Seth starts the car, and we begin our journey towards Shadow Crest. I can't help but ask about the duration of the trip. 'How long does it take to get there?' I ask.
Ryker leans back and crosses his arms, looking at me with a sly grin. 'Well, that depends on who's driving, I guess,' he smiles.
I give him a mock glare, but he quickly concedes. 'Okay, okay, just under an hour,' he admits.
Yawning, Ryker lets me rest against his chest. ‘Sleep, my Luna,’ he whispers, holding me tight as I drift off to sleep.
The moon hangs high in the sky, casting a gentle silver glow over the landscape as we arrive at Shadow Crest well past midnight. I slowly wake up, nestled in Ryker's strong arms. I take in my surroundings, the darkness broken only by the moon's feeble light.
I groan softly. 'Ryker, I can walk, you know?'
A warm smile graces Ryker's lips. 'I know, but I want to carry you,' he admits playfully.
I shake my head. 'Put me down, Ryker,' I order.
Ryker carefully places me on my feet, and I take a moment to look around. We're standing at the front entrance of an impressive mansion stretching three stories high. A grand white staircase leads to the second floor, where a magnificent front door stands. Balconies adorn the second and third floors, and I'm captivated by the intricate white doors and windows. Everywhere I look, there are neatly trimmed hedges, colourful flowers, and a magnificent fountain featuring two statues of wolves in the centre.
'This is where we live, Astrid. This is the pack house. Our home,' Ryker says with pride.
I raise an eyebrow, glancing at the massive mansion. 'This is a huge house for just the two of us,' I comment.
Ryker hesitates momentarily, his fingers nervously scratching the back of his head. 'Uh, well, a bunch of us live in the house together,' he confesses.
My eyes widen, and I feel a surge of anxiety. 'You never mentioned that I'd be living in a house with a bunch of...werewolves!' I exclaim, my voice laced with anger.
Ryker steps closer to me, attempting to reassure me. 'It's a normal arrangement for the Alpha and Luna to live in the pack house, along with the Beta, Gamma, their mates, the cook, and sometimes guests from other packs who visit,' he explains.
I stare at the mansion apprehensively, then gaze back at Ryker. 'I was already uncomfortable about temporarily staying with you, but now I find out I'm supposed to live with many others, too?' I confess my worry.
Ryker closes the distance between us. His eyes are filled with sincerity. 'Astrid, no one here will harm you. Your presence will bring a lot of excitement to Shadow Crest. I understand it's a big adjustment, but please give it a few days. We can talk about it again, and if you still aren't comfortable, we'll find a solution,' he pleads.
I sigh, a sense of defeat washing over me. 'Okay, fine,' I agree.
Ryker gently opens the imposing front door, revealing the dimly lit interior of the mansion. Seth, his beta, follows us inside.
'Well, I'm off to bed,' Seth announces with a smile. 'I'm sure my mate will be up waiting for me, and she'll be excited to meet you tomorrow after you've had a good rest, Luna,' he says.
I clear my throat, feeling the weight of my new title. 'I'd prefer if you call me Astrid for now, Seth,' I say to him, uncomfortable at the title.
Seth glances at Ryker, silently exchanging an understanding look, before nodding and heading to his room.
Ryker gently takes my hand in his. 'Come, our room is on the top floor,' he informs me with a warm smile as he leads me up the grand staircase.
Reaching the top of the stairs, I pause. 'Wait, our room? Don't I at least get my own room for now?' I ask, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Ryker halts and turns to face me, considering my request momentarily. 'Your room, for now, will be next to mine,' he decides after a brief pause.
'Okay,' I agree, feeling somewhat relieved.
The mansion is a labyrinth of countless rooms and hallways. Finally, Ryker stops in front of a substantial wooden door. 'This is where I sleep,' he informs me, pushing the door open.
The expansive room features a regal King-sized bed and walk-in wardrobes on either side. The large windows with a balcony promise an enticing view I look forward to seeing during daylight hours.
Ryker then leaves the room and moves to the next closed door. He pushes it open with a graceful motion. 'And this room, of course, is yours,' he says, showcasing my personal quarters. The room mirrors his own in size, boasting a luxurious King-size bed, a walk-in wardrobe, a well-appointed bathroom, a balcony, and even a comfortable couch nestled in the corner.
The room is indeed beautiful, filled with a sense of elegance and comfort.
‘You’re to make yourself comfortable and make this your home. When you wake up, you will find fresh towels in the bathroom, and I will ask Seth to see if his mate, Mia, can loan you something to wear. When you’re ready for breakfast, I'd prefer you to wait for me so we can go down together, if that's ok? Then I will take you shopping for clothes, and you can meet some locals,’ Ryker offers.
'Okay, thank you,' I reply with gratitude, making my way towards the door to close it.
However, Ryker's voice stops me in my tracks. 'Astrid,' he says. 'Considering everything you've been through tonight, are you sure you'll be okay on your own? I understand if you're uncomfortable sharing a bed just yet, but I can sleep on the couch here if you'd like.'
I ponder his offer for a moment, appreciating his concern. After considering it carefully, I decide that I need some time alone. 'I think I'll be okay, Ryker,' I reply reassuringly.
Ryker nods in understanding and exits the room, closing the door behind him. Feeling a sudden wave of fatigue wash over me, I let out a tired yawn and make my way to the bed. It’s so fancy and pretty. I look down at myself, all rugged and dirty, and turn to stare at the couch before walking over and curling up on it.
Within minutes, the comfort of the room and the events of the night take their toll, and I drift off into a peaceful sleep.