♡ Odette's POV ♡

It was dark outside, flashes of lightbulbs illuminating the streets as we drove by. We cut through traffic like a blade, quick and precise. Zayn and I were currently sitting in a stretch limousine, windows dark and apparently, as Zayn told me when we entered, bulletproof. I didn't see why, though maybe it was because since Zayn had a lot of money, robbers would try and steal from him. Better safe than sorry, right?

My fingers stroked the fancy leather seating I rested on, admiring its touch and beauty. Zayn was watching me intensely, like a lion watching over his pride. I tried my best not to meet his gaze, that would be rather awkward for both of us. Still, Zayn stared on, and I noticed a smile tug up the corners of his lips as he did so. I blushed, and he turned away, watching scenery flash by like I was before. He was Zayn...I couldn't wrap my mind around it. The awkward, shy boy from nine years ago was replaced by a powerful, seductive teenage male. It was quite amazing.

Lights flickered and flashed all around us as we went through a tunnel, my eyes taking in every detail. I had never been driven to this part of town before, and I was excited to see my new home, one I would share with Zayn. My heart pounded in my chest from anticipation, my hands working to smooth my pale white gown.

Now that I had secured someone who was interested in me, I had to keep the interest going. Zayn couldn't get bored with me, or I might never get his Mark, and then I was basically treated as a toy among five-year-olds. I could be thrown out of the house, being treated terribly and thrown around from man to man, never truly claimed as someone's. The thought frightened me more than death, hopefully I was good enough for Zayn so he would keep me.

Suddenly the limousine stopped abruptly, my body lurching forward with the movement. Zayn's arm reached to push me back, but my body had already stopped before he could touch me. Zayn offered me a small smile before speaking.

"Sorry, I forgot about the security." Security? He was that well off that he needed security? Wow. I heard the driver speaking to someone through the glass window, the security man addressing him as Mr. Walters. The driver pulled forward slowly, Zayn unbuckling his seat belt and shifting over to me, his body sat right next to mine. He rolled down my window, his hand gesturing towards outside, whispering in my ear. "Welcome to your new home."

My first thought was of how huge the place was, and when I say huge, I meant it. It had to be at least three times the size of the large mansion the Christmas ball and courting event was, with huge gardens extending from the white building. The house was like a palace, covered in architectural designs and very expensive looking. The limo pulled up to the front of the huge residence, my eyes never leaving the picture perfect white walls, that is, until I noticed a decent number of people standing on the steps to the door. Men dressed in suits and women in maid's uniforms stood on the steps, a larger crowd of people standing at the door.

Zayn got out of the car first, walking over to open the door for me, holding out his hand to help me up. I had to admit, he was quite the gentlemen. I held onto his arm as we started to walk towards the steps, maids and servants bowing at the waist or curtseying as we trekked upward. I kept my eyes focused on the crowd at the door, pulling my shoulders back to help my posture, and putting on my best smile like Mother instructed me years ago. If I impressed Zayn, I would have to completely charm his family.

Four women stood at the door, only one older male present. The older woman and man must have been Mr. and Mrs. Malik, the three younger women (well, two of them looked to still be teenagers), I assumed were his sisters. They all had long dark hair, tan complexions, and appearances remarkable to Zayn's. Zayn's father was clean shaven, inky black hair trimmed and perfect. Mrs. Malik was the palest of the family, but she was much more tan than I could ever hope to be.

The women wore exquisite gowns, one of Zayn's sisters dressed in a fancy turquoise one, peacock feathers (if they were real or not, I could only guess) decorating the waist. The smallest girl wore a shimmery blue dress with a navy bow tied at the waist, her hair in an ornate bun with traces of gold decorations twisted through her onyx locks. The tallest, and I assumed, oldest sister wore an emerald green gown, beading and sequins bedazzling her until she sparkled.

They all stared at me, making me uncomfortable. Their eyes were dark like Zayn's, and when they were fixed onto you, it seemed like they bore holes into your soul. I gulped nervously. It was then that I realized that I was the one taking their brother from them, Zayn would be more infatuated with me then them if we got married.

"Zayn," the mother whispered, tears already in her eyes. "She's beautiful! What's your name, dear?" Zayn's mother grasped my hand gently, her hands were soft and wrinkled from life.

"Odette Carlton, my lady." I answered politely, and she smiled a perfect smile as I curtseyed to her, Zayn's eyes never leaving me.

"Well, Odette, we're so happy you're here. I'm Zayn's mother, Patricia, and this is my husband, Yaser." Mrs. Malik rested her head on her husband's chest as she introduced themselves. I smiled at Zayn's father, not getting any sort of response back from him. Mrs. Malik pointed to the three girls, introducing them as well. "That's Doniya, Safaa, and Waliyha, Zayn's sisters. Doniya is the oldest, then Waliyha, then Safaa." The girls gave me a small nod, the oldest giving me a particular cold stare. At least I guessed that they were his sisters correctly. There was an awkward silence for a few moments before Mrs. Malik told everyone it was high time they went inside, it was too cold to stand outside forever.

The house was beautiful, the inside covered in ornate rugs, paintings, and golden decorations. I almost didn't want to touch anything in fear I would make it impure or break it. The servants rushed in after we stepped through the huge doors, everyone getting back to work. Zayn's mother informed that dinner would be ready in a few hours, and then they were all gone. Everyone went their own ways, Patricia and Yaser walked down the huge hallway that seemed endless, his sisters gracefully walking up a staircase to the second floor, leaving only Zayn and I alone.

"Would you like to see your room?" I heard Zayn quietly ask, and I nodded before taking his arm again, letting him lead me up the stairs and down a small corridor.

The house was so big, I was scared I was going to get lost. Just the walk to my room was confusing, full of turns and doors. Each room's door was open, maids cleaning the already spotless living quarters. I noticed each room seemed to have a theme, one room painted navy blue with paintings of fish and boats on the walls, an ocean theme clear. The next room was painted black, silver furniture decorating the interior. I didn't notice a special theme until the cleaning maid left the room, turning off the lights. Glow in the dark stars and painted galaxies illuminated the bedroom with light, and if you looked close enough, small shooting stars flew by across the ceiling. What would my room look like, I wondered?

Zayn stopped in front of one door on the right of the hallway, holding his hand out towards the dark wooden door. A small swan was printed onto the door in gold.

"This is your room."

"What's with the swan?" I asked, not really sure what it stood for.

"A long time ago, a man named Tchaikovsky created a ballet called Swan Lake. The main character was a girl named Odette. She was turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer." Zayn looked at the floor as he spoke, like his knowledge was nothing important. My mouth formed an o shape as I listened, my fingers reaching to trace the delicate animal imprinted on the wood. I reached for the golden doorknob, turning it and gently opening the heavy door.

My room was painted a light sky blue color, black swans painted on it as well, flying upwards towards the ceiling. White furniture decorated the rather large room, and ivory sheets with lace accents were placed onto the plush bed. Floral paintings decorated the walls, and a bathroom was visible through the mirror of a vanity that lay against a wall. I was speechless as I walked into my room, it was beautiful. It was everything I could've asked for and more.

"I'll let you get settled in." Zayn muttered, turning to leave the room.

"Wait!" I interrupted, making Zayn freeze and look at me once more.

"Thank you, for everything Zayn." I said, and watched as Zayn smiled softly.

"Your welcome, Odette. Dinner should be ready in about an hour. I'll have one of the maids come get you then." I nodded before Zayn stepped out of my room and into the hallway.

"I'll see you at dinner." He shut the wooden door softly, leaving me in my luxurious room, excitement and fear a blurred swirl of emotion inside me.