Forbidden |18+

XVI: Blessing

XVI: Blessing

I still feel like I'm walking in dreamland and I'm going to be splashed awake with water. I'm just waiting for someone to tell me that it was a joke that Alpha Ernouf and the Luna allowed me to stay.

It doesn't happen.

Kneeling on the ground before the two powerful leaders before me, I feel a sense of hope.

Alpha Ernouf tells Ulric, "Your vamp is your responsibility. Her actions will speak volumes of your own. Tomorrow evening, at dusk, you will bring her for the veisluhöld of introduction."

"I understand and take full responsibility," Ulric replies with strength behind his voice, my gaze still faltering.

"As she is a vampire, it is unlike rearing a newborn pup into adulthood," the Luna speaks next, hearing her words as she is one of the strongest women I've seen. She then goes on to explain, "Time will decide for itself if she will remain under the Ancient Pride Pack's protection as a vampire, or if she will assimilate as one of our own."

Ulric does not falter for a second in his response, "I will teach her our ways, as we also learn to understand hers."

"I agree," Alpha Ernouf nods and tilts his head to the side, "one cannot be expected to strip from another their entire culture for the sake of another. Instead, perhaps an idle balance of the two will arise."

I never thought I would accept this overwhelming sense of relief continue to wash over me. I'll do anything to stay here, with individuals that truly seem to value and care about each other.

"Please settle in," Alpha Ernouf then directs his tone toward me, my gaze lifting to meet with his. I'm a little in awe at the way he extends his arm, offering me his hand.

Reaching out, I take his hand and he helps raise me to my feet. I want to cry all over again, only this time, in complete and utter thanks. Though, I manage to keep myself together and thank him and the Luna for their kind gesture.

"Thank you, I...this means more to me than you'll ever know," my voice is still a little watery, however, I manage to get my sincerity across.

The Luna smiles softly and nods, "Oh, I have a feeling we are aware of the depth this means to you. Please, do not make us regret this gesture. You are the first vampire to stay in our territory..." her voice trails off as she notes with a slight hint of her irises altering to that golden hue, "...in good standing and faith."

I nod quietly, the Alpha and Luna bidding is a good night as I'm sure they will be going to sleep soon. When I'm left standing there, the wind gently casting a breeze, Ulric steps closer to me and asks, "Would you like to get settled in?"

"I thought I was?" Furrowing my brows, I look to the medical building in confusion.

He shakes his head slightly and says, "You were here as a patient. That room is for critical cases, instead, you'll be staying at my house."

"I thought you lived in the medical building," I sheepishly glance away and feel the heat rise in my cheeks.

Ulric chuckles and replies, "Some days, it would seem so. I wanted to keep you company as well, considering everything." He pauses and turns to walk away, offering me, "I'm allowed my own house off the back of the medical building, in case of emergencies during the night."

"Oh?" I ask, following Ulric as he walks through the medical building, taking a separate back door from the building that comes out onto a patio area.

"Most other pack members, aside from a select few, live within the main pack lodge or other sectors throughout the lands," Ulric explains while I look out and there's an overhang marking the top of a small pathway to a very cozy looking home. It has a chimney up the side and a little front garden with a few flowers.