Morena’s P O V
I find Leander still lying on the bed when I came out of the shower. I took my time in there. I still sensed him in the room and wanted to wait until he left. But apparently he had no intention to do so and my skin was getting all wrinkly. And I would not be avoiding him my whole life anyway. And even though his words still hurt me every time, I am learning how to mask those feelings away. Just like he does.
I come out and spot him still laying on the bed. I dread the fact that I have to walk in front of him looking like a lady bug in my red and black polka dot bath robe.
“Do not wear pyjamas, Morena.” He says as I pass by without even sparing me a look. “What do you mean?” I ask.
“Just put something decent on, Morena.” He sighs.
“Why?” I still ask.
“We are going for a walk. So, put something decent on and get it over with.” He replies and I feel the tension of his voice. I just roll my eyes and continue towards the closet. I throw some sweat pant and a hoodie. It was kind of chilly outside and I did not have a high body temperature to start with. I put my hair up and my usual sneakers.
“I am ready.” I say as I step into the room.
“Come on then.” He curtly replies as he pushes himself up form the bed and heads towards the door. I follow after him.
We walk in silence with me struggling to catch up with him like always. I should get a skate bord or something if I ever intend to have the same speed as his. We leave the pack house soon enough and I am surprised by how bright the sun is. It was my first time actually out of the pack house since I arrived here weeks ago. I never got a
proper look. Except for the glimpses I got from Leander’s office window or from my balcony, the only time I saw outside was the night I came here. And it was pitch black back then.
We keep walking through the pack. Everyone was making way for us. I spot Asher from the corner of my eye and he gives me a wink. I expected that he would come talk to us but judging by the looks every one was gigving Leander. I expected that no one wanted to come in his today. I was getting my fair share of stares myself. Some people regarded me with fear, others with pity. I got a few looks of hate as well and some of wonder. No wonder. I probably was a mystery to them. I was the rumored mystery mate of their very strong, very terrifying alpha. I was locked up in a room for over two months. No one but Asher, Rena, Aslund Lenader and the lunch lady probably ever saw me. I just prayed they knew that it was their alpha that kept me imprisoned there and not because I was high and might and preferred to stay in my glass tower than to live with the comonners.
We keep on walking and walking and I am growing thirsty and tired by the second. How big was this pack? I knew it is one of the largest in the country but so far I feel like I walked through my old pack’s territory back and fourth at least four times.
We gradually got far enough from people. It was just us walking in the forest now. I did not even spot a single patrol during our walk. Leander seems to have also slowed down his pace a bit. I take my time absorbing my surroundings. THe air was thick with the scent of damp earth and pine. The path we were taking was snaked between towering oaks and ancient cedars. Their leaves were rustling in the wind, letting through small rays of sunshine. The air grew cooler, carrying a crispr scent of fresh water. I grow excited as we near the sound of rippling water. There must be a lake nearby. I always loved water and swimming. We finally get through the last line of trees and I spot it. The lake. It was like a liquid jewel. The surface was reflecting the clouds in the sky. The water’s edge was carpeted with wild flowers in a riot of colors ,vibrant purples, sunny yellows, and blushing pinks.
“It’s very beautiful.” I finally say in awe, taken aback by how gorgeous the lake was.
“It is one on the most beautiful places in our pack. There is plenty more for you to see but I brought you here since it’s the middle of the day and this spot is usually empty during this time of day. I figured you would want some privacy. It is your first time out of the pack house since you arrived.” He explains with his back turned to me. He was also staring at the lake.
“Yes, thank you. I appreciate that. The looks I was getting from the pack members were kind of unsettling. I can not blame them though. I am a complete stranger.” I reply.
“You will not be for long if you behave yourself.” He says.
“Why do you keep telling me to behave myself? I just sit there in there room all day long.” I demand.
“Younseem like the kind that stirrs trouble. I still vividly remember that everyone in your old pack was telling you to behave while they were bidding you their goodbyes. Who knows what you could do if I let you roam free.” He jokes.
“You still remember that? Oh my god! Well, if you consider not abiding by rules that I find stupid misbehavior then you are free to keep me locked in the room.” I reply.
“We will see about that. I did not bring you here so we could chat, Morena. We came here so you could let your wolf out for a run.” He says and I feel the life drain out of me.