Faylen's POV
I stepped off the train and immediately began searching for my brother. He was supposed to pick me up from the train station. I grumbled quietly as I looked around. Pulling out my phone I decided to call him Except there was no need to this time. As I turned on the phone screen, I saw I had a message from him.
From Darius: Hey sis sorry unable to pick you up. Work needed me. The alpha is coming to pick you up. Good Luck in the pack. Never forget I love you!
I rolled my eyes annoyed and put the phone away. Not even bothering to respond to him at this point. We had been planning my return for weeks. We even planned it around his work schedule so I could see him the moment I got back. At this point I was a little more than annoyed. Nonetheless I searched the crowd for Alpha Jackson. Clutching my phone tightly in hand as I had the bag full of my belongings clutched tightly in my other hand. I didn't realize how hard I had my hand balled up tell I felt my nails digging into my skin. Blinking, I suppressed my wolf and loosened my grip on the strap of my bag. I had just begun walking when I picked up the Alphas scent. My eyes lit up a little as I followed the scent to the alpha. Relieved that I was finally able to go home. As if the trip home hadn't been stressful enough.
It didn't take very long to find the alpha. I smiled happily beaming at him as I approached. Once in front of him I tilted my head down. I had to make sure he knew I still knew he was my superior.
"Hello Alpha" I mumbled quietly but I knew he heard me.
"Welcome home darling Faylen" His voice was firm. It held a different tone then I remember it having last time I saw him. The day I was sent away. Separated from my brother. "I trust you know the news?" This time his tone was softened and held a hint of sadness?
I tilted my head in confusion and looked up at him. He was looking down at me with sadness in his eyes. I stared back at him in confusion. "Heard what Alpha?" I was no longer chipper, and my voice reflected that. It now held confusion, every word sounding more like a question than the last. "What's going on?"
"Your brother" He paused for a moment. "Was killed just before your train…arrived" His voice trailed off and it almost sounded like he choked out the last word.
I felt my face fall. My skin turned pale as reality came crashing around me. Tears sparking into my eyes. "D-dead?" Suddenly his last message made more sense. I was the only one left in my family. Just like that I was the only survivor of the Zakari bloodline. A tear leaked out of my eye as the Alpha wrapped his arms around me embracing me. I quietly sobbed into his chest. At some point my phone had clattered to the ground shattering as my bag fell along with it. I stayed there for a few minutes before collecting myself. Gently I stood up and wiped my eyes.
Tears still threatened to spill and my eyes were red and puffy. I continuously wiped the tears away before I could manage to smile at the alpha. "L-lets go please" My voice was firm but shaky. Something that would normally get me in trouble. Instead he simply nodded his head. Picking my fallen bag and phone up he led the way to his car. I slowly followed behind him. It seemed like we were moving slowly as the world passed around us. After what felt like an eternity we made it to his car. He went to the passenger side door and opened it for me. As I climbed in he closed the door. Reaching over I buckled myself in. Watching as he popped the trunk and tossed my bag in. It was at that moment I remembered my phone and began looking around for it. As he climbed into the driver seat he smiled and handed it to me.
After silently grabbing the phone from him I tried turning it on. The screen was completely shattered. After realizing the phone was completely dead, I set it in my lap. Making a mental note to get a new one in the next few days. Seeing as I had nothing better to do for the car ride home I gazed out the window. Watching as we passed through the city then into the tree line marking our territory. Sighing softly as I leaned my head on the window watching the trees.
"We will be postponing your welcome back dinner party. Would you like to stay at the pack house for the time being?" His voice was soft. A hint of sadness still lingering in it. "Your brother had moved in there when he was announced as the Beta. We can prepare a house or other living arrangements for you in the next few days."
I stayed quiet for a moment, unable to speak. Taking a deep breath I nodded my head. "I can stay at the pack house for now but I would prefer to live somewhere else for the time being" My voice cracked as tears were once again brought to my eyes. Being in the pack house where his scent was surly heavily mixed around would be too hard. I was unsure of how I would be able to hold up with his scent constantly around. A lingering reminder of him.
However my interest was piqued by the Alpha referring to him as the Beta. I knew our father had been Beta of the pack but was this why my brother wasn't sent away? Had he become Beta of the pack at fifteen? And if he was the Beta does that mean I would now have to step up because he died? Did he ever find his mate? Too many what ifs and possibilities came to mind. I did my best to push them aside as I stared out the window once more.
The rest of the ride home was quiet. A lingering heaviness was in the air. At times it felt like I would suffocate and had me practically gasping for air. I turned my attention to the front window as we approached the pack house. My eyes glanced over it curiously. It seemed bigger than I remembered it being. It was also now a shining blue. Hinting that it was recently repainted. Last time I was here the blue was dull and fading out from the years. I stayed in the car for a few minutes. Looking out at the unfamiliar faces peeking out from the windows. It dawned on me that a majority of the pack wouldn't recognize me. As I stepped out of the car the Alpha was beside me.
