THE ALPHA'S REJECTED MATE ( I have a baby for him)

Part 4

The journey to the east was long and arduous, but I was determined to put as much distance between myself and my past as possible. The forest gave way to rolling hills and wide-open fields, a landscape that seemed to promise a fresh start. After days of traveling, I found myself at the border of Pack Atlas as neighboring people described.

Pack Atlas was a farm, a very large farm. There were many people moving about and doubt began to creep up in my heart.

"What if they reject us to stay in their pack?" Lyra asked.

"Well, it doesn't hurt to try. I won't be surprised if they turn us away. They are the biggest pack in the Eastside. All we need to do is figure out who their Alpha is."

As I drove closer, I saw a group of people working in the fields. The scent of freshly turned earth and growing crops filled the air. I hesitated at the edge of the field, unsure of my welcome, but a figure detached from the group and came towards me.

He was tall, with dark hair and warm, inviting brown eyes. His smile was genuine, and I felt a flicker of hope. "Hello," he said, his voice friendly. "I'm Elias. Can I help you?"

"I'm looking for a new place to stay," I replied, my voice tentative. "I've... left my old pack."

Elias studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Come with me, someone would attend to your car, Let's get you introduced to the others."

As we walked through the fields, Elias explained the workings of Pack Atlas. "We run a farm here. It's hard work, but everyone contributes, and we take care of each other. It's a good place to start over."

His words were like a balm to my wounded spirit. "Thank you," I said softly. "I could use a fresh start. I hope I won't be a burden."

"Nonsense. No one is ever a burden, we take care of our own."

Elias introduced me to several pack members, all of whom greeted me with smiles and curious glances. The packhouse was a large, welcoming structure, its walls covered in climbing ivy and surrounded by blooming flowers. It felt like a place where people cared about their home and each other.

As we entered the packhouse, a man came and bowed. "Alpha, you sent for me."

"Alpha?" I blinked in surprise. He had been so unassuming, so kind, that I hadn't guessed his position. "You're the Alpha?"

He nodded. "Yes. But here, we don't stand on ceremony. Everyone's voice matters, and everyone's contribution is valued."

"Tell Laura to prepare a room on my floor for a new member."

"Yes Alpha."

A sense of relief washed over me. This was so different from the rigid hierarchy I had known. "Thank you for welcoming me, Elias."

"Why don't we sit and talk?" he suggested, leading me to a cozy sitting area. "Tell me about your old pack and what brought you here."

I took a deep breath, then began to recount my story. I told him about Cara's death and how I was blamed for it, the rejection I faced from my brothers, the cruel twist of fate that made Aziel my mate, and the heart-wrenching rejection I endured from him. I spoke of my time at the restaurant, the fleeting moments of happiness, and the final betrayal that drove me away. Elias listened intently, his expression one of empathy and understanding.

"I'm sorry you went through all that, Alora," he said when I finished. "No one should have to endure such pain. But I'm glad you found your way here. We'll do everything we can to help you build a new life."

A young man came down the stairs and my jaws dropped to the ground. He was as handsome as a runway model and extremely tall. His hair was white as went his eyebrows and his lashes.

He caught me ogling him and froze.

"Ah, Sebby, you are up. I was beginning to get worried."

"Don't fucking call me that!"

Elias turned to me and grinned. "And this is my Beta, Sebastian. The most handsome human on the planet."

"I couldn't agree more." I said day dreamily.

"Laura is done with the room, its at the left end down the hallway" Sebastian said while still looking at me questionably.

Elias stood and motioned for me to follow him. "Let me show you where you'll be staying."

We walked down a hallway lined with doors, each one leading to a private room. Elias stopped at the end of the hall and opened a door, revealing a spacious room painted in a sophisticated cotton candy pink!

I didn't know when I started laughing until Elias groaned.

"I told you pink was not a good color Sebby."

"I stand unmoved. It is an excellent color and it bring out the glow in my skin."

I blushed. "It's not a bad color, I've just never seen a pink room."

"You never wore pink as a kid?" Sebastian looked surprised.

"In fact, I didn't. I was the only girl amongst three boys, Navy blue became my favourite color."

"Wonderful!"

"The bed is inviting." I nodded towards the queen sized bed with plush pillows and a soft, handmade quilt.

"only the best for your royal highness." Sebastian took a mocking bow and I smacked him in the head playfully.

"Alright kids, that's enough."

"This will be your room," Elias said. "I hope you find it comfortable."

"It's beautiful," I whispered, feeling a lump in my throat. "Thank you, Elias. I don't know how to repay you."

He smiled warmly. "You can start by accepting a job offer. We could use a talented chef like you. Our kitchen is always busy, and having someone with your skills would be a blessing."

Tears of gratitude filled my eyes. "I'd love that," I said, my voice choked with emotion. "I'll do everything I can."

"Welcome to Pack Atlas, Alora," Sebastian said, his tone sincere. "We're glad to have you."

"Thank you Sebby." I said playfully.

Sebastian growled at Elias. "Now look what you caused! I was almost making her to be heads over heels in love with me."

"Save your breath Seb."

"So why didn't you call me Seb all along!" Sebastian rolled his eyes like a child.

"Let Alora settle down. I'm sure she has been on the road for days."

"Alright. But we are going shopping later, your clothes are screaming help me."

They left the room and I sat at the edge of the bed taking in the warmth and comfort of the room. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a sense of hope. This new beginning was exactly what I needed, and I was determined to make the most of it.