Unexpected: Forever His (Book 1)

Chapter 15: Choices, Surprises and Customs

*****View from Kayla's windows pictured above*****

It was still early in the day when we finally stepped inside the large estate. The front was gated and guards stood dispersed throughout the court yard. As we passed them, they bowed their heads in respect. I was still awestruck by how much respect he seemed to demand from them without really demanding it at all.

We stepped up to the door of the house and immediately it was pulled open and we were met by a man who had blonde hair and green eyes. He was a hybrid. A human werewolf hybrid. Very rare. So rare in fact, that he was the first of his kind that I had seen in person. I drew back slightly in shock and Dante grasped my hand tighter in his.

"Xavon is my First Enforcer. He is the overseer of my people while I am gone." I looked up at him in confusion.

"You entrust a human hybrid with that position?" I looked back at the other man apologetically. I meant no disrespect. I just wanted to understand how things were done under Dante's control.

It wasn't Dante that answered, although he spoke first to Dante. "I can see that she is going to make an excellent Luna, my friend. Luna Kayla, I have done my best to prove to the entire pack that I am trustworthy enough to hold this position. I have earned it and their trust. I believe that in order to hold a position of leadership you must first prove yourself to be worthy of it by proving to be first a friend and companion to those who fear that leadership the most."

Dante turned to face me as he placed his hand on Xavon's shoulder. "Xavon does not have the strength of most of my warriors, but what he does have is more heart and courage than I think even I have most of the time." Xavon laughed and lifted his hand to Dante's shoulder. "You will find no challenge from me there, brother."

I stared in disbelief. "Brother?"

Dante smiled down at me. "Of course. I consider anyone who almost lost their life for me to be my family."

It was only then that I noticed the scar that began at the edge of Xavon's ear and travelled down behind his neck. I was certain it probably went further than I could have easily seen, but what I could see was enough. I shook my head slightly. "It doesn't seem as though there would have ever been a time war would have touched this place. It seems difficult to believe."

Dante and Xavon nodded simultaneously, but neither responded. Instead Dante lifted my hand to his arm and we stepped past Xavon and through the door. "We thrive under peace, but war makes us, Kayla. Without the touch of war there would be no need for leaders or followers. Everyone would feel safe on their own."

His logic held great wisdom and I blinked as I thought about the great feats that this man had accomplished in his life. I knew him to be 42 years old, but his wisdom was far beyond that.

"Even the Great King Alexander desires a good battle to keep his warriors strongminded and his people remarkably devoted to their king."

He paused and turned to look at me. "Come. I will show you to your room. The day is still early, but you should rest. There is no need for any more introductions right now. Dinner will be plenty of time for that this evening at 6:30."

I glanced at the tall grandfather clock in the hall and noticed that it was just after 10. We had left early, but I had no idea it was that early or that the trip wouldn't take that long. Xavon nodded his head in my direction and turned and headed back outside the door. Dante lifted my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it in a motion that I was beginning to like the feel of. I smiled and looked up at him. "You do that a lot. Do you even realize that you do it?"

He nodded and I saw a flash of something behind his eyes, but it was quickly hidden away again. "I think you will find that there are a lot of things I will do without really thinking about it just to ensure myself that you are really here, Kayla."