I looked around dazedly before smiling up at him. Taking my bag from his hand. "Thank you alpha" Just as he was about to open his mouth someone walked outside. She seemed familiar but I was unsure where from. I watched as she walked over to the alpha and kissed him on the cheek. That's when it dawned on me it was The Luna. Quickly I bowed my head blushing slightly.
"Hello Luna"
"No need just call me Layla dear." She waved her hand dismissively, Sadness tinted her voice as well and it angered me. Why did everyone have to sound so sad when talking to me? It angered my wolf. Yes we were sad but did everyone have to talk to me in the same tone?"
"Can you show Faylen to one of the spare rooms. I am going to make other living arrangements for her" I recognized that as the alpha. He smiled one last time at me before walking away. I assume to do whatever it is an Alpha does around here.
"Come on Faylen and no need to continue staring at the ground. I do apologize we don't have many rooms open. Is there an area you would prefer staying at?"
"Can I just stay in my brother's room? I imagine I won't be at the pack house for very long."
"If that's what you wish my dear." she smiled and we began walking to the pack house. I followed behind her now looking upwards. Slowly she led me to my brother's room. Once more talking. I assume trying to stir up conversation. "I do apologize that the other boys aren't here, they have some out of town business. I believe they are due back within a week."
I assume by the other boys she meant Dominic her son and Kyle his other best friend. I still had to ask though. I wanted to make sure I wouldn't have to face my brother's two closest companions immediately. "You mean Dominic and Kyle, right?"
"Yes of course. Who else would I talk about?"
"I don't know" I mumbled and shrugged my shoulders. I did my best to ignore the scents as we walked. Though the closer we got the more and more I could only pick my brother's scent apart from the rest.
"Such a shame your brother never did find his mate. Such a young and vibrant soul he was."
I watched as the Lu- Layla looked back at me sympathetically. I let out a small annoyed growl. I was unsure if she ignored it or just didn't hear me. God I needed to keep my wolf and myself in check. I didn't need to go stirring up trouble when I just finally arrived home.
"Have Kyle or Dom found their mates?" Curiosity leaked into my voice when I asked. "Who will take over as Beta now?" I was doing my best to keep my mind distracted as we reached my brother's door. Layla came to a halt and stopped smiling at me.
"Neither of them have found their mates. When they are back the pack is hosting a ball for all those unmated in hopes to get some of you youngins mated. As for the Beta it will remain empty until we are able to hold the ceremony for Kyle and Dominic."
I nodded my head slowly. "I see. Thanks Layla but I am tired and wish to rest now." I gave her a pained half smile. Reaching forward I opened the door leading to my brother's room. Without waiting a moment more I walked in. Turning around and closing the door quickly before she could say anything else. I crumbled to the floor crying. My brother's scent surrounded me and I could no longer hold in the tears. I hadn't seen him in eight years and now I never will.
At some point I made it to the bed. Still an upset mess I curled up with one of his pillows and fell asleep.
Over the next three days Faylen would leave her room only twice a day. She was eating and drinking less. Ignoring the pack's entire existence. Most of her time was spent curled up and crying on her brother's old bed.
I was startled awake when someone barged into the room. I was surprised when I saw it was Ashylen. My old friend from before. I blinked and looked at her angry. "What do you want." It sounded more like a statement than a question.
"Your dinner party is tonight so get up." she glared down at me. "We are going into town to get you fixed up." By this she perked up. I groaned and rolled over.
"What if I refuse?"
"Then I suppose the Alpha will have to deal with you himself." she shrugged nonchalantly. Really, she didn't care. Ashlyn has always pretended to be Faylen's friend and now she just had an act to put up temporarily.
"Fine whatever I'll be down in 30 minutes" I growled and would slowly sit up in bed. Glaring at the door as I watched Ashlyn leave, closing the door behind her. Slowly I would slide out of the bed. Grabbing a t-shirt, pair of sweatpants, a bra and panties, as well as a clean towel. Heading to the connected bathroom so I could shower.
After 10 minutes in the shower I got out. Using a towel to dry my body and another to dry my hair. Quickly I got dressed. Not bothering to brush my hair as I just threw it up in a neat bun. I gave myself a quick glance over and smiled slightly at myself, satisfied with how I looked. Once officially ready I went to the bathroom door. Opening it I threw the towel in the corner of the room. I was feeling a little better today. Finally an improvement I thought to myself. Humming quietly I walked to the bedroom door and swung it open. Stopping mid step as I realized I had forgotten my shoes. I let out a small giggle and retreated backwards. Sitting on the bed as I slipped into my purple and green sneakers. Tying the blue shoelaces before I stood up. A little hop in my step this time. Finally I headed out of the room making sure to firmly close it. After I made sure it was shut and locked, not wanting anyone to go in there, I made my way to the staircase and ascended them.
