Apple Martini

Chapter 9 - Newcomer's Insight

Ethel surveyed her new room, already finding it leagues above the one back at the Wild Blossom Pack. Though she wasn't going to brush off the place that had been her safe haven and reprieve for the years she'd suffered, it was the reality that a closet was not a proper bedroom.

The place that had been her bedroom for her earlier years, before the death of her mother had become filled with clothes, shoes and accessories for Liana to the point where until now, she had almost forgotten she once slept there.

Her new room in the Black Sun Pack was more than three times the size of the one Alpha Thomas had unceremoniously shifted her into. It was well furnished, with dark cherry wood walls and a polished white marble flooring that the rest of the house had as well from what she'd seen on her way in. The wardrobe, bedside table and vanity were all black, with a crystal chandelier attached to the ceiling which glinted from all angles.

The bed, made of a slightly lighter shade of wood than the floor, was similarly more than twice the size of her old rickety one, with plush pillows and a blanket that seemed to be made of velvet as Ethel ran her fingers across it.

"I called ahead and asked some of my attendants to set up your room before we arrived." Alpha Regan spoke, appearing in the doorway en route to his own room. He was still clutching his luggage in one hand. "I hope you like it..."

"It's wonderful." Ethel assured him, seeing the fresh vase of flowers on her bedside. "Thank you, Regan."

"I have some urgent matters that I need to discuss with my council." The Alpha said, a little reluctantly. "But I'll see you again at tonight's dinner in the grand hall. You'll be formally introduced to the rest of the pack then."

He grasped Ethel's hands.

"I'm sorry I won't be able to show you and Cass around the pack, but Dionne has agreed to step in for me." He assured her with a smile. "She's Beta Asher's mate, and she's been looking forward to meeting you two. You'll be in good hands with her."

Ethel nodded, despite a slight pang of worry at meeting a member of her new pack. She wanted to trust her mate after all.

"Okay."

"She'll be coming around in about fifteen minutes...if you want, you can walk around, get yourself accustomed to the facilities." The Alpha suggested. "This is your home now, just as much as it is mine."

Ethel felt her heart flutter again at his words, but before she could say anything else Regan checked his watch.

"I have to go to my office...my subordinates are expecting me. I'll see you later, Ethel." He spoke gently.

Closing her mouth Ethel nodded and managed a small wave before the Alpha headed away. Minutes later, Cass stopped by the door, gaping in astonishment at the sight before her.

"...By the Moon Goddess this is an upgrade!"

She hesitated, seemingly waiting for permission to enter since the room was not hers, relaxing when Ethel smiled and beckoned for her to come in.

Having placed her luggage in the guest room, Cass did a moderately slow 360 degree turn to survey the decorations, the polished floor, the glittering chandelier.

"My temporary room isn't this grand of course, but still an improvement compared to the Wild Blossom Pack. So...shall we explore the rest of the house together? I think Alpha Regan said we could." She suggested brightly.

Ethel glanced back at her suitcase. They only had a while before Beta Asher's mate was going to come and show them around the pack grounds, so she figured she could do her unpacking later and get acquainted with her new home.