Aimee's POV
The aesthetic of Alpha Vincent was not limited to just the mansion; the food he served was also visually pleasing and, of course, delicious. I had never tasted meat this delicious before. Although I rarely consumed meat in my pack, this was the best meat in the world. I wasn't exaggerating.
"I hope you're pleased with what we're serving. It's young deer meat hunted at night and preserved for approximately four years," Alpha Vincent said.
I nodded and paused my eating. "Yes, Alpha Vincent, it tastes so perfect. It's also a new experience for me. This meat is even more delicious than freshly cooked deer meat after hunting."
"Actually, it happened unintentionally. The attack that occurred four years ago led to many new culinary innovations in our pack. Everyone felt mourning and loss for the twenty members who died, including my Luna. We lost our light and hope for life. Even in the first week, only a few people ate. The rest of us secluded ourselves in the forest, engulfed in tormenting depression.
A day before the attack, we were indeed training our strength in hunting. So, we had a plentiful stock of deer meat and planned to feast with it. But fate had other plans, and everything happened as it did, so the meat had to be stored.
I must thank our best cook, Douglaz, for his efforts to remain sane amidst the depressed and secluded members. His instincts told him that the deer meat would be crucial in our mental recovery process. So, he innovated and created delicious seasonings to marinate the young deer meat.
True enough, when we started to return to normalcy in the third year, the meat became incredibly perfect. Now, preserving deer meat through smoking and burying it is one of the main activities in our pack."
Honestly, Alpha Vincent's charm increased dramatically as he recounted the story. He appeared incredibly knowledgeable, mature, and wise. I felt he surpassed Alpha James in many ways.
"It's very inspiring. The food in our pack tends to be monotonous. It might be a good idea for our cook to receive special training from your pack, Alpha Vincent."
"That would be delightful. It would be best if you suggested that idea to James. By the way, would you like to stay here or return to your pack?" Alpha Vincent asked.
Instantly, the atmosphere became awkward; no, I felt awkward. This place was beautiful, but I felt more comfortable in my own room. I hadn't finished pondering the realities I had discovered today.
I wanted to be angry and cry on my own bed, accompanied by the moonlight that seemed to shine again after the rain subsided.
"I think I'll head back, Alpha Vincent. Thank you for the offer to stay the night in your pack; I feel incredibly honored by your kindness," I said.
Alpha Vincent smiled widely. "No need to thank me. It's only natural that we should care for and be kind to one another among packs. I've also rid myself of all the negative things that have haunted me over the past few years. Resentment and anger kept troubling me, making me restless. Finally, my Luna came to me in a dream and told me to let go of it all. That's when I truly understood, and the desire to rise above it all emerged."
I may not be a clairvoyant, but I had been observing Alpha Vincent's teary eyes as he recounted his journey from four years ago. I was certain his heart still ached when remembering that dreadful event. Although he hadn't shared the details of the attack, it must have been truly horrifying. I couldn't imagine losing loved ones right before your eyes.
The death of my parents when I was a child had already left a profound trauma. I believe losing someone in adulthood would be even more painful and difficult to heal.
"Alright then, how about I drive you back now? I still want to talk to you, but it's already seven in the evening, and I'm still in the recovery phase. I'm required to sleep before nine o'clock. Promise me you won't get bored when I invite you to visit again, Aimee."
I blushed; Alpha Vincent's sincere smile touched my heart. I had never experienced something so sweet. My heart raced. If only Alpha James hadn't ruined the state of my heart today, I could have accepted all of this with a genuine heart.
Unfortunately, my heart now had to share its feelings between annoyance and happiness. Frustrating.
**
Alpha Vincent carried me just like when we went to his mansion. I climbed into his large wolf form for the second time, and the sensation remained the same. I felt like sleeping and lingering on this soft fur.
The journey back to the pack felt even more perfect, with the moonlight illuminating us. I felt like I was living in a fairy tale world.
The journey I thought would end normally suddenly took a slightly tense turn. Amid my blissful embrace, enjoying the warmth of Alpha Vincent's wolf form, Agnez's figure suddenly appeared and blocked our path.
Alpha Vincent stopped, lowering his body as he gently set me down. He transformed into his human form and asked Agnez, "Hey, what's happening? Are you a rogue?"
"No, Alpha Vincent. She is a member of our pack. Agnez, what are you doing here?"
Agnez smirked and burst into laughter. She looked terrifying, to be honest, and I was pretty scared seeing her.
"Yes, I used to be a member of the same pack as this whore! But not anymore! I am a rogue now! And I am standing here to teach you a lesson, you foolish Aimee!
Filled with anger, Agnez suddenly transformed into a wolf and leaped toward me. However, before she could reach me, Alpha Vincent managed to stop her with a single swift motion using his arm.
Yes, Alpha Vincent didn't transform at all. He effortlessly protected me. Agnez's body was thrown back, and she returned to her human form. Alpha Vincent turned to me and said, "Stay behind me, Aimee. I will handle all of this."