“Behave, everyone. We don’t need any issues with the Alpha. Priya, you already have a spell cast on you, but be careful not to bleed at all, or anyone can easily detect the scent,” Maya commanded, not wanting anything to go wrong.
She had never met the new Alpha, having left the pack before any voting had taken place. Jackson had filled her in on everything, and only she knew the deep panic she felt upon learning the details. But it had already happened, and with so much on her plate already, she couldn’t afford any mistakes.
“We’ll be fine, Mom. You’re stressing too much,” Rish reassured his mother.
“He’s right, Mom. I agree, everything will be fine. It’s not like the Alpha is going to eat us,” Levi added, rolling her eyes, though she herself was a bit scared and tense.
“I’ll make sure not to bleed, Maya. Don’t worry. I’ll stay away from the places I shouldn’t wander, as you told me,” Priya promised.
She didn’t want to cause any issues, especially since she was about to see the pack house where her parents had ruled from. Maya had even shown her pictures of her parents, which she had dug out from the old house.
Priya couldn’t have been happier. She would finally get to see her mother and father, replacing the blurry images she had in her thoughts with their beautiful faces. She had her father’s eyes and hair, and her mother’s face.
“I’ll be with her, so you don’t have to worry about anything,” Priyank assured.
“Good. All you have to do is greet the Alpha. I’ll handle everything else,” Jackson interjected, keeping his eyes on the road as they drove to the pack house.
Maya nodded, grateful for the support from her children and Priyank. “Thank you, all of you. Priya, just remember to be cautious. We don’t know how the Alpha will react.”
Priya nodded, her nerves starting to get the best of her despite her attempts to stay calm. “I understand, Maya. I’ll do my best.”
The drive to the pack house was tense, the air thick with anticipation and worry.
“We’ve arrived,” Jackson announced as he parked the car, and everyone stepped out.
Priyank leaned close to Priya and whispered in her ear, “Angel, you just have to stick with me. Don’t wander, okay?”
Priya shivered slightly as his breath brushed her earlobe, but she nodded in understanding. She couldn’t let anyone discover her royal blood.
Maya had briefed her on everything, and the seriousness of the situation was not lost on her. She knew she had to be extra careful.
The pack house stood before them, grand and ancient, a testament to the werewolf lineage that had ruled these lands for centuries. Maya led the group towards the entrance, her expression determined but anxious underneath.
As they approached, Maya raised her hand to knock, and the massive oak doors slowly creaked open.
“Alpha,” Jackson greeted with respect.
The Alpha’s gaze swept over the group, pausing slightly on Priya. She stood close to Priyank, trying to remain composed under his scrutiny.
“Welcome,” the Alpha responded in a deep voice. “I trust your journey was uneventful.”
Maya nodded respectfully. “Yes, Alpha. We appreciate your hospitality.”
“I am Alpha Lucas,” he introduced himself formally. “I have heard much about your return, Maya. It’s been a while.”
Maya nodded again, noting the tension in his voice. “Indeed, Alpha. Circumstances have led us back.”
Lucas glanced at Priya, his gaze sharp. “And who is this?”
Maya hesitated briefly. “This is Priya, my daughter.”
Lucas’s eyes widened in surprise. “Your daughter,” he repeated, his tone softer now, less guarded.
Priya swallowed nervously, aware of the weight of her lineage and the expectations that came with it. “Yes, Alpha. It’s an honor to meet you,” she managed to say, keeping her voice steady despite her racing heart.
Lucas approached them, his movements deliberate. He extended a hand towards Priya, and she hesitantly placed her own in his, feeling the coldness of his touch.
“The honor is mine, Priya,” he replied sincerely, his eyes holding a mix of curiosity and respect.
Maya exhaled quietly beside her, relieved that the initial meeting seemed to be going well. She glanced at Jackson, who nodded imperceptibly, indicating his silent approval.
Lucas withdrew his hand after a moment, his attention shifting back to Maya. “Please, come inside. Let us talk.”
“Sure,” they all followed Lucas, his aura somehow dangerous, giving off bad vibes.
Levi, Rish, Maya, Jackson, Priyank, and Priya all settled in the living room, as Lucas took his seat.
“I never got to meet you, but I heard about your skills from other doctors, Maya,” Lucas smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes.
Maya shuddered slightly.
“So, what circumstances brought you here? As far as I know, you only have two kids, Levi and Rish. How did you come to have another daughter, this girl?” Lucas inquired.
Maya took a moment to collect herself, meeting Lucas’s gaze steadily. She knew this conversation would require tactful words.
“We left the pack before the voting took place,” Maya began, her voice calm but firm. “It wasn’t planned for me to return, but circumstances changed. As for Priya, she’s my daughter, I adopted.”
Lucas nodded thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered Maya’s words. “I see,” he said finally.
“Alpha Lucas, Maya returned after 18 years because her kids hadn’t yet manifested their wolf forms,” Jackson lied smoothly.
While the truth was known to everyone except Lucas, Maya had actually returned because she had finally found the royal heir. However, they needed permission to stay, so this lie could work since it wasn’t entirely false.
“That’s because she took them outside without following any formal procedures. Even though I wasn’t Alpha at the time, I was aware of it,” Lucas stated arrogantly.
Maya maintained her composure, knowing that the conversation was delicate and every word mattered. She glanced at Jackson, silently urging him to proceed carefully.
Jackson nodded subtly before continuing, choosing his words with precision. “Yes, Alpha Lucas. We understand the importance of protocol, but circumstances compelled Maya to act the way she did.”
“But for that, her mate needs to accept her, and the pack has to accept her. It’s not like she can leave when people need her, and now she’s back because her kids were banned from having powers.”