Alanis POV
Julian shows me so much patience and kindness. Everyone here has been extremely kind. I have not felt anything like this since before Alpha Raymond took me. Being around everyone is hard, but I am trying to figure it out. I want to be a part of the pack. I want to make this my home.
"Alanis, honey, Alpha Sebastian is here to see you," Julian calls out to me from the kitchen.
Alpha Sebastian has made it a regular occurrence to check on me every morning before he gets busy. He is kind and compassionate yet stern. I see so much of my pack in him. I walk out of the bedroom to greet him.
"Good Morning, Alpha Sebastian," I say softly.
Alpha Sebastian is very handsome. His long dark hair and scruffy beard make him look rugged and sexy. His deep voice is comforting when he speaks to me. His sweetness makes me look forward to seeing him every morning. This time with him is my favorite part of my day.
"Alpha Sebastian," I say as I approach him. He reaches for my hand. I take it and follow him out of the kitchen.
"We should talk," Alpha Sebastian says with a smile.
He leads me out onto the front porch. I am finally able to go outside without sunglasses. My daily visits to the lake and sitting on the porch have helped with the light sensitivity. I am still afraid to be around many people, but I am working my way up to it. I did manage to go into the Alpha's house with Julian to pick up some things one of the she-wolves sent me.
"Alanis, I want you to come to our end of summer celebration tomorrow night with me as my guest or my date," Alpha Sebastian says.
I stand in front of him, shaking. Why would he want me to be his guest or date? "I .. I .. I would love to come, but I am afraid to be around a lot of people, Alpha Sebastian, but I do not want to disappoint you," I say softly.
"I know, but I want you to come. I want you to meet everyone. If you become overwhelmed, then I promise to get you out of the party personally. It would mean so much to me if you would be my date," Alpha Sebastian says.
How can I say no to the Alpha? My father would be so disappointed if I were rude to someone that has helped me so much. Alpha Sebastian brushes my hair behind my ear and touches my face so gently. "I will not let any harm come to you, Alanis," Alpha Sebastian says. His hand is so gentle; how can I say no.
"I know you will protect me, Alpha. I will be your guest," I answer him. Alpha Sebastian leans down and kisses me on the cheek.
"Tomorrow night, I will come for you and Julian. I will escort the two of you to the party," Alpha Sebastian says.
He leaves, walking toward the pack house. I stand on the porch watching him for a moment. Julian comes out to see what Alpha Sebastian wanted. I have a feeling she already knows, but she wants to see what my answer was to his invite.
"Well, so what did my brother want to speak with you about in private?" Julian asks. She brushes up beside me, waiting for my answer. She is almost giddy with anticipation.
"He asked me to be his guest at the end of summer party," I answer.
Julian stands close to me. "His guest or his date?" Julian asks me.
"I am not sure, his date, I guess. He said he wanted me to be his date, but I have no idea why," I say.
"I think he likes you," Julian says. I look over at her, smiling.
"Maybe, he does. I do not know why, but he is very kind to me. You both are very kind to me," I say.
I turn to go back into the house. I am not sure how to feel about all of this. I have only been here a few weeks, and I am still trying to acclimate myself to living outside the cage. Alpha Sebastian does not need the burden of someone like me. He needs someone stronger and more stable. I am only a scared little wolf that is broken with baggage and fears the unknown.
"You know, Alanis, you are very humble, brave, and beautiful. My brother would be lucky to have you as a friend or more than a friend," Julian says.
I shake my head to acknowledge I understand her, but I have no idea why the Alpha would want me. Why me? I am sure there are plenty of she-wolves that would love to be his date.
"He has not dated or even tried to date in a very long time. There has to be something special about you for him to ask," Julian says.
I stop halfway through the door and turn back to Julian. "I do not feel special, and I do not want him to feel sorry for me," I say.
Julian pulls me into her arms. "He does not feel sorry for you. He cares about you and your wellbeing. I can see it all over him. You make him smile," Julian says.
"Well, then, there is only one thing left to do," I say with a smile on my face.
Julian looks at me, puzzled. "What is that?" Julian asks.
I shrug my shoulders. "I have nothing to wear to this party," I say.
Julian laughs. "Well, good thing I like to shop," Julian says.
"I could wear something of yours. No need to buy me anything," I say.
Julian shakes her head. "No. If you are going to be Alpha Sebastian's date, you need to wear the best and be the most beautiful. I am just the wolf to make sure you are perfect," Julian says.
"I guess I am in your hands," I say.
I have a feeling my afternoon will be spent being Julian's doll to fix and dress up. She is beaming with the thought of dressing me up and shopping with me. I can see her mind going and planning my outfit.
"He loves purple. How do you feel about purple?" Julian asks.
"I love it. It is my favorite color," I say.
"Good, let me grab my phone and keys. There is a she-wolf that makes the most fantastic dresses. We will go see her," Julian says.
Panic begins to set in, and I feel like I cannot breathe. Am I really doing this? I will be Alpha Sebastian's date for a massive event with the entire pack in attendance.
"You okay?" Julian asks. She stops scrambling to get us out the door to check on me.
"Yes, I only worry that I will mess this up for him. Does he want to spend an important night babysitting me?" I ask.
