The Pack Where She Belongs

Chapter 3

----Astrid----

I finally began to wake up yet again. I had been waking up off and on for a while now, mostly when the doctor or nurses would come into the room to check on me. This time though there was no one here in the room with me. The last time the doctor had popped in on me he felt pretty confident that I would eat and drink on my own so they took out my iv and all the other stuff keeping me in bed.

I sat up in bed and shifted to the edge before pushing myself up to stand. I felt a little wobbly still but after holding onto the bed rail for a moment I was fine. I made my way into the bathroom in the room and did my business before washing my hands and looking at myself in the mirror.

        ugh I look like crap.. and he kissed me while I look like this?

I thought as I inspected my face, touching it and pushing my hair back. I still had dirt on my face and neck, my hair was an absolute mess and I definitely needed a shower. despite all of that, I noticed I looked healthier than I've ever been. The dark circles under my eyes were much less obvious but that was probably because I've slept for almost three days. my pale skin doesn't look grayish anymore, and I can't see my collar bones as much which means I'm probably filling out in other places now too.

I finally made my way out of the bathroom and back into my hospital room just as there was a knock on the door. The door opened and 5'10 woman with dark brown hair walked into the room, looking confused until she saw me. she instantly smiled before speaking, "you must be, Astrid. it's so nice to finally meet you" she said before setting the bags she was holding on the hospital bed. she they made her way over to me and I was instantly cautious, which she noticed and stopped.

"sorry, I should probably introduce myself. I'm Morgan, Alex's younger sister." she smiled again, and I relaxed a little but stayed quiet. she watched me a moment before gesturing to the bags on the bed. "Alex and I thought it would be a good idea to bring you some clothes for when you're released since you didn't have any when they found you" she commented and I blushed brightly.

"Alex found me out there?" I asked shyly. Morgan seemed excited when she finally heard me talk. "yeah, him, our Beta and Gamma. they had been on a run when they found you. don't worry though, Alex put his shirt on you so you were covered" she assured me but I was still very much embarrassed that I was found naked though I knew I would be since I shifted with all my clothes on.

"is..." I started bur trailed off, causing Morgan to tilt her head slightly. "is Alex as nice as he seems? i.. I'm not trying to be rude.. I just don't have good experiences with Alphas" I finally asked her, she seemed surprised but still very much relaxed.

"he really is, Alex is a wonderful guy. I couldn't have asked for a better brother or Alpha. if he says he's going to do something he does and he has a huge heart. you're safe with him, and us" she assured me then patted the bed.

"come sit, you should probably still be resting. why don't we chat and get to know each other, I've always wanted an older sister" she beamed at me.

I hesitated then nodded and moved to sit on the bed. she did most of the talking, which I didn't mind, mostly because she didn't come off as bitchy or rude, she just seemed excited to talk to me.

----Alex----

After Morgan left with things for Astrid, I got our bedroom and bathroom set up with things for her. we didn't know what size clothes she wore but we tried to guess around the size and I had some toiletries sent up as well and I had those in the bathroom. I knew I shouldn't assume she would want to sleep in my bed with me but I would happily sleep in a guest bedroom so she could sleep here.

when I finished I went to my office to check some of my emails when I got a call from the hospital, worry instantly hit me as I answered the call.

"hello, is everything alright?" I asked

"everything is fine, Astrid is actually doing much better than we were expecting her to. I checked on her shortly after Miss Morgan showed up and truthfully, I think she can go to the pack house whenever you're ready for her. With that being said, no strenuous activities, including s*x for a couple of days while she continues to heal. also, make sure she's getting plenty to eat and drink"

I wanted to pout a little when he talked about the strenuous activities but I also understood completely. "of course Doctor, I'll get ready to head that way" I said smiling to myself. my wolf river was happily prancing in my head, happy that our mate was coming home.

"I'll stop by the pack house in a few days for a check up so you won't have to bring her back here. I'm sure she's looking forward to being out of here"

"me too, I know I'm happy she's getting out" I laughed and we hung up. I quickly put my shoes on and made my way to the hospital to pick up my beautiful mate

when I approached Astrid's room I heard Morgan's voice plain as day, laughing and talking up a storm. it wasn't until I heard a soft giggle that wasn't my sister's.

     what a beautiful sound...

I thought, falling in love with the sound so much I never wanted to stop hearing it. I reached the open the handle when I heard Morgan talk again.

