The Pack's Grounds

Lola tightened her grip on her bag, her fingers clenching around the worn leather strap as she stood before the gates of Tamsin City's pack territory. The massive iron gates loomed over her, an unspoken reminder of the life she was stepping into. She swallowed, her gaze steady as the guard approached.

"Name?" the guard barked, his eyes cold and uninterested.

"Lola Reece," she replied, her voice steady despite the knot forming in her stomach.

The guard grunted, scribbling her name down on a clipboard before gesturing for her to follow. "Alpha Mike’s orders are clear. You’ll be briefed on your duties once you’re settled. Until then, stay out of the way."

Lola nodded, stepping through the gates and feeling the weight of the guard's eyes on her back as she walked into the pack’s territory. She tried to keep her head high, but the glances and whispers that followed her made it difficult. Her mind flashed back to the small room she’d been kept in for days, the instructions given to her echoing in her mind: obey and survive.

“Look at her,” a voice muttered to her left. She didn’t turn, but the words reached her ears all the same. “Another one traded to our Alpha. Wonder how long she’ll last.”

Lola took a steady breath, focusing her gaze on the main building ahead. A towering structure of stone and wood, it stood as a testament to Alpha Mike’s reign over Tamsin City. She had heard rumors of him—his ruthlessness, his strict code, his commitment to his pack above all else. And now, she was here, just another tool in his arsenal.

---

Inside, a young woman met her with a wary smile, extending her hand.

"Jessica," she introduced herself. "I’m here to show you around."

Lola shook her hand, grateful for the small act of kindness. “Thank you.”

Jessica led her through the main hall, her voice soft but laced with caution. “I don’t know why they sent you here, but… try to keep your head down. Alpha Mike doesn’t take kindly to anyone stepping out of line.”

“Noted.” Lola’s lips tightened. “I’m not here to make trouble.”

Jessica gave a slight nod. “Good. I’ll show you to your quarters.”

As they walked, Jessica glanced at her out of the corner of her eye. “So… what’s your story?”

Lola hesitated, unsure how much to share. “I was traded.”

Jessica’s face softened. “I’m sorry. It’s… it’s not easy here, especially for someone in your position.”

“I’ll manage.” Lola’s voice was firmer than she felt.

The quarters were small and bare, with a single bed, a small table, and a window that looked out onto the training grounds. Jessica lingered in the doorway, her face clouded with concern.

“If you need anything, you can find me near the training area. Just… be careful.”

Lola gave a small smile. “Thanks, Jessica. I appreciate it.”

Jessica nodded before leaving, closing the door softly behind her. Lola let out a long breath, sinking down onto the bed and looking around the room. This was her life now, for better or worse. And as much as she hated it, there was no going back.

The next morning, Lola was summoned to the Alpha’s quarters. She stood outside the heavy wooden door, waiting for permission to enter. A moment later, a low, commanding voice called out, “Come in.”

She pushed the door open, stepping inside to face the man who controlled her fate. Alpha Mike stood by the window, his back to her. His presence filled the room, an aura of authority and strength that was impossible to ignore.

“Lola Reece,” he said, still not turning around. “Do you know why you’re here?”

Lola took a steady breath. “I was traded to your pack, Alpha.”

He turned then, his gaze piercing as it settled on her. “And do you understand what that means?”

She met his eyes, refusing to show any sign of weakness. “It means I serve your pack now.”

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Good. Then you understand the rules. You’ll follow orders without question, stay out of pack affairs, and keep your head down. Do you have any issues with that?”

“No, Alpha.”

“Good.” He walked toward her, stopping just a foot away. “I don’t care about your past or why you were traded. All I care about is that you fulfill your role here without causing any trouble.”

Lola nodded, her heart steady as she looked up at him. “Understood, Alpha.”

For a moment, his gaze lingered on her, as if assessing her strength. Then he nodded. “You’re dismissed.”

Outside, Lola let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. The encounter had been brief, but the weight of it settled heavily on her shoulders. She walked back toward her quarters, her mind spinning with thoughts of her new life.

Jessica found her later, her expression a mix of sympathy and caution. “How did it go?”

“He’s… intense,” Lola admitted.

Jessica snorted. “That’s putting it lightly. Mike’s… not like other Alphas. He doesn’t have time for anything he considers weak.”

“I noticed.” Lola’s voice was dry.

Jessica sighed, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. “Look, just be careful. And if you need help… well, I’ll do what I can.”

Lola gave her a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

“The vampires are getting closer,” one of them muttered. “They’ve already hit Yasmin City. It’s only a matter of time before they reach us.”

Lola’s heart wasn't stable for a moment, she was really confused about what's currently going on.

But she forced herself to keep her face impassive as she continued to clean.

The other guard shook his head. “Alpha Mike won’t let them take Tamsin. He’s already preparing.”

“But will it be enough?” The first guard’s voice was filled with doubt.

That night, she lay awake in her bed, staring at the ceiling. She didn’t know what the future held, but one thing was certain—life in Tamsin was about to change.