Chapter 7

Veronica's POV:

I walked back to the dining area and settled into my seat and resumed eating. The table was silent as though something had happened in my absence. I poked my food with a little appetite as I felt discomfort tug at my subconscious mind. The silence was threatening and I really hoped that someone would say something. Gratefully, someone spoke up.

It was Chloe, the Queen's mother.

She sat right opposite my direction at the dining table with an air of regal elegance. Despite her advanced age, she carried herself with the grace and poise of a much younger woman. Her short, silver hair was neatly styled and her makeup was impeccably applied, emphasizing her sharp cheekbones and piercing gray eyes. Her stern expression never wavered, as if she were constantly sizing up the people around her.

"So tell me, Tyler, is she a beta werewolf or is she just ordinary like her—" she began but was quickly interrupted by Tyler.

"Mom, she barely survived and was just discharged from the hospital today. She has no recollection of what happened to her or who she is. So please, let's not bring up stories from the past" Tyler eyed the older woman.

"Stories from the past? Whose past, mine or my dad's?" I thought to myself in confusion.

I could feel the air become tense all of a sudden.

"Come on, Tyler, I'm just being curious" she smiled coyly. "She's a very beautiful girl with fragile features and I couldn't help but wonder if such a cute girl can shift into her wolf form" she added, placing her palm on my right arm.

I felt goosebumps wash over my skin as her body made contact with mine. She turned to me and I could see the hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth, a sly and knowing expression that suggested she was always one step ahead of those around her.

A servant walked into the dining hall and quickly whispered to Tyler. He nodded and immediately the servant left, turned to the guests seated at the table, and announced, "Great council members, the Nightshade pack have gathered and they await us in the garden. The time has come"

Like a rehearsed choreography, everyone on the table dropped their cutleries in a crossed manner, stood up, and began heading to the door that led to the garden.

I sat down in confusion. Everything was becoming overwhelming and I just needed an explanation. And just as if she could read my thoughts, Malia walked up to where I sat and placed her hands on my shoulder in a reassuring manner. The feel of her palm was soft and somehow it calmed me.

"Veronica" her voice rang melodiously "I know you feel a bit confused and out of place. The palace is a big place and royalty comes with a lot of responsibilities but don't worry, I'll be here to guide you in every step".

"You'll adjust to the settings here with time, okay?" She smiled and for the first time, I noticed her green glassy eyes. They were beautiful.

"Come on, it's time to meet the pack members," she said, stretching forth her hand. I took her hand and stood up.

"What if they don't like me or they don't want me here?" I asked.

Malia let out a soft laugh.

"You're the Princess and don't worry about the members of the pack. They all love you. In fact, they've heard so much about you and can't wait to see you" she said, taking my hands and we headed to the door.

The palace garden was a wonderland of natural beauty, bursting with vibrant colors and enchanting scents. The lush green grass was impeccably manicured and extended for acres, inviting visitors to stroll leisurely along its verdant paths. Towering trees of various species and sizes, some ancient and gnarled, others newly planted, created a majestic canopy overhead, filtering the moonlight to create dappled patterns on the ground.

Flowerbeds of every hue imaginable dotted the garden, from vivid reds and yellows to delicate pinks and purples. A riot of petals and blooms filled the air with a heady fragrance that tantalized the senses. Roses, lilies, daisies, and other blooms vied for attention, each more breathtaking than the last.

In the center of the garden stood a magnificent fountain, its sparkling water dancing merrily in the moonlight. Carved from the finest marble and adorned with intricate details, the fountain was a work of art in its own right. Birds chirped and flitted about, adding their melodies to the symphony of nature. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant sound of a waterfall completed the idyllic scene.

The palace garden was a tranquil oasis, a masterpiece of natural beauty and I stood at a spot, I couldn't help but feel nervous. The pack members were seated in fours at the center of the garden. The kids and teenagers giggled loudly amidst conversation while the adults sat and conversed in low tones.

The sight felt strangely familiar as if I'd been in a place like this before but as I tried to remember, all my mind drew was a blank slate.

"... It is my pleasure to introduce to the Nightshade pack, my daughter, Veronica" I heard Tyler's voice roar authoritatively.

The announcement was followed by a round of deafening applause and cheering.

Malia led me to the brightly lit stage. I could see the happy faces of the pack members. Who would believe that beneath these happy faces lies a wolf?

As I stood on the stage, I couldn't shake off the familiar feeling. It felt like deja vu but I had no memories of whatever happened before.

I genuflected and smiled at the crowd. Seeing the audience clap and cheer loudly slowly gave me a sense of belonging.

Pointing to a particular group, Tyler said "These are the beta werewolves and Dr. Grooves is the leader of this rank" Dr. Grooves briefly bowed and flashed me a friendly smile which I reciprocated.

"These" Tyler said, pointing at another group "...are the omegas and gamma werewolves. The leaders of this rank are McCall and Argent respectively" the leaders of the omega and gamma rank bowed briefly, avoiding eye contact with me. With the way they dressed and behaved, it was obvious that they were the least in rank.

Turning to face the guests seated beside the stage, Tyler smiled, "Veronica, meet the members of the Pack's council. Jordan, Karen, Ethan, and J'Cole, the Pack's warrior" he said, pointing at the four heavily built men sitting at the table.

"Meet Kate and Matilda, the female warriors in charge of training the pups", Tyler continued, pointing at the young ladies who sat at the table. Kate had a warm and welcoming smile but Matilda shot me a threatening look as though she had a grudge against me.

I quickly averted my gaze to avoid her deadly glare.

"Finally, meet Chloe, the Queen's mother," Tyler said, pointing at the older woman who sat at the head of the table. I bowed slightly, avoiding eye contact with her.

After what seemed like an eternity, the meeting with the pack ended. Beatrice escorted me to my room and immediately I got in, I slumped on the bed. I had barely survived the night and all I craved was just rest.

I quickly took my bath and changed into the pink silky pajamas that Beatrice had laid out on the bed for me. I drew in a long, deep breath as I tucked myself under the cozy and warm duvet. As I closed my eyes to reminisce on the events of the day, I heard a faint noise like the rustling of leaves.

Impulsively, I stood from the bed and walked to the window, the wooden floor creaking softly under my foot. The palace garden was tranquil save for the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves under the influence of the night wind. I scanned the wide expanse of the garden and found nothing of interest.

Turning around to head back to the bed, I heard the noise again. It was as though someone was moving in the garden. Curiosity got the better part of me as I quickly walked to the door, and opened it quietly, careful not to make any sound that'll wake anyone up, and as soon as I was out of my room, I headed to the garden.

As I walked around the garden, I noticed stone benches that were placed strategically throughout the garden, offering visitors a place to rest and soak in the beauty around them. As I sat and looked around, I noticed a shadowy figure move behind the perfectly trimmed hedges that was just a few feet away from where I sat.

My heart began to thump loudly.

"I should have just stayed in my room," I thought to myself as the figure slowly made its way out of the hedges and began approaching me.

I was scared and my hands began to tremble. The figure walked confidently and stood before me, tilting his head to the left and grinning widely. His piercing gaze washed over my skin. My heart began to race wildly. Not of dread this time, but of wild excitement.

It's Him! The guy who made my heart flutter. He is standing right before me.

Stark naked.

"Hi, I'm Lucas" he said stretching forth his hand and smiling, as if that was the most natural thing to do when caught naked.