KEILAH
“Wait, I don’t understand,” I said slowly, my voice tinged with suspicion. “Why now? Why the sudden apology when we both know we don’t like each other? What are you planning-”
Before I could continue, she took my hand, her grip surprisingly gentle. “That’s why I want to make amends. Let’s start off by officially introducing you to the other members,” she said, her voice carrying a mix of determination and hope.
“Wait, what?” I protested, but she was already leading me out of the room.
As she guided me down the hallway, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. This was so unlike her, and I couldn’t help but wonder if there was an ulterior motive. But her sincerity seemed genuine, and I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt-for now.
We reached the dining room, which i didn’t even know existed, and the moment we stepped inside, all eyes turned towards us. The room was filled with the pack members, each seated with plates of food in front of them. Conversations halted, and an air of curiosity and tension filled the space.
Benita didn’t miss a beat. She led me to the front of the room, her hand still holding mine. “Everyone,” she announced, her voice strong and clear, “I’d like to officially introduce Keilah. As you all know, she’s the Alpha’s mate, and I expect you all to treat her with the respect she deserves.”
I scanned the room, meeting the eyes of the pack members who exchanged glances. But some smiled warmly, others remained cautious, but there was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere. Benita’s endorsement seemed to carry weight, and it made a difference.
I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of belonging that I hadn’t expected.
Benita squeezed my hand before letting go. “Let’s eat,” she said, her tone more relaxed now. She gestured to an empty seat next to her, and I hesitated for a moment before taking it.
As we sat down, the conversations resumed, and the dining room buzzed with life again. Benita leaned over and whispered, “I know this is a lot, but I mean it, Keilah. I’m sorry for everything.”
I nodded, still processing everything, but a small smile formed on my lips.
For the first time since arriving, I felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe things were changing, and maybe, just maybe, I could find my place here.
As dinner wound down, the pack members began to leave the dining room one by one.
Benita turned to me, a tentative smile on her face. “Hey, are you okay with me showing you our usual evening routines?”
I felt a mix of curiosity and awkwardness bubbling within me. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I didn’t want to reject her olive branch. Nodding slightly, I replied, “Yeah, that sounds good.”
“Great! Just give me a few minutes to change,” she said, her smile widening with relief. “I’ll be right back.”
As she left, I wandered into the adjacent living area and sank onto the couch. I leaned back against the cushions, staring at the high ceiling as I tried to process everything. Was this change in Benita genuine? Or was there something more to it? The weight of uncertainty pressed on me, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I was being naive.
Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed the passage of time until I heard footsteps approaching. Benita reappeared, dressed in tight work outfits, and her hair was tied back. She really looked hot, and I got a little jealous of her perfect body.
“Ready?” she asked, her voice breaking through my reverie.
I nodded, standing up and smoothing my clothes. “Yeah, let’s go.”
She led me through the house, explaining as we went. “After dinner, everyone usually splits off to do their own thing. Some go for a run in their wolves, and others like to read or catch up on work. It’s a time for us to unwind and prepare for the next day.”
We walked through various rooms, each one revealing a glimpse of the pack’s life. The common area was filled with cosy furniture and bookshelves lined with an eclectic mix of titles. A few pack members were lounging around, chatting softly or engrossed in their activities as others cuddled.
Now let me show you our favourite place. She said as she guided me downstairs into the basement where the sound of grunts and the rhythmic thud of fists against punching bags welcomed us. We entered the training room, where a group of pack members were sparring and practising various techniques. The room was filled with energy, and the intensity of the training was palpable.
Besides sex, this is our favourite thing to do. “Want to see some action up close?” She asked.
I nodded, intrigued.
She stepped forward, catching the attention of the group.
“Mind if I join in?” she asked, her tone playful yet confident.
The pack members nodded eagerly and quickly cleared a space for her in the centre of the ring. She stretched for a moment, her movements fluid and graceful, before stepping into the ring with one of the broad-shouldered men.
I watched from the sidelines, my eyes widening in admiration as she began to spar. Her flexibility and agility were incredible; she moved with a grace and precision that made each motion seem almost effortless. Her opponent was skilled, but she anticipated his moves with uncanny accuracy, dodging and countering with a finesse that left me in awe.
She moved on to her next opponent, a taller broad man. The two circled each other, their movements a dance of strength and agility. Benita’s strikes were precise and controlled, each one landing with a perfect blend of power and grace. She flowed through the fight like water, her beauty and skill captivating.
When the match ended, her opponent lay on the mat, panting and grinning up at her. “You got me good, Benita,” he said, his tone admiring.
Benita extended a hand to help him up, her smile warm and genuine. “Good match,” she replied, giving him a friendly pat on the back.
As she continued her fight, I decided to step out for some fresh air. Making my way outside, I stayed close to the entrance, just in case. The night air was cool and refreshing, Through the dim light, I could make out a few wolves running through the woods, their forms barely visible in the shadows.
As I stood outside, the cool night air seemed to seep into my bones. A sudden chill ran through me, and I shivered, wrapping my arms around myself. I wondered if I was coming down with something. A fever, perhaps? The thought made me uneasy, and I decided it was best to head back inside and get some rest.
I made my way up the stairs, intending to retreat to my room. However, when I reached the door and pushed it open, I stopped in my tracks. The room had changed completely. Instead of my familiar bed and personal items, I found an office. A large desk dominated the space, flanked by tall bookshelves filled with files and books. A sleek computer sat on the desk, its screen glowing softly in the dim light.
Confused, I took a step inside, my eyes scanning the room. This didn’t make any sense. I was certain this was my room-had been my room. I backed out and glanced down the hallway, ensuring I hadn’t made a mistake. No, this was definitely the right door.
I headed out and went through the secret door to Ralph’s spacious closet room. But it wasn’t the same as before. This time, a new wardrobe stood out prominently against the wall, and as I opened it, I saw a mixture of my clothes and brand-new outfits. Did he mean it when he said I would be sleeping in his room?
Without lingering on it, I went into the shower and took a hot shower. After what felt like both an eternity and a mere moment, I reluctantly turned off the water and stepped out of the shower, wrapping myself in a plush towel. I quickly dried off before slipping into a set of comfortable pyjamas before striding towards the bed. With a sigh, I pulled back the covers and slid under them. The sheets were cool and crisp, and they smelled faintly of Ralph-an intoxicating blend of pine and something uniquely him.
As I began to slumber, the door creaked open and closed, making my heart thunder in my chest, knowing Ralph was the one who had entered. His footsteps echoed on the marble floor as they disappeared into the bathroom. It wasn’t long before I heard the shower turn on.
Minutes stretched into hours-or so it felt to me-as I lay listening to the steady rhythm of the water, my mind racing with thoughts.
My heart pounded loudly in my ears when the shower finally turned off. The bathroom door opened, and I felt his presence drawing closer. The room seemed to shrink, the air thickening with every step he took. I kept my eyes shut tightly, willing my heart to slow down, but it only beat faster, a frantic drum in my chest.
The mattress dipped slightly under his weight as he sat down beside me, and I felt the heat of his body radiating through the sheets, sending shivers down my spine. Why did he have to sit here when the other part of the bed is empty? Maybe he wants to sleep on this side, I thought, and started to shift to the other side with my eyes still shut.
“Keilah,” his voice was soft, barely above a whisper, yet it sent a jolt of electricity through my veins. “I know you’re awake.”
I quickly opened my eyes and turned toward his broad, shirtless back. “Come sit here. We need to talk.”