I decided to invite Andrea and Derrick over too and thankfully everyone was getting along like a house on fire. Discovering an old set of UNO cards had everyone in hysterics, not to mention competitive and amazingly James was winning. Not by our choice. It was nearly ten when Eric got my attention from across the table. He gave a slight nod to the kitchen and I put down my second last card.

"Uno" I called and James glared at me, not liking the possibility of his winning streak coming to an end. Eric looked at me curiously, a bunch of cards in his hands. He seemed to forget the point of the game was get rid of cards, not collect them. I casually yawned as Andrea put her wild card down, my arm that happened to have my card in it going behind my head, giving Eric a quick flash of blue. 

"Green" she said smugly, gladly changing the color. James had two cards and the green got him in a good mood again. Mum put down a green as did Derrick and with a slight smirk Eric looked over his cards. Again. And again. 

"If you don't take the shot, we'll make you pick up more if you haven't already got the rest of the pile" Andrea teased, a few giggles soon followed. Eric nodded and smoothly dropped down the wild card. 

"Blue" He called. I hesitated in putting my card down and beside me I could see James squirming. Dropping my number 2 blue applause erupted and James was quick to pick up on the 'Thank You' I mouthed to Eric.

"You and your boyfriend cheated!" he declared. I laughed, ruffling his hair while the other adults looked excitedly between each other. Can't a girl have a guy friend? Not according to a seven year old.

"Eric is not my boyfriend and we did not cheat. Drinks anyone?" I asked, quickly poking my tongue out at him while taking the empty glasses. A red-faced Eric followed me into the kitchen, heading to the sink so we were out of view I looked at him expectantly.

"Finn is outside and wants to speak with you," he whispered. I rolled my eyes, really? Using Eric as a messenger was not something I approved of. I handed him the bottle of wine and left him filling the glasses. From the dining room I could hear another game had already started so knew I had some time. Eric looked hesitant to let me go but I knew his hearing was better than mine and he was within easy earshot. Entering the cold of the night I regretted not grabbing a jacket and quickly crossed my arms over my chest. Looking around I couldn't see anything or anyone.

"Finn?" I called as quietly as I could. A movement from behind had me spinning me around, a cream and brown wolf with black dusted through its fur and black ears emerged. His jaws were in a smile and brown eyes appeared golden and I couldn't help but notice the scars appearing amongst the fur. In a blur he stood before me in his human form. Finn.

"I am surprised you came out Elizabeth" he looked me over as if I were prey and instinctively I shivered. My wolf had been sulking at my unwillingness to invite William over with the rest of the crowd but she was back again. I felt her presence rise within me and in doing so I stood a little taller, my confidence growing. Everything he did I felt was a challenge, a test to see how I would go. In a quick movement he had me pinned against the wall of the house, one hand held my arms above my head as his knee pushed my legs apart taking away my first idea at defense. And my confidence. His other hand stroked my cheek gently and I flinched at his touch, my heart increasing as panic came over me. Where was Eric? His finger traced my jaw and I considered screaming but with all the guests inside I didn't want to have to try and explain, so prayed Eric would sense something was wrong.

He pushed my head to the side, pulling the scarf I had wrapped around my neck to hide the bruising, loose. He made a 'hm' sound and as his hand released my arms and he was about to step back Eric had knocked him down in a swift movement onto the snow covered ground. A growl erupted from Finn at the surprise attack while Eric's fury rolled off him and I had a feeling he was about to shift. From the open door more laughter floated out to us and I moved to close it, not wanting to risk anything from out here going in there. Looking back Finn was staring between Eric and I and I caught a mischievous glint.

"Eric know your place," he snarled, looking at me I knew he was about to do something. Worried for Eric, I quickly went to his side; placing a hand on his arm I gently went to lead him away. He was breathing heavily, and if looks could kill Finn would be six feet under by now. At my touch he flinched slightly, dark eyes looking at me cautiously. 

"Just let it go Eric, come inside" I spoke slowly and gently tried to lead him in and that's when Finn made his next move. He was up and in front of me, blocking my path to the door. His amusement was clear as he took my hand in his. I tried to pull away but he held on tight.

"Why don't you ditch this pup and come with me...." he purred about to kiss my knuckles when Eric, surprisingly gently pushed me back and blocked me from view. The way he shook I knew he was about to shift this time and I wouldn't be able to stop it.

"What is she to you Eric, your mate?" Finn challenged, standing tall over Eric, who knew he wasn't about to back down.

"She is not my mate, she is my Alpha!" he snarled before his form dropped to his grey and silver wolf. His lips were pulled back over sharp white teeth that snapped warningly at Finn. All Finn did was laugh.

