MY NEW LIFE

Aria's POV

Sitting in the passenger seat and with my hands twisted tightly in my lap, I stared out of the window enjoying the landscape that rushed by, all in a blur. As much as I was enjoying this, my mind was somewhere else and just spiraling in worry, hope and there was a persistent feeling of unease that I couldn't seem to calm.

I was venturing into the unknown, after just leaving everything behind, the only pack I had known, my past that was as horrible and filthy as my hands with no belongings I own whatsoever. It was just me, the filthy worn out clothes and myself that was blindly following a man I barely know into an uncertain future, just because he has told me to trust him.

Beside me was the said man, Alpha Caden, who kept glancing at me at intervals, so often, with his ever gentle smiles. He had tried breaking the silence with some small talk like asking about things I loved, my favorite foods and hobbies I loved and my response had always been a shrug or a stare.

How was I supposed to have any of these things considering my status? He seemed to have forgotten and I am too embarrassed to remind him.

He even tried telling me funny stories about him and his pack, as well as I appreciated the attempts, it just seemed like my body was working only, my mind was elsewhere, just took far to reach, and my soul, snatched into another world.

I suddenly closed off and was unreachable. I was too caught up between fear to care about anything at the moment.

I don't know if I made the right choice! There was nobody that was going to rescue me if this was all a wrong move by me. Was this little hope I was holding onto going to vanish soon or…? Can I really trust Alpha Caden? Maybe by force or when I learn to trust again.

After what felt like eternity, a lot of hours must have passed, we finally drove through the main border which was a tall intricately designed archway of strong bar iron gate. I found myself gasping softly as my eyes widened at the big signboard that read. ‘Welcome to ValeSilver City Pack.’

It was a beautiful sight to behold, my eyes widened further as we made our way further into the city, it was just the most elegant, modern and stunning pack I had ever imagined. Would it be better to be in pain in an unpleasant pack or to be in pain in a stunning pack? I think the latter will make a wise choice. I am so dumb for wishing that.

There were a lot of beautiful places to see and behold, I don't know if I would ever be allowed into the city and allowed into the stores. I could move around the city in GreyWhite pack but I wasn't allowed past the road and streets then my decrepit shelter.

Hours passed or thereabout and we finally got closed with the packhouse looming before us. The grand gate opened to reveal a grand structure that seemed to blend both nature and architecture seamlessly and effortlessly. It looked like something out of a magazine I had secretly looked through when cleaning Alpha Talon's office.

Its sleek lines and the large glass windows easily reflected the vibrant forest around but far behind it or so I guess. The packhouse was nothing short of a palace with carefully well manicured lawns and a large fountain with the pack's symbol or crest which reflected and sparkled in the sunlight. Its pathways lined with flowering shrubs, it was so breathtaking and had a unique elegance that distinctly separated it from the rest.

My heart skipped further as we moved through the grounds, I looked out the window as I saw people bustling around, some were dressed in formal attire, some in uniforms and some in more casual attire as they all moved with a sense of pride and purpose. Even I would, if I was among them in my cleaning uniform.

As we got closer to the entrance of the packhouse, I noticed a small group of people gathered and waiting with smiles. Probably to welcome their Alpha. My heart swell with fear and anxiety and a large sense of unease, I could feel my hands slightly terribly against my laps. I just had to hide behind Alpha Caden and I will be fine, right?

The car parked before the people, there was a knock on the window that startled me. The window was let down and someone passed a box through which the driver gave to Alpha Caden.

“Aria, I am sorry if this might sound and look disrespectful but to have people not suspecting a little. We need to change you up a bit," he said after the driver had gotten down.

“What?" I uttered in confusion as he looked down on me and I followed his eyes. Yeah, I knew I looked filthy, too filthy and shabbily dressed and unkempt but did he have to look at me like that?

“I'm sorry, I really am but we can't have you stepping out looking like that!” He pointed out, trying to be as gentle and empathetic as possible.

“Then what am I supposed to do? I don't have anything," I said quietly, in shame.

“You don't have to be ashamed before me. I am here to cover up for you, I was able to arrange something but it is a cloak. I hope you understand?” He asked, watching me quietly. I only stared back at him.

