Chapter 6

Sera’s POV

We finally arrived at a huge palace. I wouldn't lie; the place was beautiful. The palace was surrounded by tall walls, beautiful flowers, and well-trimmed trees. Several expensive cars were parked in front of the building, while many bodyguards stood around the entrance.

The whole place was grand and peaceful at the same time.

“You are welcome to my palace,” Alaric said proudly, opening the car door for me. There was a playful smile on his face as he waited for me to step out.

I got down from the car and looked around the palace once more. I couldn't hide my amazement. Everything looked perfect.

As we walked toward the entrance, the bodyguards immediately bowed to us.

“Welcome home, Alpha,” one of them greeted respectfully.

“Welcome, Luna,” another one added.

I paused when I heard the word Luna, but before I could ask what he meant, some of the bodyguards moved toward the car. They carefully took my belongings from the trunk and carried them into the palace.

I watched them for a moment before turning to Alaric.

“This place is beautiful,” I said, my voice filled with admiration.

Alaric smiled proudly.“You haven't seen the best part yet,” he replied.

I raised an eyebrow.“There is more?”

“Of course.” He chuckled. “You are standing in my palace, remember?”

I shook my head with a small smile and followed him inside.

The moment we entered the palace, several maids walked toward us. They were all dressed neatly in their uniforms, and their hair was properly arranged. They stood in front of us and bowed respectfully.

“Welcome home, Alpha,” they greeted together.

“Thank you,” Alaric replied with a small nod.

I looked around as we walked through the large entrance hall. The floor was shining, and beautiful paintings decorated the walls. Large chandeliers hung from the ceiling, filling the hall with soft light. Everything was so well arranged that I couldn't stop looking around.

None of this was completely new to me. I had once been a Luna, so I knew what it felt like to have maids and guards around me.

Still, this place felt different.

Maybe because I didn't know what my place was here, Alaric suddenly turned toward me with a teasing smile.

“Should I show you to our room, or do you still want to look around?”

I looked at him.“Our room?

His words made my heart beat a little faster, I quickly looked away.“I think I've seen enough for now,” I replied, trying to hide my nervousness.

He chuckled softly.“Then follow me.”

I followed him through a long hallway.“You have a wonderful home,” I said honestly.

Alaric looked back at me. A proud smile appeared on his face.“Of course, you can say that again and again. Beautiful things are made by wonderful people like us.” He said it confidently, and I couldn't help rolling my eyes.

“You really like praising yourself, don't you?” I asked, trying not to laugh.

“Someone has to do it,” he replied with a grin. “Especially when everyone else is too busy admiring me.”

I shook my head, I think he likes us, my wolf suddenly said inside my head.

I almost stopped walking, "what?" 

"You heard me, she replied, sounding amused."

"Don't start, I warned her."

"I'm only telling you the truth. Look at the way he looks at you." 

I quickly ignored her before she could say anything else.

Alaric stopped in front of a large wooden door. Beautiful silver designs were carved into the surface, he reached toward a small security panel beside the door and entered a code.

Beep, the door unlocked, I stared at him curiously.“What is this?” I asked.

He pushed the door open.“Come inside.”

I stepped inside, and my eyes widened.

The room was enormous.

It was clearly the main bedroom of the palace. A large bed stood in the middle of the room, covered with soft white blankets and several pillows. A huge window overlooked the beautiful garden outside. Long curtains hung on both sides of the window, while a large sofa sat nearby.

There was also a massive wardrobe against one of the walls and a beautiful dressing table beside it.

I slowly turned around, taking everything in. “Wait,” I said, looking at Alaric. “Did we enter another world?”

He laughed softly.“Nope,” he replied. “We're still in my palace.”

I frowned at him.“Are you sure?”

“Very sure.”

Before I could say anything else, a maid entered the room carrying my luggage. Two other maids followed behind her.

