Caleb
As I sat across from Ava, my mind churned with uncertainty. Could she be trusted? She had been through so much betrayal and heartbreak, yet here she was, trying to start anew. The power she wielded, which had rattled even Marcus, was impressive but also potentially dangerous. I needed to be sure of her intentions.
Ava's voice broke my train of thought. "Caleb, about the greenhouse," she said, her eyes bright with curiosity.
I blinked, bringing myself back to the present. "Yes, of course. You can use the greenhouse, but only after it has been repaired. I'll tell Lily to go ahead with the repairs." Her enthusiasm was almost infectious, and I couldn't help but admire the way her eyes lit up when she talked about the plants. It was a simple joy, but it made her seem even more beautiful.
"Thank you," she said, her smile genuine. "I've always loved gardening. It feels like a connection to something bigger, you know?"
I nodded, captivated by the passion in her voice. "I understand. My mother used to say the same thing about her plants. She believed they were a link to our past and a gift to our future."
Ava's eyes softened. "I'd like to think she'd be happy knowing her greenhouse is being taken care of again."
I smiled at her, feeling a rare warmth spread through me. "I think she would."
A brief silence fell between us, comfortable yet charged with unspoken thoughts. I cleared my throat, refocusing on the task at hand. "Would you like to join the pack tonight, or would you prefer to wait?"
Ava paused, her brow furrowing in thought. I was about to tell her she didn't need to decide now, but she cut me off. "It's best if I join as soon as possible," she said firmly.
Her decisiveness caught me off guard. Why would she jump into this so quickly, especially after rejecting a mate? I studied her for a moment, noticing the way the light caught the strands of her hair, giving them a soft glow. There was a strength in her that was captivating, a determination that made her even more intriguing.
"Are you sure?" I asked, my voice gentle. "You've been through a lot. There's no rush."
Ava met my gaze steadily. "I know what it looks like, Caleb. But I need a fresh start. And I want to do it right. If I'm going to be here, I want to be part of the pack from the beginning."
I admired her resolve, but it also raised more questions. I had to ensure her motives were pure and that her joining the pack wouldn't bring unforeseen complications. Yet, as I watched her, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the fresh start we both needed.
"Alright," I said, nodding. "That's great news. We can do it tonight."
As we finished our lunch, a comfortable silence settled between us. Ava's resolve and determination lingered in my thoughts, and I found myself increasingly curious about her. We both stood, and I gestured towards the direction of the greenhouse.
"Shall we take a look?" I asked, offering a small smile.
"Yes, I'd love that," Ava replied, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.
We fell into step next to each other, the distance between us closing as we walked down the hall towards the neglected greenhouse. As we walked, I caught a whiff of Ava's scent. It was intoxicating—a blend of red apples, sweet with hints of maple and cinnamon. My wolf, Ares, began to pace in my mind, his agitation a reflection of the intense allure of her scent.
My senses sharpened, and I found it difficult to focus on anything other than the enticing aroma that seemed to envelop her. It was a scent that spoke of warmth, comfort, and a subtle, underlying strength. The sweetness of the apples and maple was balanced perfectly by the spicy hint of cinnamon, creating a unique and unforgettable fragrance.
I glanced at Ava, noticing the way her hair caught the light and the determined set of her jaw. There was something undeniably captivating about her, and it wasn't just her scent. She carried herself with a quiet grace and a resilience that drew me in.
"Here it is," I said as we reached the heavy doors leading to the greenhouse. I pushed them open, revealing the neglected space within.
Ava stepped inside, her eyes widening as she took in the overgrown plants, broken glass panels, and the general state of disrepair. Despite the neglect, there was a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.
"It's beautiful," she murmured, stepping further into the greenhouse. "I can see the potential here. It just needs some care."
I nodded, watching her closely. "Lily will start the repairs immediately. We can get this place back to its former glory."
Ava turned to me, a grateful smile on her lips. "Thank you, Caleb. This means a lot to me."
I felt a pang of warmth in my chest at her words. "It's the least I can do," I replied. "You deserve a fresh start."
We stood there for a moment, the silence filled with unspoken thoughts. My wolf continued to pace, his agitation growing with each passing second. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
"Ava," I said, my voice softer now, "I want you to know that you're not alone here. We'll figure this out together."
She looked at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of determination and vulnerability. "Thank you, Caleb. I appreciate that."
We left the greenhouse, walking back through the manor's grand halls. I led Ava up the staircase to the upper floors, the wood beneath our feet creaking softly with each step. The upper floors were even more impressive, with elegantly furnished rooms and intricate decor that reflected the history and legacy of the Darkmoon Pack.
"This floor has most of the guest rooms," I explained as we walked down the hallway. "We rarely have visitors, but it's always good to be prepared."
Ava nodded, her eyes taking in the details with interest. "It's beautiful. I can see a lot of history here."
We continued to her room, which was located at the end of the hall. I opened the door, revealing a spacious room filled with soft light from the large windows. The furnishings were luxurious yet comfortable, designed to make anyone feel at home.
"This is your room as you have seen already" I said, stepping inside and motioning for her to follow. "Let me show you how everything works."
I walked her through the features of the room, explaining the climate control, the lighting system, and the various amenities. She listened attentively, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. We ended in the walk-in closet, which was spacious enough to house an entire wardrobe.
"Your room has some secrets," I said with a small, teasing smile. "But I'll tell you about them after you join the pack tonight."
Ava raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Secrets, huh? I look forward to that."
I was taken aback when she then asked, "Can I see your room, Caleb?"
The request caught me off guard, and for a moment, I felt a spark of chemistry between us. Her gaze was steady, and I could sense the same curiosity and pull that I felt. My wolf, Ares, was alert, sensing the tension and interest between us.
"Sure," I said, my voice a bit rougher than intended. "It's just across the hall."
We walked to my room, the silence between us charged with unspoken thoughts. I opened the door and let her inside, watching her as she looked around. My room was more utilitarian than hers, with a strong, masculine design that reflected my personality.
Before we could say anything more, a knock on the doorframe interrupted us. It was Lily, looking slightly flustered.
"Alpha, Luna," she said, nodding respectfully. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's a matter that needs your attention."
I sighed inwardly but nodded. "I'll be right there, Lily."
As Lily left, Ava turned to me, her expression thoughtful. "I want to help out around the manor," she said. "I'm not used to sitting idly all day with nothing to do, ."
I appreciated her willingness to contribute. "We can go over the usual routine of the pack house. Let me show you where everything is and what time meals are served."
We walked back down to the main floor, and I showed her the kitchen, dining area, and common rooms quickly. "Breakfast is at seven, lunch at one, and dinner at six. If you want to do more, talk to Lily. She knows better about what needs to be done."
Ava nodded, looking more at ease. "Thank you, Caleb. I appreciate it."
"Of course," I replied, feeling a sense of satisfaction that she was starting to settle in. "I have to go, this shouldn't take long." She smiled and nodded at me but I saw the flash of.... disappointment? relief? I couldn't quite pinpoint it but I had to go and couldn't dwell on it.
As we continued our tour, I couldn't help but feel a growing connection to Ava. But this rattled me to my core. Yes, she was my wife but, this was only meant to be for offspring.....why is my wolf so agitated?