Her Awakening

Her Awakening Pt.9 (Welcome Home)

The interior of the house was decorated in the same style as an opulent ski lodge, with rich woods and soft buttery leather furniture. The open entry way showcased the main stairs that split at landing and lead to the second floor, a huge stone fire place was the centerpiece for the warm and welcoming living room. There were various trophies from hunting trips hung around the walls, and artwork featuring mountain vistas and forest landscapes. Cozy groups of furniture peppered the large space, perfect for privacy or fun family evenings. "This is the main living space, you have the living room here to the right, to the left is a game room and the kitchen in down the hall behind the stairs. Of course there's also the formal dinning room but we eat most of our meals in the kitchen nook." Philip gestured to the various areas as they walked through the main floor, she glanced into the game room and saw the large pool table and fully stocked bar. "There are other rooms that may interest you but I don't want to overwhelm you on your first day." He smiled down at her softly.

"It's a beautiful home." Was all Oriana could manage to say. Although she was feeling overwhelmed, she was also amazed at how at home she was feeling, and how relaxed her surroundings made her. She had loved the manor she had grown up in, but it had never felt like home to her. She had never felt comfortable anywhere but in her room, and even there she felt more like a guest than a family member. But, here, in this large lodge of a home, she felt whole, and safe. She could see herself snuggled into one of the large chairs by the fireplace, with a book on a snowy evening. She could picture the celebrations they would have for the holidays and special occasions,. She even could picture the dinners in the kitchen with Philip and maybe Reese would join them from time to time. She knew that pack members were close and that Betas where never far from their Alphas. The fact that Reese had snuck into her thoughts both scared and intrigued her.

As she continued to look around the first floor, it was like a huge weight was suddenly lifted off her shoulders and she took a deep breath, she was free. This realization crashed through her and she wanted to cry and scream and laugh and dance all at the same time. It was like Christmas morning and she had finally recieved the gift she had always wanted.

Philip was now leading her toward the grand staircase, and they walked up to the first landing and stopped. There were stairs leading off to the left and to the right. "There are no places in this home that are off limits to you, but I want you to know that the right wing is where all the business and governing offices are and there will be a lot of people in and out, day and night. You will have little reason to be in there but if you ever do need me do not hesitate to find me in my offices. Okay?"

Oriana nodded. "The private family quarters are to the left and only immediate family members and my highest ranking officers are allowed in this part of the house." They crested the top of the left staircase, to the right was another set of stairs and a stern looking male stood at attention. "Rowen, this is Oriana, my daughter." He introduced her to the tall muscular male. He had piercing ice blue eyes gazing out of a tan well chiseled face, short spikey hair the color of a full moon topped his head. There was something familiar in the way he held himself, so sure and strong.

The male nodded his head. "Sir. Welcome Oriana, I've heard a lot about you already." He grinned slyly.

Confusion filled her and she looked at Philip for answers. "Rowen, is Reese's older brother. He will take over as Beta when Reese becomes Alpha. You will be working very closely with him in the future." He gave Rowen and warning look. "Apparently, when I send Reese to be updated he also updated Rowen on you."

At the sound of Reese's name she felt her heart skip a beat. "Oh." She said and looked to the other male. Now that she knew the truth there really was no denying that the two were brothers. Their looks mirrored each other and there mannerisms were strikingly similar. Even though Rowen was the older brother they could have passed as twins. Rowen caught her appraising looks, "Don't worry pet, it was all good things." Rowen winked at her.

Philip made a sound as if clearing his throat, "Meet me in my office in 15 minutes, if you would Rowen." He said, with just a hint of a threat to his voice.

"Yes, Sir." Rowen replied with a jaunty salute and walked off towards the office quarters. He glanced back once and again winked at Oriana, she felt the color rise in her cheeks and she hurriedly looked away. "He's fairly harmless, but I would still be careful, he is quite the charmer with the females. I wouldn't want to see you get hurt." Philip signed and led her down the long hall. "My suite of rooms is at the top of that second set of stairs, there will be a guard there at all times, so you are very safe here. This floor consists of your suite, and eventually your Beta will also live on this floor. Your younger cousin also has a suite across the hall from you, she is currently a university but will be home soon." He came to a stop in front of another handcarved door. The door bore a beauitful carving of the moon goddess and all the celestial bodies. With a large grin on his face, Philip pushed open the door.

"Welcome to your new home."