Thalia woke up with a start, her heart pounding in her chest. She lay still for a moment, trying to shake off the remnants of what she hoped was just a sleep-deprived dream. The vivid images of Xander and the strange revelations swirled in her mind, making it hard to distinguish reality from imagination.
She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes and taking a deep breath. The room was quiet, the early morning light filtering through the curtains. Thalia glanced around, half-expecting to see Xander standing there, but she was alone.
"Was it really just a dream?" she whispered to herself, feeling a strange mix of relief and disappointment.
As she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up, a nagging feeling in the back of her mind told her that there was more to the dream than she wanted to admit. She couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had happened, something that would change everything.
Thalia decided to push the thoughts aside for now. She needed to get through the day and figure out what was real and what wasn't. Little did she know, the truth was about to reveal itself in ways she never imagined.
As Thalia was about to open the door to walk out, she noticed a small note taped to it. Her curiosity piqued, she carefully peeled it off and unfolded the paper. The handwriting was elegant yet hurried, as if the writer had been in a rush.
"Thalia, meet me in the common house. It's where the pack gets together to eat. Lilah, one of our trusted members, is on the other side waiting for you. I'm sorry I couldn't be there; I had to attend a meeting with my brother. – Xander"
Her heart skipped a beat. The dream from last night came rushing back, and she wondered if this was connected. She hesitated for a moment, then decided to follow the note's instructions. She had to know if there was more to this than just her imagination.
Thalia grabbed her jacket and headed out the door, her mind racing with questions and possibilities. Little did she know, the truth waiting for her in the common house would change her life forever.
Thalia opened the bedroom door to find Lilah waiting outside. Lilah's eyes were filled with curiosity and a hint of confusion. She had so many questions about this newcomer and why the brothers had allowed a human to enter their community, but she decided it was best not to intervene.
"Welcome," Lilah said, trying to hide her apprehension. "I'll take you to the common house."
Thalia nodded, sensing the unspoken questions in Lilah's gaze. As they walked through the dimly lit corridors, Thalia couldn't help but feel the weight of the unknown pressing down on her. The common house loomed ahead, its doors a gateway to answers she both craved and feared.
When they finally reached the entrance, Lilah paused, her hand resting on the door handle. "I hope you find what you're looking for," she said softly, before pushing the door open and stepping aside to let Thalia through.
Inside, the room was filled with a hushed anticipation, the air thick with the promise of revelations and the weight of unspoken truths. Thalia took a deep breath and stepped forward, ready to face whatever awaited her.
As Thalia entered the common house, a hush fell over the room. Everyone was staring at her, some with curiosity, others with suspicion. The atmosphere crackled with tension. Before Thalia could turn and run away, Alpha Asher spoke up, "Welcome, Thalia. Please take a seat. Xander will be here in a moment."
Thalia nodded and took a seat, her mind racing with questions. Why was she here? What did they want from her? She could feel the weight of the stares, the unspoken questions hanging in the air.
Just then, the door opened, and Xander walked in. His presence was commanding, and the room seemed to shift around him. He looked directly at Thalia and made his way over to his seat next to her.
"Good Morning," Xander said quietly, just loud enough for Thalia to hear.
"Now we can all eat" ! said Alpha Asher.
As everyone started eating and enjoying their meal, Xander couldn't help but notice everyone stealing glances towards Thalia. Xander, being the rude guy he's known for, gave them a cold, hard stare as if saying, "Mind your business and eat."
The tension in the room was palpable as Xander's gaze swept over the other pack members. Thalia felt a mix of gratitude and apprehension at his protective demeanor.
No matter how hard Xander tried to get everyone to stop looking their way, they wouldn't. Even if they were frightened by him, their curiosity got the best of them. Alpha Asher, now noticing what's happening, decides to break the tension.
"Everyone," Alpha Asher said, his voice carrying authority, "let's focus on our meal and enjoy this time together. Thalia is our guest, and she deserves our respect."
The room gradually returned to a more relaxed atmosphere, though the curiosity in the air was still palpable. Thalia took a deep breath, grateful for Alpha Asher's intervention.
As Koda, the little pup about 6 years old, timidly piped up, "Excuse me, Alpha, but who is the new lady?" the room fell silent once again. All eyes turned to Alpha Asher, waiting for his response.
Alpha Asher smiled kindly at Koda and then looked around at all the members. "I'm sure everyone is wanting to know the answers," he said. "Let's get this over with. Xander, brother, please introduce your guest to the pack, so we may finally finish our meal before we begin the day."
Xander stood up, his expression serious. "This is Thalia," he said, taking a deep breath. "She's not just a friend.... Thalia is my mate."
A wave of surprise and curiosity washed over the pack members. Thalia felt a mix of emotions, but Xander's firm grip on her hand gave her strength.
The pack's reaction was unexpected, but it seemed like a new chapter was beginning for both Xander and Thalia .
As Xander revealed that Thalia was his mate, everyone was in shock. Murmurs filled the air, with everyone talking at once. "I can't believe he found someone," one voice said. "Let alone someone wanting to be with him, hes so cold" another added. The conversations weren't kind towards Xander. "He can't love someone," someone scoffed. "He's not relationship material," another voice chimed in.
Xander's expression darkened as he heard the whispers. Anger flashed in his eyes, showing the side of him that the pack had always known. Thalia squeezed his hand, trying to offer some comfort, but the tension in the room was palpable.
Xander, trying to remain composed for Thalia's sake and not scare her off, couldn't take it anymore. His anger and coldness got the best of him.
"Enough!" he roared, his voice echoing through the room. The pack fell silent, eyes wide with surprise and fear. "I don't need your approval or your acceptance," he continued, his tone icy. "Thalia is my mate, and that's all that matters."
Thalia felt a shiver run down her spine, but she stood by Xander's side, her hand still firmly in his. The pack members exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of how to respond.
Thalia slightly raised her voice and said, "Enough, Xander Sit down. There's no need to escalate this further." The pack waited, knowing Xander's temper and expecting him to tear into her. Instead, Xander took a deep breath, looked at Thalia, and said, "For you, my love, I apologize," before sitting down.
He took a seat, acknowledging Thalia's influence on him. The pack observed in silence, witnessing the power of Thalia's presence in calming the usually rugged and angsty member of the pack.
YOU ARE READING
"Heart of Stone, Heart of Gold "
Werewolf*Prologue* --- The moon hung high in the night sky, casting an eerie glow over the dense forest. The pack gathered in a clearing, their eyes fixed on the imposing figure of Alpha Blackthorn. He stood tall, his presence commanding respect and loyalty...
