Dawn's Second Chance

Chapter 6

Dawn’s POV

The moment was cut off by the sound of the back door opening. I quickly pulled my hand back and whispered, “Good night.” Without waiting for his reply, I hurried away before he could say another word. My steps carried me fast through the hallways until I reached my room. I locked the door, leaned against it, and let out a slow sigh.

My heart raced, and I pressed my palm against my chest. “What just happened?” I asked myself. I walked to my bed and sat down with a heavy thud. “Do I like him?” The thought startled me, and I shook my head quickly. “No, no no, I cannot allow myself to feel that way. He is an Alpha. I cannot get involved with another Alpha. That would only bring me trouble.”

I lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling, and every time I closed my eyes I saw him again. His voice when he spoke my name, the way he looked at me, and the way it seemed like it was just us two at that moment. I turned from side to side, but sleep did not come easily. Eventually I fell asleep with the ‘almost kiss’ still heavy on my mind.

When morning came, I had already decided that the only way to protect myself was to avoid him completely. If I kept my distance, then nothing would happen, and I would not confuse myself with all these dangerous feelings.

I began the day in the kitchen, busying myself with work so that I would not have to think about him. Naomi noticed my silence and asked, “Are you feeling well, Dawn?”

“I am fine,” I answered quickly, trying not to make my distress obvious. “I just want to finish this before it piles up.”

“You always want to finish everything at once,” Naomi teased. “But that is not new.”

I forced a small laugh and went back to scrubbing. Inside, I repeated to myself that I would stay far away from him.

But avoiding him was harder than I imagined. Every time I carried the plates out, there he was in the hall. When I walked to the storeroom to fetch supplies, he appeared in the same corridor. When I stepped outside to get water, he came from the side building. It was as if he was everywhere I went. Wasn't he busy? Why was he suddenly everywhere?

By afternoon, I grew restless. I thought I could escape to the laundry area, but once again he appeared. This time, he did not let me pass by quietly. He blocked the hallway.

“You have been avoiding me,” he said.

“I have been working, Alpha”

“No,” he glared at me . “You are avoiding me.”

“I am not,” I said, though I felt my throat tighten. “I have duties. I cannot stand around and talk all the time. Maggie, the Kitchen mistress will be upset.”

“You are right,” he admitted. “You have duties, but that is not why you keep walking away when I approach. You are making it as clear as day that you are avoiding me. It doesn't please me Dawn.”

“I do not know what you mean,” I said, wishing he would step aside.

“We need to talk,” he said plainly.

“I have to finish my work now,” I answered.

“Fine,” he said. “Do your work. But later, you and I will talk.”

I nodded quickly, trying to appear composed even though I felt nervous. I just wanted this conversation to end.

He then added, “I have to prepare. We are receiving some wolves this evening. They are coming to seek shelter for a few days. I need to meet them.”

“New wolves?” I asked, surprised.

“Not exactly, but yes,” he said. “They should arrive by nightfall. I will be busy until then.”

I wanted to ask who they were, but I did not. Instead, I said, “I understand.”

He stepped aside to let me pass, and as I walked away, I thought about his words. A group of wolves coming here? I wondered who they were and what had brought them to Silverstorm territory. Maybe they were just passing through.

Later in the kitchen, I asked Naomi, “Did you hear about the wolves that are coming?”

Naomi nodded. “Yes. Levi said they are seeking safety and they bring word from the higher ups. It is not unusual, but it does not happen often. The last time strangers arrived, they only stayed a few days before leaving.”

“Do you know who they are?” I asked.

“No,” she replied, turning to lean over the sink. “Only the Alpha and a few guards know. We will find out when they arrive.”

Her answer only made me more curious. “Do you think they will stay here longer than a week?”

“Possibly,” she said. “But that depends on the Alpha’s decision.”

I wanted to ask more, but she turned back to her work, so I let it go.

The day passed slowly, and I tried to keep myself busy. But in the back of my mind, I was still thinking about Levi and the conversation he said we needed to have. I did not want to face it, yet I knew I could not run forever.

By evening, the entire house seemed to prepare for the arrival. Guards stood more alert than usual. Extra food was set aside in the kitchen. Naomi whispered to me that the Alpha had asked for a full meal to be prepared for the visitors. So who were they?

As the sun lowered, I carried a tray of food to the main hall. The sound of footsteps and voices reached us, and I knew they had arrived. I placed the tray down and stayed near the edge of the room, pretending to be busy so I could see them.

The doors opened wide, and a group of unfamiliar wolves entered. Some looked tired, their clothes worn from travel, and they carried the marks of long days on the road. Levi stood tall at the front, welcoming them.

“Welcome to Silverstorm,” he said. “You are safe here.”

One of the men replied, “We thank you, Alpha. We only ask for rest and a chance to stay if you allow it. It is important that we carry our responsibilities as per the law.”

“Yes I understand, you will be given shelter,” Levi answered. “You can rest, and tomorrow we will speak further about your stay.”

The group nodded.

I scanned their faces, curious about who they were. My eyes moved from one to the next, until suddenly I saw someone I wish I hadnt. Among them stood someone I knew too well, someone I never expected to see here.

Her name escaped my lips before I realized I had spoken aloud. “Nora.”

The room seemed to close in on me as the memories rushed back. She had been part of my former pack, and she had never been kind to me. Out of all the wolves I had left behind, she was the one I had hoped never to see again.

And now she was here.