The Chef's Sick Mate (Book 17 of the Regal Eclipse Pack Series)

Chapter 30

Gen wanted to just stand there and gawk. The floors were covered in a light gray tile, and the walls were white. The back wall was covered in glass, letting in plenty of light, and there was a pool out back, though it had been winterized. There were some large potted plants and an elevator on either side of the room. It sort of reminded her of a hotel but more homey she supposed. The smell of baking bread filled the halls, and she breathed it in deeply. It smelled really good.

She followed them all down the hall, noticing several doors and found herself wanting to explore. Maybe one day, but not now. It would be really odd if she started randomly opening doors. She smirked to herself. She could imagine their faces if she did that. Though she did wonder if this place had a library. Especially if Aidan's great, great aunt was an author. 

They all came to a stop outside of one door, and Cade opened it, before stepping inside. Everyone walked in, Gen right behind her mother and looked around. The room was beautiful. The floors were hardwood, and the room has sort of a rustic feel to it and was decorated in shades of blue. There was a Queen size bed, and it looked soft and welcoming. She'd happily claim this as her own room if she could. Her gaze darted over to a chair, and she could imagine herself settled there every evening reading a book. She wondered how long she and Melissa would be staying in this room.

Cade opened a door, and Gen peered through to see another room. Were they getting two? She'd expected to share this one with her mother. Her excitement grew at the prospect of having one of these spaces all to herself, even if it was just temporary.

"Gen?"

She looked up and realized she hadn't been paying the least bit of attention throughout the entire conversation. Her mind was completely running away with her today. "Sorry, what did you say?"

"Are you okay with staying in the room?" Ana asked her, a small smile on her lips as if she knew exactly where Gen's mind had been.

"Of course," she responded. She loved the room. She'd stay here permanently if she was allowed to, though that probably wasn't an option.

"Mom will be next door. And you can text me if you need anything, but I'm going up to our apartment to put my things away and then we'll be back to take you all to dinner," Ana told her.

"Sounds good," Gen murmured and watched everyone but her mother leave the room.

"If you need anything..." Her mother gave her a pointed look.

"I'll be fine but if I do, I'll text or knock." Gen smiled at her.

"This place is very nice," Melissa whispered.

"Are you glad we came?"

"So far, yes, but I'd do anything to make sure you are well." Melissa wrapped her arms around herself, her gaze moving over her daughter. "You need to eat more, Gen. You're still too thin."

Gen looked at her in surprise. It was the first time her mother had ever said something like that to her. She would encourage Gen to eat some, but not that much. Gen knew her parents had babied her growing up, and she wasn't totally sure it had done her any favors. "I know. I'm just always afraid I'm going to puke it back up."

Melissa nodded. "Once you join the pack, I don't think you'll have to worry about that anymore." Melissa turned and walked out of the bedroom and into her own, closing the door behind her.

Gen breathed out slowly, then smiled. This was the first day of the rest of her life and she intended to make the most of it. Make it different. Things were different now. She was different. A new beginning, and hopefully she could be happy and never be sick again.