Chapter 4

Said the man, who was still pointed towards the ground. I gave a swift glance at the interior of the carriage. I was the only one in it. I strained my neck around the massive man, who was still in the low bow. Trying to spot my people.

At once I saw my grandfather standing next to an older man. They were smiling at each other. Both looking supremely satisfied with themselves.

“Lady Seraphina. May I escort you into the pack house?”

I turned my attention to the young man, who had finished his bow and was now looking at me. I felt heat rise up my cheeks as I took in the man that had cut my son out of my body.

The rage in my heart was a very real thing. But I must not react in anger. He would not know what I was talking about. So I took a deep calming breath.

He was very handsome. He was very tall. I could just make out a tribal tattoo under the collar of his white shirt, and his rolled up cuffs. That tattoo was etched into my psyche.

I knew I was staring.

I mean, men were handsome in my realm. But they were not even close to the man now standing with his hand out, ready for me to take his hand. Bile threatened to rise up my throat.

But, needs must.

I smiled shyly, and slipped my hand in to his and I finally let him help me out of the carriage.

There were quite a few people standing all around us. As I stepped out, I heard the collective gasp. Then came the whispered comments I had heard before.

“Wow, she’s stunning.” Said one young wolf.

“She is the most beautiful she-wolf I have ever seen.” Said another.

Similar comments flew around the small group. I held my head high and walked towards my grandfather. Who had held out his hand for me to take it.

I reached for his outstretched hand, and clasped it to me like it was a life line.

Only when I stood next to my grandfather, with his arm around my shoulders, did I start to feel calm. And in control of myself.

The future Alpha who had helped me earlier, also stepped forward.

He stood next to his father. Just as I stood next to Papi.

Remembering we stood on a raised platform. I turned my head one way, then the other. All I could see was werewolves. Some shifted, others standing in just a pair of shorts. I noticed that the women of the pack were either completely shifted or fully dressed. I was glad of it.

My attention was brought back to the werewolves that stood on the platform with us.

“My Pack!” Said the older wolf in a gruff voice.

“Today is a great day for us. Today we have the honour and the privilege to welcome a new member to the pack. Her highness, Seraphina!”

I stepped forward as my name was spoken, I had expected cheers, or applause. But there was only silence.

One by one, the wolves on the lower ground knelt in the dirt with their heads bowed. I didn’t know what to do. I Looked toward my grandfather, trying to catch his eye.

But, grandfather had his eyes closed. I watched as a lone tear fell onto his aged cheek. That puzzled me. This had not happened in my previous life. I remember quite clearly that the Alpha and Papi stood shoulder to shoulder. Neither ready to talk. In my last life it was up to the future Alpha.

Now the Alpha spoke again. His tone was quieter than before. But held reverence in every word.

“Thank you, My Pack. For showing this wonderful creature the respect she is due. Wolf kind has waited many many years for her supreme highness to be returned to us. I am, as I know you all are, honoured that she chose our pack, The Moonlit Shrine pack, above all others, to return to us. Your highness, Seraphina will you say a few words to the pack you have chosen?”

I just stared at him.

This was not my memory of that first meeting.

My head turned this way and that as I looked to my grandfather and the Alpha. I turned again, to face the sea of expectant wolves looking at me. I was frozen. Why had he used the words Supreme Highness? And wonderful creature? They swam around my mind. I looked again at my grandfather.

Was it me, or did he look away from me with guilt in his eyes.

No. This would not do.

Seeing my frozen stance and misunderstanding my hesitation for shyness the future Alpha stepped forward.

“If I may be so bold, I believe her highness is overwhelmed at this moment in time. So, I beseech you, my Pack mates. To allow her highness to settle in to her new quarters. I am confident you will see her again very soon. As tonight we host a banquet in her honour”.

I waited for the question I knew was coming. I had heard it before. Hearing him ask for the pleasure of my company for the banquet, I could only nod my head once and murmur a ‘thank you’ in a small voice.

This was how my previous life was going to play out. Last time my heart had fluttered when his attention was on me. Now? It only made my stomach churn.

Again, I had to fight the bile rising in my throat.

Within a few seconds the crowd of onlookers dispersed, leaving the Alpha, his son, Papi and me.

This time I stepped towards my grandfather, and clung to his arm. He was not getting away from me until I had some answers.