New Pack

GIANNA

My eyes widened in shock. “You must be mistaken. I’m not from the blood moon pack at all. I have a family in the River side pack.” I immediately said to him.

“I am not mistaken. I’ve been searching for you for years, and when my warriors found you abandoned by rogues, they brought you here. I didn’t realise it was you at first until the doctor discovered the star shaped birthmark on your lower back. That birthmark is unique to our bloodline. But I had a DNA test done just to verify and it came back positive.” He explained to me but I still shook my head.

It just sounded so unbelievable. If what he was saying is the truth, that meant the family who raised me, are not my real family. And my whole life was a lie. But then it made more sense actually. My parents always treated me with a bit of indifference and favoured Helena a lot. Their behaviour influenced the other family members to treat me the same way. They even saved her and left me to die. They must know the truth that I am not their real child.

“That’s why they didn’t care if I was returned to them.” I said and tears rolled down my cheek before I could stop them.

“Who didn’t care if you were returned? Tell me what happened.” Alpha Vincenzo said as he held my hand.

“My sister and I were captured by rogues. My parents were called but they only paid the ransom for my sister. My mate refused to pay and also rejected me. The rogues would have killed me if your pack warriors didn’t show up. Now I understand why.”

My chest felt tight, and breathing was hard as my sobs became more intense. He didn’t speak for a while, just held me and allowed me to cry. 

“It’s okay. I’m here now. You don’t need them anymore. I will take care of you, and make sure you forget they even exist.” He whispered as he stroked my back.

“Okay. I trust you. But how did I get lost in the first place?” I asked when I felt more composed.

My memory of my childhood is blurry and almost blank, but I never had any reason to think that was abnormal until today.

“Well, you were playing in the back yard, and just vanished. It’s like you disappeared into thin air. There was no sign of attacks, or kidnapping. We searched for you, Reina, but to no avail.” He responded.

“Is Reina my real name?”

“Yes. What is your name now?”

“Gianna.” I replied, and he smiled, even though I could see the sadness behind the expression.

“I will call you Gianna until you say otherwise. What matters to me is your recovery. Now get some rest.” 

“Thank you, Alpha Vincenzo.”

“You don’t have to be so formal. I’m your brother. Just call me Enzo.” He said and kissed my forehead before leaving.

I stared at the door for several seconds after he left. He was right. I no longer had to think of the people who abandoned me. But after living with them for years and believing I was part of the family, the memories weren’t so easy to let go of. Especially my memories with Marco. But I wasn’t stupid enough to attempt leaving this bed. Enzo was right. My recovery was the most important thing now. 

It took almost two weeks before the doctor in charge signed for me to be discharged, even though I insisted that I was fine a week ago. Enzo visited me daily in the hospital, and also came to pick me up when I was discharged. He took me to the main pack house, and it was huge, even bigger than the Riverside pack house. 

I was given a big, fully furnished room, and so many pack members came to greet me. Anything I wanted was immediately provided. I stepped out of my room one morning to go for a walk, and noticed how busy the pack house was. So many people were moving around, either carrying decorations, or food, or something else.

“Hey, what’s going on?” I called a pack member aside and asked her before she could walk past me.

“The annual packs meeting holds today. It is the Blood moon pack’s turn to host, that’s why we’re preparing.”

I thanked her and then turned down the hall to find Enzo.

“Why wasn’t I informed about the annual packs meeting?” I asked as I stepped into his study.

He sighed and ran his hands through his hair.

“I didn’t think you would want to go. All Alphas and nobles of the packs in this region are expected to attend. Your former mate will be there too. I wanted to spare you more heartache.”

“It should be my choice too. I can’t let Marco decide what my life should look like. I appreciate you trying to take care of me, but I’m strong. I can handle my past myself.” I told him with a serious expression and he nodded.

“You’re right. I’ll have some dresses brought in for you to choose from. I trust your judgement.”

I smiled and hugged him before leaving him to continue what he was working on. Sure enough, less than an hour later, a lot of dresses were sent to my room so I could pick. I chose a beautiful floral dress with lace trimmings and a small train behind it. 

“You look absolutely stunning.” Enzo smiled brightly at me as I walked down the staircase inside the pack house.

It was time for the meeting, but the festivities would be held in the gardens behind the pack house, not inside. I put my hand on his elbow, and he led me towards the gardens. Most of the guests we were to host had already arrived.

Marco Di Angelo arrived with Helena hanging on to his arm, but he was already exhausted because she wouldn’t stop talking. She was more concerned about her heels than the meeting. At that moment, he suddenly thought of Gianna and realised that he missed her.

“So, Marco? When will you propose to me? Don’t you think it’s a good idea to do it here? With so many important witnesses, we will become the talk of the region within minutes.” She giggled excitedly, but he wasn’t listening.

He was too busy staring at one of the entrances like he had seen a ghost.