PENELOPE EYED the familiar scenery in front of her. It was neither majestic nor welcoming. The large gate facing them doesn't seem friendly enough. Even Irlan grimaced a little upon gazing at the pack enforcers near them.

"Thank you for the invitation. I appreciate that you trusted me to be part of this family." Lance took off his glasses and smiled with charm.


"The ceremony would be two months from now. It's still too early to thank me, Lance." Lesley pursed her lips in an attractive pout. She glanced at Irlan with an acknowledging nod. "I see you brought your friends with you."

"I don't see any harm. My aunt won't allow me to do this alone anyway. I had to force these guys to accompany me."

"Aw..." She shrugged. "That's fine. We can accept more people. Crystal Lake now caters to those rogue wolves too. The pack alpha gives everyone the chance to change their ways and live with better rules."


Irlan changed his scent into a rogue wolf. Maybe that's why Lesley caught his eye. The magic stuff that the teen knows made Penelope revere him in a way that's bordering on anxiety.

"It was a long drive, Leyl." Lance used his own nickname for Lesley. He invented it just a few days ago. "May we proceed inside and have rest for a while? The drive made me a little dizzy."


Joaquin stepped out of the car. His searing eyes bore straight to Lesley's face. Penelope had an illusion for a second that he could really see her. "Please send our regards to the alpha. This is our first time visiting Crystal Lake. Thank you so much for the opportunity."

Irlan twisted his lips and said with an amiable tone, "Pleased to finally meet you in person, Ms. Lesley. My brother has been telling me a lot about you."

'Who's your brother?' Penelope cleared her throat and tried to act as feminine as she would rather not. "The air is much colder here in your pack territory. This place is actually good for closed-door meditating."

"Oh," Lance quipped, "Bern gets a little too spiritual at times. Spare her no judgement though. She's the most kind person I know."

"Judgement?" Lesley flashed them a toothy smile. "I'm the last person who can judge someone without feeling guilt afterwards. I'm an angel, my dad used to say."

Irlan clasped his hands together and sighed. Lesley took note of this and click her tongue. "Right, it's getting cold. We should go inside and prepare hot meals for you guys. You're all my guest after all."

Joaquin reached out for Penelope. She dodged right on time and side-stepped to the right. Confusion graced his unseeing eyes but it cleared up when Irlan held his arms and snorted. "I thought we already talked about this."

Penelope should not let Lesley know what his relationship with Joaquin is. When her cover gets blown, she doesn't want to risk Joaquin's life now that they are entering the demon's den.

Irlan proposed the idea and everyone accepted it.

'I guess he wasn't listening that time.' That shows how pre-occupied was he over something. Penelope would like to know what concerns him in this crucial times.

"The pack alpha won't be back for two weeks. She's settling something important not too far from here." Lesley put a large piece of meat in front of Lance. The smell of roasted beef waffed the air. "Even then, everyone is expected to behave by her orders. Peace, obedience and silence. Those are her three points that you guys should be weary of while you're living here."

"I'm familiar with those..." Lance picked up his fork and knife. "I've been visiting some pack territories, searching for my fated mate... and I became acostumed with those."

"Wow... then you must be very disappointed, Lance. You're stuck here with me, and I'm not even your fated mate."

Lance had a dramatic pause. Penelope eyed his every move with a feeling of excitement and dread. He's really good at faking his emotions.

"It's not really important anymore. Brought myself on your doorstep, didn't I?" Lance looked upwards suddenly with a wry smile. "Thought that was already a proof that I gave up on that fated mating crap."

Lesley flushed. Her eyes shone with eerie light as she drawled, "Then what if your fated mate suddenly shows up?"

Lance was already expecting that question. He answered readily with an hopeful expression, "I think by that time we've finally marked each other permanently. So that 'her' presence won't change anything between us."

Irlan had it in his eyes the intense urge to cover his own ears. Penelope was surprised to see that she hadn't had a nosebleed throughout the scene.

While on the other hand, Joaquin chose to choke on his dinner.

"That murderous meat!" Lance beamed with malice. "Oh, God, Joaquin. What did it do to you? Do you need water?"

Penelope passed him a glass of water. Joaquin took a greedy gulp from it while tapping Lance's hand. "Tone it down," he said, "tone it down. You sound so whipped with her."

"Am I not, though?"

Lesley giggled at their antics. Penelope gave in and finally let out a small huff. "Oh, you two."

Irlan faced Penelope and signaled at the door. She looked at him questioningly. The kid only pursed his lips and looked away as if she had no future with this.

"Lesley!" A loud call echoed outside the door. "We got a guy here. The other tents were full and this is the largest among the rest. Maybe we can let this man stay here?"

"Oh, yeah. That's fine!" Lesley stood to welcome the new guest.

When the door opened slightly, a familiar scent hovered the room. It managed to fight the alluring scent of meat with his distinct trail.

Lance went rigid on his spot. The meat he barely chewed now had no chance of getting swallowed. He almost spat right in there.

Penelope raised her eyes and came to meet Samael. He had an inquiring expression. He was curious, but also anticipating Lance's attention on him.

His eyes solely focused on Lance's pale face. "Hi, didn't expect to meet you guys here."

Penelope waited Lance to speak but he didn't. Instead, he looked back at him with dislike. 'I should be the one telling you that.'

Irlan finally broke the silence with his cheerful greeting. "Hi, uncle. Nice to see you here."

Samael had this horrified look on his face. He reiterated, "Uncle?"

Irlan managed to look innocent. "Hmn, yeah? Well... come eat."

Penelope prayed for his soul. He is indeed a naughty kid.