"I'll be back tomorrow Beth. You might want to buy this one a collar to go with that leash you have him on" He bowed slightly, shifting and running off into the night. Eric took a couple of steps after him, his hackles up along his back as the wolf's growls rumbled from his chest. My teeth started chattering then, the cold forgotten came flooding back to me. Sensing it he quickly turned to me, shifting back and passing me his jacket. 

"Come inside" he said flatly, his anger still obvious but he also looked embarrassed now. I nodded and fumbled inside after him. The warmth of the house was welcomed and I re did my scarf. Eric passed me my glass and picked up the bag of chips ready to head back to the group as their game had just finished, James winning again.

"You know your bruises are gone right?" Eric finally spoke as we left the kitchen. I looked at him confused so I stopped by the mirror that hung on the wall, hesitantly pulling down the wool to find my skin unharmed. He winked at me and kept walking, the chips soon being opened and poured into the bowls on the table. I headed back in and took my seat, still thinking over what just happened. Eric called me his Alpha. And that had been Finn's plan all along. He wanted to test Eric and see what was going on between us.

The next morning William woke at the crack of dawn and reluctantly left. As promised he did come back once everyone was asleep. Sadly due to the game night everyone didn't leave till nearly midnight. Once he was gone I headed back to bed, knowing sleep wouldn't return without him there. Instead my mind went over the last conversation we had before going to sleep last night.

"Do you like tulips?" he asked as we lay together, my head on his shoulder as my arm draped over his chest. I looked up to him confused. Parker had asked me the same question and I didn't understand why.

"I saw the bouquet in the entry. I was just wondering if you had done it" Dam him for being so observant.  I shook my head, deciding to hide the truth rather than risk him exploding.

"Mums new special friend sent them to her" I shifted a little closer to him hoping he would leave it.

"I used to know someone who liked tulips" his voice was almost dream like and he instantly tensed slightly, as if it was meant to be more of a thought than said out loud.

A few hours later at a more respectable time to be awake I decided to go for a run. I didn't really think of where I was going and headed into the forest. I slowed down as how unfit I had let myself become hit me. Inside the feeling of my wolf was itching to come out, because I could do that. Not. 

"I hardly recognized you without your signature red hood, girl" Finns voice was amused, as if he was making his own joke. Any fear I had for him was gone as I turned around.

"Finn" I greeted dryly, watching him cautiously.

"I can help you you know. Not only do I know what you are, but who you are" I put my hands on my hips, not really in the mood for him right now.

"Oh do tell" I spat at him sarcastically.

"Well, how could a weak little human like you get Marcus to stop from killing her? By the way, I am glad to see your neck has healed. But tell me, how did you also manage to score yourself some very proactive bodyguards, one who is good at hiding it and the other who seem to let it slip they see you as Alpha?" I gulped as he stopped his pacing, looking at me he knew that I knew he had worked a few things out. The Alpha slip by Eric confused me and I had a feeling Finn could prove to be a valuable friend.

"So you know?" I asked, and he nodded in response.

"I did from the second you came to Marcus's door. Fate is a funny thing making you look like her though. I sense the magic hiding you too. A clever witch must have done that. And you are our Alphas mate yes? Eric and Frederick's wolves know it and have put their trust in you. They may not fully know it yet but it is why they are so protective of you. It is not being disloyal to William, rather than accepting you as one of them" His words made sense and I relaxed finally.

"Will you tell anyone?" I don't know why but I didn't want this coming out yet. I would tell William first on my terms, once I had worked it all out that is.

"Not a soul Alpha" He winked as he said alpha and I couldn't help roll my eyes. Despite how scary he appeared, I saw his gentler side. He was quickly becoming one of my new favorite people. He soon laughed and nodded his head down the path. I sighed, and as he started walking, went with him. I was about to ask him about his scars when I stopped. Curious, Finn turned to me.

"What is it Elizabeth?" But it wasn't a real question, he knew. Marcus's large brown wolf came from nowhere, its dark eyes looking between before he shifted and continued to stare suspiciously.

"Look at you two getting cozy" he challenged, glaring at me. I raised my chin slightly and crossed my arms over my chest returning the look.

"I would advise you to change your tone Marcus. There is so much more to this girl than you had expected" Finn's words were wise, his calmer nature of the pair obvious. Marcus sighed, tossing his hand through his hair roughly.

"What more could there be?" The pair looked at each other and I knew words I wasn't meant to hear were being shared. I knew Finn wouldn't tell my secret but what ever else he said made Marcus's eye slightly wider and finally he nodded. Conversation over. Maybe I could get Finn to tell me later.

"I trust my brother with my life Beth, I hope for both your sakes he is right. Will you allow me to start again?" his smile was warm and friendly, more like the Marcus I had expected him to be. Not one to hold grudges, I could forgive him but I wouldn't forget. Looking back to Finn all he did was wink.