Chapter 2

I woke up with the same dream again. A week had passed since I first had that dream.

It's a dream about a little girl wandering through the woods, her small basket filled with various flowers.

As she explored the forest, she noticed a large tree near the lake. But she knew she wasn't supposed to venture this far.

She was about to turn back when she heard something—a distant moaning. Fear gripped the child yet curiosity drove her toward the source of the sound.

She walk towards tree near the lake, she saw a young man laying while groaning in pain, his white T-shirt stained with blood.

The girl didn't know what to do. She wanted to seek help from her parents. As she was about to leave to ask for help, the man suddenly opened his eyes.

Their gaze locked and the girl felt something strange inside her. She was too young to understand it fully, but she knew it wasn't fear. The little girl gave the man a sweet smile.

"Who are you?" the young man asked as she approached him. Instead of answering, the girl pulled out a handkerchief from her white dress.

She gently wiped the bloodstains from the young man's face. He watched her with furrowed brows, but as she continued, the worry lines on his forehead gradually eased.

"Don't worry, mister. You are safe now. I'll go get help from my parents to heal your wound." the girl said softly. It sounds so angelic.

He didn't speak but groaned softly as a response. The boy remained his eyes closed.

"What's your name?" the girl asked. Despite his pain, the man managed to tell her his name.

She smiled and told him her name as well. And then, remembering her mother's soothing gestures when she was in pain. She cupped his face with her small hands and kissed his forehead without hesitation.

After that, she tried to comfort him by caressing his face while singing the song her mother used to sing to her. Perhaps it would ease his pain.

His eyes fluttered open, he held her hands. But when he muttered someone else's name, the girl's forehead creased in confusion.

I sighed deeply when I thought of my dream. It couldn't be a memory since I had no recollection of such an event from my childhood.

I should start preparing since Sianna would be here soon, and that girl hated waiting. I chuckled at the thought.

Sianna is my best friend, she is two years older than me. I met her when I stumbled upon the pack house.

A small smile appeared in my face when I recall what happened two years ago.

Caiden is a Delta in the pack, he was the one who found me in the forest. The rogues were attacking the small towns and villages of Artea, they are hunting those who pledged allegiance to the Wolf Hunters.

The Scouts and Deltas were sent to patrol and secure the other towns in Artea, to ensure that the town's people are safe. But when they reached Wyverlight, it was too late. The houses are burneda and many lives are lost.

They ventured into the nearby forest to find any survivors from the unfortunate event and that's where they found me.

I'd been unconscious for a week. When I woke up, I immediately asked for Grandma Marie. But Caiden's words shattered my heart when he told that she is gone.

Caiden said that perhaps Grandma Marie sacrificed herself to save me. I wept, knowing she was my only family and now she's gone.

If I didn't faint that night will she still with me somehow? Would she still cook my favorite dish and celebrate my fifteenth birthday?

It's bittersweet, but I must carry on. I must continue living, not just for my sake but also for my grandma's. I promise not to let my grandmother's sacrifice go in vain.

The next day after I woke up, I met Sianna. She was friendly and bubbly, though quick to get annoyed. We hit it off right away— we became friends. I also got to know her mother, Auntie Lily. Her mother worked in the kitchen as a cook, and Sianna occasionally helped out there. Sometimes, she assisted in the infirmary. On my third day in the pack house, Sianna gave me a tour of the pack house, although we didn't manage to explore every corner.

The pack house was enormous almost resembling a Victorian mansion.There are certain areas that were restricted, accessible only to the Alpha, Beta, and Deltas. Sianna also briefed me on the pack house rules and I met other pack members and learned kitchen duties from her.

Despite spending two weeks in the pack house, I hadn't met the Alpha yet. Auntie Lily explained that he was at the Council House, summoned by the Elders.

Another week passed, and rumors circulated that the Alpha had returned from the city, everyone in the pack house became busy.

It is late in the evening when the Alpha arrived. Everyone eagerly awaited his arrival. The Deltas stood outside, ready to welcome him.

As the carriage halted, a man with medium-length hair stepped forward to open the door.

And there, before my eyes, emerged a man. Tall and tan, his jet-black hair was slightly disheveled yet looked soft. He wore a fitted black shirt and ripped jeans that accentuated his well-defined physique. His brown boots added to his height. As he stepped out from the carriage, all the heads bowed in respect.

His gaze swept over the crowd, assessing each pack member and when his eyes locked onto mine it felt like time had freeze. My stomach churned and my knees are wobbling. Fortunately I have held Sianna's hand or I might have collapsed at that moment. His intense blue obsidian eyes bore into mine and I couldn't tear my gaze away from those mesmerizing eyes. It felt as though he could see straight through straiIt is my first eye contact with—with the Alpha. Although it was brief, I feel something weird.

"Primo?"

A woman with wavy mermaid-like hair stepped out of the carriage. His name sounded sweet on her lips but bitter in my ears. She extended her hand to the Alpha, who accepted it as if holding the most precious treasure in all of Artea.

I was eyeing them as they entered in the pack house and that night, we welcomed the future Luna of the Serafine Pack.

