Chapter 2: Warm Welcoming
1240 Words
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the compound as I made my way to the guest house. The final touches had been meticulously applied: fresh linens on each bed, flowers arranged with care, and every detail in place for the sister pack’s arrival. The air was crisp, carrying a subtle undercurrent of wild energy as the distant hum of activity from the main hall mingled with the sounds of nature.
I had barely stepped into the guest house when the first members of the sister pack began to arrive. Their faces lit up with curiosity and excitement as they entered, and I greeted each of them with a warm, practiced smile. “Welcome to our home,” I said, trying to convey my genuine hospitality. “I’m Faye Thorne. If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
As the guests made their way inside, I guided them to their rooms, ensuring everything was perfect. The atmosphere was lively and friendly, and I could feel the tension of the day’s preparations beginning to ease. I was just finishing up in the last room when a tall, striking figure stepped into the hallway. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his eyes held an intensity that immediately drew my attention.
“Hey there,” he said with a smile that was both charming and disarming. “I’m Lucian. I’ve heard a lot about you, Faye.”
I extended a hand, trying to ignore the flutter of nerves in my stomach. As he came closer, his scent hit me—a rich, intoxicating blend of pine, musk, and a hint of something wild and untamed. It was the kind of scent that made my senses come alive, and it took every ounce of my willpower not to lean in closer. “Nice to meet you, Lucian. I hope you’re finding everything to your liking.”
He took my hand gently, his touch lingering just a moment longer than necessary. “Everything’s perfect, thanks to you. But I must say, you’ve definitely made quite an impression.”
I managed a polite smile, feeling a bit flustered under his scrutiny. “I’m glad to hear that. We’ve worked hard to make sure everything is just right for your visit.”
Lucian’s gaze remained fixed on me, and there was a playful glint in his eye. “I can see that. It’s not just about the hospitality, though. There’s something about you that stands out.”
I felt my cheeks warm at his words, and I busied myself with adjusting a nearby vase, trying to keep my composure. But his scent was overwhelming, wrapping around me like a heady embrace. I could barely concentrate on anything other than the way his presence affected me. “I appreciate the compliment, Lucian, but I have a lot to do to make sure everything runs smoothly for the ceremony tomorrow.”
He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a lower, more intimate tone. “I’m sure you’re used to making impressions. With your charm and your work ethic, it’s no wonder the pack speaks so highly of you.”
I glanced up, catching his intense gaze. There was a magnetic pull in his eyes that made it hard to look away. “I try my best. It’s important to us that our guests feel welcome.”
Lucian’s proximity was almost overwhelming. He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against my ear. “It’s not just about being welcoming. It’s about the way you make people feel special. And you’ve definitely done that for me.”
My heart raced, and I shifted slightly, trying to put some space between us, but his scent clung to me, driving me crazy. “Thank you. It’s kind of you to say so.”
His hand grazed my arm as he withdrew, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. “I hope you don’t mind if I take a moment to enjoy the view,” he said, his voice rich with innuendo. “The guest house is lovely, but it seems like you’re the highlight of the evening.”
I cleared my throat, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. “I’m glad you’re enjoying your stay. Is there anything else you need?”
Lucian’s smile grew wider, and he took a step closer, his hand brushing lightly against mine. “Actually, there might be something you can help me with. How about showing me around the grounds later? I’d love to get to know you better.”
Before I could respond, the sound of footsteps interrupted us. I looked up to see Ivy walking in, her eyes widening as she took in the scene. “Hey, Faye, are you—oh, hi there!”
Lucian straightened up, giving Ivy a friendly nod. “Hi. I’m Lucian.”
Ivy’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she gave me a knowing look. “Nice to meet you, Lucian. I’m Ivy. Faye and I were just talking about the ceremony and everything. Do you need any help with the arrangements?”
Lucian flashed a charming smile at Ivy. “Actually, I think I’m all set for now. But if you and Faye have some free time later, I’d love to continue our conversation.”
Ivy grinned, sensing the tension between us. “I’m sure Faye would be happy to show you around. She’s great at that sort of thing.”
Lucian’s gaze lingered on me, and I felt my cheeks flush. “I’ll hold you to that, Faye.”
As he walked away, Ivy turned to me with a raised eyebrow. “Wow, Lucian seems pretty interested in you.”
I sighed, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. “Yeah, he’s… charming, I guess. But it’s a lot to handle right now.”
Ivy’s grin widened. “You should take it as a compliment! He’s definitely not shy, and it’s clear he’s got his eyes on you.” She practically bounced on her heels as she spoke, her eyes bright with anticipation. “Faye, did you see the way Lucian looked at you? It was like he couldn’t take his eyes off you. He’s so handsome and charming!”
I couldn’t help but blush at her enthusiasm. “He is charming, but I don’t know if he’s really interested in me. He’s just being polite, right?”
Ivy rolled her eyes dramatically. “Oh, please. That was more than just politeness. I’ve heard stories about Lucian’s charm. He’s known for making quite an impression on people, but it’s not every day he singles someone out like that.”
I glanced back toward the main hall, where the bustle of activity continued. “You really think so?”
“I know so!” Ivy replied, practically vibrating with excitement. “I’ve heard about how some of the past warriors have been smitten by their mates, and Lucian’s reactions? Classic mate signs.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Classic mate signs?”
“Yes! Like that intense focus and the way he couldn’t seem to keep his distance from you,” she said, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. “And the fact that he wants to spend more time with you? That’s definitely a good sign.”
I chuckled, trying to push aside my own growing nervousness. “Well, I guess we’ll see what happens.”
- Writer
