While Caleb and I were watching movies in the bachelor pad basement level of the Packhouse, I slept out on the sofa. He usually carried me up to my room, but he would nod out occasionally, so we would hang out in that man cave. I liked the earthy aroma that Caleb had. Because I had been sitting next to him during the movie, I could already smell it on myself. Our legs were now touching in the middle, somewhat intertwined, and we were on opposing ends.
I could see him still sleeping through the light of the inactive TV, his mouth open, and his cinnamon-coloured hair unkempt in the sweetest way.
Since other staff members cared for the home, I didn't have to cook today. However, it was a big event, and there would be catering in honour of the boys' return. After deciding that I earned a lie-in, I closed my eyes, only to be startled awake in what felt like a matter of seconds. I could feel his weight as Caleb leaned against me and playfully nibbled my shoulder to jolt me awake.
Get off, I snarled. He proceeded to sit next to me, and as he did, I heard his deep laugh and felt the release of tension. "Get moving, sun. You're generally the early bird," he said, shaking the shoulder he had earlier nicked. I got to my feet, rubbed my eyes, and combed my hair away from my face. I sighed, "I can hear the commotion upstairs already." I'm unsure why, but I looked forward to the day.
He laughed and held out his hand to assist me in standing up, saying, "Well, today's sort of a big deal." Caleb has this velvety quality. He was the first person I've ever felt completely at peace around, whether it was because of the soft hazel in his eyes or the cleanliness of his face. I felt secure with him, which I'd never felt before. I knew I would have to clutch to Caleb's side if I was going to make it through today.
We split up in the hallway to take showers and change for the town brunch. Everyone was welcomed to the square to witness the return of their new Alpha and Delta, and lovely flower wreaths that I gladly assisted in making were hung throughout. This was a huge deal because it only happened once every 20 years or more. I put on the white and light orange patterned dress I had been looking for an occasion to wear. Bohemian in style but exquisitely constructed where it had cutouts and flowed to the mid-thigh.
I kept my face exposed as usual and added a single braid with delicate flowers interwoven with my hair waves. My skin is even and precise. I never saw the need to cover it, and since I was born with a beautiful set of eyes, I also never saw the need to add to them.
When I ran into him again, Caleb was dressed in casual slacks and a short-sleeved button-up with a patterned print. The unkempt mess of hair I had earlier seen was long gone since he had combed it.
He said, "You look gorgeous," anticipating my blush. I mumbled under my breath, "Oh, stop," as I sped past him to begin descending the stairs. He ran up to me and took my arm, asking, "Is Alexandra meeting us there?" Yes, she is frequently late. We don't have that choice. I'm sorry, but you aren't given that choice. You know it's your day, too, I told him. After all, he was second in command. Caleb would be training now through next year, but he would be close to home, thank goodness, because they never let all three commanding ranks together to train at one time in case something happened to them. Without him, I wouldn't be here.
White-linen-covered tables with bouquets of flowers and other greenery serving as each table's centerpiece lined the sidewalks. The main stage area was set up to enable Alpha and the family to address the enormous gathering, especially today. If Caleb hadn't added me as his plus one, I would have chosen to sit at the back of everything as I'm nothing. I was anxious because it meant I'd be close to the main stage. Children were laughing and running down the sidewalks, and people were bringing food and drink pitchers to the tables and covered platters with all the brunch fare.
The majority of the population was already seated or milling about chit-chatting. I moved past the crowd of people who were after Caleb.
When we arrived at our allocated spot, Alexandra had moved in and taken the seat next to me, whether it belonged to her. She was apathetic. She glanced at us and said, "You look hot." Her boisterous tone was muffled by me. She looked lovely as always in high-waisted shorts and a matching black blouse. Before she could speak again, cheering could be heard from the far end of the crowd we had just passed, and I immediately understood what it meant.
They showed up.
I still couldn't see them. Too many people were crammed together. It wasn't until after a short while that I noticed the top of Dakota, the Delta, who Caleb identified as having thick hair. They moved slowly down the street, greeting everyone who screamed their names, waved at them, or gave them a warm embrace as they passed. It resembled a parade. The Alpha, Luna, and Dakota's parents followed closely behind them, and I could see the pride on their faces. I was still unable to see Alpha's son. I was too short to see him because he was surrounded by bodies.
When I turned around after feeling a slight tug on my dress, I saw the young girl I recognize as Lily standing behind me and gazing up at me with her vast, comical eyes.
"I can't see," she complained. I couldn't either, so I raised her and put her on my chair so she could have a better view. She was missing a front tooth, so when she smiled, I could see the gap where her tiny tongue pressed into it.
Her startled eyes darted back and forth between the bustle, "You know he's like a prince." I couldn't help but smile as my face lit up at her being entranced. The smile I had just been wearing was utterly erased as she gasped, and I swiftly turned my head in her direction.
