Chapter 7: The Small Cottage
Mabel's pov
We walked through the gate and into the pack grounds, and I felt the energy of the place all around me. It was like a warm blanket, enveloping me in its embrace. I could feel the pack bonds, connecting everyone together. I knew I was an outsider, but I felt welcomed all the same. I felt like I was home.
Adam led me through the pack, introducing me to the different pack members. I smiled and said hello, feeling a sense of belonging. I felt like I was where I was meant to be.
He led me to a small cottage, nestled in the woods. It was cozy and inviting, and I felt a sense of comfort wash over me. He opened the door, and I stepped inside. It was decorated simply, but it was warm and inviting. I felt like I could finally relax. I turned to him, a question on my lips. "How long do you think we'll be here?" I asked, my voice soft.
He smiled, a twinkle in his eyes. "As long as we need to be," he said, his voice gentle. "We're not going anywhere until you're ready."
I realized that we weren't at the pack's main estate, but at a smaller cottage nearby. It was obvious that this place was special. It was clear that Adam had gone out of his way to make me feel comfortable, to make me feel at home. I was touched by his thoughtfulness, his kindness. I felt my heart swell with emotion.
"Thank you," I said, looking into his eyes. "I really appreciate this."
He smiled, his eyes warm. "You're welcome," he said, his voice husky.
I hesitated, my heart beating a little faster. "Are you going to stay here tonight?" I asked, my voice quivering slightly. I wasn't sure if I wanted him to stay or not, but I also didn't want him to leave.
"I'm going to head back to the main house first," he said, his voice soft. "I have some things I need to take care of. But I'll come back later."
I nodded, not knowing what to say. I wasn't sure if I wanted him to stay or not, but I also didn't want him to go.
After a moment of silence, he reached out and took my hand, his touch gentle and reassuring. "You're going to be okay," he said, looking me in the eyes. "I promise."
I felt my body relax, my shoulders un-tensing. I took a deep breath, and I nodded. "I'll try to be," I said, my voice still a little shaky. "But I don't know if I can."
He squeezed my hand, and he smiled. "Just try," he said. "That's all I ask."
With him by my side, I felt a sense of calm I hadn't felt in a long time. It was like I could finally let go, like I could finally relax. The weight of the world seemed to lift from my shoulders, and I felt like I could breathe again.
His presence was reassuring, comforting. I knew that no matter what happened, he would be there for me. He would be my rock, my safe place. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like I could truly let go.
I watched him as he walked out the door, my heart heavy. I wanted him to stay, to not leave me alone. But I knew that he had things to do, things he couldn't put off. I watched as he turned and gave me one last smile, before he closed the door behind him. I stood there, watching the door for a moment, before I turned and looked around the room.
I was alone, just like I've always been
I thought about the previous day, when my parents had rejected me. I had been shocked, devastated. I had felt so lost, like I didn't know where to go or what to do. But now, I had found a new home, a new pack. And not only that, but a powerful Alpha wanted me to be his mate. It was overwhelming, and I wasn't sure how to process it all.
I sat there, taking it all in. The thought of being with the Alpha was exciting, but also terrifying.
I felt like my life was changing, like everything was shifting around me. I wasn't sure if I was ready for this, for this change. But at the same time, I knew that it was what I needed. I needed something new, something different. And this was it. This was the start of a new chapter in my life. A chapter I didn't know how it would end, but one I was ready to start.
I stood up and looked around the room, taking in every detail. I was going to make this my new home, and I was going to make the most of it.
As I looked around the room, I knew that this wasn't my permanent home. It was only a temporary solution, a way to keep me safe until I could figure out my next steps. But in the back of my mind, I was scared. I was scared that my secret would get out, that people would find out that I didn't have a wolf yet. I was scared that everything I had would be taken away from me, that I would be left with nothing.
I tried to push those thoughts away, to focus on the present.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I knew that the only way to move forward was to take things one step at a time. So I started by exploring the room, getting to know my new surroundings. I opened the cupboards, the drawers, looking for anything that could be useful to me. I wanted to feel prepared, to feel like I had control over my situation.
It was a small thing, but it made me feel a little better. It was a start, at least.