Eliza’s POV:
The question from Alpha Theron pierced through me, bringing me back to the reality of my past, a reality I had hoped to keep concealed, at least for a little longer. The weight of his gaze was heavy, filled with an understanding that seemed to stretch beyond the words he spoke. I hesitated, my heart pounding against my chest, the memory of my previous pack flooding back. The look on Daniella’s face when Rylan announced I was his mate—the White Wolf. I felt a shiver down my spine as I imagined their disgust if or when they discovered that it was me, Omega Eliza, as their mate, the white wolf.
Jasmine's presence in my mind was a comforting caress, her spirit intertwining with mine, lending me the strength I needed to face the Alpha's question. "*It's okay, Eliza. He deserves to know our journey, our truth,” she reassured me.
Drawing in a deep breath, I made a decision. If I were to belong here truly, honesty was imperative, even if it meant uncovering the wounds of my past. "I...I was part of the Creek pack," I admitted my voice barely above a whisper, betraying my apprehension.
A momentary flicker of surprise crossed Alpha Theron's features before an impassive facade quickly masked it. "The Creek pack," he repeated, his tone even but thoughtful, as if trying to piece together a puzzle.
"Yes, Alpha. But it was not a home to me—not really. I was...mistreated, and seen as an aberration because of being wolfless and an omega.”The words tumbled out, a confession of the pain and isolation I had endured. "The final straw was learning that the Alpha's sons—the quadruplets were destined to be my mates. I couldn't accept a bond formed under such circumstances, not with those who stood by and watched as I suffered."
Silence enveloped the clearing, the sounds of the night momentarily pausing as if the very forest was listening to my declaration. Alpha Theron's expression was thoughtful, his amber eyes reflecting a maelstrom of emotions I couldn't quite decipher.
“Mistreated? How dare they. That callous behaviour contradicts what it means to be part of a pack,” Alpha Theron's voice was firm, laced with anger at my revelations. He paced a few steps, his stance imposing, a tangible manifestation of his leadership and protective nature. “To misuse one's power over another, especially over one's destined mate, is unforgivable.”
His reaction, this vehement avowal of my worth, was overwhelming. I'd braced myself for many responses, perhaps disbelief or even dismissal, yet here he was, the Alpha of the formidable Silver Moon pack, outraged on my behalf.
Then, as if remembering my presence, he turned back to me, his expression softening. “But that is a matter for another time. Right now, our focus is on you and your rightful place here, Eliza, with us. With the Silver Moon pack, where you are respected and valued.”
Here, I was more than my past humiliations; I was seen, indeed seen, and not just as an Omega or a curiosity due to my white fur. For the first time in my life, I felt a sense of belonging that was genuine and unconditional.
“Thank you, Alpha Theron.” My voice was thick with emotion. “I…I never imagined I'd find a place where I’d feel welcomed, let alone protected.”
He nodded, expression solemn yet kind. “You are under my protection now, Eliza. You and Jasmine. As part of this pack, you’ll be given opportunities to learn, to grow, and most importantly, to heal.”
Healing. The concept felt so distant, yet under Alpha Theron’s gaze, it seemed entirely possible. I could begin to mend the scars of my past.
Jasmine's presence in my mind was a soothing balm, reinforcing the Alpha’s promise. "*Yes, Eliza, we can finally heal here. Together, under the Silver Moon, we’ll find peace.*"
Turning to Alpha Theron. “What happens next?” I asked.
“Starting tomorrow, you’ll begin training to harness your strengths, both as a wolf and a woman. You are a member of the Silver Moon pack now, Eliza. It's time you discovered just how much potential lies within you.”
His words, filled with faith and expectation, carved a path before me—a path leading away from my traumas towards a future I’d never dared to dream of.
“Alpha, please. I have a question?” I stuttered over my words.
Alpha Theron stopped and turned to face me, his expression blending curiosity and openness. "Of course, Eliza. You can ask me anything," he assured, reinstating the protective and caring atmosphere I was quickly coming to associate with him and the Silver Moon pack.
I hesitated, gathering my thoughts. "It's about my past... and the Creek pack," I began, my voice steady despite my emotions. "If they come looking for me, what will happen? I don't want my presence to cause conflict between the packs, but I also can't imagine going back there."
Alpha Theron's gaze deepened, "Eliza, let me reassure you. You sought sanctuary with us, and you are now under our protection. The Silver Moon pack stands strong, not just in might but in our values. We will not let anyone harm you or coerce you into a situation where you're uncomfortable. If the Creek pack attempts to cause trouble or force your return, they'll find we can defend our own. Alpha Morgan is not a friend of mine and knows I will bring him and his pack down.”
I nodded a weight lifting from my shoulders with his words. "Thank you, Alpha. I've been fearing that confrontation, but knowing I have the support of you and the pack... it changes everything. I can look towards the future now, a future here."
Alpha Theron smiled a warm, genuine expression that spoke of his sincerity. "Good. And remember, Eliza, every member of this pack has a place, a purpose. Together, we'll help you find yours to use your strengths for the betterment of us all. Starting with your training, you'll learn not just to defend yourself but to contribute in ways that fulfil you." He said.
“And when I was bought into the pack, I was called Queen. What does that mean?”
Alpha Theron's stride momentarily faltered, a flash of surprise crossing his features before he regained his composure. He turned to face me, his expression thoughtful, a hint of something deeper flickering in his amber eyes.
"Ah, the term 'Queen'." There was a momentary pause as if he was carefully considering his words. "It's a title of respect and significance within our pack. But understand, Eliza, the full weight of it, and why you were referred to you in such a manner is a complex matter—one intertwined with pack lore and prophecies that date back generations."
I felt a rush of curiosity mixed with a touch of apprehension. The word 'prophecy' hung in the air, heavy with implications I couldn't begin to fathom. "Prophecies?" I echoed, the word tasting unfamiliar on my tongue.
Alpha Theron nodded, an acknowledgement of the truth he'd just shared. "Yes, prophecies. But this is not the time to delve into such matters. There is a right moment for everything, and when the time comes, I promise you will be given all the answers you seek. For now, trust in the process and the path that has led you to us."
Alpha Theron offered a gentle, reassuring smile. "That's all I ask, Eliza. Your journey within the Silver Moon pack is just beginning, and there's much to discover—not just about our ways, but about yourself. In time, everything will be revealed. For now, focus on settling in, on the training that awaits, and on building connections with your new packmates. You are safe here, and you are valued. What Gerald said was not without meaning, but understanding will come in due course."
I nodded, accepting his wisdom. The mention of training and connecting with others redirected my thoughts towards more immediate concerns and the day-to-day life within the pack. Yet, the mystery of the title 'Queen' and its prophecies remained etched in my mind, a puzzle piece of a larger picture I was yet to see.
With a deep breath, I stepped forward, following Alpha Theron back towards the packhouse.