Chapter 4

AURORA

We got on the way and three hours later, we arrived at Ethan’s pack. The massive gates opened to reveal a sprawling landscape unlike anything I’d ever seen. Ethan slowed the car, glancing over at me with a reassuring smile.

“Welcome to Blackwater, Aurora,” he said softly.

I took in the sight before me. The towering trees, lush greenery, and rows of beautiful old buildings were very different from the kinds we had back in my pack. It was different in a good way, or maybe I felt that was because I was finally away from Damian. Everything felt peaceful to me. I was so glad I made this decision.

When he stopped the car, a guard stepped forward and opened the door for me. I smiled at him, whispering some words of gratitude before I got down. Ethan passed over the key to another guard who was going to park the car. He came beside me as we walked into the palace.

“Take a moment to settle in. You can make yourself comfortable here, Aurora. I’ll come back soon to introduce you to everyone and the palace, okay?”

I nodded, feeling a strange blend of excitement and nerves. “Alright,” I said softly, clutching my handbag. I barely came with any clothes from my old pack. I only had two sets, because I did not want anything to remind me of my past. Also, even though the packs were close, the weather was quite different.

Ethan chuckled, his gaze lingering for a moment as we reached what I assumed to be my own quarters. “Here is your room, and your sitting room. I do not know what you like but you can tell me if you need any changes done to the room.”

“Okay.” I nodded. And with that, he headed off, leaving me to find my quarters.

Once inside, I took a deep breath, taking in the modest but comfortable room that would be my own. It was warm and welcoming with soft cream walls, a simple bed with fresh linens, and a dresser with a mirror that reflected my worn-out face. It felt strange being here. I have never known anything but being a peasant and then all of a sudden being a queen. Being here in a different pack felt like I was doing something wrong.

Setting my bag down, I made my way to the bathroom to freshen up. I had a warm bath and after that, I changed into fresh clothes from my pack. I hoped I would get the time to get my new clothes soon. As I exited the bathroom, I noticed a figure outside my door. A young girl stood there, her hands nervously clasped in front of her. She had soft brown eyes and a warm smile.

I cleared my throat, offering a smile. “Hello. Can I help you?”

The girl straightened, looking relieved. “Hi, I’m Jada. I was assigned to be your handmaiden, Luna.” She gave a polite nod, her cheeks flushed slightly. “If… if that’s alright with you?”

Her hesitancy made me smile. After years of Damian’s intimidating staff, Jada’s gentle presence was refreshing. “Of course, Jada. I’m happy to have you here.”

She seemed to relax, her smile brightening. “If you need anything, just let me know. And, um, Alpha Ethan asked me to help you find him when you’re ready. I can take you there?”

“Thank you, Jada. I appreciate it,” I replied warmly.

After a few moments to settle my nerves, Jada led me down a series of hallways until we reached a large room at the end. I knocked lightly, and a deep voice called from inside, “Come in.”

As I stepped into the room, I spotted Ethan, but he wasn’t alone. Standing next to him was a tall woman with striking features. She had sharp cheekbones, dark hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, and piercing eyes that immediately zeroed in on me. Her stance was confident, almost guarded, and I felt a wave of unease. I could not keep eye contact but I could feel her studying me.

Ethan turned, smiling when he saw me. “Aurora. Glad you found your way. I’d like you to meet someone important.” He gestured to the woman beside him. “This is Kiara, my best friend and beta.”

I extended a hand, offering her a polite smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Kiara.”

But instead of taking my hand, Kiara merely looked at me, her expression unreadable. Her eyes flickered with something I couldn’t quite decipher. After a tense moment, she simply nodded. “Likewise,” she said flatly, before turning to Ethan. “I’ll leave you two to… settle in.” Without another glance, she strode out of the room, her movements sharp and precise.

My smile faltered, and I dropped my hand, feeling the sting of her coldness. I glanced at Ethan, raising an eyebrow. “Did I do something wrong?”

Ethan let out a soft sigh, shaking his head. “No, don’t mind Kiara. She’s just protective, especially when it comes to me. She’ll come around.”

I nodded slowly, though Kiara’s reaction still left me with a knot in my stomach. “If you say so. I wasn’t expecting such a chilly welcome, though.”

He chuckled, reaching out to give my shoulder a comforting squeeze. “It’s not personal, Aurora. She just needs time.” He paused, his hand lingering for a moment before he pulled it back. “Now, come with me. I’d like to show you around, and give you a feel for your new home.”

Ethan finished up what he was doing and then we headed out of the office. As we walked through the hallways, Ethan pointed out different rooms and explained each area’s purpose. He seemed relaxed, his tone casual and friendly. Occasionally, his arm brushed against mine, and every time it did, I felt a strange warmth that caught me off guard.

“So tell me, what’s the story behind Blackwater Pack?” I asked, trying to get a sense of my new surroundings.

Ethan’s eyes lit up, clearly proud of his pack. “Well, Blackwater has been around for generations, built on loyalty and trust. We produce a lot of natural resources being used in other packs which keeps us important. We are not as big as some of the other packs, but we look out for one another.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Sounds comforting. Like family.”

“That’s exactly what we are,” he replied with pride in his tone. “You’ll fit in, Aurora. I can already tell.”

We continued walking, and I realized how different Ethan’s pack was from Damian’s. Damian’s pack was strict, unwelcoming, and cold. Here, there was a sense of unity, of mutual respect. I never felt at home while in the palace. Not even once, and I have been there for four years.

“Here’s the training ground,” Ethan said, gesturing to an open field where several pack members were sparring and practicing combat. He watched them with a smile, then turned to me. “Do you know any combat skills?”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Not a single one.”

Ethan nodded, “Well, that might need to change. Don’t worry; I’ll go easy on you.”

I couldn’t help but laugh along, feeling the tension in me slowly melting away. “I’ll keep that in mind, Alpha,” I replied playfully, nudging his arm.

As we walked further, we passed a small group of guards who greeted Ethan warmly, glancing curiously at me. He introduced me to a few, and they each welcomed me with kind smiles and warm words, though I could sense a bit of surprise at seeing me with him. I was shocked that the guards here even smiled, because the ones back at Damian’s pack never did.

Ethan took me out to another spot in the palace, and he made me climb a few steps which made me sore. But when we reached it, I realized it was worth all of the pain. I could see the entire palace from where I was standing. The view was breathtaking. The lush greenery stretched out as far as I could see, with the setting sun casting a warm glow over everything. I took a deep breath, letting the peacefulness of it all settle in.

Ethan stood beside me, his gaze fixed in front of him. “This is my favorite spot. It reminds me of why I do what I do. Why do I protect this pack.”

I glanced at him, smiling at the way his expression softened even more when he spoke of the pack. He might be the only alpha I knew that actually cared about his pack, “You care a lot about them, don’t you?”

He nodded, his voice quiet. “They chose me to lead them, so they are my responsibility. I’d do anything for them.”

For a moment, we stood in comfortable silence, each lost in our own thoughts. The gentle evening breeze brushed against my skin, and I felt a sense of calm I hadn’t felt in years. I looked over at Ethan, meeting his gaze. I could feel the tension between us. It was stupid. This was all an arrangement, so I needed to put whatever was going on in my head away,

Finally, Ethan broke the silence. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but I hope you’ll find it comfortable here before the contract ends.”

Realization hit me hard, and I was so glad it did. “Right, thank you.”

He returned the smile, “You don’t need to thank me, Aurora. Just make yourself at home.”

And for the first time in a long time, I felt like that might actually be possible even if I was not doing so in my hometown.