CHAPTER 6

I heard the sound of the infirmary door creaking open. Looking over, I spotted Alpha Xander entering with a tray filled with food. His expression lit up at the sight of me being awake. His smile sent a flutter through my chest.

“Morning, Aurora” he greeted me in a soothing tone, his voice resonating warmly. “How are you doing today?”

I tried to answer, but I hesitated. How was I feeling? “I… I think I'm feeling better,” I said.

Alpha Xander nodded, setting the tray down on a nearby table. “That's good to hear. Do you think you can sit up? You should try to eat something.”

I nodded and then started to carefully lift myself up. A sharp pain went through my side, making me flinch… Without a word, Alpha Xander was there, his strong hands gently supporting me. I tensed at first, the memory of Asher's cruel touch still fresh in my mind. But Alpha Xander's hands were different—warm, gentle, steadying. I allowed myself to lean into his support, just a little.

Once I was settled, Alpha Xander pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed. As I picked at the food — fresh fruit, warm bread, and some kind of herbal tea—he began to explain my recovery process.

“Your body is healing well,” he said, his hand occasionally brushing mine as he gestured. Each touch sent a spark through me, the mate bond humming contentedly. “But it will take time. You had some deep bruising and a couple of cracked ribs. Zara, our pack healer, says you should be fully recovered in a few weeks.”

I nodded, absorbing the information. A few weeks. It felt incredibly long. “Thanks,” I whispered, looking into Alpha Xander's eyes…

His smile was gentle, understanding. You don't need to thank me, Aurora. You're… You're my mate. “I don't see looking after you as a duty; it's something, to me, that I deeply value.”

Softly, touched by his words. Following a moment of silence, I drew in a breath and asked, “Do you think… Can I stand?”

Alpha Xander's eyebrows rose in surprise, but he nodded. If you feel up to it, we can certainly try.

With Alpha Xander's help, I carefully moved my legs to the edge of the bed. My bare feet touched the chilly wooden floor, causing me to shiver slightly. I inhaled deeply and forced myself to get up.

My legs are weak since they hadn't been active for a few days. I started to lose balance, but Alpha Xander quickly put his arm around my back to support me. “I got you,” he whispered softly, his breath feeling warm near my face.

We took a few steps around the room, my body leaning heavily on Alpha Xander. Even though I was weak, it felt really nice to stand and walk.

“Do you want to see the pack's house?” Alpha Xander asked. At my nod, he guided me slowly out of the infirmary and into the hallway.

The pack house was beautiful, all warm woods and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. As we walked, Alpha Xander pointed out different rooms: the communal living area, the library, the training rooms. They all looked impressive and lavish.

We went to the kitchen,it was big and spacious and I saw a woman glancing up from the cutting board where she was chopping vegetables. She welcomed us with a warm smile.

“Aurora!” she called out, drying her hands on a towel as she came closer. “It's wonderful to meet you at last!”

I remembered Beta Jaxon from my first day in the pack, and managed a small smile in return. “Nice to meet you, Selene,” I said gently.

Selene's eyes shone with warmth. “I'm happy you're feeling well now. I've been eagerly awaiting to see you.” Would you like to see your new room? I've filled the closet with some clothes that should fit you.

I blinked in surprise, looking from Selene to Alpha Xander. He nodded encouragingly. “That sounds… that would be nice,” I said.

With Selene's help, I went to a bedroom close to the medical room. The room was big and had good airflow, with a big bed and a lovely view of the forest.

“Why don't you try something on?” Selene suggested. “It might feel good to get out of those infirmary clothes.”

I nodded, selecting a soft sweater and a pair of leggings. With Selene's help, I changed, then turned to look in the full-length mirror on the closet door.

For a moment, I hardly recognized myself. The girl I saw in the mirror seemed to … changed. She is skinny and somewhat pale, yet her eyes now had a faint sparkle that wasn't noticeable before. Before I knew it, I was smiling.

A knock on the door broke my daydream. Alpha Xander stuck his head in. “I want you to meet someone,” he said.

I nodded and went to meet him. He held my hand, and we walked towards the garden.

In the garden behind the pack house, we met Zara, the pack healer.

“Aurora,” she said with a smile, “I'm glad to see you moving around again.”

“How are you feeling.” She asked!

“I am feeling much Better.” I said.

Zara nodded approvingly. “That's good to hear. Mind if I take a look at those ribs?”

I tensed slightly but nodded. Zara's touch was soft as she checked on me, her fingers moving gently over my ribs. “You're healing fast,” she said. “Just remember to take it easy. No strenuous activity for at least another week.”

As lunchtime approached, Selene suggested we eat in the pack house dining room. I hesitated, nervous about meeting more pack members, but both Selene and Zara assured me it would be fine.

The dining room was large and filled with round tables. As we entered, I felt curious gazes turn our way. I instinctively moved closer to Alpha Xander, who placed a reassuring hand on the small of my back.

We sat at a table with Selene and Zara, who kept up a steady stream of conversation. They shared stories about the pack—funny anecdotes about training mishaps, tales of full moon runs, inside jokes that made little sense to me but had them in stitches of laughter.

To my surprise, I found myself laughing along with them. It felt foreign, almost wrong after everything that had happened. But it also felt… good. Like maybe, just maybe, I could belong here.

After lunch, Selene asked if I wanted to help prepare dinner. I agreed, grateful for something to do. In the kitchen, she set me to chopping vegetables while she worked on marinating meat for the grill.

As we worked, Selene chatted easily about life in the Blackstone Pack. I found myself relaxing, asking questions and even sharing a bit about my own past—the good parts, at least.

When Alpha Xander returned from patrol late in the afternoon, he found us still in the kitchen. His eyes softened when he saw me, and a smile started to form at the edges of his lips. “It seems you're getting comfortable here,” he remarked, speaking in a friendly tone.

I nodded, suddenly shy. “Selene's been very kind,” I said.

At dinner, I sat next to Alpha Xander, our shoulders touching. The contact sent a warm tingle through me, the mate bond humming contentedly. I remained silent and unsure, but I didn't feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar faces anymore.

After eating, Selene proposed a stroll under the moonlight. Zara joined us, and soon we were strolling through the pack grounds, the cool night air refreshing after the warmth of the pack house.

As we walked, I found myself opening up more. The words came haltingly at first, then in a rush as I told them about my past—about Asher, about the rejection, about the fear and pain that had driven me to run.

Tears flowed as I spoke, but Selene and Zara didn't shy away. They listened to me and spoke kindly to lift my spirits, above all, they trusted me. It had been a long while since I felt like someone truly got me.

As we headed back to the group's place, I saw my mate and his Beta chatting by the trees. They seemed serious and worried. I walked slower, trying to hear what they were discussing.

“…border breach in the north quadrant,” Beta Jaxon was saying, his voice low and urgent.

Alpha Xander nodded, his jaw clenched. “Increase patrols along all borders,” he ordered. And keep an eye out for any rogue wolves. We need to be cautious.