I noticed two things immediately when I was walking. One Ashlyn was by the door looking angry and the Alpha and Luna were a few feet away. Needless to say I was a little confused and concerned. Nevertheless I approached them both. Once more bowing my head as I stopped in front of Layla and Jackson.
"Good morning" I quietly half mumbled to them.
"Good morning Faylen" Layla said with a small smile on her face as excitement lit up her eyes.
"Good morning Fay, there have been a few changes for your day" Jackson said as he looked down at Faylen and watched her raise her head to look at them.
I gazed curiously up at Layla and Jackson. Confused and curious about the Alphas previous statement. "What changes Alpha?"
"You are coming with me!! We think it'd be better if I go with you to help you prepare for today and get you pre prepared for the ball. As we know you are unmated and it's held the day after the boys return!" Layla all but squealed excitedly not waiting for her mate to tell the girl.
"With that being said Ashlyn you are dismissed unless Fay wants you to tag along. Also Faylen when you are back we have an important thing to discuss." Jacksons tone was serious as he spoke to Faylen and Ashlyn. Nothing like his mate's tone had been.
"Oh uhm alright… see you around" Ashlyn didn't wait for Faylen to tell her not to bother coming. "We can catch up some other time" She gave a weak smile before scurrying away.
I smiled and looked at the overly excited Luna "Alright but let's get going?" The last part came out more of a question than I intended it to. Though the Luna simply nodded her head and began leading me the opposite way.
I could only assume we were going to the garage to retrieve the car. Though I could have been wrong. As she began walking I quickly followed after her waving bye to the Alpha. At first I had to walk quickly to catch up with her. Though once next to her my pace slowed. We passed a few pack mates and I simply ignored them. It would only dampen my mood to look at them. As we approached the garage Layla suddenly had come to a halt and I along with her. I looked at her slightly confused by the sudden halt meters from the door. It appeared that she was thinking something over. Without another word she shrugged and opened the door to the garage. I tilted my head but didn't ask anything. Instead I followed her in. Closing the door behind us while she went and grabbed the key to the car we were taking. After she had the key I followed her to a lavender purple Toyota Camry. I looked at the car in awe. I was absolutely in love with the color purple and found its lighter shades to often be mesmerizing. As Layla got into the driver's side I slid into the passenger seat. Smiling as I looked at the interior. Unlike the outside it was mixed with an array of royal blue and royal purple. After just a few moments longer we were on the road.
I was unsure where we were headed for shopping. The car ride was mostly silent apart from discussing the kind of outfits and dresses I will be needing to pick up. Other than that I kept my focus on the outside world. Watching as the world passed around us the trees fading into the scenery of town. I didn't pay too much attention to anything after that. However, I did notice when we pulled into a rather large parking lot. Turning my attention to the building the first thing I note is its colorful appearance. At first it seemed like it had been painted every color known to man but quickly I realized there were images hidden in the building. The second thing I took notice of was how crammed the parking lot was. I didn't know if it was normally like this or if it was just for the upcoming special occasions. Lastly I took note of the name of the store. In dull what appeared to be dull letters were the words "Darien's Home for Clothes" I softly giggled to myself while thinking "what a peculiar name".
As the ignition was killed we exited the car and headed for the store entrance. I listened hearing the familiar beep of the car locking as we walked away from it. A broad smile on my face. As we approached the doors I grew more excited seeing the displays in the window of the store.
As we approached the doors they opened automatically which initially startled me as I wasn't expecting such a thing out here to exist. Upon entering the store we were greeted by what I assume was a sales clerk.
"Good Morning Ladies, may I assist you with anything today?" The girl's voice was soft and gentle. Her eyes wide with curiosity as she looked at us. Though she looked rather young though I suppose that's just a perk of being a werewolf.
"Ah no thanks sweetie, I have been here plenty and have a fair idea of where to go and what we need" Layla smiled, seeming to hold the same tone of voice as she spoke to the girl. All I could muster was a reassuring smile at the girl.
"Alright I shall be around if you need my assistance ma'am" as the girl finished speaking, she scurried away. Part of me was curious where she was going to and especially in such a hurry.
I glanced over at the Luna and she glanced back before beckoning me to follow her. Without another word I followed behind her as she led me to a rack. Grabbing it she quickly explained that they used this to make it easier for us to grab clothes to try on. I nodded my head in understanding as we went off.
It took about 30 minutes for us to fill the rack with assorted street wear and dresses. Once the rack was filled we headed to the dressing rooms so I could begin trying on the outfits. We sorted through the ones that were keepers and those that didn't go well on me or fit.