Julian pulls me over to the couch. I sit down beside her. "Listen to me, carefully. You are not someone we took in as a burden. Stop thinking that, please. I have enjoyed you being here. Alpha Sebastian checks on you because he cares about you not only as a member of his pack, but I think it is more than that. Just go with it. Have some fun. Be a woman. Leave the cage behind and be yourself," Julian says.
Julian's words are nothing but the truth. "I can do that. I know I can leave it behind eventually with your help," I say.
"Now, let's get to Becca's and see what she can make you. I want to see you shine tomorrow night at the party. No need to worry; I will be there by your side the entire time," Julian says.
Julian stands to leave. "Thank you," I say as she takes my hand to go.
Belle POV"WHY!" I scream at the weeping wolf. I cannot believe this is happening and I do not understand any of it. Why would the weeping wolf want to hurt Aria?My mother is banging on the door. I can hear Luna Alanis screaming. They can hear the weeping wolf threatening Aria.I know they are terrified. I am terrified."What do you want from me?" I ask her. The weeping wolf moves closer to me. She is growing larger and scaring the hell out of me as she moves closer to me. I want to fall apart but I cannot right now."You will take this pack, and you will have children. You will raise elite children. You will do as you were born and raised to reign over all wolves, or I will kill everyone you love," the weeping wolf says. She is going insane. She is just like the rest of them.Her long white hair
Belle POVI watch my mother during the announcement. She looks so proud of Aria. I glance over at my father, and he has the same look of excitement for him as my mother. Luna Alanis and Alpha Sebastian deserve happiness and retirement. That is something that I want for my parents when my father is ready.My father told me that he would retire from the pack and step down soon, but he wanted to make sure things went smoothly first. I know that he is waiting for me to marry Aria first and take over his pack. Then he will hand our pack over to us as well. Sometimes I feel like I should not accept it and let one of my brothers take the pack.I glance over at Chan and Levi. Both of them would make an excellent Alpha. Katherine and Claudia also would make a fantastic Alpha. Why does it have to be me? I feel like my entire life has been planned for me so much, and I just want control over this one thing.Ari
Belle POV"Aria, there is someone here with us," I say. I begin shaking. I am afraid. He pulls me close to him and holds me while we wait to see who pops out of the woods.He turns to look in the direction of the noise. I can hear his heart beating as I try to listen to whatever lurks in the woods. "I will protect you, Belle," Aria says.I look back at him. I am older and stronger, but he is soon to be Alpha. I guess I can let him protect me if it makes him feel like the big bad wolf. More branches break, and the movement becomes quicker as whatever it is moving toward us.MOM! I call to my mother in our mind link with her. We are in trouble; send dad. I send her an urgent plea for help. I have a feeling whatever is lurking is not good. Aria pushes me behind him. I feel something grab my upper arm and pull me."Let go of me!" I scream out.I look at Aria and
Belle's point of viewI dash back to my house to join the party and see my family. My father is correct, and I must keep my head high and face this head on. I'm not going to let anyone else keep me from going to the party. I dash back to the house at top speed. I sneak into the back of the house and into my room when I arrive.Katherine is in my room, waiting for me. "What were you doing?" Katherine inquires.I snarl at her, "I went for a run." Katherine is so far up, mom, that she will tell her whatever I say."I was concerned for your safety. Everyone, especially Aria, is concerned, "Katherine explains.I shake my head and roll my eyes at her. "His she-wolf, I'm sure, will keep him company. Nobody needs to be concerned about me. I'm perfectly fine, " Isay.Katherine extends her hand to me. "That is not the way you should be. Belle, we all adore you. Allow me to assist you. You've alwa
Belle's Point of ViewA convoy of black SUVs pulls up to the house's driveway. I stand by and observe as everyone exits the SUV. Alpha Sebastian and Luna Alanis are in the first SUV, but Aria is not with them. I'm practically over myself with anticipation as I keep my eyes peeled for him. He finally gets out of the black SUV he's been traveling. As I push the door open and sprint to him, his long, dark hair swings in the breeze and catches my eye."Aria!" As I sprint after him, I yell."Belle!" He shouts and sprints at me, yelling "I'm coming!" I wrap my arms around him and kiss him on the cheek."Happy Birthday!" I say as I hug him. He's in a fantastic mood. I've always had feelings for him, but I've never expressed them or said anything about them. For one, I am several years older than he is, and second, I am unable to read his thoughts. No idea how he feels about me, but I want to tell him exactly how I feel about him when I see him later today.
Luna Kate POV18 years laterWe have guests coming today. Belle insists on having Aria a birthday party every year, but this year is special. Alpha Sebastian has decided to step down as Alpha, and Aria is taking his place at the tender age of 18. Belle is more excited for him than I think he is excited for himself.Belle and Aria are best friends. The two are inseparable and have been since Aria was born. Best friends, and destined to be together. We all know, but we do not discuss it or push it. We let them lead the way on what is in their hearts. If the weeping wolf was right about the two of them, it will happen in its own time."Belle," I call out to her.I need her help, but she is preoccupied with making sure she looks perfect today. She is perfect. She does not have to try. Her long black hair and dark olive skin make her look like a goddess.Sometimes