I woke up to the sound of beeping and a lot of unfamiliar scents. Where am I? I thought to myself.
I slowly opened my eyes to see a worried Aaliyah.
"What happened?" I asked.
"You saved her," said Ben. "Thank you for saving her. I-I can't imagine what would've happened to me if anything—."
Trent cut him off. "Let's not go down that road. Thank you for saving my sister. I'm indebted to you."
"It was nothing really."
" It wasn't nothing, you've been out for 3 days!" Aaliyah replied.
"Our alpha wants to thank you personally," Trent said, fixing his stance. "He also wanted you to know that anyone who sacrifices themselves for his pack has a place in his pack. You are welcome to stay however long you wish to."
Aaliyah gasped, "Does that mean she can join the pack?!"
" Slow down, sis, he said she can stay; he didn't mention anything about joining."
"Well, that's something." She turned towards her mate. " Can she stay with us, please?"
She looked at him with puppy eyes, and he looked like he was ready to give her the world if she asked for it.
" Yeah she can stay in the guest room."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!" She hugged him.
Ben called the doctor to check up on me. When she came, she cleared me and told me that my wounds were fully healed, which she found a bit odd, but since I seemed fine, she told me I could leave, provided I took it easy for the next couple of days.
I was given a hoodie and sweatpants that I changed into since the clothes I was wearing are basically destroyed.
As Aaliyah helped me into her brother's car.
When we got to her house, I asked her to update me on what I had missed, since the unmated women were supposed to meet the Alpha.
She looked at me curiously and smiled, "The alpha has found his mate."
A knot formed in the pit of my stomach. "Oh, that's good, I guess."
"Oh, it's amazing!"
I couldn't help but be bummed out. I should've been happy it wasn't me. But a part of me was starting to get attached to this pack.
"I almost forgot, in a couple of hours, you have to meet the alpha. He wanted to thank you in person."
I nodded. "Yeah, I think your brother mentioned it. Can you come with me? I think it'll be a bit awkward."
"Yeah, of course! But we aren't going anywhere, he's coming here."
"Aaliyah. Um can I ask you a question?" My face started to turn red. I was really embarrassed.
She nodded. "Yeah. Is something wrong?"
I shook my head. "No, it's just I don't really have any clothes except the ones that were ruined. And I'm guessing this outfit isn't very appropriate to greet an alpha. Can I borrow some from you?"
" Of course!!! But if you're comfortable, you could just go in this. I highly doubt Gabe cares about what you're wearing." She giggled.
"Ok, I can just wear this then."
"When are you up for seeing him?"
I shrugged. " I don't really mind. I'm really nervous, but I guess he's a busy alpha, so whenever he can."
She nodded. "I'll mindlink him. Give me a sec."
"Ok, so he'll be here in around 2 hours. I'll show you your room right now. You can freshen up, and I'll make you something to eat. How about that?"
I nodded. That sounded like heaven.
I followed her up the stairs. Slower than I'd like, unfortunately. When we reached the room, I stood there in awe. It was gorgeous. The bed looked so comfortable compared to the forest floor I had gotten used to. She showed me the cabinets, and they were filled with clothes.
"I got these for you, and don't you dare not wear them. I already figured you needed them. Ben told me you didn't have time to grab anything."
I hugged her and cried. "Thank you! Thank you for everything!" I said through my sobs.
"Hey, don't thank me! I should be thanking you. Yo-you saved my life. I don't even know where to begin with my thanks."
I smiled and wiped my tears, " I couldn't lose my best friend!"
She hugged me again before going downstairs to get started on lunch. I went into the bathroom and decided a long, hot shower sounded like heaven to me. Boy, was I right. It was incredible, and after everything I went through, it felt like every muscle in my body was relaxing.
When I finished my shower, Aaliyah was still cooking. I asked if she needed any help, to which she replied no. So, I informed her that I would be taking a nap until it was ready.
A black wolf approached me.
"Well, hello there," I said as I stroked his fur. He replied with a satisfied purr. Then he started running and paused when he realised I hadn't followed.
Shift. He mindlinked.
I shift--.
"Lily, wake up. Food's ready." Aaliyah shook me awake.
I sat down at the table and ate the amazing lasagne she had prepared.
"Aaliyah, if it doesn't work out with Ben. I volunteer to live with you forever."
She laughed and shook her head. "As much as I'd love to live with you. My mate and I are endgame."
Her eyes then glazed over, and she abruptly stood up.
"Alpha's here." She said as she rushed to open the door.
I quickly put the dishes in the sink and went to the living room where I could hear voices.
As soon as I entered the living room, everyone went quiet.
Aaliyah came and stood by my side. "The alpha's about to come in." She whispered in my ear.
Right then a man entered. Our eyes locked immediately and his scent hit me like a truck.
My heart started beating faster as I slowly took in all of his features. He was gorgeous. I watched his muscles flexed with every step he took towards me. When he reached out his hand for me to shake, I took it. And the fireworks exploded.
Mate.