Her Awakening

Her Awakening Pt.8

Still glaring down at his Beta, he lowered his hand to offer the other male help off the floor. As they stood eye to eye, old and soon to be new Alpha, a look crossed Reese’s face. “I respect you sir, and I respect your wishes, but you will not come between my Luna and I.”

“No one said anything about coming between you and her.” Philip walked back to his desk chair. “You will need a powerful Luna by your side, and Oriana will be that powerful female you will need. But she is my daughter and I have the right to be protective of her until she is officially mated to you.”

Reese slumped back into the righted chair, “And if that doesn’t happen?’

“Have you lost your nerve? Has the great lady killer lost his flow?” Philip chuckled. “Don’t worry about that, give her time to acclimate herself to this new life. She has a lot to figure out and learn not only about her powers but about who she is.”

A bell signaled that they were approaching the landing strip. Reese and Philip stood and walked back out to the main cabin, Oriana was sitting up and eagerly watching out the window as they approached her new home.

Touchdown was uneventful and smooth. After walking down the long stairs, they climbed into the waiting limo. Oriana was in awe of the plush leather seats and over all opulence of the large vehicle. They rode in comfortable silence through the city and out into the country side. The old growth forest flashed by intercut with roaring rivers and farm lands. She couldn’t believe all of this land was her’s, that this was all waiting here for her and she didn’t even know about it 24 hours ago.

The car turned into a long tree lined driveway, and past the large iron gate. She could just make out the roof of the large Tudor style house, as they moved up the lane, more and more of the house became visible. The large home feature a stately center hall and two sprawling wings to either side. There was a small gate house linked to the main entrance by a covered roof. She could make out smaller out buildings and storage sheds off in the distance.

“This house has been in our family for generations, and I hope to one day pass it on to you.” Philip said quietly.

She nodded quietly, still trying to process all that was happening.

“Oriana, I’m not going to bombard you with everything today, I want you to relax and explore your new home. Tomorrow however I will need you to be ready to focus and also to ask any questions you need to. You have a lot to learn and you are behind the curve, so to speak.” A look of dread flashed across her face. “Don’t worry, you will understand everything with time and some tutoring.” He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Reese sat silently brooding, while stealing quick glances at Oriana. Her scent was filling the car and diving his wolf insane with want and desire. He was more than ready to leap out and hold the door open for his Alpha when the limo finally came to a stop at the main doors. Trying not to be obvious he took deep breaths to try and get her scent out of his nose and clear his head. They were back on pack lands and he needed to stay alert.

Oriana stepped from the vehicle and turned in a slow circle, she breathed deeply of the crisp air filled with the smell of damp earth, dead leaves and just a hint of frost. It was wonderful and she couldn't help the smile that formed on her face. Philip turned to guide her into the house and caught her smiling, "Ahhh! Now that was the reactions was hoping for!" He hugged her and spun her in a circle causing her to laugh.

"So I see you have brought her home." A voice sneered from behind them. "I didn't realize we were taking in strays."

The expression on Philips face changed drastically at the sound of the voice and Reese could not contain the growl that escaped from his throat.

"Cynder, I thought you were out for the day with your friends?" Philip turned to the slight figure standing just inside the doorway. She was petite in all ways, almost fairy like, with dark auburn hair and piercing Hazel eyes. Her face seemed to be fixed into a permanent sneer.

"I canceled, I told them I had to be home to meet the new pup." Cynder eyed Oriana up and down assessing her like she was farm stock up for auction.

"How dare......" Reese snarled and crouched as if to attack.

"Enough!" Philip bellowed in his Alpha voice. The power shook them all to the core and brought both Reese and Cynder to there knees. "I will not have this be the way my daughter is received into this family!" His voice echoed across the countryside. "You!" He pointed to his wife. "You I will see in my office, now!" She turned with a huff and stomped off into the house. With a shake of his head he turned back to them. "Reese, please check in with Rowen and get an update on anything that may have happened while we were away." Reese nodded and walked off towards the west wing of the house.

Running his hands through his hair, he let out a hard breath. "Well, that did not go at all how I had hoped it would." He turned to see a shell shocked Oriana. He drew her into a tight hug. Then holding her at arms length, "I'm so sorry you had to endure that, but I promise you, she will apologize for her behavior and things will be better from here on out." He turned and guided her up the large stone stairs and to the beauitful oaken doors, covered in intricate carvings depicting the moon and all her phases. As she crossed the threshold she could feel the power of the ward that protected this place. That fact startled her and she stumbled a little. Philip looked at her with concern, "I....I... I felt the ward. I've never been able to sense magic before." She stuttered out. A light flashed in Philip's eyes. "Best we keep this to ourselves." He whispered and led her through the enteryway.