FINDING MY PLACE
1244 Words
CHAPTER 7: FINDING MY PLACE
EVERLY:
I opened my eyes and stretched out my hands, feeling very refreshed. I felt more alive this morning than I had felt in years. The soft rays of the sun streamed through the window and it felt like an invitation to give life a chance. Today, I would try to mingle with more of the pack members and see if we can bond.
I looked at the wall clock, it was already 8:am. I entered the bathroom, and had a warm bath. After dressing in a simple outfit Kaelan had provided—a soft knit sweater and jeans—I made my way downstairs. The main house was alive with activities. Shifters went about their duties, while exchanging greetings.
“Good morning, Everly.”
Kaelan’s deep voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned to see him leaning against the library doorway, with his lips curved in a warm smile.
“Good morning,” I replied, trying not to fidget under his gaze.
“Come. Breakfast is ready,” he said, pulling me to the dining table.
The dining hall was a large, welcoming space filled with a long wooden table and several comfortable chais. The smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air. My stomach growled, betraying my nerves.
Kaelan chuckled. “Sit. Eat. You’ll need your strength for today.”
I took a seat beside him, and ignored the curious glances from the pack members around us. A young woman with curly auburn hair approached, carrying a tray of food.
“Good morning, Alpha,” she greeted Kaelan with a bow before turning to me. “Hi, Everly.”
“Hi, Ava. Good morning,” I said, relieved by her friendly demeanor.
“I made these muffins myself,” she said, setting a small plate in front of me. “Hope you like them.”
“Thank you,” I said, touched by the gesture.
Kaelan gave her an approving nod. “Ava’s one of our best bakers. She keeps us all well-fed.”
Ava beamed at the praise, then excused herself to return to the kitchen. Ava has been nothing but kind to me since I arrived here.
As I took a bite of the muffin, the sweet, buttery flavor melted in my mouth. “This is amazing,” I said, glancing at Kaelan.
“I told you,” he said with a smirk.
I smiled and continued eating. Kaelan didn't eat much, rather he sat there and just watched me eat. By the time I was done, I noticed that a few pack members had gathered. As I tried to figure out what was going on, Kaelan rose to his feet and declared bluntly.
“I need your attention, everyone. Everly is my mate. Any disrespect to her is a direct insult to me. Take note, you all.”
I was stunned. I hadn't seen that coming. Totally embarrassed, I lowered my gaze as the dining room remained eerily silent. I could feel their eyes on me but Kaelan saved the day when he dismissed everyone.
“You're okay?” He asked, searching my face.
“I guess.” I replied quietly.
“I'm sorry if I embarrassed you. I just didn't want what happened yesterday to repeat itself.”
Maria came and cleared the table while Kaelan took my hand and led me away.
---
Later, Kaelan insisted on taking me to the training grounds.
“I don’t think I’m ready to train yet,” I said as we approached the open field.
“You’re not here to train today,” he said. “Just watch what they're doing. Get a feel for how we do things.”
The field was alive with movements. Some trained in their human form while some trained in their Wolf form. It was a mix of discipline and camaraderie that left me in awe.
Duncan, Kaelan’s Beta, jogged over to greet us.
“Everly,” he said with a grin. “Welcome to the real heart of the pack.”
“I’ve been here before. But I feel awed by your activities each time. It’s... impressive,” I admitted, my eyes scanning the activity.
“You’ll be out here soon enough,” Duncan said. “Kaelan’s already bragging about your potential.”
I shot Kaelan a surprised look. “Bragging?”
He shrugged, as if he wasn't bothered. “I believe in you.”
Before I could respond, a small group of pack members approached, their expressions curious but kind.
“You’re Everly, right?” a young man with sandy blond hair asked. “I’m Daniel. This is Mara and Owen.”
“Hi,” I said, feeling a little overwhelmed.
“Don’t worry,” Mara said, her dark eyes warm. “We don’t bite. Well, not most of the time.”
The joke broke the tension, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“We’re glad you’re here,” Owen added. “The Alpha’s been a lot happier since you arrived.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I glanced at Kaelan, who smirked but said nothing.
---
KAELAN
As I watched Everly interact with the pack members, I was filled with a quiet pride. She was certainly nervous, but she wasn't showing it. That was a good sign..
Later in the evening, I took her to the fire pit in the main house’s courtyard. She sat beside me and looked lost in thought, the flickering flames casting a golden glow on her face.
“Are you enjoying it here?” I asked, stepping closer.
She looked at me, her expression softening. “Of course.”
I sat beside her, and the warmth of the fire was a comforting contrast to the cool night air outside.
“How are you feeling?” I asked.
“ I feel a bit tired,” she admitted. “But it’s... okay.”
I nodded, understanding. “My pack members are beginning to like you, you know.”
“Maybe,” she said, her gaze focusing on the fire. “It’s just... a lot to take in.”
“I know,” I said gently. “But you’re doing great, you know. I'm impressed with how you relate with them.”
She turned to me, her eyes searching mine. “Why do you keep believing in me, Alpha? I find it hard to understand?”
“Beyond this fragile frame, I see who you are,” I said simply. “And I see who you can become.”
Her lips parted, but no words came out. Instead, she moved closer, resting her head on my shoulder.
For a moment, we sat in comfortable silence, as the fire cracked softly beside us.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“For what?”
“For rescuing me. And making me feel like I belong.”
I placed a gentle kiss on her hair. “You do belong, Everly. You might not know it yet but this pack is yours as much as it's mine.”
She put her hand in mine and I could feel her body trembling. “Please,” she said “Don't raise my hopes for nothing. I don't think I can survive another rejection.”
Her vulnerability tugged at my heart. “You will never feel rejected in this pack. Not while I'm still living.”
Cough, cough.
I turned to see Seraphina, glaring at Everly.
- Writer
