Dark eyes darted around the simple room. The cabin was small but homey.

His lips pulled up into a sneer as he caught sight of the picture above the mantelpiece. He stared at it for a few more seconds before glancing to the frame next to that one. It held a picture of a man with a similar hair colour as hers. He heard her approaching and quickly moved back to take a seat in the chair. She appeared a moment later with a tray containing refreshments. Her smile was bright and welcoming. If only she knew what monster she had allowed inside her home.

After pouring him a glass of lemonade and handing it to him, she grabbed her own glass before taking a seat in the chair across from him. Her smile faded slightly when she finally glanced up at him. Cold grey eyes locked with hers and instantly made a shiver of fear race down her spine. Geraldine leaned forward to place her glass down before he could see how badly she was shaking.

"How can I help you?" she questioned when he made no move to speak.

His lips pulled up into a cold smile. "I thought we could enjoy some pleasantries before we start talking business."

"Business?" she dumbly repeated.

He nodded. Raising the glass to his lips, he took a small sip before lowering it and placing the glass to the table next to his chair. The man crossed one leg over the other as he leaned back. His eyes darted around the room again before slowly moving back to hers.

"I want to make some enquiries about your niece, Valeria."

The smile slipped from her face. "What about her?"

"I haven't seen her around here for a while. When I asked, I was informed that she no longer belonged to this pack. Did she do something wrong which led to her banishment?"

Geraldine instantly shook her head. Her mouth suddenly felt as dry as the Sahara desert. Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. She hadn't expected him to arrive until next week. She should've been thinking of something to tell him, instead she was drowning in the joy of finally being rid of her. Geraldine licked her lips.

"You know why I am here, Geraldine," he said softly. "Where is she?"

Her heartbeat started to increase. She shifted in her seat and then clutched the armchairs tightly. "She. . .she. . .uuu."

A low growl rumbled from his chest. He slowly stood and made his way towards her. Leaning down, he gripped her arms and allowed the tip of his claws to grow. It dug into her skin and made her gasp in pain. The colour drained from her face when she glanced up at him.

"My patience is running thin, Geraldine," he growled. "Where is Valeria?"

Her answer was low and rushed, but he heard her. His hold on her arms tightened. A scream fell from her lips when she was pulled up and thrown across the room. Her back hit the wall with a loud thud and the next second she hit the floor. Something cracked, making pain shoot throughout her body. The man slowly straightened and allowed the shift to take place.

Her eyes widened. Fear held her immobile. She's never seen someone like him before. A whimper escaped through her parted lips before she could stop it. He kneeled down in front of her and wrapped a slim hand around her neck.

"You know I don't like people who betray me," he snarled. "I'll give you three weeks to get her back. My son is waiting eagerly for his promised mate. Don't disappoint me, Geraldine."