"Look who is here," a male voice said as Alex entered the main entrance with Rosalie curled up in his arms. "I see that our alpha has caught a little minx from the mating ceremony."
"James," Alex smiled. "This is Rosalie, my mate," he said. Rosalie looked at the man, blushing slightly.
James chuckled. "You have caught a pretty one."
"My one and only," Alex nodded and put her down.
Rosalie smiled shyly.
James extended his hand to Rosalie and said, "Welcome to our pack, Rosalie. We're thrilled to have you here." Rosalie shook his hand, feeling a sense of warmth and acceptance from the pack members.
A woman walked in when the door opened. Even though she had her hair pulled back in a tight bun and wore a dirty apron over her long dress, she looked beautiful. She glared at Alex.
"Do you know what time it is? I have been waiting all day for you to get back! I heard you got into trouble with the Silver Moon Pack. Do you know how worried I've been?"
Alex was about to answer, but the woman didn't stop talking. "I thought I taught you better."
An umbrella stood by the door, and she grabbed it and waved it around wildly at Alex. Alex took a step back.
"You didn't even bother to call. I made five calls to your phone before you answered. I will spank you, Pup, even if you are an Alpha."
By this time, a small group of wolves had gathered. First gaping in shock, then hiding wide smiles and tears of laughter. "Damn near gave me a heart attack. Pup, I should... "
Roselie burst into laughter. Everyone's focus shifted to her. Seeing Alex's bewildered expression, she tried but failed to stop her laughter.
"Estela, listen to me." Alex said it in vain. But Estela glared at him.
"Now let me look at you." She turned towards Roselie.
A few giggles brought a blush to her cheeks, and Estela shooed away the watching crowd.
"Now aren't you a beautiful little thing? I'm so happy you are finally here."
Roselie found herself swept into a tight hug. Despite Alex's assurances, she'd still had her doubts. But now, wrapped in the welcoming arms of this woman, she felt some of her fears melt away.
"Look at me crying like a child," she smiled, wiping away her tears when she finally let Roselie go. "Come, come. I have food in the kitchen for you. We can talk there."
Estela fussed over Roselie all the way down the hall, while Alex followed sheepishly behind them like a lost puppy.
"I've got so much to tell you," Estela said, sitting Roselie down. Before she continued, Estela turned to find Alex awkwardly standing in the doorway. "What are you still doing here? I'm sure you have things you need to be doing right about now," she said sternly.
"Estela, I can't just leave my mate here," Alex tried to explain.
"Why not? You don't trust me to take care of her," Estela asked haughtily.
"No, that's not... "
"You think I'd let someone hurt her?"
"No, but... "
"You don't think she can handle herself?" Alex shook his head. He should have known not to argue with Estela. He could never win.
Estela softened, looking at Alex with obvious affection. Patting his shoulder, Estela assured him that Roselie would be fine. "Besides, you can't be with her all the time. You have to let her stand on her own two feet. Now go on, you'll see her soon enough."
A mischievous glint entered Alex's eye. Quickly, he dodged around Estela into the forbidden zone of the kitchen.
"Hey!" Estela cried as he swept Roselie into his arms and kissed her soundly. With a huge grin, he swiped a roll off the cooling rack, escaping out the open sliding glass door into the pack grounds behind the house.
Estela shook her head and smiled. "I'll let it slide this time," she called out the door. The wolves working in the kitchen laughed. "But only because he finally brought me his mate." She winked at her helpers and went to join Roselie at the table.
"I am sorry I didn't introduce myself. I am Estela. I have been looking after Alex and his sister since they were babies. So it might look like I am defying the alpha, but he is just like a kid to me."
"It's good to meet you, Estela." Roselie replied, grateful for the explanation. "We appreciate all that you do for them," she said sincerely. Estela smiled warmly, feeling reassured by Roselie's kind words.
"I heard all about your mating.' Estela said with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"It was very reckless of Alex." She said it disapprovingly. "He's always been impulsive, but I never thought he would..." She looked at Rosalie pointedly. "Did he seduce you ?"
Roselie blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement at Estela's directness.
"No, it was mutual," she replied, trying to downplay the situation. She didn't want to explain the mess back in her home pack.
Estela was smiling again. "Good then. I am so happy that you both found each other."
"Now you must be hungry. I will get something for you."
Estela's approval put Rosalie at ease, and she was grateful for her understanding. As Estela bustled off to the kitchen, Rosalie couldn't help but feel relieved to have found a friend in her new pack.
"Alex I know you are still around. Come in and eat something." She called out.
And suddenly, Alex emerged from the shadows, a sheepish smile on his face. "I guess I can't hide from you, Estela," he said, joining Rosalie at the table. Estela chuckled and began to serve them both a hearty meal.
"I hope she didn't scare you."
Rosalie shook her head, grateful for Estela's kindness. "Not at all," she replied with a smile.
"Estela is like a mother to me. If she likes you, the pack will also love you."