What lies ahead?

Chapter 121 What lies ahead?
GOLD PACK
Standing on her tiptoes to see what laid beyond the fountain, Nadia almost craned her neck in the process. When the car eventually drove into the pack house premises, she let out a long sigh of relief. For a moment she had feared Jovy wouldn’t come.
Jovy stepped out of the taxi, feeling every bit of anxiety race through her insides. Even though Arlo had offered to come down to the Gold pack to help her move finally, she had insisted on handling it on her own. Nadia had also offered an entourage from the pack house but she turned it down too.
Having control over her own life before getting roped into the pack activities was important to show that she knows exactly what she is doing. Glancing up at Nadia, she smiled regaining the confidence she had been trying to build up. Jovy moved closer to her with her bags dropped by the driver.
Before she could take a step to get the bags, two guards had run towards her to take her things in. Jovy had a shocked look on her face.
Nadia laughed. “You don’t need to look surprised. It’s time to start getting used to being treated specially like the royalty that you are. It’s so nice to have you back here. I will take you to your room.”
“Thank you.” Jovy muttered.
“Come with me.”
As they walked towards the stairs, Nadia pointed out to the kitchen and other major places around. When they got to a door, she opened it and a loud gasp escaped Jovy’s lips at the sight of the room. It looked so close to something out of the heavens. Every of the furnitures are gold plated and the bed seem like it would contain five large people. Her eyes almost jolted out of their socket at how wide the room was.
“Is this the master bedroom?” She asked.
Nadia nodded. “Yes, and it’s yours now since you are the Luna. Also, I thought you might want to have some sort of connection with your father. But then, if you want any other space in the house you can have it.”
Jovy grinned. “This is just fine.” A chuckle escaped her lips at the sight of her bags. “They are quite fast.”
“It’s their job.” Taking a deep breath, she turned to Jovy holding her hands. “Jovy dear, I know this is an entirely new life for you but I want you to know it is what fate wants for you and it is where you are meant to be. If there is any form of inconvenience, please do not hesitate to meet with me.”
“How was my father like?” She blurted.
Nadia’s face brightened at the mention of her brother. “Marcel! He was one hell of a troublemaker and the both of us never did see eye to eye. Diplomatic, stern but most of all sweet, kind, caring, understanding and patient. He loves with all of his heart. Even though he does annoy me most times.” They both laughed. “He would have loved to meet you but death didn’t care about his deepest wishes. Everyone here loves Marcel and they love anyone in relation to him. In other words, you don’t have anything to worry about. I assure you.”
Jovy sniffed. “Thank you so much, Aunt Nadia.”
A bright beam crossed Nadia’s expression. “It feels good hearing you call me Aunt.”
She shrugged. “You will have to get used to it eventually and you might as well start now.”
“Come here.” Nadia stretched out her arms for a hug and Jovy leaned into the embrace happily.
Making her way down the stairs to enter the study, Nadia squinted her eyes at the main door opening and she almost fell flat on her face when Anastasia and the twins made their way in.
“Bless my heart. Anastasia, what are you doing here?” The answer got lost when the twins ran towards her, gripping at her legs tightly. Nadia bent down to their height, kissing their foreheads and she ruffled their hair too. “My babies, how are you doing?”
They didn’t respond and ran around the large space in delight. Anastasia moved closer to her mother for a hug.
“Am I suppose to be worried? You haven’t stepped foot in here since your wedding.” Nadia mumbled looking worried.
Anastasia laughed lightly. “I never came home because you had a monster with the intention of ruling. Now that my cousin is finally going to become the Luna I need to meet her.” She bellowed.
Nadia chewed on her lower lip as she gestured towards a passing maid. “Take care of those children. And you?” She grabbed her daughter by the hand. “You are coming with me.”
She locked the door after pulling her daughter into the study. “Listen Anna, I don’t know what it is that you have against Xavier and since you have refused to tell me what it is exactly, I won’t have you spoiling his name because of your personal grievance against him. Xavier is like a son to me and I would stand by him like every true mother would.”
Anastasia looked unrepentant with the mischievous smirk she had on. “You have always been too sweet for your own good mom. Anyways, I won’t be direct to Jovy, I would only tell her to be careful. Come on mom, all I want is to meet with my cousin. Which room, please?”
“Your uncle’s room.” Nadia replied reluctantly with a tired look.
