Getting to know the pack

Ava Rossi - POV

I didn’t know what to do or say anymore. I thought my life was ruined when Jacob rejected me. The pain of that moment still felt raw, a wound that refused to heal. “I might have to think about it, Lorenzo,” I told him, my voice barely above a whisper.

Lorenzo nodded, his expression serious yet understanding. “Sure, take your time,” he replied, placing his fork on the plate and standing up. “I have to attend a few meetings. If you need me, you can find me in my office, all right?” I nodded, grateful for his reassurance, even if I felt adrift.

He grabbed his plate and made his way to the sink. As he washed the dishes, I felt a strange mix of admiration and sadness. How could someone like him be so composed while I was falling apart? Just as he was about to leave the kitchen, I gathered my courage and spoke up. “Can I explore the pack?” I asked, standing up from my place, my heart racing at the thought of venturing out on my own.

“Sure, but wait here a moment, okay?” he said, looking back at me with a hint of concern in his eyes. I nodded, watching as he left the kitchen. Taking a deep breath, I grabbed the remaining plates and made my way to the sink. After washing the dishes, I neatly stacked them on the drying rack, trying to keep my mind occupied.

Just as I finished, I heard his heavy footsteps returning to the kitchen. I turned around to see Lorenzo standing near the doorway. He wore a crisp black suit that complemented his skin tone, and his hair was gelled back, making him look both handsome and dangerous. “Are you done staring?” I heard his sarcastic voice, and I quickly looked away, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

“I wasn’t staring,” I retorted, trying to sound casual.

“Yeah, right,” he said, walking toward me with that familiar confidence. “Keep this with you at all times, all right?” He handed me a gold card, and I looked at it curiously.

“What is this?” I asked as I took it from his hand. One side had the word “Guest” emblazoned on it, while the other bore a symbol of a wolf.

“This is a pass that visitors get so they don’t get into trouble with the pack members,” Lorenzo explained, his tone serious but kind. I nodded, understanding the importance of what he was giving me.

“Thank you,” I said, and he nodded back before walking out of the kitchen. After he left, I looked around, tying my hair into a bun and beginning to clean up the mess he had made. The simple act of cleaning helped me regain a sense of normalcy, even if just for a moment.

By the time I was done, I made my way to the foyer and noticed that someone had brought my suitcases from my car. I grabbed my bags and headed up to my room. After a quick shower, I changed into a pair of denim shorts and a crop top, slipping on my sandals before leaving Lorenzo’s house.

As I reached a crossroad, I glanced at the signboard, my heart fluttering with excitement and anxiety. After a moment of indecision, I decided to head toward the pack town, hoping to distract myself from my swirling emotions.

It was a ten-minute walk, and as I arrived in the pack town, I was captivated by the architecture. The pavements were laid with cobblestones, and the buildings, made of sturdy stone, gave the area a quaint, rustic charm.

I was so enchanted by the beauty surrounding me that I didn’t pay attention to where I was going and bumped into someone. “Oh my! I’m so sorry!” I exclaimed, quickly looking up to see a woman standing before me. She was about my height, with curly black hair and piercing grey eyes that sparkled with mirth.

“That’s all right. Are you new here?” she asked, her tone warm and welcoming. I nodded, feeling a flicker of hope.

“I’m Samara,” she introduced herself, extending her hand for a handshake.

“I’m Ava,” I replied, shaking her hand and feeling an instant connection.

“So, where were you heading?” she asked, her curiosity genuine.

“I was just taking a look around town,” I said, shrugging my shoulders.

“I own a bakery here. Do you want to come?” she asked, sounding a bit unsure, but I could see the excitement in her eyes. I was surprised by how friendly she was.

“Sure!” I said, my enthusiasm bubbling over. Her smile widened, and I felt a warmth spreading through me.

“This way,” she said, leading me toward the bakery I had passed earlier.

“Is this the only bakery in town?” I asked as we maneuvered through the bustling streets, feeling more at ease with each step.

“No, we have another one a few stores down. But people come here for my blueberry tart,” she said proudly. As we entered the small shop, the delightful scent of baked bread and cookies enveloped me, making my stomach grumble with hunger.

Inside, the place was teeming with people, laughter and chatter filling the air. “This smells divine,” I told her as she made her way to the back of the counter.

“And it tastes divine as well. Everyone in this pack adores my food—except for one person,” she said, glancing around. I couldn’t help but be curious.

“Who is it?” I asked, taking a bite of the tart she handed me. It was a treat for my taste buds; the sweet and tart flavors danced in my mouth, while the buttery crust melted seamlessly down my throat.

“Alpha Bianchi,” she said, and I was taken aback by the revelation. I didn’t say anything, but my mind raced with questions. How could someone not appreciate something so delicious?

Samara was good company, and we instantly clicked. I felt a sense of belonging that I hadn’t experienced in a long time, so much so that I lost track of time.

“I think I better go. I’ll see you around,” I said reluctantly as I stood up to leave.

“It was nice meeting you, Ava,” she said, her smile warm. As I walked out of the bakery, I felt a lightness in my step. After the incident with Jacob, I had been skeptical of joining a pack, afraid I would be treated differently because I was a rogue. But Samara hadn’t mentioned that once, and for the first time, I felt a flicker of hope.

I made my way to the pack house, my heart pounding in anticipation. As I approached Lorenzo’s office, I paused in front of his door, about to knock when I overheard his voice from inside.

“You only have two months, Enzo. If you don’t find a mate or someone to call the Luna, you know you will lose your title.”