KAELAN

I watched Everly as she tried to navigate the pack like a deer stepping into a clearing. She was cautious, and wary, probably because of the way my packmates eyed her with curiosity. It was my responsibility to see that she settled well and fast too.

I introduced her to several of the pack members, starting with Duncan.

“Everly, this is Duncan, my Beta,” I said.

Duncan extended a hand to her with a warm smile. “Welcome to Crescent Moon. If you need anything, just ask.”

“Thank you,” Everly said, her voice polite but guarded.

Duncan glanced at me, with a knowing smile. “She’ll be fine here, Alpha. You have nothing to worry about.”

Everly shot me a questioning look as Duncan walked away. “He seems… quite confident.”

I chuckled. “Duncan has a habit of being efficient in all he does.”

Her lips twitched, almost forming a smile, like she was gradually getting out of her shell.

I took her straight to the pack’s clinic where she was treated for her injuries. Normally, she was supposed to heal on her own but who knows, she probably didn’t even have a wolf. I would find out about that later.

Later, after she had rested a while, I took her to the training grounds. The moon glowed brightly and some shifters used the opportunity to train. The sight of wolves sparring and honing their skills seemed to spark something in her. She looked very enthusiastic while she watched two males engage in combat.

“Do you train?” I asked.

“I used to,” she admitted. My question seemed to have opened an old wound as her mood changed immediately and her gaze became distant.

“Don’t worry, you will train again,” I said reassuringly. “If you’re willing.”

She looked at me, her eyes searching. “Maybe.”

***

EVERLY

That night, Kaelan took me to the room he’d prepared for me in the main house.

I stopped on the threshold, admiring the splendor before me.

The room was very large and could not be compared with any room I’ve ever been in. The bed was king-size, and I wondered how I could sleep in that bed alone. The fabric of the sheet looks softer than clouds and I liked how the floor-to-ceiling windows opened onto a private balcony.

The room was cozy and warm, and I fell in love with it instantly.

“Oh this room is beautiful. It feels like a dream,” I said, standing in the doorway.

“You deserve a space where you feel comfortable.” He took my hand gently. “I don’t go about bringing random people home.”

I found myself stepping closer. “Why are you doing this, Alpha? Why do you care so much?”

He hesitated, then focused his gaze on me. “I think the Moon Goddess brought us together for a reason.”

I took a deep breath. I could not deny the sincerity in his voice, and for the first time in months, I felt something other than despair.

“Goodnight, Everly,” he said, his voice soft.

“Goodnight Alpha,” I whispered, watching as he walked away.

I walked around the room, taking in every detail of this classic furnishing. Just then, there was a soft knock at the door.

“Come in,” I said softly.

One of Kaelan’s maids walked in with a tray laden with food that smelled delicious. As the delicious aroma filled my nose, my stomach growled, reminding me that I had not eaten all day.

“Hi,” she said. “My name is Maria. I’ve been assigned by the Alpha to attend to you. If you need my services, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Nice to meet you, Maria. I’m Everly and thanks for your kindness.” I responded with a warm smile. I wanted to start ravaging the meal but Maria remained in my room and that made me a little nervous.

She scanned my face, looking a little enthusiastic. “We are all happy that you are here. At least we’ll finally have a Luna. The Alpha king has been searching for his second chance mate for so long.”

Second chance mate, so what happened to the first one?

And where the hell did Maria get the idea that I was going to be their Luna? Kaelan just rescued me from some rogues and was kind enough to offer me a place of abode. That was all.

“You are getting it all wrong, Maria. I’m just the Alpha’s guest.”

She took a long look at me and nodded. “Okay, miss. I’m always available whenever you need me.”

As soon as she left, I dug into the meal and savored every bite. I ate to my fill and set the empty dishes in one corner of the room. I didn’t know my way around here and wondered if Maria would return to take the dirty dishes away. I was already in the hot shower, halfway through bathing when I heard another knock at the door.

I assumed it was Maria that came back for the dirty dishes. I had locked the door before I entered the bathroom. Since I was new and wanted to make a good impression, I came out of the bathroom to open the door for her.

It wouldn’t be nice to keep her waiting for long.

I had a white short towel wrapped around my chest as I headed towards the door. Without asking who it was, I unlocked the door and froze on the spot.

“Alpha!” I cried in shock as Kaelan and I stared at each other face to face. For a minute, I couldn’t utter another word. He stared from my chest down to my feet and back to my face. I blushed profusely and tried to handle the edges of the towel tightly. But to my utter dismay, it slipped and came undone.

I gasped, totally embarrassed. I wished the ground would open and swallow me up. I quickly took the towel and struggled to cover my nakedness.

Kaelan sensed my unease and withdrew his gaze. “I came to inform you that I would be leaving early tomorrow morning for a meeting with the Werewolf Council.”

I simply nodded, not knowing what to say. The situation was awkward and I expected him to leave immediately but he stepped closer to me and whispered in a sexy voice. “You are beautiful, Everly, more beautiful than any woman I’ve ever set my eyes on”

I blushed all shades of red and tried not to meet his gaze which now focused on my lips. Was he thinking of kissing me? A shiver ran down my body and he probably noticed it.

“Go back to the shower before you catch a cold.”

With that, he turned and left.