** Jax's POV **
To me, this is home. I should be worried about the impending war, but all I can think about right now if whether or not she'll be happy here.
** Rainy's POV **
After what seemed like an endless journey (it was really only a couple of hours), the wagon finally came to a halt. After two years of looking out for over a hundred people, I wasn't about to let my guard down today. I jumped down from the wagon with my dagger poised to attack in case of an ambush, only to find it at Thomas' throat.
"We have to stop meeting like this." he said, arms raised above his head in surrender.
"Clearly my dagger likes you more than I do" I retort, holding the dagger at my side instead.
I was about to look for more danger, when I see the incredible view behind Thomas. We're standing in what I guess is a courtyard, which features a very impressive fountain and a whole bunch of rose bushes and fancy-shmancy vehicles. But what's more impressive is the glittering palace, a pearly white building with golden towers and a large wooden door with silver hinges and detailing - A pane of glass placed in the centre in the image of the Demorian crest. There's a man and woman standing on the marble steps in front, ushering over Jax, so I presume they're his parents. I can see him speaking to them, but I was never any good at lip reading. After he's done talking I can see his parents faces are struck with surprise, and then suddenly they're looking at me. I realise I've been staring and quickly pull myself away, taking Rylie out of the wagon and offering my hand to others who need assistance getting off the wagons.
"You're blushing you know wolfy" says Hunter, ruffling my hair and running past before I can retaliate. Soon, everyone is off the wagons and waiting patiently for more instructions.
"Welcome all! I'm King Felix, former Alpha of the Celestial Valleys pack, and this is my wife Sophie. We appreciate you offering your services to us and for being willing to join our cause, no doubt you will be invaluable to us. We hope you enjoy your time here, and please let one of our attendants know if you need anything." announced the man on the steps - So he is Jax's father!
Jax gave his parents a hug each and then turned to address the group. "If you'll follow me this way, we'll head to Viola square, your new residency!"
And with that, we were off to find out what our new home would look like. And, wow. Viola square turned out be a large market square boxed in by an assortment of houses and cottages. The houses were all beige-brick with pastel windows and roofs, with flowerboxes plastered all over the place. It truly looked like something from a fairytale. I could hear Jax and his staff members directing people towards the buildings they'd be staying in, but I was kinda tuning him out as my brain was processing this completely bizarre place. I finally sorted myself out and stared down at Rylie who'd let go of my hand, and she looked pretty awestruck herself. We must've spent a while just staring, because it was only me and Rylie left.
"You two ready for your place?" came a voice from behind us - Jax.
"You bet!" squealed Rylie as she clapped her hands jumping up and down.
"Then come right this way ladies".
We followed Jax to the middle of a row of buildings so we were stood in front of the most lovely cottage I have ever seen. The house was covered in moss and ivy and lilac, and the smell was divine. The door had a small transparent heart at the centre, and in front of the door was a light blue welcome mat covered in moons and stars.
"It's.. It's perfect your highness. Thank you so much. Please let us know how we can repay you." I said, blushing, again.
"It's Jax, you don't have to call me your highness, only Thomas does that when he's trying to tease me. And you've looked after all these people by yourself! You've earnt this already." he replied. Before I could complain or insist on some form of payment, Jax said: "well I'll leave you two to it - breakfast will be served in the marque in the square from 7-9am." and handed me the keys.
Rylie couldn't wait and as soon as the door was open she ran from room to room, commenting on how soft the furnishings were and how fancy everything was and how the bed had passed the bounce test. I couldn't help smiling seeing how happy she was. I heard her stomach grumble, and went to the kitchen area to see what was available. The cupboards and fridge were fully stocked, and I even saw some red velvet cake which had been my favourite treat as a child. I made Rylie and I some pumpkin soup, and we had a slice of cake each for dessert. Rylie fell asleep at the table, So I carefully scooped her up and tucked her into her new bed. Rather than go to my own room, I decided to rest in the armchair beside her. For the first time in ages, I felt relaxed enough to get a good night's sleep.
** Jax's POV **
I was finally back in my own bed after a long day of organising and travelling. My mind felt so tired, and yet all I could think about was the person in cottage number 27, and how she'd look tucked in all cosy in a proper bed for a change. She had dark circles under her eyes, which I presumed was from the stress of her position, and hoped that with time they'd go away. My heart ached with longing for her, I wanted desperately to have brought her here into my room with me, to hold her as she slept and to kiss the bad dreams away. But, I had no idea if she knew what we were. She always seems indifferent towards me, like she had bigger things on her mind. She had yet to look at me fondly, or to show me any affection. But I would wait for her, for as long as she needed me to. I wasn't ever going to give up on her. And one day we'd share a life and be inseperable. She would never have to be alone again. But I knew that for now, she needed space and it wasn't the right time. I'll just hold onto your name for now, my Rainy Dennison.