THE ALPHA KING'S GIFTED MATE

WELCOME HOME, EVERLY

CHAPTER 5: WELCOME HOME

EVERLY:

As we stepped into Crescent Moon Pack’s territory, my jaw dropped agape. Kaelan's estate was a sight to behold and the sprawling forest seemed endless with beautiful villages nestled in the heart of the land.

There were native homes occupied by vibrant shifters, both young and old. The lush greenery of this pack seemed to take on a life of its own and the air buzzed with life, that made me wish I was part of this world.

As we approached the central square, I felt a bit uncomfortable as Wolves of all ages stopped what they were doing and gazed at me with curiosity in their eyes. They welcomed their King with honour and respect but I got nothing but scrutiny.

I tightened my grip on Kaelan’s arm as their scrutiny made my skin crawl.

“You’re safe here,” Kaelan said softly, as my body stiffened beside him.

“Safe isn’t the same as welcome,” I muttered, as I glanced at the wary faces around us. I clung to his side as we entered his estate.

The gates to his estate were massive, and I'm pretty sure they were built with class in mind. The wrought iron had intricate designs of wolves and moons etched into the metal. Beyond the gates, there was a driveway that wound through a lush expanse of manicured lawns. There were trees too, towering trees, with branches that formed a natural canopy. The air smelled of pine and something else—something that was nothing more than the smell of nature.

Kaelan stopped and turned to face me, as his dark eyes locked onto mine. “Give them time. They’ll accept you into the fold.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

His lips quivered into a faint smile. “Definitely. Within this brief moment we've been together, I can tell you have a likeable aura.”

His words warmed me, but I didn’t have time to respond before a stern-looking woman approached us. Her sharp features softened as she bowed her head to Kaelan.

“Alpha,” she greeted, and then her gaze flickered to me with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

“Rose,” Kaelan replied. “This is Everly. She's a new member of our pack.”

Rose’s brow arched, but she didn’t question him. “Nice to meet you, Everly,” she said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. She turned to Kaelan. “I’ll prepare a room for her in the guest quarters.”

“No,” Kaelan said firmly. “She’ll stay in the main house.”

I blinked, startled by his declaration. “Alpha, that’s not necessary—”

“It is,” he interrupted, and his tone left no room for argument.

Rose nodded, but she obviously wasn't pleased with Kaelan's statement. “Very well. I’ll see to it.”

As she walked away, I glanced at Kaelan. “I don't really mind staying in guest quarters”

“Well, I do,” he said simply. “You’re not just a guest. You’re important to me.” He took my hand and stared into my eyes. “Welcome home, Everly.”

His words sent a flutter through my chest, but I pushed it aside. “Thank you,” I murmured, unsure of what else to say.

KAELAN:

I watched Everly as she tried to navigate the pack like a deer stepping into a clearing. She was cautious, and wary, because of the way my packmates eyed her with curiosity. It was my responsibility to see that she settled well and fast too.

I introduced her to several of the pack members, starting with Duncan.

“Everly, this is Duncan, my Beta,” I said.

Duncan extended a hand to her with a warm smile. “Welcome to Crescent Moon. If you need anything, just ask.”

“Thank you,” Everly said, her voice polite but guarded.

Duncan glanced at me, with a knowing smile. “She’ll be fine here, Alpha. You have nothing to worry about.”

Everly shot me a questioning look as Duncan walked away. “He seems... quite confident.”

I chuckled. “Duncan has a habit of being efficient in all he does.”

Her lips twitched, almost forming a smile, and it felt like she was getting a bit relaxed..

I took her straight to the pack's clinic where she was treated for her injuries. Normally, she was supposed to heal on her own but who knows, she probably didn't even have a wolf. I would find out about that later.

Later, after she had rested a while, I took her to the training grounds. The moon glowed brightly and some shifters used the opportunity to train. The sight of wolves sparring and honing their skills seemed to spark something in her. She looked very enthusiastic as she watched two males engage in combat.

“Do you train?” I asked.

“I used to,” she admitted. My question seemed to have opened an old wound as her mood changed immediately and her gaze became distant.

“Don’t worry, you will train again,” I said reassuringly. “If you’re willing.”

She looked at me, her eyes searching. “Maybe.”

EVERLY:

That night, Kaelan took me to the room he’d prepared for me in the main house.

I stopped on the threshold, mesmerised by the splendor before me.

The room was very large and could not be compared with any room I've ever been in. The bed was king-size, and I wondered how I could sleep in that bed alone. The fabric of the sheet looks softer than clouds and I liked how the floor-to-ceiling windows opened onto a private balcony.

The room was cozy and warm, and I fell in love with it instantly.

“Oh this room is beautiful. It feels like a dream,” I said, standing in the doorway.

“You deserve a space where you feel comfortable.” He took my hand gently. “I don't go about bringing random people home.”

I found myself stepping closer. “Why are you doing this, Alpha? Why do you care so much?”

He hesitated, his gaze intense. “I think the Moon Goddess brought us together for a reason.”

I inhaled deeply. I could not deny the sincerity in his voice, and for the first time in months, I felt something other than despair.

“Goodnight, Everly,” he said, his voice soft.

“Goodnight Alpha,” I whispered, watching as he walked away.

I walked around the room, taking in every detail of this classic furnishing. Just then, there was a soft knock at the door.

“Come in,” I said softly.

One of Kaelan's maids walked in with a tray laden with food that smelled delicious. As the delicious aroma hit my nose, my stomach growled, reminding me that I had not eaten all day.

“Hi,” she said. “My name is Maria. I've been assigned by the Alpha to attend to you. If you need my services, don't hesitate to ask.”

“Nice to meet you, Maria. I'm Everly and thanks for your kindness.” I responded with a warm smile. I wanted to start ravaging the meal but Maria remained in my room and that made me a little nervous.

She scanned my face, looking a little enthusiastic. “We are all happy that you are here. At least we'll finally have a Luna. The Alpha king has been searching for his second chance mate for so long.”

Second chance mate, so what happened to the first one?

And where the hell did Maria get the idea that I was going to be their Luna? Kaelan just rescued me from some rogues and is kind enough to offer me a place of abode. That was all.

“You are getting it all wrong, Maria. I'm just the Alpha’s guest.”

She took a long look at me and nodded. “Okay, miss. I'm always available whenever you need me.”

As soon as she left, I dug into the meal and savoured every bite. I ate to my fill and set the empty dishes in one corner of the room. I didn't know my way around here and wondered if Maria would return to take the dirty dishes away. I was already in the hot shower, halfway through bathing when I heard another knock at the door.