Marie lay on a sumptuous four-poster bed in an elegant room, where every detail spoke of luxury and sophistication. The room exuded a timeless charm but there was nothing charming about the situation Marie now found herself in. This room had become her prison. The place in which she had spent every moment of her life for the last 4 weeks since Jacob dragged her from her home.
The bed, with its stately four wooden posts, stood as the centerpiece of the room. The dark wood was polished to a high sheen, revealing the intricate grain of the timber. Each post was beautifully carved with intricate designs, lending an air of regal opulence to the room. The canopy above the bed was draped with flowing, translucent fabric, giving an ethereal quality to the space. The fabric billowed gently, casting soft, diffused light across the room, creating an atmosphere of serenity.
The bedding itself was a masterpiece of comfort and elegance. Silken sheets, a deep shade of midnight blue, cradled Marie as she lay upon them. Pillows with ornate embroidery adorned the head of the bed, adding a touch of regal flair to the ensemble.
The room's color palette was rich and inviting, with deep jewel tones of emerald, sapphire, and amethyst gracing the walls and furnishings. Gilded mirrors and artwork adorned the walls, reflecting the room's timeless beauty.
Marie lay wrapped in the bedding. She felt sick to her stomach and her head felt heavy upon her shoulders. The usual morning knock on the door came loud and sharp to her ears. She groaned as she turned onto her side. At the start she would answer the door and be kind to those delivering her food but as the time had gone and she had started to feel more unwell and eating less she barely lifted her head or spoke when they entered room. None of them seemed to care that their alpha was keeping her there.
An elderly lady entered the room with a warm and compassionate smile, her steps gentle as she approached Marie's four-poster bed, carrying a tray laden with a variety of breakfast options. With great care, she placed the tray beside Marie and encouraged her to eat.
"Good morning, dear," she said kindly, her voice filled with warmth. "I've brought you a selection of breakfast. Please, try to eat something. You have hardly eaten in weeks."
As the lady spoke, the aroma of the food wafted through the room, but one particular scent triggered a reaction in Marie. Her stomach twisted with nausea, and she couldn't bear the thought of eating that particular dish. Without hesitation, she abruptly rose from the bed and rushed for the attached bathroom.
The sound of retching echoed from the bathroom as Marie succumbed to sickness, her body heaving as it had done on and off of for the last few week when that particular option for breakfast was served.
Marie looked in the mirror, her face pale but Marie was determined to freshen up despite the morning's ordeal. She quickly brushed her teeth and washed her face, attempting to rid herself of the remnants of nausea that clung to her.
Marie emerged from the bath and returned to the bed, opting for a glass of orange juice and a bottle of water from the tray of breakfast options. As she sipped her orange juice, she asked the elderly lady to leave and to take the uneaten food with her. Her voice was a mixture of exhaustion and sadness.
"Thank you," Marie whispered, her gratitude apparent in her eyes. "But, please, take the food and leave"
"Are you sure?, dear. You really must try to eat something"
Marie did not answer. instead she placed the cup of orange juice on the bedside table and turned to face away from the elderly lady.
"Ok, my dear. Please ask the guard on the door to call for me should you require anything"
As the elderly lady departed, closing the door behind her, Marie curled up on the bed once again, allowing her tears to fall freely. She had nothing to do now but wait until Jacob returned.
Michael has been back at the pack for the last 4 weeks trying to find any sign of Marie. Everybody he spoke to had said the same thing. That they had not see anybody with Alpha Jacob since his return. He had been requesting to Jacob since the night of his return but each request was denied with no reason why.
Michael was sat in one of the many gardens surrounding the pack house contemplating his next move, when he saw Jacob crossing the garden. He jumped from where he was sat and ran to intercept Jacob.
"Alpha, please. I have bee trying to speak to you for weeks"
"I know Michael. What is it you want?" Jacob growled. Angry he had been stopped.
"Please Alpha, Where is Marie? how is she?"
"Marie is fine. I do not know why you are so concerned. She is just adjusting to being back in the pack and is choosing to stay on our alpha floor for the time being. I am sure you can understand how difficult this must be for her Michael?"
"Of course i can Alpha, Please could i see her? Perhaps i can aid her in the transition"
"That will not be necessary. She has asked for no visitors at this time. Now if you would excuse me i am late for a very important meeting" Jacob stepped around Michael and carried on his original path.
Michael quickly pulled out his phone and thumbed a message into it quickly.
"she is at the packhouse. Jacob says she is adjusting to being back in her back and has requested no visitors. I am worried Blake. I know somebody on the staff of the Alpha. I am going to reach out. Will keep you updated" Michael slid his phone back into his trouser pocket and set of to the small grocery store just down the road the pack house. He knew exactly where she was and he had a plan to get to her.
The small grocery store was a bright and welcoming space, with the aisles filled with an assortment of fresh produce and household items. Michael moved through the aisles, adding various fruits and vegetables to his basket.
As he turned a corner, he suddenly bumped into an elderly lady, almost causing her to drop the items in her hands. Michael quickly caught her, steadying her with a gentle hand.
"Adele!" he exclaimed with a warm smile, "It's been so long! How have you been?"
Adele, looked up at Michael with a twinkle in her eyes and a friendly smile. "Oh, Michael, it's been too long indeed! I'm doing well, thank you. Just doing some shopping for the pack house. How about you? How have you been?"
"I am doing well my dear. I have been back a short while but having been living off takeout. I thought i had better drop in and get something healthy for a change. I cant believe i have bumped into you. I have missed you my dear friend"
Adele's cheeks flushed red as she absorbed his words.
"Michael you know better than to eat like that. I tell you what, why don't you come back with me to the pack house and i will make you something delicious. We can catch up. How does that sound?"
"Sounds perfect Adele" Michael smiled brightly. His plan had worked
Both Michael and Adele made their way to the checkouts and paid for their shopping.
The walk to pack house took less than 10 minutes. Soon Michael was walking through the door ad being guided to the kitchen by Adele.