“Alright, I’ll be right back.” She mused, jumping out like a child and rushing through the stairs. She knocked on the door gently but it gave way instead. Anastasia saw Jovy’s back turned unpacking her bags. “Hey, there. Need help?” She called out from the door.
Jolting out of her thoughts, Jovy looked behind her surprised to see a lady about some years older than she was at the doorway. Her face was more like that of Nadia’s when she was younger. Jovy could tell almost immediately that she was Nadia’s daughter. Her brown wavy hair complimented her oblong face with a small pointy nose, her body was to die for as they fit perfectly into the jean and white shirt she had on with a black ankle heel that made her look like someone who walked right out of a vogue magazine cover. From her little observation, she looked and smelled expensive. Her perfume filled the entire space.
“Please come in.” She said gently.
“Hi.” Anastasia hugged her tightly. “I am Anastasia, my mom is Nadia which means I am your cousin.”
Jovy chuckled lightly. “I had guess from the close resemblance. I am Jovy.”
She waved dismissively. “I know your name, mom talks about you at every chance she gets. Let me help you with that.”
Nodding in approval, the both of them arranged the few clothes Jovy brought with her into the large
closet.
“You need a lot of shopping.” Anastasia commented. “Thank goodness I am here for a while. Lucas is away on a business trip for a month. We would definitely get to bond really well then while you maneuver your way around being Luna.”
Jovy had no idea on how she was meant to respond cause Anastasia’s presence had her feeling overwhelmed. “I don’t mind any of it.” She admitted, warming up to her already.
“I am so sorry, I guess I am being too much. It’s just so nice to know I have a cousin after growing up alone all through my childhood.”
“I had the same childhood too. It’s nice meeting you.”
“Can I get a hug then?”
Jovy laughed as they shared an embrace. “I am feeling quite hungry. Didn’t eat any lunch.” Jovy said.
Anastasia checked her wristwatch. “I feel the same and luckily for us it’s time for dinner. Let’s head downstairs. I am sure the boys would have made my mom exhausted.”
“You have kids?” Jovy asked with a surprised look on her face.
“Yes, two twin boys and they are cute but troublesome. I hope you all get along well.”
“I am sure we will.” They both head out of the room to move downstairs. Their discussion got cut short with a lone clap at the foot of the stairs and a vicious sneer on the face.
“If it isn’t the prodigal daughter. What do we have here?”
Anastasia hissed bitterly at the sight of Xavier. Even though she had prepared herself to meet with him, nothing would ever prepare her for his snide remarks. Despite their growth into adulthood, nothing has changed much between them.
Squaring her shoulder, she made her way down the stairs with a prideful gait. “Shouldn’t your ego have deflated now? What you thought would be yours have been slipped off your feet in a second. What a shame.” She taunted.
Xavier gritted his teeth and glared hard at her. “Don’t mess with me.”
Anastasia let out a scoff as she walked past him. “You should have thought about that before trying to come at me.”
Balling his hands into a fist, he fumed past Jovy without sparing her a glance. Jovy stared in amazement as she looked surprised at Xavier’s reaction. Catching up with Anastasia, she couldn’t help but ask. “You both have bad blood?”
Anastasia snorted. “We never did get along growing up. He gets on my last nerve every time.”
“Alright.” She mumbled, uncertain of what response to give.
Nadia was already seated by the dining table. “I was just about to ask the maids to call you both down.”
“Where are my babies?” Anastasia asked, sitting opposite her mother.
“You would be surprised at the nap they took after wolfing every thing edible their little mouths could chew on. How are you and Jovy getting along?” Nadia asked.
“Well, Jovy is a delight. I am glad we are getting along fine.” She replied.
Jovy smiled shyly. “Thanks Anastasia.”
“Let’s eat please. I am famished.” Nadia growled.
Xavier joined them when the food was getting served. Nadia had planned for a proper introduction during dinner but she wasn’t expecting Anastasia to come by. At the same time, she felt glad that her daughter thought to visit after such a long time. Jovy was no doubt a blessing.
“When are you returning, Anastasia?” She asked.
Smacking her lips, Anastasia gave Xavier a once-over before responding. “Actually, Lucas is on a business trip and he won’t be back till after a month. The twins and I would leave when he gets back.”
Nadia clapped in excitement. “That’s such great news. Jovy, thank you so much for coming into our lives. I haven’t had to spend time with her and the twins since she left the pack house.”