One particular face stuck out against the rest of the crowded faces on the opposite side of the table from where I was standing. He had a tone of midnight that was as dark as his tuft of hair and the ideal 5 o'clock shadow. His eyes were a different shade of blue from mine. Still, they were far more stunning in the manner that one black ring surrounded the outside of one light-blue ring in the middle, making them almost translucent. This man had great lips, a straight nose, and was tanned. I could be envious of his cheekbones and defined jaw, which complemented his agitated expression.
And indeed, that angry look was solely directed at me, and I froze.
I didn't notice the body he obviously takes care of until he emerged from the crowd. Every taut curve and bulging in his physique made that clear. I had never seen anything like it before. a man who is both totally and manly handsome. I would be frozen in passion if I weren't frozen in dread. His eyes never left mine when he leaned in to whisper something to his father. The Alpha's eyes briefly opened wide but quickly closed again before he uttered a response and gave me what appeared to be an embarrassed expression.
I exhaled, "Oh my god, he's going to kick me out," yet Caleb overheard me. He seated me while firmly holding onto my arm to prevent a nervous breakdown. He stood up to approach his pals, say hello, and say, "Stop, you'll be fine." I didn't bother talking to him any further. Just now, I turned my attention to Alexandra. "You noticed that, right? He appeared very furious. I swallowed, "I don't think he wants me here. She laughed, "I don't think he knew you were here until about ten seconds ago.
For a time, I lost all thought. Had no one informed him we had been sharing a home with a human for the last 12 months? That can bring forth entirely new problems. I was no longer apprehensive; I was outright terrified. If not here, I had nowhere to go. Alex crouched before me and gripped my legs as she said, "He's looking at you again." Caleb and Darius were conversing when I peered across my shoulder, both still staring at me.
Things calmed down when Alpha Arles began speaking, and everyone returned to their assigned places. While a speech was being made regarding the return of their newest leaders and the rituals that would be held this week to formally inaugurate the latest posts and, thus, the next Alpha, I continued to glance down at my hands on my lap. The crowd erupted.
I was too preoccupied with thinking about what I would do if I had to leave today due to too many people speaking on stage, causing everything to blend into white noise. My father would unlikely still be there, and I wouldn't want to return to them anyway. I was at my breaking point. Even if I reported neglect, there would be nowhere to go because I'm about to age out of the foster care system. While helping the town's residents, I picked up a lot of new abilities. I practiced botany with joy, the Delta's daughter, and Mia, Caleb's sister, and studied woodworking with Mr Micheal. I also acted as the grocery lady for all of Gran's elderly acquaintances.
Where might I work outside of these mountains and use any of this new information? However, where will I live? I might work at a restaurant. A place to stay till I can afford my own home? The sofa of longtime friends? I left the scene. I don't believe I have any friends left in the world. My eyes were on the verge of watering, so I had to take a deep breath and ignore the thoughts for the time being.
It wasn't until then that I noticed Caleb had returned, and he and Alexandra were looking at me anxiously. "Are you alright? You lost any sense of time. Caleb spoke softly enough for us to hear him: "I was talking to you. I don't recall hearing the conversation, so I must have been dissociating.
"Sorry, what?" Caleb continued, "Darius was a little taken aback because no one thought to let him know you had come to live here. "A bit? All three of our eyes went in his way as I said, "He's scowling at me," and my two closest friends began to giggle at the accuracy of my assertion. The world's most handsome man, the soon-to-be Alpha, was openly and fervently glaring at me. Throughout breakfast, my pals made an effort to divert my attention. I couldn't look up at that stage again for fear of being startled, so it was simpler to ignore it and concentrate on my amusing buddies.
Following our dinner, the group dispersed in different directions, but when I spotted Miss Celeste—an elder wolf whose groceries I frequently brought—trying to make my way back to her cottage, I told my friends I'd follow up with them and offered to take her there. She frequently needed to grab onto something to prevent falling when her hip gave out because she had a problematic hip. It's so good to see you, Honey. When she realized I had extended an elbow to her, she gushed, "Oh, you look so lovely." Hello, Celeste. Have the celebrations ended already? I queried.
Oh no, I'm only taking a brief break. Later, the real fun will start," she said with her trademark laugh. She stopped briefly when we approached her front door and took in everyone.
"I recall the day when Darius's father assumed the position of Alpha. Being alive to see another moment like this makes me feel fortunate. He's a pretty boy. She questioned, but inadvertently. I just gave a half-smile instead of responding. Enjoy the upcoming days. She squeezed my hand and said, "Honey, that's amazing because you're possibly the only human who's ever observed such an event.
I questioned whether I was the only person who had ever seen such a thing as I turned to face the same group of people she had just been glancing at. I understand I don't belong here, but when have I ever felt truly at home anywhere?
The idea of "home" was foreign to me.