Settling Down

Talia's POV

It's been days since we fell from the hill and were saved by Alpha Axton and his men; we are now perfectly fine. Alpha Axon and his people have been nothing but kind to me and George. With his help, I was able to get a loving human family to adopt George so they could give him the good things he deserves in life.

Today, I'm being discharged from the hospital, now going to the hotel Alpha Axton prepared for me. I'm still thinking, still trying to figure out if this is the Misfit Town George talked about.

I look outside through the car window, enjoying the ride and admiring the beauty of this town. Their houses are made from twisted wood and glowing stones, and the streets are lined with flowers that emit soft, calming light. But despite the beauty of the town, I can feel the mysterious looks of the inhabitants as I meet some people's gaze through their windows.

"Here we are, ma'am," the driver announces, opening the door for me to alight. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even notice him reaching our destination and pulling over. Quietly coming out of the car, I scan the area. It's nothing much, but it's beautiful and I can't wait to have a nice and homely rest on a soft bed, just like I used to, back home.

For now, I just want to enjoy these treatments and forget what the past or future holds. Stepping into my room, the lovely and homey smells welcome me. My stomach is growling but I'm forcing composure. I can't wait to be left alone so I can finally sort out what to eat and eat in my desired quantity.

"Alpha Axton will be here to check up on you later in the day ma'am. Would you need me to get something for you?" The driver asks, holding the door half-opened and peeping in.

"Thanks, you've done enough. I'll just rest now." I lie, laying already on the bed covering up with a duvet to aid my lies, and hiding the fact that my stomach is protesting.

"Alright ma'am, enjoy your stay." He says, leaving the room and closing the door behind him.

I fling the duvet as soon as he leaves and hold my growling stomach. I put a call through to the receptionist. "Uhmmn," I say, clearing my throat. "Can I get a bowl of freshly cooked paster garnished with vegetables and accompanied by any chilled non-alcoholic drink available?"

"Ok ma'am, would that be all?" The receptionist questions.

I hesitate, remembering what the Alpha said earlier before the driver brought me here. "If you need anything, you can contact the hotel and it will be provided." And the best part says "Don't worry about the bills, it will be sorted."

"Ma'am? Are you there?" The voice on the other end of the call drifts me back to the present. "Oh yes... I mean, no, that wouldn't be all, can you get me some freshly baked pancakes, golden and fluffy, splattered with batter and drilling in sweet?"

"Uhmmn...yess... ma'am, you want it all this night?" She questions probably wondering how many people I'm ordering for, but I don't care. I have been through a lot these past few days.

As the food arrives, I go straight into eating, gulping each spoon like a person who has been starving for weeks now. A light knock on the door halts the pancake I am holding halfway to my mouth. "Whoever that is, I will at least take this bite," I mutter, rushing the pancakes and swallowing hard as it tends to choke me.

I rush to hide the plates so whoever is knocking won't notice how much food I have consumed, I dust off food particles on my hands and brace myself to open the door. Alpha Axton is resting on the door frame, waiting for his invitation in.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, I...."

"You don't owe me an explanation, Talia; you deserve some rest after a long and stressful journey. I came to see how you're doing, and also to ask a few questions."

I swallow hard, trying to figure out what the questions are. Is he going to ask me out? Nah, Talia, you went too far with that thought of yours. No one is gonna be comfortable around your oversized body. "Yeah, no one," I mutter unknowingly to the Alpha's hearing.

"No one's what?"

Oh! Did he hear that? "Uhmmn, nothing I remembered....uhmmn... George, yes George said something when he was with me." I stammer, almost sinking from embarrassment.

"Ok then. You must be missing him. I'm sure he's fine with the Willows. You see, the Willows family have been my close friend and confidant for years. They've done nothing but be nice to me. So I'm certain that your little friend is safe in their hands, and more so, they have been childless for years, so I'm certain they are going to give him the best treatment." He assures, smiling.

"Thanks once again, for everything." I say, looking down, avoiding eye contact with him. But despite not looking at him, I can feel the weight of his gaze on my body.

"So, what's your plan, Talia? Do you want to stay here or continue your journey?" He's finally asking the question I have been avoiding. I don't have an answer to that because right now, I don't even know what I want. I don't speak, not that I didn't want to, but because I don't have an answer.

Alpha Axton must have noticed my reluctance, so he changes the topic "If you don't mind, you can stay here in our town. You're more than welcome. I'll have some members to prepare you a place to stay..." He pauses. "But that's if you want?" His gaze did not leave my body.

"I'll stay around for some time, and then I'll decide afterwards," I say shyly, but my sincere gratitude can be seen.

"Alright then, I'll get everything ready and get back to you soon." He says, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I suddenly remember I left a half-sliced pancake on my plate. I reach for it hastily, tuck it in and chew hungrily.

**********

Just as the Alpha has promised, I'm now in the said place, and the most interesting part is that I can stay here for as long as I want, according to him. I'm beginning to like it here. I'm not being judged because of my size, no insults or ridicules whatsoever.

My new home is nothing much, just a small apartment which has the most needed facilities an occupant might need. An average size kitchen, a toilet and a normal size room. Of course, there's a living room, not too big either. The paintings are all just perfect for my taste.

A fresh breeze blows as I open the small back door in the kitchen, revealing a small clearing in the backyard with a nice view and soothing breeze. I come out quietly as the realization that I'm alone with my thoughts sinks in. My mind drifts back home to my mother, my father, Jason and Serena. They must be missing me just as I am missing them now.

I flinch, remembering I kept my phone in my bag. How could I have forgotten something so precious? I am not the social media type; I don't believe most shits post online, so I do away with my phone most of the time. But now I don't have a choice, I have to contact home and assure my people that all is well.

The phone rings and Mum picks on the second ring. "Thank Goddess Talia, we've been waiting for days to hear from you." My Mum's voice sounds from the other end.

"I'm fine now Mum, though I've faced some huddles on my way, but I believe I'll be fine in my new location. Wolves here are nicer than in our Pack, and no one is giving me awkward looks or insults." Mum is silent, probably shocked to hear me mention wolves. I must have stirred concern and fear in her.

"Mum? Are you there?"

"Oh yes, Talia, I'm just a little worried about you now. I want you to be fine my daughter. Remember my teachings always, and don't lose your Grandma's gift to you. It's valuable."

I gasp when she mentions the recipe book. I had not seen it since I was admitted. With the phone still pressing to my ears, I rush in to search for the recipe book. Seeing it, and holding it close to my chest, I let out a relieving sigh. "I won't, Mum, I'll never lose it," I assure you, ending the call as we are done talking.

Speaking with Mum gives me the relief I need, and the hope to push through. I don't know what my future holds here or how things are going to turn out, but I know I'll push through whatever comes my way.

I close my eyes, letting the cool breeze penetrate, lifting my face to the sky, and enjoying the atmosphere here. And then I hear footsteps, aiming towards my direction. Who could that be?