The morning sun shone through the silk curtains, straight at Arya's face, warm and beautiful. Tonight is the full moon, and Arya feels both excitement and sick in the stomach.
Tonight, she hoped, would be the night she finds her brother. Who knows, he might be a member of this very pack. Maybe, he is a member of a stronger pack somewhere in a near or far pack that she could find later, although, deep in her heart she hopes that he is close to her.
Ever since finding out that her brother is alive through her great-grandmother's letter, she had one hope only, reunite with her long-lost brother.
The birth mark on the back of his neck will tell her who he is, but only under the full moon, when it glows, but there was a problem... she will be in the cave during that time! How is she supposed to see a glowing crystal mark at the back of someone's neck?
Arya dragged herself out of bed to freshen up and made her way to the dining area for breakfast. Most of the pack members had already gathered there, and she spotted Michelle standing there, talking with some women, laughing, and gesturing with her hands. Arya was so glad that she was adapting so well, as most newly turned rogues took a lot of time adjusting and building enough trust to talk to the others after being kicked out of their packs.
A sudden silence fell into the room as the scent of their alpha flowed into the room. Soon enough, Rodrigues walked into the room, looking better than ever, his face looking radiant, a small smile playing on his lips and his eyes definitely searching for someone, while he was actually greeting everyone.
By now, everyone had heard rumors of a new pack member who was also their alphas mate and their luna. Looking at their alpha glowing like the full moon made everyone certain that the rumors are correct.
Arya immediately noticed Michelle smile and blush, then tense when someone said, "Alpha." she instantly relaxed and when back to her conversation, until Rodriguez called her to his side.
She walked cautiously, like she measured each step she took. She didn't make eye contact with her mate, and that was very strange, since every female makes eye contact to feel her mate's presence and love.
Maybe Michelle was just different. Maybe, she was nervous, and this was her way of showing it. It could be that she didn't know how to react, since she was just declared a rogue and she found out that the alpha of all rogues is none other than her mate.
"Good morning, Miss!" Donna said excitedly. "How are you?"
"Hey, good morning. I'm good. How are the pups?" Arya asked.
"They're still sleeping and thank the Goddess they slept through the night," Donna replied.
"I'm glad to hear that. Most pups would have made a fuss over sleeping if they were up this long... um... Donna, do you know what's for breakfast? I'm starving!"
"Don't know, but I heard that today's breakfast is dedicated to the future luna!" The young woman replied happily.
"Attention, everyone!" Alpha Rodriguez said.
Every head turned to him. Standing beside him was Michelle, looking just as radiant as the young alpha beside her.
The air was filled with mystery and wonder. Everyone had waited for this moment, when a she wolf would finally stand beside their alpha, shoulder to shoulder, and help him rule. This moment had finally arrived, and it was truly magical.
"By now, you all have heard of a new rogue member, and my mate. Yes, it is true, I have finally found her... more like, she finally found me," Alpha Rodriguez said, and everyone chuckled. "She is Michelle, and yes, she is my mate. And before any of you ask, we will get to know each other before jumping in to mark each other," he continued.
Everyone cheered, but Arya noticed how Michelle flinched at his words. Was she hiding something? Thinking about it, Arya and the others found her at the moon festival, just before the full moon. Could that be a coincidence? What if it's not?
Michelle is still adjusting, everyone knows that, but the way she flinches whenever someone says alpha, it makes her doubt whether she truly is a rogue because she did something unforgiving, or whether a certain someone wanted information on them!
She couldn't help but feel that this rogue was definitely hiding something, and if it turns out to be what she thinks, they're in deep trouble. No. Arya had lived in that pack for months, and if there would have been a green eyed, she wolf living there, she would have definitely remembered her. It was probably her mind playing tricks on her.
No one is crazy enough to send a spy into this pack, knowing full well that if any spy was caught, they'd be killed instantly. But what if... no. Arya was just overthinking.
"I expect you to show her the same respect you show me, and I want you all to show her around our pack. Please feel free to talk to her and make friends with her," Rodriguez was still talking, but Arya wasn't really listening. Her entire focus was on Michelle, and her reaction to certain words or phrases.
The way she smiled, didn't feel genuine enough, the way she looked at the others didn't feel that friendly and most of all, the way she looked around nervously gave her away.
After alpha Rodriguez made his speech, everyone was allowed to finally eat. The food that lay before them seemed to be from a seven-star hotel menu. Dishes that Arya had only seen in magazines were right in front of her.
First their alpha and future luna began, followed by everyone else, and Arya had to admit, the food was absolutely delicious. As Arya ate, she noticed Michelle eating, but it looked like her mind was deep in thought.
She still looked nervous and perhaps a little scared, but most of all, she looked confused. It was almost like she wanted this, but at the same time, didn't want it. She seemed to be under a spell. A spell that made her do what she didn't want to.
Was she trying to protect someone?
What pack did she belong to?
"Did she have any family left in her old pack?
All these questions were running in Arya's mind. She saw the same scared girl that she once was, and if that is the case, Arya needs to talk to Michelle, before she does something she'll regret!