Caedmon's POV
There's a knock at the door. I already know who's there, but I'm trying to keep myself under control, so I sit down behind my desk and tell them to enter. The sweetest scent hits me. I could give up anything just to bask in this scent. It is intoxicating. Mila and Nyx walk in along with Luke, Theo, and Zach. Seeing them, Mila looked more at ease. Nyx on the other hand, looked ready to go to war. There was an intense and aggressive energy emanating from her.
Nyx POV
I couldn't believe that Mila felt so calm about this. Part of me felt angry, even betrayed at the thought that she would side with them. They assure me that there is no threat here and to just talk to their Alpha. I saw an "Alpha" once. That face is burned in my brain.
I gave in to them and decided to go into the office and talk, just like Mila wanted. We went through doors made out of wood, glass, and metal detailing, to enter such a luxurious-looking place. I had not even paid attention to the outdoors, but if they look like this, it's almost out of a page of a book, just like the ones Mila would read to me. This place looked dark, yet etherial. Wood accented with black detailing surrounded the main space we entered. The ceiling was over then feet tall with wooden detailed chandeliers. Leaves in metal as well as frosted stained glass around them shone brightly. I didn't even notice the people around, just the beauty of the place. There was greenery covering a wall, vines crept up the black wooden wall and a large fireplace with wood stacked on the side. To the left, there was a large staircase, wide enough for at least three people to walk side by side. The railing of the stairs had engravings that I could feel as I walked up. The hallway was just as wide and long with multiple rooms on each side. We went up a second set of stairs and here, there were fewer rooms, specifically less on the left side, as there were only two. We stop in front of that first door and Luke knocks on it. We are instructed to go in. Then I see him. The same man that was on the train. Same one that I attacked, or at least tried to.
Hello Mila, Nyx. Alpha Caedmon huh. His voice was deep but somewhat warm. I felt no aggression, even his body language was relaxed as he sat in front of us. Here I am, exuding a threatening aura, yet he is so calm. (I need to breathe, if they wanted us dead, they would've done it by now). I kept thinking about this over and over and I didn't even notice he was talking again.
I heard you were trying to leave. Were the accommodations not to your liking?
(He's asking if I was trying? NO, I actually was!)
My apologies for breaking your window. After our last encounter, I did not know what to expect. I assumed it would be best to leave as soon as possible. I try to be sincere, though I couldn't really explain why I broke down the window.
The doctor checked your health and ensured that you were healthy. Mila stayed besides you. We provided her with food and clothing for both of you.
We really are sorry about the window! Said Mila in a haste. My sister can be very protective. All we have is each other. But I told her about you all. I know you are all good. Moira also confirmed it for me. It's just not as easy for her.
I just stared at Mila. We have just been surviving for quite some time. Never steady, and not necessarily comfortable. We made due. I think she has already reached a point where she just can't continue forward.
I know this is abrupt but, what if you stay for a while on the pack. We can ensure your safety. You will have all of your necessities covered, and if you like it, you may stay. All you would have to do is accept the pack.
I saw in Mila's eyes something that gave me a bittersweet taste in my mouth and I felt my heart skip a beat. I saw a shine that I had not seen in so long. Hope. I could see the edges of her lips raise up as a smile formed in her face at the possibility of having a stable home. I want all of that for her and more. I truly do. But I also wanted us to make it somewhere together. To the sea. She always showed it to me and I have always hoped to see it. Not in pictures, but be there. To smell the salt in the air, feel the sand on my feet and through my toes, feel the water; I bet is must be cold. It made me envision true freedom.
Mila looked at me and asked me if this is something that we could do. I was dumbstruck as I had so many thoughts flooding my brain and the idea of not being around her scared me.
Nyx, isn't this something we have hoped for for so long? I love you, with all my heart. I want us to be okay, to be safe and have people around us that we can really connect to. Mila made a strong point. I know this is something she desperately needs. But, what if we are found? No... Don't think about it too much. We haven't seen any imminent threat in months. Maybe she is right. This could be the home she rightfully deserves.
Okay. I reluctantly agreed. I am willing to stay here with Mila. However, I do not want to stay just as a guest. I know what I have done and I want to make amends and show my gratitude. Therefore, I would like to work in the area to repay my debt, as well as to cover any other expenses that Mila might require.
Caedmon looked at me. His eyes met with mine. There's something charming about him. His blue eyes didn't feel cold. They felt welcoming, yet still strong, unyielding. The light in the room accented his strong jaw line, his short black wavy hair passed through his fingers as he brushed it back and placed his arm on the desk. He agreed, and I instantly felt relieved.
Okay. Said Caedmon. We will then talk about what labor you would feel comfortable doing. On that note, I assume that Mila goes to school. Where does she attend? The question made my ears feel warm and I gazed down. She doesn't. Because we traveled so much, we were never in a place long enough for her to even consider schools. Besides, we were on the run. It was too risky.
Would she like to attend school along with other young wolves?
Before I could answer, I was cut off by Mila. Yes! I would absolutely love to! She couldn't hide her excitement.
Very well, Zach, could you make the arrangements so that she can start in the next day or two? Zach, one of the twins and beta to this pack, left the room with his phone in hand, already making calls to arrange for it. Caedmon also sent Luke to ensure we had rooms ready for both of us. I asked them to have a room for us together and they agreed.
Luke, could you please escort Mila to see the vacant room? Luke gestured at Mila, who looked at me before leaving. I gave her a soft nod and she stood up and made her way out of the office.
I know it's not an easy topic, but as Alpha of this pack, it is my job to ask. Is someone after you?
I felt my heart skip a beat. Could I be honest with this man? What option do I have?
Yes, we were.
Why is that?
We left...another pack. At the time, we truly didn't have a choice.
What was the name of the pack? Would they potentially be a threat to us?
No, or, at least I don't think so. We have traveled quite far. And, I don't remember the name of the pack. I wasn't there long.
So were you part of it or have you always been a rogue?
It's a lot more complex than you may think.