When Reyland returned to his living room, thirty minutes later, the whole place had been cleaned and cleared.
The erstwhile roaring fire was burning low. The cups of tea and cocoa had been removed, and Marian’s initial blanket was folded and back on the ottoman.
He moved to the kitchen to find Anna standing by the sink.
She spun around as he entered.
“Hi!” she greeted him cheerfully.
“Anna?” he asked as he glanced around the kitchen and behind himself, “What are you doing?”
“The Alpha sent me,” she replied cheerily.
“No, Anna,” Reyland replied flatly.
“But –” she started, her pretty face twisting with distress as she wrung her hands.
“I said no. I’ve told you before. I won’t let them do that to you,” he continued, putting down her protest.
“But –” she tried again; however, Reylan
