Bound by Fate: The Alpha's Luna

Chapter 17: The First Breakfast

Isabella woke early, the soft morning light gently filtering through her curtains. She stretched, feeling the familiar nervous energy settle in her stomach. Today would be her first breakfast with the pack as Luna. Although she had begun adjusting to her new life, the gravity of her position still weighed heavily on her.

After a quick shower, she dressed carefully in a cream-colored blouse that draped elegantly over her shoulders and tucked into a pair of tailored black pants that highlighted her natural grace without drawing too much attention. She wanted to look the part—confident, in control—but also not overstep.

As she descended the stairs, the scent of fresh coffee and breakfast wafted through the air, and the quiet murmur of conversation greeted her. Entering the dining hall, she paused for a moment, taking in the scene. The long wooden table was filled with pack members, chatting and laughing, already deep into their morning meal. And at the head of the table, seated with his usual quiet authority, was Alaric.

He was sifting through some papers but looked up the moment she entered. A brief flicker of surprise crossed his face, quickly replaced by something softer—almost pleased. Alaric stood, his movements slightly hesitant as though unsure of how to greet her.

"Isabella," he called out, his deep voice low but warm. He gestured toward the seat beside him, his hand lingering in the air as if he was genuinely happy to see her but unsure how to show it.

Isabella smiled, feeling a little of the tension in her body ease. She walked toward him and took the seat next to him, noticing how his eyes lingered on her for just a second longer than usual. There was an awkwardness between them, as though neither of them knew exactly how to act around each other yet.

"Good morning," she said softly, offering him a polite smile.

"Good morning," he replied, his voice quieter than usual. There was a tension in his posture, as though he was wrestling with something unsaid. He sat beside her, straight-backed and composed, but his fingers drummed lightly on the table as if betraying the calm exterior.

The two ate in silence for a few minutes, exchanging only brief glances. Isabella appreciated the quiet moments they shared, though the connection between them still felt uncertain—like there was something just out of reach. She was trying her best to understand Alaric, but he remained as unreadable as ever.

Just as Isabella was beginning to relax, the heavy wooden door to the dining hall swung open, and Fenrir, the Beta, walked in. His usually calm demeanor was tinged with urgency, and as he approached Alaric, Isabella felt the atmosphere in the room shift.

"Alpha," Fenrir said, his voice low, "we have a visitor."

Alaric frowned slightly, setting down his fork. "A visitor?"

Fenrir leaned in, his voice dropping even lower as if the news was too delicate for the pack to overhear. "Kieran. The Alpha of the Silverclaw Pack. He's here, and he's demanding to see you."

Isabella's heart skipped a beat at the name. Kieran. She had heard rumors of the Silverclaw Pack—fierce warriors led by a volatile and powerful Alpha. A sense of dread washed over her, knowing that his arrival likely had something to do with her and the others who had come from her world.

Alaric's face hardened, his calm demeanor giving way to a more serious tone. "What does he want?"

Fenrir's gaze briefly flickered toward Isabella before returning to Alaric. "It seems news of your Luna—and the others from her world—has spread. Kieran heard that some packs, including yours, received humans... and he's not pleased. He wants answers."

Isabella's heart pounded in her chest. She had only just started to come to terms with her own situation, but now it seemed like there were more—other people from her world that she didn't even know about. The realization hit her like a wave. She wasn't alone in this. There were others, and the fact that Kieran had come all this way meant the issue was far bigger than she'd thought.