Elena
I woke up to the smell of fresh coffee and something baking.
It took me a moment to remember where I was, the mostly bare walls of the bedroom so different from the rich fabrics and decadent decor of the Alpha mansion. That place still always felt like someone else’s house, as did the one I was in now.
My eyes closed tight as I thought of home, this concept that was still so elusive to me. There were moments, with Killian, when I thought I was reaching at least the feeling of comfort or safety of home if not the actual place. I still had hope that I would find that someday.
I threw on a baggy sweater and went downstairs. Alice was in the kitchen, soft piano music playing from somewhere. She looked up and smiled when I came in the room.
“Good morning, dear,” she said. “I was
