11. You Will Be Fine.

~ LAYLA ~

Our journey back is short and quiet. I don't know if I made the right decision by agreeing to stay with them.

But it seemed like the right choice at that time. Raelin was right about one thing; I can't keep running forever.

Out there, I don't have anyone to protect me, or even give me shelter. Both my parents and baby brother are all gone. I don't have anyone to call my own or that will even treat me like a living being.

I hate to say this, but since Raelin is my mate now, he is all I have left by my side, apart from this locket necklace around my neck. He is quite an asshole that hates the likes of me with reasons I believe are quite justifiable, but he is the only one right now that I can trust, despite how fragile that trust is between us.

On his own part, I know he doesn't even trust me at all.

Out there, while trying to survive on my own, I don't know what will happen to me again if I ever get caught by another bounty hunter.

Packless rogues are always easy targets for rogue bounty hunters that make their living by selling their captured or kidnapped rogue slaves or captives to Lycan ruthless packs that either turn those captives into breeders or outrightly into slaves.

It is an illegal thriving business, designed to prey and rob the lives of those at the bottom of the food chain that are unable to save themselves from losing their freedom.

I was part of that food chain weeks ago until I heard Kaliq telling one of his men, before I escaped, that I am too pretty to be a slave despite my scars and tattoos, and that he was going to sell me with a breeder tag the next day to the highest bidder that will be interested in turning a beauty in rags like me into a personal pup pumping machine.

I fled.

I'd rather die than become anyone's pathetic breeder, and I nearly did die.

But Weston, oops Beta Weston, said Raelin saved me. My untimely death that night was prevented because of Raelin Michaelson.

My Mate. The Midnight Alpha.

And now, he is walking right here by my side, his hand resting lightly on my lower back as he guides me towards a tall massive building.

I stare in awe at the building, but also try not to gape my mouth open in astonishment.

I have never physically seen such a huge structure in my life. Back home, I did saw pictures like this in the books I always read in my father's small library.

But never have I ever come physically close to seeing one this huge before.

As we approach closer to the building, I notice two bold circular engravings of the pack crest right on each of the two front pillars of the building.

This must be the packhouse Beta Weston was talking about.

Speaking of Beta Weston, I register his voice right behind me.

"Caleb, Derek, you can go. Ray and I will take things up from here."

I turn around just in time to see the two wolves nod their heads before turning around to leave. The other wolf, which I believe to be Derek, has a fur color mixture of both deep gray and shades of silver.

My wolf is purely silver, and Erin always told me that my hazel eyes never change even when I am in my wolf form.

I miss him so much. He deserved better. My parents deserved better.

I deserve better. Better than being a slave or any fucker's breeding machine.

"Layla, this is the packhouse. Our home. You will be living here from now on." Beta Weston announces.

The 'our' sounds kind of cringe coming out of his mouth, but at least, I appreciate the fact that he even played pleasantries with me.

One of the guards standing by the entrance opens the door for us. The moment the three of us step inside the house, I almost swallow my tongue at the sight right in front of me.

Dear Selene....

This house is a home, despite its high ceilings that are filled with sparkling chandeliers and the rare expensive antiques and furniture around me. The air in here feels warm and smells like tantalizing crushed strawberries and—

"Ray, Wes, I see you both are back."

I shoot my eyes open at the sound of a female voice, not even realizing that I had closed my eyes when I was busy inhaling more of the fruity scent.

"Good evening, Aunt Gaia." Raelin and Weston both greet the woman in unison and step forward across the lavish spacious foyer to hug her.

As they both embrace her at once, she rubs her hands, each separately, down their backs.

I take the time to quickly study the woman. Auburn hair rolled up in a messy bun. Brown eyes. A face so calm and refined with no wrinkles.

The height of both men are taller than her. She is definitely the eldest person I am seeing, but I wonder how old she is and still looks so fine.

Finally done embracing her, Weston and Raelin let her go. I remain standing where I am, feeling like a total stranger.

Well, I am indeed the total stranger here. It's not like—

“You must be Layla. “

I look up instantly, ripped away from my thoughts when I realize the woman is talking to me.

“Yes, uhm… you're right.” I stutter slightly. “I am Layla. Layla Kavros.”

There is an awkward silent tension in the air. The three of them are just standing there, staring blankly at me.

Did I do something wrong by introducing myself?

Maybe I should have just shut my mouth—

“It's nice meeting you, Layla.” The woman says calmly, walking towards me. “You can call me Aunt Gaia, just like Ray and Wes. I am the housekeeper around here.”

“Oh.” I whisper quietly with a simple nod.

This woman sounds and behaves too good to be real. Despite her calm demeanor, I was expecting a snarky attitude from her, like the one that bitchy nameless shewolf showed me.

I guess not everyone here will treat me badly. But still, I need to be careful.

I still do not belong here, and that is even more than enough reason for everyone here to instantly hate me. More than enough reason why I can't just trust anyone here who shows me a flashy smile or an act of kindness.

It could all be a lie. A shady weapon that could end up hurting me in the end.

“Aunt Gaia,” Raelin’s voice breaks me out of my thoughts. “Layla is going to stay in one of the rooms of the West wing.”

He turns sharply to me. “You're staying in my house now. Please, don't make me regret it.”

“Yes Alpha,” I don't bother hiding the sarcasm in my voice. “Your wish is my command.”

He looks at me like he wants to squash me like a little bug out of his sight, but then, he simply sighs, waves his head, and walks away.

Weston moves to join him, but halts for a quick moment by my side.

“You'll be fine, Layla.” He whispers. “Just don't try to run away from us again.”

With that, he steps away from me and hurries up to join Raelin. As I watch the two brothers leaving and discussing something I can't quite hear between them from where I am standing, I begin to wonder if this is all a dream.

But when I pinch myself, it feels real. Very, very real.

“Come on Layla,” Gaia’s voice pulls me out from my hazy mind. “Time to take you to your room.”