The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the kitchen as Maira yawned, still groggy from sleep. As she descended the stairs, the muffled voices in the kitchen grew clearer, drawing her curiosity. She rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of slumber, and followed the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
In the kitchen, she found her mother, Ami, engaged in conversation with a tall, imposing figure. Maira's heart skipped a beat as her eyes fell on him. Kairo, the new Alpha of the pack, stood with an air of authority, his amber eyes exuding power and determination. His jet-black hair was neatly styled, complementing his strong jawline and chiseled features. Maira couldn't deny that he was handsome, in an intimidating sort of way.
Kairo ignored her as he spoke to Ami, his tone respectful and composed. "I understand that this house is traditionally reserved for the Alpha, but I don't want to displace you and your family," he said, his voice firm yet gentle.
Ami, a petite woman with a graceful demeanor, seemed torn between respect for her late husband's traditions and the practicality of the situation. "But Kairo, the pack won't take kindly to us staying here. They expect you to occupy the Alpha's house."
Kairo nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I know, but I can't ask you to leave. Uncle Zamin was like a father to me, and I won't disrespect his memory by uprooting his family. However, I do need access to his office. It contains important documents and records related to the pack. I'll handle pack business from here, and if needed, I'll hold meetings in this house."
Maira watched the exchange, the tension in the air palpable. She sipped her coffee, trying to steady her nerves as she observed Kairo's demeanor. Despite the respect he displayed towards her mother, there was an underlying coldness in his eyes whenever he glanced in her direction.
Ami's expression softened, touched by Kairo's words. "Thank you, Kairo. I appreciate your understanding," she replied, her voice tinged with gratitude.
He offered a small smile, and Maira felt a pang in her heart because he never smiled at all.
"Of course, Ami. I want to honor Uncle Zamin's legacy in every way possible."
Maira couldn't help but feel a sense of conflict within herself. Part of her admired Kairo's thoughtfulness towards her family who was in mourning, yet the other part seethed with resentment towards the man who had rejected her.
While Kairo discussed the logistics of accessing the office and how he would manage pack affairs from the house. Maira took the opportunity to quietly slip into a chair at the far end of the kitchen, trying to distance herself from the overwhelming emotions coursing through her.
As the conversation continued, she couldn't help but steal glances at Kairo. His commanding presence only intensified the attraction she had felt since she was a child. It was as if fate had played a cruel game, making her yearn for a man who wanted nothing to do with her.
Maira's long, straight black hair cascaded over her shoulders, reaching down to her waist. Her curvaceous figure was accentuated by the soft morning light, and despite her inner turmoil, she remained an attractive sight to behold. Yet, she couldn't escape the feeling of inadequacy that Kairo's rejection had instilled in her.
After what felt like an eternity, the conversation finally came to a close. Kairo excused himself, bidding Ami a respectful farewell. Maira held her breath as he approached the door, hoping for even the slightest acknowledgement, but he walked past her without so much as a glance.
Her heart sank as the door closed behind him, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Ami came over and sat beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "He's grown into quite the man, hasn't he?" Ami said, her voice filled with pride.
Maira nodded reluctantly, "Yes, he has."
Ami smiled warmly, "He's going to be an excellent Alpha for our pack."
Maira looked down at her coffee cup, unable to share her mother's enthusiasm. "He's young, Ami. He needs to prove himself to the rest of the pack. Being an Alpha is not easy, and he's got a lot to learn."
Ami placed a hand under Maira's chin, gently lifting her daughter's gaze to meet her own. "True, he's young, but already people are beginning to respect him. He has new ideas and plans to change how things work in the pack. And you know he's strong and capable. He can handle the politics and rivalry with the Warg pack."
Maira's eyes softened as she listened to her mother's words. Despite her reservations, she couldn't deny the truth in what Ami was saying. Kairo's determination and drive were evident, and she knew he had the potential to be a great Alpha. Still, her hurt and disappointment lingered, making it hard for her to fully embrace the idea of supporting him.
"What about how he treats me, Ami?" she finally voiced, her voice tinged with sadness. "He barely even acknowledges my existence. It's like I'm invisible to him. When he was here in the house, he never bothered to look my way. Now that Dad's gone, I can't help but wonder if there's even a place for me in the pack, especially since I can't turn into a wolf like everyone else."
Ami listened attentively, her heart aching for her daughter. "I understand your concerns, Maira," she replied gently. "But you have to remember that Kairo is under a lot of pressure right now. Becoming the Alpha is a huge responsibility, and with challenges of its own."
Maira sighed, her doubts still lingering. "But what if he sees me as a burden, Ami? What if he thinks I make the pack look weak because I can't shift? I'm afraid that sooner or later, he'll want me to leave."
Ami reached for Maira's hand, offering a reassuring squeeze. "I won't let that happen, Maira," she said firmly. "I'll talk to Kairo about your future in the pack. I believe he'll be fair, and he won't let you go just because you can't shift. Your father loved you and accepted you as his own, and I won't let anyone take that away from you."
Maira's eyes glistened with tears, touched by her mother's unwavering support. "Thank you, Ami," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.
Ami smiled warmly, cupping her daughter's cheek. "We're a family, Maira. We stick together through thick and thin. I know Kairo will come to realize the value you bring to this pack, just like your father did."
As she sipped her coffee, Maira couldn't help but wonder how she would endure this new chapter of her life. The proximity to Kairo, the man who had rejected her, was a constant reminder of her pain and the complexities of her fate.