Over the next two hours they would repeat the cycle until Faylen had a wardrobe of street wear, three semi-formal dresses, and two formal dresses.
Once finally finished they went to the register to check out. They were greeted by the same girl from when they had entered the store.
"Are you all finished? Did you guys find everything?" The girl seemed impossibly more cheerful now than before. Instead of letting Layla answer I decided to beat her to it.
"Yes miss this will be all for us today and we did find everything thank you." I smiled politely at her. My eyes brightening as my mood bounced off of her energy.
"Well I am glad to hear it." She grinned at me as she scanned the items and carefully bagged them. Taking extra care with the dresses as she put them in a dry cleaner bag. As she finished she cocked her head and looked up at us. She seemed slightly confused and concerned. "Your total today will be $2,055.89. How would you like to pay?"
This time Layla piped up. "Debit please"
"Alright" the girl shrugged and set up the card machine for us. As the reader beeped I watched as the Luna slid a card. I was now watching curiously and was a little surprised when the sale went through. Silently I wondered how much money the pack actually had. As we took the items back to the car I hummed softly to myself.
"I'll be looking for a job as soon as I get officially settled and I'll save up to pay you back for today. I am truly grateful."
"Don't worry about paying it back darling Faylen. Although as long as you remain mateless, getting a job would be smart. However, after you find your mate, you must remember to consult him or her about such matters."
"Of course but I doubt I will be finding my mate anytime soon." I laughed softly followed by a sigh. As we reached the car Layla unlocked it and popped the trunk open. Carefully we placed the bags into the trunk before closing it and getting back into the car.
"Next we will go and get your hair done then we will return to the pack house so you can get ready and talk with the alpha before your dinner party."
With that we were back on the road. Not another word was exchanged as we headed to our next destination. I returned to looking out the window watching as the scenery passed around us. Watching curiously at the people we watched walk around. I wondered how many of them were also getting ready for tonight's event.
It didn't take all that long to reach our destination. Maybe 15 minutes at the maximum. We approached a building labeled "Shadow Moons" I stared curiously at the store painted like that of the night sky over a forest. I had to admit the art on the building really did intrigue me.
We walked to the doors of the business after getting out of the car. Smiling, I opened the door and allowed Layla to walk in before me. It was standard procedure seeing as she was the pack's Luna. The place seemed to be packed with people. Groaning softly I looked at Layla.
"Are you sure we will be done before tonight's event?" I let panic seep into my voice as I asked her.
"Of course hun don't worry. You will even look like the star of the night. Don't fret too much." She smiled and gave me a confident look. "I'll be right back stay here"
With that I watched as she walked towards the counter. I couldn't really hear what her and the stylist were saying due to the amount of people and all the noise they were making. They talked for what was no more than ten minutes before the Luna returned to me. From there she explained it would be about a fifteen minute wait. Turns out she had made an appointment previously for me so yay! Once that was taken care of we would head back to the pack house so I could have that talk with the alpha and get ready in time for the dinner.
Much as Layla said in about fifteen minutes or less I was taken back to one of the stylists areas. It took all of an hour and a half to do my makeup and hair. ME and my Stylist Charlia talked minimally. I found out she was actually in our pack and would be attending the dinner tonight. We didn't discuss anything about my hair and makeup and I didn't mind. Though I normally wasn't one for surprises I never was good when it came to deciding things like hair designs and makeup.
My hair had been done in a braid then twisted into a bun. It was being held in by Chinese hair sticks that had wolves on the ends of them. I looked happily in the mirror, surprised. My make up consisted of a foundation base that blended so well you couldn't tell where it started or ended. My nose had been highlighted to give that extra pop. My cheeks covered in what could only be described as a rosy pink blush. My lips a blood red paired with an eye shadow that winged out. It faded from a blood red to a black. After thanking Charlia and paying we left. Returning to the car as I made extra care not to mess anything up.
We made it safely to the car then went off back to the pack house. The trip back seemed to go rather quickly. Once back at the pack house we parked in the garage. I grabbed my bags while Layla hung up the keys. From there we parted ways. I took my new found clothes to my room and began to settle. I was unsure as to where the alpha was at the time so decided I would quickly get changed before going off to find the alpha for this conversation we were supposed to have.
In less than ten minutes I had slid out of my street clothes. Finding the dress, we had bought earlier specifically for this occasion. The dress was floor length with a slit going to about midthigh on the front. The dress started as a blood red at the top and slowly faded to a midnight black at the bottom. It overall looked really cool, and I paired it with my pair of black wedges to ensure the dress wouldn't drag. I had to admit I never really minded my height but it was times like this that made it difficult. Standing at five foot four inches always made it a fun time when I wanted to wear longer dresses. After heading to my bathroom I brushed my teeth and did a quick glance over to ensure I looked alright. With a satisfied smile I was off to find the alpha and get this stupid dinner party over with.