"and- and then" Morgan said, hardly containing her laughter. "he... he jumped in the pool and Alex's swim trunks came to the surface before he did and-"

I quickly cut her off by opening the door, "seriously? you choose to tell her embarrassing stories about me before I even get to know her?" I asked giving her a slight scowl.

both women looked at me and immediately laughed, I blinked at them confused then felt just how warm my cheeks were. "It's not funny, I was ten and absolutely humiliated" I grumbled

"I'm sorry, Astrid asked me about what it was like growing up with a sibling and it eventually got on that topic." Morgan laughed softly, wiping her eyes of the tears that were threatening to fall from laughing so hard.

"It's alright.." I grumbled again then looked to Astrid who's cheeks were pink from her own laughing, goddess I love seeing her smiling and happy. "how are you feeling Love?" I asked her while approaching the bed, standing at the foot of it.

"I'm feeling better, especially after brushing my teeth. thank you again Morgan for bringing me all this stuff."

"You're welcome!" Morgan smiles at her.

"so, I have good news" I said watching Astrids face. she tilted her head at me while waiting for me to speak again. "I got a call and I was told you can come back to the pack house now if you'd like. you just have to take it easy while you're there" I added. Her face seemed very unsure at first but then she gave me a little nod.

"as long as you're sure it's okay for me to be there.. I promise I won't take up much space or make a lot of noise.." she commented and I blinked at her.

"of course it's fine that you're there, you're my mate Astrid. and why would it matter how much space you take up or how much noise you make?" I asked, my brows pulled together some.

"Oh well.. I just figured I'd be staying some where out of the way is all, I'm not a part of your pack, technically.." she answered me timidly while looking down at her hands. both Morgan and I looked at each other before I walked over and sat on the bed beside Astrid and took her hands into my own, causing her to look up at me.

"Astrid, I would never do that to you. you're my mate and very much a part of this pack now. once you're ready we will look into doing your luna ceremony, just not before you're ready. I don't want you to feel rushed" I rubbed my thumbs against the back of her hands. I could feel her relax a little finally before she gave me a nod.

"Okay, we can go. I should get dressed first. would it be alright if I showered when we get there?" She asked timidly.

"Absolutely sweetheart, you can do anything you want" I gently squeezed her hands before moving to stand. "Morgan and I will step outside while you change" I leaned over and kissed her forehead softly, loving the sparks against my lips. I leaned back and smiled at her before leaving to wait outside the room with Morgan

"I like her so far, she didn't talk much but I'm sure once she's more comfortable she'll open up more." Morgan commented

"me too, I mean she's already perked up a lot more since I saw her this morning. thank you for talking to her Morgan, it means a lot." I said putting my arm around her shoulder and pulling her into a half hug

Morgan stepped back after giving me a hug in return. "I'll let you bring her back, just the two of you" she smiled at me before we said our good byes. I watched my sister leave, I didn't move again until Astrid called for me.

----Astrid----

I watched Alex and Morgan leave the room then carefully climbed out of bed. I had been very unsure of Morgan at first but she was actually very nice and quite funny. I've never had that kind of interaction before but now I understand why Heather always seem happier after girl time, at least until she saw me.

With both of them out of the room I slipped my hospital gown off and folded it neatly then laid it on the hospital bed. I looked at the med and moment before fixing the blankets as well. once that was done I took the clothes out of the bag.

    huh, they guessed all my sizes right. I mean that's not to hard to do when you're small.. I thought before getting dressed. sliding on a pair of black shorts and a dark gray shirt. Morgan had brought me flip flops which I didn't mind. I flopped them down on the floor then slipped them on.

     "I'm ready!" I called out then sat on the edge of the bed while waiting for Alex to come back into the room. when he did I stood up and tilted my head back to look up at him, finally taking in his full height. I'm 5'5 and he had to be at least 6'4 or 6'5.  he's so all..

      yeah he is.. I'd climb that man like a tree.. my wolf Heather commented, causing me to blush brightly. Alex was very obviously before noticing my blushing. he tilted his head a little with a grin.

"what is it love? see something you like?" Alex asked, reaching out and gently pulling me to him. I immediately melted into his body, laying my head against his chest. the sound of his heart was very soothing, making me relax even more.

"so? did you?" he asked playfully while rubbing my back.

I lightly nibbled my bottom lip before speaking, "yes.. you're a very attractive man.." I answered softly and he gave me a gentle squeeze.

"your attractive man, Astrid.." he cooed to me then lifted his hand to lift my chin. he then leaned down and softly pressed his lips to mine, making me melt once again. I lightly gripped his shirt while leaning up on my toes a little so he didn't have to lean down as much.

Alex smiled a little before slowly pulling his face away from mine then lightly rubbed my cheek with his thumb. "ready to go?" he asked. I nodded softly

"Yeah, I'm ready" I answered. he stepped a side and gestured for me to walk ahead of him. I gave a small nod and walked out of the room with him and through the halls of the pack hospital. once outside Alex took my hand as we walked towards what I would assume is the pack house but.. goddess the place is huge! it looks like a castle!

