Ms. and Mrs. Rosewood sat solemnly at the table, a detailed map spread out before them. Surrounding them were Lula's younger brothers—Luke, Tom, and Ron. They huddled together, grappling with the question of how to search for Lula without drawing unwanted attention. If their rivals caught wind of her disappearance, her life could be in grave danger.
"What are we going to do, darling?" Mrs. Rosewood's voice wavered with worry as she glanced at their sons, silently urging them to leave the room.
Once the boys had excused themselves, William Rosewood pulled his wife, Sophia, into a reassuring embrace. "Sophia, we'll find her. I promise," he whispered, though his own heart ached. His baby girl had never been far from home before, and her absence gnawed at him. Sophia buried her face into his chest, tears silently streaming as William tightened his hold, sharing in her pain.
In the hallway, Ron—by far the boldest of the brothers—proposed his plan. "I'll go find her myself. Please, watch over Mum and Dad. I don't know how long I'll be gone."
Luke sighed heavily while Tom fixed Ron with a sharp, disapproving stare. "If you die, I'll sell your favourite horse for a penny," Tom warned, his tone so serious it left no room for doubt.
The brothers all understood the risks, but they also knew it was the safest way to bring Lula back without attracting attention.
"Mother and Father aren't going to like this idea," Luke finally voiced, his concern clear. Yet despite his reluctance, he agreed to help prepare for Ron's departure. Quietly, the brothers set about making plans for the journey ahead.
Meanwhile, at the Thorne household, Xavier stood outside, teaching his younger brothers, Barney and Liam, how to roast meat over the fire. Inside, Ms. Thorne was busy helping Lula into warm clothes. Their home was isolated, perched atop a steep hill far from the nearest town.
Lula glanced around, taking in the house's modest furnishings—or lack thereof. Hay piles served as beds, bricks or simple boards were used as tables, and their toilet left her utterly perplexed. Ms. Thorne, noticing Lula's confusion, patiently showed her how to use it. Embarrassed but grateful, Lula thanked her profusely.
Despite the differences in their living situations, Lula found herself intrigued by these people and their ways. Her thoughts drifted to Xavier, remembering the strength of his arms when they'd carried her. As if summoned by her thoughts, their eyes met across the yard. Startled, Lula's face flushed, and she quickly spun around, leaving the bathroom in a flustered hurry.
She paused, remembering her injured foot, freshly cleaned and bandaged by Ms. Thorne. Taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart, Lula limped carefully back inside.
Ms. Thorne, noticing her son's distraction, led him aside. "Be honest with me, Xavier. Did you kidnap her?"
Xavier sighed. "No, Mum. I found her pinned under a bear."
"What?" Ms. Thorne gasped. The thought of her son kidnapping a mate was outrageous enough, but snatching one from under someone else was dangerous.
"Xavier, have you forgotten everything your father taught you about being kind and gentle?" she scolded.
"I didn't do anything wrong, Mum. The bear wasn't just any beast—it was a Stonehide," Xavier clarified, naming the beast, its thick hide known for its ferocity. Beastmen who could not transform are "Stonehide".
In the lore of the Thorne family and their kind, beastmen possess a dual nature, balancing their human and animal forms. However, not all beastmen can achieve the transformation. Those unable to shift into a human guise are called "Stonehides," creatures stuck in their beastly form. This inability to transform often leads to ostracization and a descent into a feral state, making them more animalistic, dangerous, and unpredictable.
Ms. Thorne studied her son, noting the faint smile tugging at his lips as he recalled meeting Lula. It was clear to her—he was already smitten. Still, she reminded him gently, "She doesn't know our ways, Xavier. You'll need to be patient with her."
In the kitchen, Ms. Thorne began quietly planning how to accommodate the newest member of their family.
"Father! You're back! You're back!" Barney and Liam's voices rang out as they raced to greet their father, circling him excitedly.
"Father, you won't believe it! Xavier found his mate!" they squealed in unison.
Later, as the family gathered for their evening meal, everyone took their places. Xavier sat beside Lula, who remained cautious and quiet. Barney and Liam perched happily on either side of their mother, while their father sat directly across from Lula. Even portions of the roast were served, filling the room with the rich aroma of their hunt.
"What's your name, little miss?" Xavier's father asked kindly, his eyes studying the newcomer.
"Lula Rosewood," she said softly, introducing herself.
"I am David Thorne," the man across from her replied warmly. "This is my wife, Maya, and I'm sure you've already met our sons. You can just call me David."
The dinner was unlike anything Lula had ever experienced. The Thorne family ate together without the stiff formalities she was accustomed to. There was laughter, light-hearted teasing, and a sense of warmth that made the simple meal feel extraordinary. Lula found herself smiling, imagining how enjoyable it would be if her own family could share such moments.
After dinner, the dishes were cleaned and stored away. Maya helped Lula settle onto the straw bed prepared for her. To Lula's surprise, despite its rough appearance, the bed was comfortable enough. She lay down, trying to relax, but her thoughts wandered to her family. Worry weighed heavily on her heart as she pictured her parents and brothers frantic over her disappearance. The thought of their distress dampened her mood.
Unable to sleep, Lula limped outside, finding a wooden log to sit on. She looked up at the night sky, its vast expanse dotted with twinkling stars. The cool air and the quiet surroundings offered her some comfort.
She startled slightly when she noticed someone sitting beside her. Xavier was there, silently gazing up at the stars as well.
When did he sit down? Lula thought, surprised she hadn't heard or seen him approach. She turned to him briefly, his profile illuminated by the moonlight. His presence was quiet but steady, and for a moment, neither of them spoke, both lost in the tranquility of the night sky.