Chapter 53
Xena’s POV
The pack house was massive in scale, yet it emanated an ancient charm. The entire
structure was built from natural stone, appearing both raw and beautiful. I found myself drawn to it involuntarily, a strange sense of familiarity washing over me, as if the building itself was calling out to me.
The old wooden floors had recently been refinished, and the smell became more noticeable the deeper we ventured into the house. Warm browns, creams, and whites complemented each other perfectly, and not a single corner harbored cobwebs, telling me his staff was well–trained. In most places, you’d find one or two, but this place was
surprisingly spotless.
A massive chandelier hung over the entryway, but it was made of wooden beads cascading downward, blending seamlessly with the overall atmosphere. The entire place gave off the
impression: we have money, but we don’t flaunt it. This understated luxury made me
appreciate Ryder even more in my heart, completely different from what I’d imagined a
werewolf leader’s residence would be like.
“The top floor is reserved for the leadership family and specific guests. You’ll be staying
there. My room is right here, and you’ll be across the hall. My parents‘ room is at the end
of the corridor, with a few guest rooms nearby,” Ryder said as he opened the door to my
room.
The room was decorated in cream and gray, very neutral. Nice but basic. Just a guest
room. Ryder placed my luggage on the bed. The room wasn’t huge, with a small seating area, but nothing that could be called a living room.
“The second floor is for the Beta and Gamma families, while the ground floor is specifically for guests. No one else lives in the pack house.”
“Why do I have to stay upstairs?” I asked, though I already had a guess.
“So I can ensure your safety,” Ryder’s voice carried an undeniable firmness.
“Maybe we should fight too, see who can make who submit,” I muttered as I walked past him. I didn’t actually want to challenge him, just wanted to see his reaction, to test the
1/4
Chapter 53
strange tension between us.
Ryden grabbed my hand, pulling me against his chest. Feeling his baby heat, my lips instantly went dry. His hand encircled my waist, and I could feel my heart racing. His scent enveloped me, making me both nervous and excited.
“When I make you submit, there won’t be an audience,” his voice was low, tinged with dangerous charm.
“I think you’ve got it wrong. I’ll be the one on top,” I deliberatedly left the double meanin hanging, watching as it registered in his mind. His gaze deepened, and I took a step back might as a knock came at the door. I continued backing away, watching Ryder struggle to control his expression, secretly pleased with myself..
“Hey.” It was William and Ama.
“We wanted to join you guys.” Ama looked between Ryder and me, sensing the atmosphere. “Are we… interrupting something?”
“No, Ryder was just getting to know some things about me. Continue the tour,” I said casually, though my heart was still pounding from that moment of intimacy. William wa trying hard not to laugh, and Ryder gave him a fiiiendly punch on the shoulder. Ama linked her arm through mine as we continued forward.
“Wait,” Ryder said softly. We stopped in front off an elegant door. “This is my personal library. You’re welcome to use it.”
Ryder opened the door, and my jaw dropped in surprise. It was beautiful. Bookshelves extended from floor to ceiling. Only one wall remained empty.
“I’m still collecting,” Ryder said,, and Il moticed a hint of pride in his voice. A balcony face the empty wall, with two comfortable dhuiirs placed on it.
“This is amazing,” I began browsing the shelves. I’d read most of them, some I hadn’t ha the chance to read yet, and othens Id never heard of. Looking at these books, I felt a strong connection, as if I’d finally found a place where I could feel at ease in this
unfamiliar environment..
“Let’s continue, or we’ll never finish,” Ama said softly. She knew that if it were up to me. I’d never leave. She pulled me forward.
Chapter 53
“Fine…” I reluctantly tore my gaze away, following them downstairs.
“Down this right corridor, beneath the stairs, there’s a game room, gym, and office spaces, they opened each door, giving me the opportunity to see everything inside.
C
“The teenagers like to come here to play and eat together before heading home in the evenings. It’s a place to relax after training or just in general,” William explained.
“Sounds fun,” I responded, imagining the lively scene.
“It can be fun, or it can be a headache if we have to break up fights,” Ryder crossed his arms over his chest, his tone carrying a mix of exasperation and fondness.
“The changing rooms are by the training room,” Ama added.
“We should check out the kitchen,” Ryder glanced at his phone.
The dining room had massive double doors. Inside were several large tables that filled the entire room.
“There’s a more private dining area, but tonight we’ll be in there.” I followed Ryder as he pushed open another door. A lively atmosphere greeted us, the room already filled with people. Ryder guided me to my seat.
“This is my mother, Luna Kestrel. William’s father Ulysses, who is my dad’s Beta, and William’s mother Ophelia. Then there’s Gamma Tom and his mate Saffron. I’m not sure if you’ve met my gamma Mike and his sister Catherine,” Ryder introduced each person.
I smiled and nodded at each of them in greeting.
“This is Xena Harris, Alpha Hank’s daughter. She’ll be staying with us this week,” Ryder
announced.
“It’s nice to meet you, Xena,” Luna Kestrel was the first to speak, looking dignified, elegant, and kind.
“She’s the one I told you about, ‘Blade‘,” Ryder leaned close to his mother as he spoke.
3/
