EVERLY IS MY MATE

CHAPTER 8: EVERLY IS MY MATE

EVERLY:

After Kaelan left, I remained in the library until it was dark. I didn't want to bump into Rose because of the fear that she might pick a fight with me.

Honestly I wasn't willing to offend anyone in this pack. Doing laundry was the least task I handled in my former pack. So why should I feel offended because Rose asked me to wash a few of her clothes?

Kaelan obviously didn't like it so I had no choice than to dump the task. He was the Supreme Alpha and his word was law.

Sigh.

I returned to my room and ate dinner alone. Falling asleep on my fine cozy bed came so easily and I slumbered away until the next morning.

I opened my eyes and stretched out my hands, feeling very refreshed. I felt more alive this morning than I had felt in years. The soft rays of the sun streamed through the window and it felt like an invitation to give life a chance.

Today, I would try to mingle with more of the pack members and see if we can bond.

I looked at the wall clock, and realised it was already 8:am. I entered the bathroom, and had a warm bath. After dressing in a simple outfit Kaelan had provided—a soft knit sweater and jeans—I made my way downstairs. The main house was alive with activities. Shifters went about their duties, while exchanging greetings.

“Good morning, Everly.”

Kaelan’s deep voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned to see him leaning against the library doorway and my heartbeat increased. His lips curved in a warm smile as he gazed at me..

“Good morning,” I replied, trying not to fidget under his gaze.

“Come. Breakfast is served,” he said, pulling me to the dining table.

The dining hall was a large, welcoming space filled with a long wooden table and several comfortable chairs. The smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air. My stomach growled, betraying my nerves.

Kaelan chuckled. “Sit. Eat. You’ll need your strength for today.”

I took a seat beside him, and ignored the curious glances from the pack members around us. A young woman with curly auburn hair approached, carrying a tray of food.

“Good morning, Alpha,” she greeted Kaelan with a bow before she turned to me. “Hi, Everly.”

“Hi, Ava. Good morning,” I said, relieved by her friendly demeanor.

“I made these muffins myself,” she said, setting a small plate in front of me. “Hope you like them.”

“Thank you,” I said, touched by the gesture.

Kaelan gave her an approving nod. “Ava’s one of our best bakers. She keeps us all well-fed.”

Ava beamed at the praise, then excused herself to return to the kitchen. Ava has been nothing but kind to me since I arrived here.

As I took a bite of the muffin, the sweet, buttery flavor melted in my mouth. “This is amazing,” I said, glancing at Kaelan.

“I told you,” he said with a smirk.

I smiled and continued eating. Kaelan didn't eat much, rather he sat there and just watched me eat. By the time I was done, I noticed that a few pack members had gathered. As I tried to figure out what was going on, Kaelan rose to his feet and declared bluntly.

“I need your attention, everyone. Everly is my mate. Any disrespect to her is a direct insult to me. Take note, you all.”

I was stunned. I hadn't seen that coming. Totally embarrassed, I lowered my gaze as the dining room remained eerily silent. I could feel their eyes on me but Kaelan saved the day when he dismissed everyone.

“You're okay?” He asked, searching my face.

“I guess.” I replied quietly.

“I'm sorry if I embarrassed you. I just didn't want what happened yesterday to repeat itself.”

Maria came and cleared the table while Kaelan took my hand and led me away.

---

Later, Kaelan insisted on taking me to the training grounds.

“I don’t think I’m ready to train yet,” I said as we approached the open field.

“You’re not here to train today,” he said. “Just watch what they're doing. Get a feel for how we do things.”

The field was alive with movements. Some trained in their human forms while some trained in their wolf forms. It was a mix of discipline and camaraderie that left me in awe.

Duncan, Kaelan’s Beta, jogged over to greet us.

“Everly,” he said with a grin. “Welcome to the real heart of the pack.”

“I’ve been here before. But I feel awed by your activities each time. It’s... impressive,” I admitted, my eyes scanning the activity.

“You’ll be out here soon enough,” Duncan said. “Kaelan’s already bragging about your potential.”

I shot Kaelan a surprised look. “Bragging?”

He shrugged, as if he wasn't bothered. “I believe in you.”

Before I could respond, a small group of pack members came to us. Their expressions were curious but kind.

“You’re Everly, right?” a young man with sandy blond hair asked. “I’m Daniel. This is Mara and Owen.”

“Hi,” I said, feeling a little overwhelmed.

“Don’t worry,” Mara said, her dark eyes warm. “We don’t bite. Well, not most of the time.”

The joke broke the tension, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“We’re glad you’re here,” Owen added. “The Alpha’s been a lot happier since you arrived.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks, as I glanced at Kaelan, who smirked but said nothing.