Chapter 3

Lavinia's POV

Over the years, I'd always imagined what living in a pack would be like and what it would feel like to be around so many people but the real thing beat my imagination hands down.

I've never left so welcomed in my entire life. Everyone was already gathered outside of the pack house, waiting for me. I was welcomed upon arrival and they all seemed so happy to see me. I was equally happy as well to meet everyone, though being around so many people made me feel shy. I met my stepmother and step siblings for the first time.

I was given a beautifully furnished room in the pack house and I felt like all my worries had disappeared.

Dad came to my room and informed me that my marriage would be taking place in three days, after which I would go with my mate to his pack to start my new life. He also told me that Prince Rylan and his entourage would be arriving at our pack the next day so we would have enough time to at least get to know each other and come to an understanding before the marriage.

Thinking about the marriage still made me very nervous but what could I do? I had already agreed to it and there was no going back now. I can only pray that Rylan turns out to be a good person and the perfect mate.

My first day in the pack house went by very quickly, almost too quickly for my liking. Everything was just so new and strange to me. Despite the fact that everyone was nice to me, I couldn't help but notice something. They were all avoiding me for some reason.

The workers refused to hold a conversation with me at all. They just expected me to give orders which they would follow obediently and after that, they'd leave. I also wasn't allowed to have dinner with the rest of the pack, my food was brought to my room and I was advised not to wander around.

This felt really strange but then again, I'm new here and there might be pre-existing rules that I'm not aware of. I might just be overthinking this.

The Luna didn't come to my room to see me but I wasn't surprised though, despite her smile at my welcome ceremony, I could tell that she didn't particularly like me. Besides, she was the one who suggested this marriage in the first place and that's proof enough that she doesn't seem to have any good intentions towards me. It would be wise to avoid her.

After having dinner, Siri came to my room to keep me company and for the first time ever, she was free with me. It was right there and then that I found out that she actually had a sense of humour! She had me laughing throughout the entire conversation and I was grateful for her company.

Before she left, she told me that there would be a lot of difficulties that would come my way but I should remain strong through all of them and though I couldn't understand what she meant, I promised her that I would.

I went to bed after that but I couldn't really sleep due to first time jitters, the room suddenly felt so loud and the bed became bumpy. I was finally able to sleep in the early hours of the morning, after being overcome with exhaustion.

****

I was woken up by the maids who got me ready for the day, solely because I would be meeting my future husband for the first time and it's indispensable to look nice.

They dressed me up in a lovely dress and wove my long wavy hair into fishtail braids.

I slowly and gracefully headed for the Grand Hall of our pack with my maids in tow, the whole pack was already gathered there and from the corner of my eyes, I searched among the guests to get a peek of what my future husband looked like but I was disappointed because there was not a single young man in the entourage from Shadow Stone.

I instantly began to have second thoughts. Could it be possible that my father was getting me married to an older man? Had I made a mistake accepting this proposal? I began to fidget and it took every single thing in me to maintain my composure in front of everyone else.

My eyes met with my father's and I threw him a hurt look, he quickly understood my worries and began the introductions.

"I'm so glad you could make it Alpha Argo. I humbly welcome you to the SilverClaw Pack, I hope that your stay here will be blissful and memorable." My father began.

"The feeling is mutual, Alpha Damon. I'm happy to be here. We're gathered here for a good reason, we'll become family soon so I assure you that there's no need for such formalities." Alpha Argo replied, turning out to be more kind than I could have imagined.

For someone that was ready to attack our pack if I had refused this marriage, this man is very chummy. But still, they should both cut the crap and just tell me who my future husband is.

"I'm glad you feel that way. This is my daughter, Princess Lavinia." My father introduced and beckoned to me. I obediently went forward, my legs seeming to move on their own.

"She's very beautiful, absolutely gorgeous. My son wouldn't be able to take his eyes off of her but unfortunately he's not here at the moment. Urgent matters of state arose at the last minute and he had to stay back to take care of it so he'll be arriving much later." Alpha Argo explained and I heaved out a sigh before I could even stop myself.

I bit my bottom lip nervously, hoping they didn't hear it.

"It seems that the princess is very eager to meet her future husband, I assure you that he's just as eager. Your wish will be fulfilled soon." Alpha Argo commented with a laugh and my father joined in.

I almost can't believe I had to dress up this much for nothing. The dress is beautiful, yes but it's heavy and I can barely walk properly in it.

Since the person I'm here for isn't even present, I quickly excuse myself and return back to my room. Both Alphas would surely be discussing politics and I don't do well in a large crowd.

The day went by just like that and it was soon nighttime. I completely forgot about the fact that I was supposed to meet my fiance later on.

I had a lot of things planned the following day. Since it's just been two days since I gained my freedom, I had a bucket list of things planned for before I would get married. The first thing I wanted to do was go for a run. Isis has been itching to stretch her legs since she manifested and tomorrow would be my chance.

I went to bed early because I planned to go for an early morning run, that would be the only way that no one would stop me.

Today marked my second night in this pack but I still couldn't fall asleep. When signs of daylight appeared in the sky, I got up and took a quick shower. I wore a simple dress, one of my cottage clothes since I would have to take it off anyway.

When I opened my door, the whole place was dead silent, everyone was still asleep, the halls were dark and you could literally hear a pin drop.

I tiptoed out of my room and quietly closed the door behind me. I headed for the exit and was able to successfully sneak out without the guards spotting me.

As soon as I was outside the pack house, I took a deep breath, finally allowing myself to breathe properly.

It was cold and foggy outside, the trees gently swaying in the morning breeze. I could feel the mist all around me as water droplets dripped on my skin. It brought a smile to my face, people might take this for granted but to me, this will be a forever cherished memory, a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was yet to experience the rain but this would do for now.

It was still a bit dark and I walked around the pack house, taking in a proper view for the first time, it was huge and just perfect for the size of our pack. 

I had to take a look around the surrounding trees and search for a suitable undergrowth where I would hide my clothes.

I had barely walked a good distance from the pack house when out of nowhere, a wolf came running towards me at full speed. It seemed ferocious and unforgiving.

I screamed my lungs out in fear just as it pounced on me………