What happened yesterday? Were you able to take him home?" Lucia asked, again the memories of what happened last night rushed back.

"Y-yes." I stammered.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow in curiosity but it was then Michael turned our way. His eyes immediately met mine. I thought he will pretend nothing had happened but I saw a warmth passed through his eyes. It was the first time I've seen that look in his eyes. I couldn't stop the blush that formed on my cheeks.

He leaned down and said something Beta Josef and to his father. They both nodded at him before he walked over to us. Lucia inched closer to me.

"He is looking at you and you only." She mentioned with a whisper to my ear.

I couldn't reply. Michael was holding my gaze and I couldn't move. When he reached where we were standing he blinked and turned towards my friends.

"Good morning." He said.

"Good morning, Alpha." Lucia smiled brightly.

"Good morning." Sebastian nodded, keeping his gaze downcast.

He turned back to me, "Do you mind walking around me for a bit? I have a few things I wanted to catch you up on."

I frowned. Sebastian didn't look so happy. In fact, he threw me a glare almost telling me to say no. It was the first time I've seen him give me that look. Ignoring Sebastian, I turned to Michael.

Michael was dressed casually in dark, loose denim jeans and a black t-shirt with a leather jacket. Again, his hair was a beautiful tousled mess but made him all the more ruggedly handsome.

What did he want to talk to me about?

I turned to my friends and told them I'll catch them later. Michael took hold of my wrist boldly in front of everyone and took me to a secluded alley. People walked by without looking our way, knowing full well that they should give their Alpha privacy even if they itched to look and listen.

When we were alone and blocked from everyone's view he leaned in and kissed my forehead, his hands cupping my cheeks warming up the cold chill that had already touched my skin, "You left this morning without waking me up."

I had to bite my lips. I didn't think he will notice. Oh, who am I kidding? I knew he would notice but I didn't think he will care.

"Sorry. I had to take a shower. I also didn't want anyone to see me coming out of your bedroom that early in the morning." I answered.

He pulled back with a smirk on his handsome face, "No awkwardness."

I broke out into a smile from his reference from last night. "No awkwardness."

He chuckled and with a sigh, dropped his arms down to his side. "Did you want to hang out with your friends today? I was thinking about spending the day with you."

It was weird to feel all giddy and bubbly inside. I knew that last night happened for a reason. I don't know exactly what we were but I also couldn't stop what I was feeling towards Michael. I liked him a lot even though he can be a heathen at times.

I felt bad for dropping my friends but I also wanted to spend time with him. It must be his craziness that had slowly caught up to me. I was starting to like to stay by his side.

"What are we going to do today?" I asked in interest.

He smirked, "Many things. Let me show you around."

We walked back out to the crowd and followed the direction they were moving in. We stopped briefly at some stalls to see what was being sold. I saw a pair of men gloves that I thought will help keep Michael's hand warm without him noticing. I also bought him a warm knitted scarf.

I placed a knitted pink hat onto Michael's head. He growled and took it off, shooting me a threatening glare. I giggled and placed the hat back nicely.

"So, since this is the Harvest Moon festival, does that mean I get three days off?" I asked.

"Yes." He replied, he stopped and bought a silver bracelet before slipping it on me without asking. I stared completely surprised. The bracelet was a simple silver band with a moon crest on it. I thought it was beautiful.

"Thank you."

He nodded, "What else did you want to do?"

"I don't know. Buy random stuff."

He chuckled, "Do you have the money for it?"

"If I don't I can always ask my boss for an early pay day."

He smirked but didn't say anything.

We passed through some jewelry stalls until I stopped at a stall that was selling beautifully handcrafted amulets. I picked up a gold one and held it in my hands. An image flash before me-the sketch. I looked up to see Michael staring at me with his piercing hazel eyes.

"What happened to what you needed to find the other day? Were you able to find it?" I asked.

He nodded. "I found it."

"I was holding a paper about an amulet. It was beautiful." I mentioned. "I didn't get a chance to read it but the amulet looked oddly familiar."

He stiffened, "All amulets look the same."

"But this one- "

"Is not important." He interrupted abruptly and the look on his face signaled he was done with the conversation.

I frowned, "I guess you're right."

I placed the amulet in my hands down and followed alongside him. We passed several food stands and a few food competition. When we finally turned to the opposite side of the street, I already had a few bags full of things I had bought.

We walked a few more yards before a smell weaved its way to my nostrils. Instantly, I stopped. I know that smell. I turned towards the direction of the smell, sniffing the air like an abnormal animal.

Michael follow alongside me, looking a little confused.

"Where are we going?" He asked.

"I smell something..." I mumbled, quickening my steps.

He followed me until I ended up in front of a stall selling dried barks and leaves. I picked a bark up and sniffed it.

"Peppermint and slightly woody smell." I murmured, closing my eyes as I inhaled the bark again.

I must look like an idiot doing this and I don't know why I was until I whispered its name.

"Abyss Monk." My eyes opened and I sat the piece of bark down before picking up the next piece and sniffing it.

"Asafaccerry." I sniffed it like I sniffed the first one.

"Laurel." Michael's voice pieced my crazy obsession. I looked up at him and back at the bark I held in my hands. I placed it back onto the table and gave the old lady behind it an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to act so weirdly."

She smiled, "Not at all. You named them correctly. Are you a healer?" She asked.

Michael stiffened even more I think he will break his back. His hand came up to grab my elbow but I resisted. I shook my head at the old lady.

"No, I am not. I work in the mansion as Alpha Michael's personal attendant." I replied.

"Oh that's a shame. You will be an amazing healer." She looked disappointed but still gave me a smile.

"What's a healer?" I questioned.

"A healer is someone who bears very great power. They heal the wolves in the pack. Their knowledge of ancient medicine along with ability to create-"

"Let's go." Michael interrupted.

"But I want to know." I insisted, giving him a good glare.

"And I don't have time for this." He growled.

"Then you can leave. I am not done here yet." I pointed out.

"Laurel," He warned.

"If you would like I can show you another time, young lady. I am sure the Alpha has many things to do." The old lady offered.

I turned back to her. "That will be nice."

I turned back to Michael and gave him a good glower before I walked past him back onto the street. I heard him following behind me, trying to catch up. I didn't appreciate him rushing me. I wanted to learn some more.

Why was he in such a hurry anyway?

"Laurel!" He shouted my name. I stopped and turned to look at him, propping my hands on my hips.

"I don't appreciate you rushing me, Michael."

"I know. I'm sorry. It was just that I remembered I had something to do." He said.

"Like what?"

"I don't remember." He gave me a sheepish grin.

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at him, "I'm on to you, Michael."

I turned my back too soon. I didn't notice how much Michael paled with just that one sentence.