"You wear this over your clothes, there is a long glove too and new shoes. I have a bottle of water you can use to watch your face. The hood of the cloak can cover your hair,” he explained, bringing all the items in the box out. I stared at him in disbelief and surprise.

"We don't have a lot of time, they are waiting for you and you don't want to give them a bad impression, right?” He added when I just kept looking at him.

"Do you need me help or should I get out so you would be comfortable?” He asked again.

"But… but… but we have to get out together, right?" I asked, I had seen different scenes of Alphas and their mate visiting Alpha Talon, they always stepped out together. I was on the verge of tearing up because of his kindness.

“Yeah, but…”

"I will be fast but won't the water wet the car?” I asked as he provided a flat large bowl. I got to work immediately after washing my face. I was shocked when he helped me to dab my face with a towel then pack my hair loosely. I was quickly concealed with his help but yet to recover from his kindness.

He got down immediately and opened the door before me, the crowd began to cheer softly as I was welcomed with a respectful bow and warm, kind smile. I couldn't help but smile back at them all, I was taken aback when a young woman walked towards me then handed a bouquet of flowers.

Another offered me a cup of warm tea to soothe my nerves I guess. I looked at Alpha Caden who signaled that it was okay.

“Your face is so red which the people can tell you were genuinely impressed," Alpha Caden whispered to me. I felt my cheeks which was hot, this was because I couldn't hide my surprise of their warm welcome. I kept murmuring my thanks to them as my cheeks kept flushing.

“Welcome, Lady Aria Stonemore to ValeSilver City pack. You have become one of us now," Alpha Caden suddenly announced to me with a big smile. “Everyone welcome my mate, once more!" He added with a voice filled with so much pride as he introduced me as his mate to the gathering.

I was too stunned to utter a word. Did he really announce that I am his mate? This has to be a dream.

The loud cheer from the pack members woke me up as my heart swelled further, a glimmer of hope bursting within me. My hope just grew tremendously.

After a while, Alpha Caden gestured that they leave. I passed my bouquet to someone else as Alpha Caden ushered me into the packhouse.

“I have a lot to show you as this is where you would be working soon, sorting out issues in the pack alongside me and my Beta!" He whispered to me warmly.

“Isn't Chris back?" I heard him ask a formal looking man beside him.

“Chris Dillard is my Beta, he is on an assignment and isn't back yet.”

I was led inside where the interior was more impressive than the exterior, from the high ceiling to the grand staircases and the spotless chandeliers at each room which sparkled like a wishing star.

The floor felt smooth beneath me, it was a polished marble which looked cool and the walls had portraits of past Alphas, their Lunas and Betas and group pictures of each ruling Alphas and their cabinet ministers.

“Your parents looked so beautiful and good together and individually!" I whispered to him.

“Yeah and soon we will also be on the wall," he uttered with a wink that made my heart skip.

Everything here felt different from GreyWhite pack, just so different. I was lost in what I was seeing, the several grand rooms which had a different purpose. Some were offices as Alpha Caden explained. “The main hall is used for most of our official gatherings and meetings concerning the pack, likewise announcements that would be broadcast to the pack members. That's the ballroom for events and celebrations of ceremonies to formal dinners with Alphas that visited."

The ballroom was a sight to behold with its large arched windows that stretched from the floor to the ceiling, it gave a panoramic view of the woods behind. I couldn't help but imagine how grand it would be if it was decorated and filled with music, light then the laughter of people. I could only imagine.

“It's so breathtaking in here!" I whispered to myself but Alpha Caden heard and smiled to himself.

“I am glad you love it in here!"

We continued as he introduced me to high ranking officials and the location of their offices. I also have an office as the supposed mate and future Luna of this pack. The massive library filled with books on every row called for me even when I couldn't read. The set of guest quarters reserved for important visitors was better than Alpha Talon's room. Likewise the servants and workers quarters were better than… Each room gave me a sense of awe that I wanted to remain in.

“Now, let's go home, you already had a long day!" He whispered as I was ushered into the car. I couldn't believe this!

