The Pack House

Chapter 4

The Pack House

I shake my head in disbelief and make my way toward the pack house, an exquisite Victorian-style structure crafted from majestic stone bricks, towering six stories above the ground. As we step through the grand entrance, we are greeted by the gleaming marble quartz floors that stretch throughout the foyer, reflecting the soft glow of the elegant chandeliers above. The rustic wooden banisters, artfully carved, lead us up the sweeping staircase that beckons to the upper floors.

The overall design of the house blends traditional Victorian aesthetics with modern touches, showcasing intricate moldings and high ceilings adorned with tasteful crown details. On the left side of the main floor, a stunning wooden staircase spirals to the second story, while to the right, a long, inviting hallway unfolds before us. 

As we wander down the corridor, we start exploring each door. The first one reveals a spacious bathroom, cleverly designed to split into separate male and female sides, both luxurious and practical. Continuing along, the next door on the left opens to an entertainment room—an expansive space that boasts a vibrant gaming area filled with the latest consoles and a cozy movie theater nook outfitted with plush seating and a large screen. Adjacent to this, another smaller bathroom offers convenience for guests.

My friends dash off, eager to explore their own adventures, while my mother, father, and I press onward. We discover well-organized closets and soon find ourselves in a magnificent kitchen that epitomizes modern elegance. The kitchen showcases sumptuous granite and marble countertops that complement rich oak cabinetry, and the latest state-of-the-art appliances gleam under the soft glow of stylish fixtures—creating an atmosphere that is both functional and inviting.

My dad exchanges glances with my mother and me, announcing his intention to venture upstairs in search of the Alpha's office. He instructs us to find him when we're finished exploring. My mother and I continue our tour, delighting in the exquisite details that each floor offers.

On the second floor, we find two distinct offices, tastefully designed for functionality and comfort, alongside a spacious conference room adorned with contemporary artwork. A "war room," designed for strategic planning, lies adjacent, equipped with maps and high-tech resources.

The third floor surprises us with a collection of twenty guest quarters, eight of which are reserved for visiting Alphas and council members. Each room is a sanctuary, complete with en suites, walk-in closets, and bathrooms, along with additional interconnected rooms designed for families or small groups. A communal bathroom and a cozy library add to the floor's appeal.

As we ascend to the fourth floor, we arrive at the quarters designated for unmated individuals and warriors. Here, two communal bathrooms—one male and one female—provide ample accommodation, fostering a sense of community among residents.

The fifth floor is divided into the Gamma and Beta wings, each boasting full ensuite bathrooms, emphasizing comfort and privacy for their occupants.

Finally, we reach the sixth floor, exclusive to the Alpha. This private haven features a meticulously designed office, a serene sleeping area, a dedicated private library filled with tomes and literature, and a security room equipped with access to CCTV monitors and a panic room for emergencies.

Behind the pack house lies an impressive training facility, complete with a gym and an exercise pool—both three stories tall. The expansive training fields cater to shifted form training, while the combat ring, reminiscent of a coliseum, serves as a venue for events and advancement ceremonies, complete with bleachers for spectators.

To the right of the pack house, family dwellings create a close-knit community, showcasing about 50 to 100 full-sized homes nestled amid lush woodlands. A well-maintained road leads from this charming town to the pack house, lined with six quaint buildings: a diner, a bookstore, a bar, a general store, two clothing shops—one for kids and one for adults—and a mechanic shop. Other highlights include a hardware store, a cafe, a furniture store, and two vacant storefronts awaiting new possibilities.

Further behind the pack house, the forest opens up to breathtaking mountainous terrain, where snowy peaks cradle shimmering waterfalls and serene lakes, reminiscent of the idyllic landscapes found in the Rio Grande National Forest. This harmonious fusion of nature and community offers a sanctuary unlike any other, all within the embrace of the pack's rich traditions.