The celebration was in full swing and everyone rejoiced that the Alpha had already chosen a woman as their future Luna.

I don't know why I felt bitter when the Alpha announced that she will be the Luna.

But why not Liliana? She was stunning and she came from a wealthy family. Liliana is also known for her kindness according to Sianna.

A week later, the people in the pack are busy in preparing since tonight we will celebrate the Alpha's anniversary as the pack leader.

"I have mentioned you to the Alpha, Kianna. I also asked him if you could stay here at the pack house since you have no other family. " Aunt dahlia said while wiping the table. She's one of the cooks in the pack house.

"Thank you, Aunt. " I replied, smiling.

"Is the Alpha kind?" I inquired.

"Yes, he is. Primo is kind person. Despite being young, he's well aware of the responsibilities of an Alpha. But Uno, his father doesn't pressure him excessively. It's a shame his parents passed away early." she answered wistfully.

"How did the Alpha's parents die?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Uno lost his life during an encounter with the rogues. " she said, sadness was evident in her voice.

Later on, Aunt Dahlia excused herself to check on the food outside.

"Sis? Don't you plan to join the celebration outside? We have finished our tasks and we can go out." Sianna asked as she entered the kitchen.

"No, I'll stay here. Aunt Dahlia and Auntie Lily might need help. And besides... isn't it embarrassing? I'm still new here."

"My mother told me that the Alpha has already agreed for you to stay here. So, what are you afraid of?" she probed.

I wasn't exactly afraid. I wanted to say that, but my lips remained sealed.

Actually, I'm afraid of this feeling that overwhelms me every time I see the Alpha. It's like my stomach churning but I don't understand why. It's weird. And when our eyes lock, it feels like he can see right through me. I'm scared because sometimes he seems angry, even though I haven't done anything wrong.

Maybe he doesn't really want me here.

"Sis, what's the matter? Are you coming with me or not?" Sianna asked impatiently.

I mentally chuckle after hearing her words. Oh, Sianna... always impatient.

"I've already told you. If you want, you can go and have fun. I'll be fine here," I said, smiling.

Sianna sighed and pouted her lips. "Okay, just find me if you get bored."

I nodded in response and she quickly left.

"Anna, why don't you go with Sianna? We can manage here. Enjoy the celebration," Auntie said when she saw me preparing another batch of cookies.

"I'm fine being here, Aunt. I like helping out. " I smiled to reassure her.

"If that's the case then... Can you go fetch another batch of alcohol in the wine cellar? I'll finish preparing the cookies."

I nodded my head and left the kitchen. After I took a box of wine, I went back to the kitchen but I halted when I heard a familiar voice inside.

Gosh! Why is the Alpha inside the kitchen?!

Here we go again. My heart is beating so fast and my stomach is churning. I can feel my palms starting to sweat.

"So, it's just the two of you here? " The alpha asked. The two of you? Is he talking about me and Aunt Lily?

"Ah, yes. Dahlia is still checking the foods outside." Aunt answered.

"Where is she? " He asked once more. She? Is he pertaining about me?

"Oh, she's still in the wine cellar. But she'll be back soon. "

I decided to wait for the Alpha to leave before I enter inside the kitchen but minutes has passed by and he's still not leaving, I still hear his voice inside. I also heard Aunt Lily wondering where I am. So, I had no choice but to show myself.

"A-aunt L-lily, I'm s-sorry for making you wait. " I said then lowered my gaze.

"It's okay, dear. Place them on the table." she replied. "Is it heavy? I hope you only brought two bottles." she added in a worry.

I reassured her with a smile, letting her know I was fine.

"Anna, the Alpha is here." Aunt Lily said, pulling me toward him.

"Uh... g-good evening, Alpha P-primo." I greeted while pinching my hand nervously.

I thought he wouldn't respond but to my surprise, he did. "Good evening... Kianna." he uttered coldly.

I bit my lower lip and bowed my head. Why does my name sound gentle when he says it?

"Ah, Primo. Do you have any orders?" Aunt Lily asked.

"None," he replied while not looking at Aunt Lily but directly at me.

I averted my gaze, focusing on the cookies.

"If that's the case, Primo. Would you like something to eat? Anna, offer the Alpha some food."

I glanced around, but all I saw were cookies and chips.

"Uh, a cookies perhaps?" I asked after I swallowed the lump in my throat. But, I heard Auntie Lily gasped softly.

"Anna, how about some fruit? Primo isn't fond of sweets." she suggested.

I nodded, ready to hand him some fruit, but...

"No, the cookies is fine. I want it." he stated firmly.

Aunt Lily seemed surprised by his reaction but she quickly recovered.

Not long after, the Alpha bid us farewell. He mentioned that guests were looking for him. But before leaving, he gave me a lingering gaze.

"I didn't know Primo is fond of sweets now. " Aunt said, looking puzzled.

"Doesn't the Alpha eat sweets?" I asked.

"Not much. Truth be told, it's the first time I've seen him ate something sweet. " she replied.

Aunt Lily left minutes later since she insisted on taking the cupcakes outside.

Alpha Primo... why do you make my heart flutter?