The mansion was a fifteen minutes drive from the packhouse or thereabout, it was surrounded by a large garden which was filled with vibrant colorful flowers and tall leafy trees that helped cast a dapple shadow along the pathway that led to the porch of the house.

The house stood in its full glory and magnificent blend of modern architecture and classic elegance, it stood tall and proud.

“Oh… my goodness! This is…. far beyond incredible! It's more than breathtaking,” I murmured with wide eyes as we moved towards the front entrance.

Alpha Caden chuckle felt like music in my ears as his warm gaze washed me. "You don't know how happy I am that you love it,” he whispered before getting down and opening the door for me again.

"Welcome home, Aria Stonemore. This is your home now as my home is yours also!"

How can my once decrepit home be replaced by something this magnificent in just one day?

I was speechless as we stepped in and I caught my breath at the sheer beauty of the interior. I don't think I will survive the luxury and beauty of this home of mine.

Not only was the interior warm, it was also inviting with soft colors that felt and looked soft, the comfortable looking furniture and large windows that gave natural light access into the house. The place felt less intimidating and more personal than the grand packhouse. Pictures of Alpha Caden and his parents were on one of the walls. Everything just radiated an air of elegance, class and sophistication.

Alpha Caden wanted to stop the tour at different times but I couldn't stop. I could faint from not seeing it all. I began to lead him to the spacious kitchen and the different nice and cozy living areas, the private library that was so inviting and a bedroom of mine that had a breathtaking view of the garden below. I couldn't ask for more because this was more than enough.

Alpha Caden gently took my hand after having had enough and led me to a plush armchair which he gestured to as I took my seat. I was hesitant at first but he urged me.

“I know you are so exhausted," he said in a gentle voice.

“But I am not, I’m getting excited at every glance I take at your mansion," I said to him as he knelt before and gently lifted my leg, taking off my shoe to reveal my bruised foot.

I was cut in surprise by his action but he didn't seem to mind one bit as he inspected my feet. They were sore from the long walk to the farm and back to the packhouse, it was badly bruised and still raw in places, slightly painful because I was used to pain. They were like breathing in and out.

“If I hadn't seen this earlier, would you have told me you were hurt?" He murmured with worry and concern, lacing each word.

“I didn't… I wasn't… it's really… not… a big deal. I will be healed… before you know it… besides I can't… bother… you with… this… nonsense,” I stammered as I tried to register what was going on. Why was he doing this?

His care and attention was messing with my head.

His expression became serious for the first time as he shook his head persistently. “You are not healing! It is a big deal, to me! You are not a bother and never will, Aria. This is not nonsense, this is your pretty feet we are talking about." He gently dropped my feet as he pulled out his phone and made a call before me.

“They will be here soon, you have been through a lot and I must check you. First, we need that feet treated. You can't be walking around on eggshells as my mate, you have to be comfortable!” He explained with a smile as I just stared at him with my heart beating faster and running a marathon at this side of kindness I had never experienced.

“Thank you, Alpha Caden!" I whispered, the first time I was saying this willing. I had never been treated like this and never thought I would but here was someone so powerful, kneeling and caring for my feet. Can I survive this kindness?

He gave me a soft smile. “It's Caden to you!"

“I will call the maids for you now, so you can have a rest! There is going to be a welcome gathering tonight, so get ready!"

Just as he promised, the medical team came and tended to my feet with Alpha Caden making an appointment for a full check up the next day. I had quite a rest  as I felt peace and acceptance at last. I allowed myself to brace the hope I had been holding on to for the longest.

Later in the evening, after being dressed so beautifully, I was led back to the packhouse and to the ballroom which was decorated beyond my imagination. Warm light and music as few important members gathered to welcome me officially.

“You are just too stunning, tonight!" Caden whispered in my ears as I felt my cheeks flushed hard. My first ever compliment.

I stepped further into the room as the crowd gave me their full attention with soft cheer and warm smiles. I was so overwhelmed by this and was on the verge of tears.

“Finally, a beauty to behold by my Alpha's side. At your humble service, my lady and I can't wait to call you my Luna!" A young good striking looking man uttered as he offered the hundredth gift for the night.

"Oh Chris! Aria, this is Beta Chris Dillard!”

I was finally home!