Alison’s POV
The morning light spilled into my room, casting a golden glow across the walls. For once, I woke up feeling like a weight had lifted off my chest. My heart brimmed with hope, a warmth ignited by the memory of Xander’s promise the night before. His words replayed in my mind as I let the warm water from the shower wash over me. “You have me. I’ll always be by your side.” I wanted to be worthy of that promise. I wanted to be strong, resilient… the perfect Luna for Xander and his pack.
Drying off, I slipped into a light floral dress, pinning my long curls into a loose ponytail. I wanted to start this day with purpose, to be a part of the life here, not just a silent observer. And maybe, just maybe, Xander would see that I was ready for the responsibility that came with standing by his side.
Downstairs, I walked into the kitchen to find a flurry of activity. The maids moved with practiced precision, trying to keep up with the morning rush.
They stopped and looked at me as I entered, eyes widening a little. “Good morning,” I greeted, feeling a slight awkwardness as they all murmured polite greetings back.
The head cook stepped forward, hands on her hips. “Miss Alison, can we help you with anything?” she asked, almost warily.
I took a deep breath, hoping they’d see my sincerity. “Actually, I’d love to help with breakfast. If that’s alright with you?”
She blinked, clearly surprised. “You… You want to help?”
“Yes,” I said, offering a smile. “Please, let me take part. I’d like to…you know, just lending a hand.”
After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded, her stern expression softening. “Alright, if that’s what you’d like. Miss” She handed me a whisk, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “But we’re all helping. We wouldn’t want Alpha Xander to think we are mistreating you”
“Deal,” I agreed.
As we worked, I made small talk, trying to lighten the air. Slowly, the tension melted away, and the maids began to relax, laughing at my little mishaps with the batter or when I struggled to flip a pancake perfectly. The kitchen buzzed with energy, and I felt like, maybe for the first time, I truly belonged here.
Once breakfast was ready, I asked, “Can someone call Lady Katherine, or do I go call her myself for breakfast?”
The head cook hesitated, her expression turning a bit wary. “Miss Alison, Lady Katherine prefers her breakfast served in her room.”
“Alright then, I’ll take it up to her,” I offered before she could object.
I carefully set up the tray and carried it upstairs, trying to keep my steps steady as I reached her door. I knocked gently and heard a faint, rather uninterested, “Come in.”
Taking a steadying breath, I entered Katherine’s room. She lay in bed, looking regal yet severe as her sharp gaze landed on me with a flash of disdain.
“What do you want?” she asked icily, her tone slicing through the room’s chill.
I set the tray down, meeting her gaze with what little courage I could muster. “I brought you breakfast.”
She laughed, a cold sound that held no humor. “Do you really think a mere breakfast will change anything? If you do, you’re more of a fool than I thought.”
I stood my ground, my voice steadier than I expected. “I’m not here to impress you. I’m here because, for once in my life, I would love to live happily and free from fear of being tormented for no valid reason. I’ve been through enough to know I deserve this little peace and quiet”
She straightened, her eyes narrowing. “If you want Peace and happiness, then the best option to explore is staying away from my son. I swear by the moon goddess, as long as I’m alive, he will never marry you.”
The venom in her words stung, but I forced myself not to flinch. Instead, I looked her straight in the eyes, feeling a strength I didn’t know I had. “With all due respect, Lady Katherine, I believe its Xander’s decision to chose who he wants by his side. Fate brought me here, and if I am meant to be with him, there is nothing you or anyone can do to change that.”
Her eyes widened just slightly, more in surprise than anything else, before she gave a tight, humorless smile. “You’re playing with fire, little girl. You don’t know the lengths I’ll go to protect my family’s future.”
I forced myself to remain calm, respectful even. “I don’t want any trouble, Lady Katherine, but I won’t let anyone dictate my life. As long as Xander wants me by his side I am willing to stand up for him, even to you.”
She gave me a cold stare, her silence brimming with hostility. “Get out,” she said finally, her voice sharp.
I turned to leave, feeling a strange mix of pride and adrenaline. At the door, I paused, glancing back to meet her glare one last time. Let her understand that I wouldn’t break so easily.
Back outside Katherine’s door, I exhaled a shaky breath. That was the boldest I had ever been, and it felt as exhilarating as it was terrifying.
Maya, my wolf surged forward unexpectedly. “You were amazing in there, Alison,” she whispered. “It’s about time someone stood up to her.”
“Thanks, Maya,” I replied, the tension in my chest finally loosening.
But as I walked away, my thoughts drifted to Xander. I wondered if he knew how deep his mother’s hatred for me went, or if he was blissfully unaware of the silent war waging within his walls. For all the warmth and hope he had given me last night, the question loomed: could he stand by me against his own family?
****
The day passed by in a faze, filled with small tasks and greetings from other pack members who seemed warmer than usual. I could feel whispers and glances… maybe word had spread about my defiance. But I ignored it, focusing on the satisfaction I felt from finally standing up for myself. For once, I was ready to claim my place, regardless of who stood against me.
That evening, as I sat in the garden watching the sunset, footsteps approached. I looked up to find Xander striding toward me, his face unreadable. My heart fluttered, recalling the promises of the night before.
“You’re a hard woman to find,” he said with a soft smile, sitting down beside me.
“I’ve been around,” I replied, matching his smile. “Just…taking in the day.”
He leaned in, his expression shifting to something serious. “I heard you visited my mother this morning.”
I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. “Ohh, I see the information got to you already ” I smiled awkwardly.”I did. Just to bring her breakfast.”
He studied my face carefully. “And did anything…happen?”
I hesitated, not wanting to sow discord between him and Katherine. But I also knew I couldn’t hide from him. “She…uhh.. made it clear that she doesn’t approve of me being here,” I said carefully.
A shadow crossed his face, and his hand clenched slightly. “I’m guessing that’s why you are seated here lost in thought… Leave my mother to me, I’ll handle her.”
“I know, Xander,” I said softly, resting a hand on his. “I’m not trying to cause trouble. I just want to find my place here, with you, but it’s clear that won’t be easy.”
He turned to me, his gaze fierce. “Let her say whatever she wants. I chose you. And nothing she does or says will change that.”
I wanted to believe him. I wanted to believe that his loyalty was unbreakable, that nothing would change his mind. But a nagging worry lingered, especially after Katherine’s cold warning.
“Do you really mean that?” I asked, my voice almost a whisper. “Even if it’s hard?”
He took my hand, his grip firm, grounding. “Ally, I’ve fought too hard to let anyone dictate who I can love. That’s you.”
I nodded, the warmth of his words wrapping around me like a balm. But in the back of my mind, Katherine’s icy gaze lingered, her threat echoing ominously.
Xander leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a gentle kiss, as if sealing a promise. But even as I lost myself in the moment, a dark thought crept in, Katherine wouldn’t give up easily. She was only getting started.
And as I lay in Xander’s arms that night, I couldn’t shake the feeling that our battles had only just begun.