The murmur of conversation in the room halted at my arrival. I was hoping I'd be able to sneak in unannounced, but that seemed to be wishful thinking. It was the same small room where we ate lunch the first time. The only difference this time around was that the round table was completely full, besides the one vacant seat next to Benji whose eyes were already focused on me.He silently motioned me forward and I followed his unspoken command. I focused on the shuffling of my feet as I slid into the seat next to him, trying to ignore all the curious eyes watching my every move. It felt like I was an animal trapped at a zoo, there to entertain the viewers.I shook the thought from my mind, turning my head ever so slightly to face him. "Hi.""Hello." He responded, his blue eyes searching my face for a moment before turning to address the rest of the people sitting at the table. "This is Aria, for anyone who isn't aware."I tried not to zero in on the way he addressed me. He introduced me
As lunch ended, Ellie made a point to come over and hug me goodbye. Her embrace was warm and genuine as she squeezed my shoulders. "I'm so happy I got to meet you today." She smiled before lowering her voice, blocking out the men who were currently talking by the door. "Dotty mentioned that you could use some friends here. I know your situation is unique, but if you need anything I'm here."I returned the smile, thanking her for the offer. I felt an ache in my chest at the knowledge that Dotty was trying to look after me. She was younger than me, yet here she was doing her best to make me feel comfortable. I would have to thank her the next time I see her. I would be lying if I said knowing Dotty and Ellie didn't help ease my discomfort. They weren't Gwen, but they were still friends.Ellie and I walked over to the men, silently following our own respected mates out the door. Jeremiah tagged along with Alaric and Ellie, sparking up a conversation with the Beta as they trailed away. I
To my complete horror, Benji didn't bother to knock on the door. Instead, he flung it open and walked in unannounced as if he built the house from the ground up and owned it. The entry room was empty, only occupied by decorative furniture. The house had a much more modern style compared to Benji's and stood out against the aesthetic of the entire pack.I silently followed him, flinching at the noise the door made once it slammed shut."Benjamin, is that you?" A female voice called from deep in the home. "Stop slamming my doors! This is my house, not yours."It was hard to believe someone in his life actively tries to discipline him. At this point, I was under the impression he was raised by literal wolves. He really didn't have a flare for tableside manners.He snorted, leading us through a long hallway that opened into a spacious living room. "I didn't slam it, mom. It was the wind.""I'm sure it was." She sarcastically responded, coming into view.His mother was much smaller than I
The air in the room was stale with tension and hostility. The divide in this family is baffling. June and Dotty are the light; friendly, caring, and warm. While Benji and his father are the darkness; domineering, angry, and harsh. How the Goddess ever thought to put such jarringly different people together makes no sense to me."Yes, this is her." Benji answered his father after a fleeting moment. "She has a name. It's Aria."I swiveled my head to peer at him, my eyes wide with shock. I had never considered what type of relationship Benji had with his father, but I always assumed it was a positive one. I would have never expected Benji to be so brash with his father on my own accord.Elijah's face flickered with something similar to amusement before it returned to stone. "No need to be defensive, son." Benji and Elijah held each other's heated stares in silence, only interrupted by June clearing her throat. "Shall we start eating? I don't want the food to get cold." She smiled at both
Silent days passed since the dinner with his family. We didn't speak on the drive home. After the altercation with his father, Benji was in a sour mood and just about stormed off as soon as the dessert plates were cleaned off. I had hoped that the weekend would have brought better news – freedom from the house and a taste of independence.He had teased me with his generosity on Friday. Allowing me out of the house not once, but twice.I thought he would be home, taking time off from work on the weekend. But Benji found a way to make himself busy. He was constantly on the phone with someone, arguing about upcoming plans. When he wasn't shouting on his phone in the living room, he hid behind the closed door of his office.I had thought things were getting better. That they were improving. But I was wrong.♕♕♕When you're trapped in a single place for an extended amount of time, you need to find creative ways to entertain yourselves. Gwen and I used to pass the time recounting stories, v
An unusual feeling sat in my chest all night. It was a peculiar combination of pent up anxiety and excitement for my day. I had trouble sleeping, mulling over all the possible scenarios in my head on what could occur at the daycare.I was nervous about the potential rejection. So much of my personal identity revolved around caring for children. When I lost my parents, working at the daycare gave me a purpose and a newly-formed family. If I couldn't find that type of relationship here, I fear I wouldn't be able to find it anywhere else in this pack.It took me hours to finally convince my brain to fall into a soft lull of silence, welcoming sleep with open arms.♕♕♕"Are you nervous?"I thought the answer to his question was clearly obvious, considering my restless movements since I entered the kitchen. The unsettling feeling I felt last night still sat in my stomach, making it hard for me to simple sit down with him and relax.The harsh words from his father still rung in my ears. I h
Elise's smile was warm, immediately quelling my previous nerves. Her welcoming demeanor quickly reminded me of people like Dotty and Gwen, who took me in with open arms and made me feel comfortable."Hi," I squeak out, finally finding my voice. "It's nice to meet you. I really appreciate you letting me come and help out."She waves her hand in the air, laughing off my pleasantries as if they are nothing. "Are you kidding me? I should be the one thanking you. We don't get many pack members wanting to volunteer in the daycare center. And Alpha Benji mentioned you have experience with pups, which is amazing."I can't imagine why people wouldn't want to help. The center is covered with colorful drawings, plush toys, and gleeful kids. This is the most peaceful place I've come across since coming here. Why would someone willingly request to do security on the underground cells, instead of caring for pups?Jeremiah clears his throat from next to me, bringing my attention back to the conversa
He laughed at my question, collecting the books from his lap and discarding them on a nearby table. "Believe it or not, I don't spend all my time in the infirmary." A warm smile graced his lips as he paused. "When I'm not booked with any patients, I like to volunteer and help out down here. It saves Elise the trouble of bringing the pups to me when they hurt themselves.""Hush!" Elise swiveled to face him, swatting her hands at his chest playfully. "You're going to make me look bad in front of her. The only time they get hurt is when they roughhouse with each other, and I try to get them to stop."I watch the two of them with interest, confused on whether they are close friends, or possibly mates. Noah is still undeniably attractive, with a charming personality, but my draw to him is no longer as fresh as it was when I first encountered him. After spending more time with Benji, our mate bond has solidified to the point that I can't look at another male without feeling a sense of guilt