They carefully placed my bags beside the wardrobe, Alaric pointed toward the wardrobe.

“Put her things inside there,” he instructed.

“Yes, Alpha,” the maid replied respectfully.

I immediately looked at Alaric.“You don't have to put my things here.”

He turned toward me.“Why not?”

“I can sleep in one of the rooms downstairs,” I suggested. “You don't have to give me your room.”

His expression became serious.“You're not sleeping downstairs.”

Before I could say anything else, one of the older maids stepped forward. She had a warm smile on her face as she bowed her head.

“Welcome home, Luna,” she said gently.

I froze, the other maids bowed as well.“Welcome home, Luna,” they repeated.

I stared at them in confusion.“Luna?” I asked, pointing at myself. “Why did you call me Luna?”

The maids exchanged nervous glances, none of them answered, Instead, they quietly left the room, I turned toward Alaric.“What did they just call me?” I asked, my voice filled with confusion.

Alaric looked at me, before he could answer, the doorbell suddenly rang through the palace.

Alaric's playful expression disappeared immediately, his face became serious.

“What is it?” I asked, suddenly feeling uneasy.

He didn't answer, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small device. He pressed a button, and the bedroom door unlocked.

A few seconds later, the door opened, and a tall man walked into the room. He was dressed completely in black, and his face looked serious. He stopped a few feet away from Alaric and bowed his head respectfully.

“Alpha,” he greeted in a calm voice.

Alaric looked at him with a serious expression. “Marcus, what brings you here?” he asked. 

Marcus lowered his head before reaching into his pocket. He brought out a folded paper and stretched his hand toward Alaric. Alaric collected the paper from him and looked at it briefly.

“I will see you later,” Alaric said, his voice firm but calm.

Marcus nodded his head. “Yes, Alpha,” he replied before turning around, the door closed behind him. 

I looked at Alaric with curiosity. “Who was that?” I asked, my eyes following the door Marcus had just walked through.

“My Beta,” Alaric replied simply. He then looked at the paper in his hand before turning his attention back to me. “So, let's get down to business. This is the contract you have to sign. I want everything to be clear between us, and I don't want you to think I'm trying to cheat you.”

He walked over to one of the chairs and sat down, placing the contract on his lap. I walked toward another chair and sat down not far from him.

“Why do you think I will accept this?” I asked, folding my arms across my chest as I looked at him.

Alaric raised his eyes to mine. “You will have to,” he said calmly.

He leaned back in his chair, watching me carefully. “Or don't you want to take revenge on the person who broke your heart?” he asked, his voice low and knowing.

I slowly turned back to him and held out my hand. “Give me the paper,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Alaric handed the contract to me without saying anything.

I looked down at the pages and quickly went through them. “Where should I sign?” I asked, looking at him.

Alaric pointed toward the bottom of the page. “Right there,” he answered, his finger showing me the exact place.

I picked up the pen and signed my name.

I handed the contract back to him and gave him a small smirk. “It's good working with you,” I said, trying to sound confident.

Alaric took the paper from me, but instead of looking at it, he looked straight into my eyes. His gaze was deep, and for a moment, neither of us said anything.

Suddenly, the memory of us together in the bathroom flashed through my mind. I remembered how close we had been, and the thought made my heart beat faster. I quickly looked away, not wanting him to notice the effect the memory had on me.

“I think I need to freshen up,” I said, trying to find an excuse to leave the room.

Alaric rubbed his forehead with his hand and let out a quiet breath. “I have a meeting to attend. If you need anything, just call one of the maids,” he said, his voice calm as he stood up from the chair.

“Okay,” I replied softly.

He walked toward the door and opened it. Before leaving, he glanced at me one last time, then stepped out. The door closed behind him.

I stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door before finally turning around. I entered the bedroom and went straight into the bathroom. After taking a warm shower, I changed into something lighter and more comfortable before walking back to the bed.

I lay down and rested my head on the soft pillow.