I heard Alex chuckle with finally brought my attention away from the building. "Yes, That's where you're going to be living now" he said, seeming to know what I'm thinking again. he gave my hand another squeeze before leading me inside. I expected to see a lot of people running around but it was pretty quiet. inside was nicely decorated, the colors of most of the pack house were Red, Silver, and black.

"wow..." I managed as I looked around the entrance of the pack house

"come on, let's show you the bedroom" he smiled

"the bedroom? are we sharing?" I asked curiously and saw him get a little nervous.

"are you okay with that if that was what I was offering?" Alex asked softly, his eyes hopeful.

      How can I say no when he looks like that.. I thought as my heart melted from the look he gave me. "yes.. I would be okay with that, Alpha Alex" I answered him. his brows pulled together some at my response.

"just Alex sweetheart, you're my mate" he commented softly before kissing my forehead. I closed my eyes for a moment then looked up at him again.

"ready?" he asked warmly and I nodded again. we continued towards the bedroom while I took in the sight of everything.

       it's so beautiful here..

      it is, and now we get to live here with our mate instead of that old musty basement. we have a chance to be happy.. goddess I can't wait to meet his wolf Astrid

       I know, I just want to be sure we can trust our situation first before opening up and taking risks.

       we're sharing his bed, is that not already a risk? he's our mate, we should trust him completely

Our link was cut when I almost tripped over the stairs because I wasn't paying attention. I yelped slightly and before I could fall I felt Alex's arms around me.

"are you okay?" he asked softly as he held me to his chest.

"yeah.. I'm alright. thank you for catching me" I answered him softly before he simply scooped me up bridal style and becan carrying me the rest of the way.

"You don't have to carry me.. its okay" I blushed.

"I don't mind, it gives me an excuse to have you in my arms again Love" he cooed and nuzzled the top of my head a little while he walked. we soon stopped at a door and he turned the handle just enough to hear a click then he pushed it open with his foot, carrying me inside.

the room was decorated in the same colors as the rest of the pack house, the bed was absolutely massive and looked so very comfortable. he had a little sitting area on one side of the room where a fireplace was. he had a television hanging up above the dresser at the foot of the bed, perfect for watching stuff in bed.

"your room looks so nice, much better than where I've slept that's for sure" I commented then looked up at him. there was a sad look to his eyes but it was quickly gone again.

"It's your room now too, Astrid. it's our room" he told me warmly before finally setting me on my feet again. he held my arms a second before letting me go, it was sweet he was making sure I could stand on my own.

"would you like to take your shower now, sweetheart?" Alex asked pushing a little of my hair away from my face. I cringed a little, knowing my hair was dirty and so was most of the rest of me. my new clothes were probably already dirty.

"Yes please" I answered him and he gave me a nod.

"would you like me to show you how to use the shower or will you be okay?

"I should be okay, if I'm truly lost on how it works ill come get you" I answer him with a soft smile. Before I can step away he leaned down and gave me a soft kiss, pulling away slowly with his lips hovering just above my own, making me ache for more. "you should go before I can't stop kissing you.." he breathed.

My mouth instantly went dry and my stomach tightened. It took all of my will power to pull away and walk into the bathroom. I softly closed the door behind me and let out a slow breath.

      goddess help me, that man is so hard to resist. the things he does to me.. I thought before looking around the bathroom. the room again was massive, the shower was along one wall with a rainfall shower head and other jets in the wall. I had never seen anything like it but I was sure I could figure it out. I undressed and found the towels and laid two out for myself before walking and opening the giant clear glass door and walked inside. After a minute I got the shower going how I wanted it to and stood under the very hot water.

I let out a soft sigh as the water rinsed away the dirt on my skin. I looked around and saw some clearly feminine body wash and hair products on the shelves, normally I'd question it but Morgan already told me they had gotten all the stuff for me.

I quickly got to work, cleaning my body and my hair. to my relief I saw a woman's razer in the shower as well and used that as well. I instantly felt so much better but I still stood there a moment longer, enjoying the water for a couple more minutes before finally turning everything off and stepping out.

I grabbed one of the towels and wrapped my long hair in it, keeping my wet hair off my skin while I used the other to dry myself off. I checked my face in the mirror then looked around.

     Crap.. I forgot to ask about clothes.. I thought and looked at the door. I nibbled my lip, debating on if I should go out there or not. I knew I couldn't stay in here forever but I felt so shy. I had never been shy like this before.

with a little sigh I reached forward and grabbed the handle before slowly opening it and stepping out of the room...