CHAPTER EIGHT

EMMA'S POV

The silence of the night was shattered by my own heartbeat, pounding loudly in my ears. Every breath felt like a battle as I lay still, my body trembling with a mix of fear and anticipation. The weight of the decision I had made pressed down on me, but the thought of freedom, real freedom, pushed me forward. I closed my eyes and saw his face—sharp, handsome, with a cold, unyielding stare.

He was powerful, egocentric, and always in control. My fingers clenched the soft fabric beneath me, grounding me to this moment. There was no turning back now. The distant chatters reeking in from the pack house's tall walls were all enough to seal my doubts.

The car launched slowly, a shiver running up my spine as I held my hopes for whatever I would meet inside those walls. The soft metallic tint of lavender fills my nostrils, my head jerking to the realization. Peering through the car's glass, I could already see an entire battalion of men— pack members maybe.

Instantly, I felt an handful of gazes on me, lingering, lurking on my every feature. But unlike the mocking cloud of whispers I was used to receiving, the gazes I received were different, filled with admiration. I adjusted the loose strands of my hair as I felt the car pause as Alpha Kai alighted. I watched as he made his way over to my side of the car, his footsteps hard and keen, painted a picture of fear in the mind of whoever dared to listen.

I stood at the edge of the sit, my heart pounding as I watched Alpha Kai open the door of his sleek black car. He moved with a commanding presence, every step exuding confidence and power. His chiseled jawline and piercing eyes caught the attention of everyone around, but it was his aura of authority that made my stomach knot with anxiety.

As he stepped out, the gazes of the Crescent Pack members shifted towards me. I felt their eyes on me, judging, assessing. My breath hitched, and I fought the urge to shrink back.

"Emma, right?" A gentle voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see a woman with a warm smile and kind eyes. "I'm Luna Marissa, Kai's mother."

She reached out and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry about Kai. He can be a bit... intense, but he means well."

I nodded, trying to steady my nerves. Luna Marissa's kindness was a stark contrast to the intimidating presence of her son. I knew Alpha Kai had a reputation for being a bit of a jerk, but standing here, under the weight of the pack's scrutiny, I realized I had to find my own strength.

"Follow me, I'll take you to your room," she offered, her lively blue eyes lighting up. I felt a frisson of comfort upon her words as I smiled lightly.

I exhaled as she turned and was about leading the way as I took one last glance of alpha Kai. He was having a conversation with some men I'd guessed were his ministers, they were like that with my father too. The shoulder badges hanging over their neatly iron suits did all the necessary talking. They all succumbed to him, alpha Kai, their master.

Beside him was Luke, his assistant with a suitcase in his hands as he recited some words to the alpha. I stepped into the raucous crowd, taking in the sights and sounds— music, laughter, wolves dancing and mingling under the moon's intoxicating spell.

The moon's ethereal glow glistened over his features as I gawked sheepishly at his detailed features, his hazel eyes, his chestnut hair which was neatly tousled to the back. I felt an intoxicating urge, pulling me from my heels, urging me. Noticing my fixated gaze, he turned at me, his expression devoid of emotions.

"The mate pull sure is an intoxicating spell," I jerked out of thoughts as I turned back to Luna Marissa as she led me into the pack house. I took a series of steps following her as we headed into the pack house. We walked past the huge mahogany door into the extremely large hallway lined with security.

"My son takes security very serious if you were wondering," she says softly, her voice soft and dreamlike. The hallways of the pack house were a vision of understated elegance, with high, arching ceilings and walls adorned with intricate moldings. Soft, warm light spilled from chandeliers, casting a gentle glow over the polished marble floors. The air was filled with a faint, soothing scent of lavender, mingling with the quiet hum of distant conversations and the occasional soft footsteps.

As Luna Marissa guided me through the corridors, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the serene beauty of it all. There was a timeless quality to the decor, a blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication that made every step feel like walking through a dream.

"This way," Luna Marissa said softly, her hand still resting lightly on my shoulder. We passed by several large, ornately framed portraits of past alphas and lunas, their eyes seeming to follow us as we moved. The atmosphere was almost otherworldly, a perfect blend of history and grandeur that left a lasting impression.

Finally, we reached a set of double doors at the end of a long hallway. Luna Marissa pushed them open, revealing a room that took my breath away. It was enormous, with a vaulted ceiling and large windows draped with rich, velvet curtains. A plush, king-sized bed dominated the center of the room, piled high with soft pillows and an inviting comforter. There were elegant pieces of furniture scattered throughout, a cozy reading nook by the window, and a fireplace that added a touch of warmth and intimacy.

"This is your room," Luna Marissa said with a smile. "I hope you'll find it comfortable."

I nodded, still taking in the luxurious surroundings. "Thank you," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

She gave me a reassuring pat on the back. "Rest well, Emma. You’ve had a long day."

As she left and closed the door behind her, I took a deep breath and crossed the room, sinking into the softness of the bed. The mattress was like a cloud, cradling my tired body as I lay back and closed my eyes. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a sense of peace begin to wash over me.

But just as I was about to drift off, a soft knock echoed through the room. I sat up, heart racing, and glanced towards the door. The knock came again, more insistent this time, pulling me out of my brief moment of respite.

"Who is it?" I called out, my voice shaky.

The door creaked open slightly, and I saw a shadowed figure standing in the doorway. My pulse quickened as I braced myself for whatever was about to happen next, the sense of peace I’d felt moments ago replaced by a new wave of anticipation.