“Yeah, right. I only came back for my cousin.” Anastasia reaffirmed, elongating her last word while glaring hard at Xavier.
Xavier fumed, his wolf was restless causing him to grunt under his breath.
“Are you alright, son?” Nadia asked.
Taking a deep breath, he turned to her. “It’s nothing, aunt. I’m fine. Welcome, Jovy. I hope we get along well.”
“I hope not.” Anastasia muttered under her breath.
“Anastasia!” Nadia called out in a warning tone.
Jovy not wanting to seem too quiet, she smiled. “Thanks. I do hope I get along with everyone.”
The rest of the dinner went with no hassle. When they were all retiring to their various rooms, Anastasia promised to take Jovy for shopping by morning. Eventually feeling safe in the confines of her new room, Jovy stood by the window looking out into the full moon night and her heart yearned for the presence of her friends. She couldn’t explain what was going on deep within her.
The sound of her phone ringing brought her back to reality. She ran towards the phone. When she picked up the phone, a wide smile appeared on her face when she saw it was a conference call from the three people she yearned to talk to.
‘You three are angels in disguise.’ She blurted into the receiver, jumping into the bed with her legs folded under her lap.
‘Nice to be of your service, dear Luna. Shrimps or prawns?’ Alice raunchy voice boomed over the phone.
Arlo snickered. ‘Oh please, stop being so dramatic. Jovy, my Luna…oops did I just say Luna?’
Amelia laughed. ‘Cut it out you two. How is it with you there, Jovy?’
All through their taunts Jovy had a big smile on her face, she had almost felt lonely being in the presence of people she knew just little about even though Anastasia did make her feel comfortable as much as she could.
‘I have missed hearing your voices, it seems like ages already.’ She said.
‘Awww.’ The three of them cooed.
Jovy cackled. ‘Can you not join in Arlo? That doesn’t suit you one bit.’
‘Alright now. So all of that aside, tell us everything about your new home.’ Alice said eagerly.
Jovy sat upright, almost like the three of them were seated in front of her. ‘I think this place would give off a whole lot of drama, what I do not know is how much trouble it might cause. Xavier, the adopted son of my father is in a silent feud with Nadia’s daughter Anastasia.’
‘Nadia has a daughter?’ Arlo inquired.
Alice snorted. ‘You expect her not to?’
Arlo clicked his teeth. ‘I was thinking to make her mine.’
Jovy blurted into a loud laughter including Alice and Amelia. Arlo grumbled in a low but clear tone on how he would make them regret making jest of him.
‘How old is she?’ Amelia asked.
‘She should be some couple of years older than I am. She is even married with kids.’ Jovy responded.
‘Please be careful around the adopted son, he might not like you.’ Arlo muttered.
She hummed to herself. ‘I don’t think that is the case. He looks like a reserved person to me and Nadia is quite fond of him.’
‘And I love Alice.’ Arlo said in a sarcastic tone.
‘Fuck you!’ She retorted.
Amelia cleared her throat to call at their attention. ‘Jovy, I want you to remind yourself daily of who you are now and don’t let anyone fool you into making regrettable decisions. Take your time to get to know him, if Anastasia doesn’t find him good enough to talk to, I think it would be fair to ask her about it. To keep you safe.’
‘The sage has spoken.’ Alice howled. ‘Now, tell me. How good looking is he?’
Jovy blushed all of a sudden. ‘I would say eighty five percent good looking!’
‘Dang!’ Alice and Amelia blurted at the same time.
‘Can you both stop being dramatic? It’s enough that you are too blinded to see the most handsome male in the universe next to you. Now, you are salivating over a mere description. Have you both gone mad?’ Arlo whined breathless.
Alice let out an hysterical laugh. ‘So jealous, why would we look towards you with that crazy illusion of yours? I am sure Jovy agrees with me.’
‘Jovy?’ Arlo called out.
Jovy shook her head mouthing not today as she held back a laugh. “I’m so not doing this with you all. I think I will call it a night now, I have had a long day. Love you all, good night.’
They were no longer listening as they had resorted to bickering at each other when she disconnected the call. She couldn’t help the smile that lingered on her face. There is no way she has any regrets for her life so far. It has been a tough journey but she wouldn’t mind forging ahead. Covering herself with the duvet, she smiled softly letting sleep evade her. Tomorrow had made a promise to be good.