Chapter 7

(Author's POV)

“Emily, over here,” Liam called, his tone friendly and reassuring. she made her way over to them, feeling a little self-conscious under the scrutiny but doing her best to keep her composure.

When she reached them, alpha rollins turned his attention to her, his expression unreadable but not unkind. “Emily, i trust you’re feeling better this morning?”

“Yes, Alpha. thank you for your hospitality,” she replied, her voice steady even though her nerves were fraying at the edges.

Rollins nodded, his piercing gaze seeming to take in every detail of her. “you’ll find we take care of our own here. you’ve been through a lot, but you’re safe now.”

Emily nodded, grateful for his reassurance. “i appreciate that.”

Rollins gestured for her to sit, and as she did, she noticed the other pack members at the table. they were all watching her, not with suspicion, but with genuine curiosity. most of them looked to be in their early twenties, though there were a few older members as well. one of them, a woman with dark hair and sharp features, was seated directly across from emily, her eyes narrowing slightly as she assessed the newcomer.

“This is Cassandra,” Liam said, introducing the woman. “she’s been with us for a long time, one of our strongest warriors.”

“Welcome to the pack, Emily,” Cassandra said, her tone polite but with an edge that made emily uneasy.

“Thank you,” Emily replied, meeting Cassandra’s gaze evenly. there was something about the woman that set her on edge, though she couldn’t quite place it.

Rollins continued, introducing the others at the table, each of them offering her a nod or a brief word of welcome. as the introductions finished, a server came by, placing a plate of food in front of Emily. she hadn’t realized how hungry she was until she smelled the warm, savory dishes.

“Eat,” Rollins said, gesturing to the food. “we’ll talk more after.”

The meal was simple but hearty, and as Emily ate, the pack members around her resumed their conversations. she listened quietly, picking up bits and pieces of their lives. they talked about the upcoming winter preparations, the latest hunting expeditions, and the recent patrols around the territory. it was clear that this pack valued strength and loyalty, traits that had been used against her in her old pack.

As the meal wound down, Cassandra leaned back in her chair, fixing her gaze on Emily. “now, Emily, i’d like to know more about how you ended up at our border. it’s not every day we find someone so close to our territory.”

The room grew quiet again as everyone turned their attention to her. Emily felt a flush of anxiety but forced herself to stay calm. “I…I left my old pack,” she began, choosing her words carefully. “It wasn’t a good place for me. I needed to get away, to find somewhere I could…start over.”

Rollins studied her for a moment, his eyes searching for the truth behind her words. “And you found your way here by chance?”

Emily hesitated, then nodded. “Yes. I didn’t know where I was going, just that I needed to leave.”

Cassandra, not taking her eyes off Emily. “You were lucky we found you when we did. The border is dangerous, especially for someone alone.”

There was something in her tone that made Emily stiffen, but she kept her expression neutral. “I’m grateful for that. I don’t know what would have happened if Liam hadn’t.”

Rollins glanced at Cassandra before turning back to Emily. “You’ll be safe here. We have rules, and we expect everyone to contribute, but if you’re willing to work hard, you’ll find a place among us.”

Emily nodded, relief washing over her. “I understand, Alpha. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“Good,” Rollins said, his tone final. “You’ll start with some light duties while you recover, but once you’re ready, we’ll see where you fit best.”

The conversation shifted after that, moving on to other matters within the pack. Emily remained quiet, listening and observing, trying to get a sense of her new home. She noticed the way Cassandra occasionally glanced at her, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. It wasn’t outright hostility, but there was a tension there, an unspoken challenge.

As the gathering came to an end, Liam stood and stretched. “I’ll show you around the village, Emily. You’ll want to get familiar with the place.”

Emily stood as well, grateful for the opportunity to leave the intense atmosphere of the hall. As they walked out into the cool afternoon air, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders. The pack was strong, their bonds tight, and despite the challenges ahead, she couldn’t help but feel a spark of hope. This place could be her home if she could prove herself worthy.

But as they walked, Cassandra’s gaze lingered in her mind. Emily knew she would have to be careful. Not everyone was going to welcome her with open arms, and Cassandra’s quiet scrutiny told her that some saw her as more than just a new pack member. She was a potential threat, and she would have to navigate this new life carefully if she wanted to survive.

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Alpha Rollins sat in his office, his brows furrowed in thought as he stared at the papers in front of him. He had spent years leading his pack, earning their respect and loyalty through strength, wisdom, and an unwavering sense of duty. Yet, there was one thing that had eluded him, finding his true Luna.

At 28, Rollins was at the age where most alphas had already found their mates and secured the future of their packs. But for him, that moment hadn’t come. He had waited, hoping to feel the undeniable pull, the magnetic connection that signaled he had found his fated mate. But it never happened.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Rollins looked up as the door opened, revealing Liam, his closest confidant.

“Rollins,” Liam greeted, stepping into the room. “The elders have called a meeting. It’s about the Luna position.”

Rollins sighed, a heavy weight settling in his chest. He knew this day was coming, but it didn’t make it any easier to face. “I suppose it can’t be avoided any longer,” he muttered, standing up and straightening his posture. “Let’s go.”

The two men walked side by side through the packhouse, passing by members who greeted them with respect. Rollins acknowledged them with nods, though his mind was elsewhere.

When they entered the meeting hall, the elders were already seated, their expressions serious. Cassandra was there too, standing near the elders with a confident and composed demeanor. She was the embodiment of strength and beauty, a fierce warrior, intelligent, and capable in every way.

Rollins' eyes briefly met Cassandra’s, and she offered him a small, knowing smile. But instead of comfort, it only stirred a sense of unease within him.

“Alpha Rollins,” one of the elders began, his voice calm but firm. “It’s time to solidify the future of this pack. You are aware that the position of Luna cannot remain vacant any longer. The pack needs stability, a strong leadership, and an heir to carry on the legacy.”

Rollins nodded slowly. “I understand, Elder. But—”

“Cassandra has been chosen to be your Luna,” the elder interrupted, his tone leaving little room for argument. “She is strong, respected by the pack, and she will be a suitable match for you.”

Rollins clenched his jaw, feeling the familiar weight of duty pressing down on him. “Cassandra is indeed strong and capable,” he acknowledged, his voice measured. “But she is not my fated mate.”

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Rollins' words hung in the air, a reminder of the bond that should have been, the bond that was missing.

“You have had ample time to find your mate,” another elder spoke up, her voice gentle but resolute. “But the pack cannot wait any longer. The bond may come in time, or it may not. But our priority is the strength and future of the pack.”

Cassandra stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. “Alpha, I know this isn’t the ideal situation for either of us,” she said, her voice smooth and controlled. “But I am ready to serve this pack as its Luna. Together, we can ensure its prosperity.”

Rollins studied her, searching for any sign of weakness or doubt, but there was none. Cassandra was confident, determined, and fully prepared to take on the role. But despite her many qualities, she wasn’t the one his heart or his wolf longed for. If anything, his wolf remained silent, uninterested in the woman before him.

He glanced at Liam, who stood silently beside him, a supportive but conflicted look in his eyes. Rollins knew what Liam was thinking, they had discussed this countless times. The pack needed stability, and Cassandra could provide that. But it still didn’t feel right.