PART FIVE
1291 Words
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. The golden light of dawn filled my room, making everything seem fresh and new. I stretched and got out of bed, feeling a sense of optimism I hadn't felt in a long time. After a quick shower, I dressed in the simple clothes I had brought with me and made my way to the kitchen.
The packhouse was bustling with activity, and the delicious scent of breakfast filled the air. As I entered the kitchen, I saw Elias talking to Sebastian and Sebastian looking his best as usual.
"Good morning, Alora," Elias greeted me with a warm smile.
Sebastian turned to me, his smile wide and infectious. "Nice to see you awake, Alora. Ready for a day of retail therapy?"
I chuckled, feeling more at ease. "I guess so. It's been a while since I've done anything like that."
Sebastian winked. "Well, we're going to fix that. Let's get going. We'd get breakfast on the way"
We left the packhouse and headed to the nearest town. Sebastian was a whirlwind of energy, making jokes and keeping the mood light. He drove us to a large shopping mall, and we started our spree at a clothing boutique. The mall was huge, with shiny floors and bright lights that made everything seem almost magical and too good to be true for a countryside.
"Alright, let's get you some new threads," Sebastian said, rubbing his hands together with enthusiasm.
We spent the next couple of hours picking out clothes. Sebastian had a keen eye for fashion, and he made sure I had everything from casual wear to formal outfits. I tried on dresses, jeans, tops, and even a few pairs of shoes. Each time I stepped out of the dressing room, Sebastian would give me a thumbs-up or a playful critique.
"You look fantastic in that!" he exclaimed as I modeled a summer dress. "But I think we need a few more layers. You're too thin for an adult wolf. We need to fatten you up!"
I laughed, shaking my head. "I thought slim was the new deal."
"Slim is the real deal, but skinny to bones, no no no. I won't be surprised if your wolf is hairless."
I threw the shoe I was wearing at him. "Do not insult Lyra, she's the most lovely wolf. And it has been long I've gone for a run."
"Good for you that we are in the Eastside vast with trees, not like the choking lights of the city, not to talk of the awful smell of petrol."
The boutique we were in was high-end, with clothes that felt like they were made just for me. The sales assistants were helpful, always ready with a suggestion or a new piece for me to try on. Sebastian's playful banter made the experience enjoyable rather than stressful.
We moved from rack to rack, Sebastian occasionally picking out an item and holding it up against me to see if it would fit. "This one screams 'Alora,' don't you think?" he asked, holding up a flowing, green dress.
I nodded, taking the dress from him. "I love it. You have a good eye, Seb."
He grinned. "Years of practice. Now, go try it on. I want to see how it looks."
As I slipped into the dress, I couldn't help but admire how well it fit. The fabric was soft and light, perfect for summer. When I stepped out of the dressing room, Sebastian's eyes lit up.
"That's the one," he said, nodding appreciatively. "You look amazing."
"Thank you," I said, blushing slightly.
"One more step and I will take you as my mate."
I froze as the past came rushing to me. Sebastian frowned.
"Did I say something wrong, are you okay?"
I smiled gently at him "Yes I am."
There was no way Aziel could find me here.
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After we had filled several bags with new clothes, we headed to a gadget store to get me a new phone and SIM card.
"This one has a great camera," he said, holding up a sleek smartphone. "And it's got all the features you'll need."
I nodded, trusting his judgment. "I'll take it."
With a new phone and number, I was cutting the last thread that tied me to my old life.
Sebastian took my old phone and smashed it to the ground.
"To hell with the past!"
Once we had the phone sorted out, we grabbed a quick lunch at a café. Sebastian continued his playful banter, keeping me laughing with his stories and jokes.
"So, tell me more about you," Sebastian said, leaning back in his chair. "What do you like to do when you're not cooking up a storm?"
I thought for a moment, then smiled. "I love reading. Getting lost in a good book is my escape. And I enjoy gardening. There's something soothing about working with plants."
Sebastian nodded thoughtfully. "We have a beautiful garden at the packhouse. Maybe you could help us make it even better."
"I'd like that," I said
"Alright, shopping queen," he said as we finished our meal. "Time to head back. Elias wants the pack doctor to check you out. Standard procedure for new members."
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When we returned to the packhouse, Elias was waiting with the pack doctor, Dr. Lila. She was a kind, middle-aged woman. She took my blood sample quickly and efficiently, promising to let me know the results soon.
She left and I sighed, resting my head on the pillow. I was exhausted which was uncommon for me.
Elias came in quietly. "You okay?"
I nodded.
"You look tired."
"All the shopping took a toll on me."
"That's alright, you don't need to come down for lunch, I would have Laura bring lunch up for you but you have to promise to be down for dinner so you can meet the pack."
"Sure. And tell Seb I said thank you for today."
Elias smiled warmly at me and left.
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The general hall was a lively place, filled with laughter and the clatter of dishes. I was introduced to more pack members, each one greeting me with warmth and I made some quick friends. The feeling was overwhelming in the best possible way because I was never treated nicely before.
Sebastian, true to his word, kept piling food onto my plate. "Eat up, Alora. We need to put some meat on those bones!"
I groaned, but couldn't help laughing. "Alright, alright. But if I explode, it's on you."
The dinner was delicious, a feast of roasted meats, fresh vegetables, and mouth-watering desserts. I found myself enjoying the company of everyone. Everyone had something to say. I also learnt about how Elias mate died while giving birth to their daughter, Lily. I had a wonderful time and it made me feel among.
Lily approached me, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Are you really a chef?" she asked, her voice filled with awe.
I smiled and nodded. "I am. Do you like to cook?"
Lily nodded enthusiastically. "I love baking cookies with Mrs Else, she told me you are going to start cooking also, I can't wait."
"Well, maybe we can bake some cookies together sometime," I suggested.
Lily's face lit up with excitement. "Really? That would be so much fun!"
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As the evening drew to a close, Sebastian walked me back to my room. "Today was fun," he said, his tone more serious. "I hope you're starting to feel at home here."
"I am," I replied, touched by his concern. "Thank you, Sebastian. For everything."
He grinned. "No problem. Now get some rest. Tomorrow's another big day."
"Which day isn't?"
- Writer
