Chapter Twenty Five

Brielle’s POV.

I walked through the pack’s territory with a guard trailing a few steps behind me. For my security, Rio had told me, and I was actually grateful for that. After that terrifying attack, I didn’t want to be out on my own in a space I didn’t know, so I was hoping that the guard would help me.

The space was big and beautiful, with tall trees swaying gently in the breeze and flowers in full bloom, and their pretty colours was a feast for the eyes. The pack members moved about with purpose, and some even waved at me, and I wondered just how nice these people could be with how good they were treating me when they didn’t even know me or anything.

I wondered when I’d be cleared to go home too. What would Lucien and Zane think of my disappearance?

Would they be worried? Angry? A pang of guilt hit me as I realised that I had thought about Lucien before Zane, but I quickly pushed it aside. I needed to focus on healing, both physically and emotionally and being ready to go back home.

And for the record, to say that I didn’t like it here would be a lie.

I loved it. It felt like a holiday, a break from the constant problems of my life. Here, I didn’t have to face Zane every day and deal with the overwhelming guilt that came with it, and I didn’t have to deal with Lucien and my strong attraction to him. The pack’s territory was like a peaceful escape, a place where I could breathe and find some semblance of peace.

As I walked, I could not help but marvel at the beauty around me. The air was fresh and clean, and for a moment, I felt a sense of calm and normalcy, as if everything was right in the world.

I stopped at a tiny shop to get something to drink. The shop was quaint and charming, with a variety of herbs and teas displayed in glass jars. I picked up a jar of chamomile tea, thinking it might help me relax. As I was about to pay, I heard someone call out behind me.

“That’s the alphas new wife!” He said.

I turned around, wanting to look at the woman. I knew that Rio was the alpha, so definitely, it would be his wife, but there was no one in front of me.

I turned around, my heart pounding. Who were they talking about? I looked around, trying to see if there was someone else they could be referring to, but there was still no one else around save for random people walking. The shock and confusion must have shown on my face because the shopkeeper gave me a sympathetic smile.

“Don’t mind them.” She said softly. “People around here love to gossip, but it’s okay once you get used to it.”

I nodded, still trying to process what I had just heard.

“Thank you. Who...who were they talking about?” I asked, my voice shaking slightly.

The shopkeeper’s smile widened.

“You, of course. Haven’t you heard? There’s a rumour going around that our alpha, Rio, has taken a new wife.”

My mouth dropped open.

“But that’s not true! I’m not his wife. I’m just...just a guest here.”

The shopkeeper shrugged.

“Rumors have a way of taking on a life of their own. Don’t worry about it. Just enjoy your time here and let the gossip die down on its own.”

I thanked her and left the shop, my mind racing. A new wife? Where had that come from? I couldn’t deny that I liked Rio, but it was only as a friend. He was the guy who saved me. This was something else entirely.

As I walked, I couldn’t help but feel a strange thrill. Being here felt like a new beginning, a chance to start over. But the thought of being tied to Rio in such a way was too much because I already had two of these issues at home. I needed to talk to him, to understand what was really going on.

I made my way back to the guest quarters, my mind still buzzing with questions. When I entered the room, I found Rio waiting for me. His expression was calm, but there was a hint of concern in his eyes.

“How was your walk? I expected you’d take more time out there, as this place is beautiful.” He said with a smirk, standing up to greet me.

“It was...interesting,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “I heard something strange at the shop.”

“Oh?” He raised an eyebrow. “What did you hear?”

“Someone called me your new wife,” I blurted out, unable to keep it in any longer. “What’s that about?”

Rio’s eyes widened slightly, and then he chuckled.

“Ah, the rumors. I was wondering when you’d hear about that.”

“So, it’s not true?” I asked, feeling a bit relieved.

“No, it’s not true. We’re not married, are we?” He asked as if he was amused, but for me, his tone was reassuring. “The pack loves to gossip, Brielle, and I suppose with you being here, they needed something to talk about.”

I sighed, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.

“Good. Because I was starting to get really confused.”

“I can imagine.” Rio said, his smile warm. “But you have nothing to worry about. You’re our guest, and we’re here to help you recover. That’s all.”

“Thank you, Rio.” I said, feeling genuinely grateful. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I just know that my people would be worried about me back home, so I can’t wait to be cleared.”

“It’s my pleasure.” He replied. “And of course, there’s nothing I’d like more than seeing that you’re okay and ready to leave. But that’s for later.”

I nodded after he said so. “You’re right.”

“Now, why don’t you get some rest? You’ve had a long day.”