Chapter 56: Chapter 56
The wood burner filled the entire room with warmth and a pleasant smell. It crackled and creaked but did little to lift the heavy silence that settled over the living room of the pack house. Most of them were getting ready for bed while I sat by window, watching the dim and grey clouds with a hot mug of tea.
Wrapping my arms tighter around my upper body, my fingertips dug into the ribs. A sigh escaped my lips as I thought about the uneventful day and general unease that made my body thrum with it, my heart beating fast. The sound of familiar footsteps approaching me filled my eyes. It was the Senior Pack Alpha.
He sighed. “You shouldn’t keep your phone so carelessly.”
I cradled the mug between my hands, letting the hot steam rise and cloud my vision for a moment. “I cannot call my Alpha because he has no reception out there, so what’s the point?”
“Rose–” He started, sinking into the empty seat opposite to me. I hoped that he would not comment about how I have been acting for the last two days. Ever since that choppy abrupt call with Aiden, which didn’t last for two minutes, my mood dampened. I managed to learn that the Alpha won’t be able to receive my calls due to bad reception.
“You know there are other ways to reach him.”
I quickly straightened my spine at that, eyes glimmering under the lights. “How?”
“Earlier in our days, I used to write letters to my family. They arrive after a while, but it’s worth the worth.”
As soon as those words sank in, hope blossomed in my chest. I wanted to try it out too. Hastily I took a sip, letting the tea burn down my throat too quickly, too hot, and I felt it down my stomach.
“Thank you so much, Pack Alpha. And please tell Beth thank you for the tea. I am leaving to my home.”
Alexander nodded as if he understood the reason behind it. The Pack Alpha followed me till the doorway, his hand curled around the frame and gaze weary. His stare fixed firmly on me while excitement swirled in my belly. I tried to keep my steps light as I walked down the stairs.
“Take care of yourself, Rose.”
“Promise,” I noisily whispered over my shoulder, gravel crunching beneath the thick boots as I left the packhouse behind me, heading towards the cabins.
***
Sitting down on the desk, I managed to pen down a letter for my Alpha, writing about my day and wishing him well. After that, I scented the letter before neatly finding it and tucking it in the envelope.
The following day I asked one of the pack guards to post it for me. With that, I spent the rest of my day holed up in my room, covered by a mountain of blankets, reading a book. I kept a thermos of tea by the bed and a box of cookies that Aiden got for me while we shopped.
***
The next few days rolled by in a blur, and I anticipated a letter from Aiden, but it never came. Then again, it was silly of me because the Alpha must be busy planning strategies and fighting. Disappointment flared in my stomach now and then, but I quelled it down and pretended to be normal.
Most of my time was spent in the packhouse, learning to master Aiden’s favourite recipes from Beth. She was a patient teacher, soft-spoken and never raising her voice. It might be because I held the highest position in the pack, or she’s genuinely like that with everyone.
Ria had some urgent work, or so she said before leaving the packhouse two days after Aiden left. I counted it as a blessing to not see her roaming around.
My evenings, on the other hand, were peaceful and noisy at times, depending on the long walks I had with Caden. After the Alpha apologised for the way he acted about my powers and introduced me to his mother, we were able to move past the awkward stage.
I found out that, unlike my old pack, there was a separate omega training ground. There was also a trainer assigned to them who’s a year younger than me. I still remembered the way she acted as Caden walked me inside the area.
“Rose, this is our youngest trainer, Ellen. And Ellen, you know our Luna.” The Alpha cleared his throat and ran a hand through his tousled hair. He seemed unaware of the bashful smile the omega trainer directed towards him.
Ellen narrowed her eyes between both of us, lips pulled together. “Yes, of course. What can I do for you?”
“Can you please show me around?” I politely asked.
She crossed her arms, letting out a scoff and accusingly staring at me. “I was not aware of the inspection happening this early or you being in charge.”
“Ellen!” Caden glared at her. “Watch your tone, please. She’s our Luna.”
“Whatever!”
That was my second cue. Ellen was annoyed at the Alpha taking my side and made it clear. Why would I have any interest in Caden? She must know that I was already bonded to Aiden and had no intention of cheating on him.
Caden, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to her crush on him and showed me around. The training ground was a small open area, tucked in the corner, filled with only essential items.
Ellen answered my questions curtly and dismissed me later with an excuse to continue her training. I was fascinated by her skills and quickly enrolled myself hoping that it would keep me occupied.
Besides a Luna needs to be strong enough to hold her ground and fight enemies on her own. I just wished one of these days Ellen warms up to me and we could get past whatever grudge she had.
When the weekend rolled in, it dawned with Caden knocking down my front door with an amount of happy energy I didn’t appreciate. My arms trembled, fingers tingling from the cold as I rushed to open the door. The tiles are so cold that I could feel them through my socks.
“What is it?”
The Alpha chuckled. “Someone is not a morning person.”
I wanted to yell but swallowed it down, having neither the time nor the energy nor the patience to get into that. Crossing my arms against my chest, I arched my brow at him. “What do you want?”
“The Pack Alpha asked for you. Everyone is gathered in the packhouse.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. Come on; I have to inform others as well.”
“You can go. I’ll meet you at the packhouse.”
“Alright.”
***
The clouds were still hanging low when I walked down the main road to the packhouse. They were not as heavy nor as dark as the previous days, so I hoped it’s going to not snow for a while longer. Judging from the looks around, I realised I was few minutes late. Beth, standing only a few feet away from the door, rushed towards me as I struggled with the jacket.
“Give me that, dear.” She tutted and ushered me into the living room, taking my jacket.
“Rose!” Alexander grinned as soon as he spotted me, beckoning me towards the empty seat on the couch. With so many pack members gathered around, I ducked, cheeks feeling bright before finding my way towards him.
“So glad you could make it on time.”
I smiled at him, nervously smoothening my skirt. “May I know what this is about?”
“Sure! I was about to make an announcement.” The Alpha grinned. “We have received a letter this morning. It's from our people who are fighting the war, and they won!”
A low gasp escaped my lips, eyes widening as I stared at him. Loud murmurs and squeals echoed in my ears. My hand flew to my mouth, shoulders sagging. Tears brimmed in my eyes, a lump lodging in my throat as I recalled those words.
I could hear the sound of heart thumping loudly in my chest as I couldn’t help but envision my Alpha coming back home and greeting me.
“D-Does that mean they are coming back soon?”
Alexander laughed warmly. “Yes, your Alpha will be here in few hours.”
***