Kellan’s stare was probing, and I was relieved when he finally returned his gaze to the front windshield. “You’re in for a treat if Kenz is your first. You might as well start with the best.”
We continued the tour, moving past the rest of the houses which belonged to an array of aunts, uncles, and cousins. I was assured that I’d meet them all at Sunday bonfire night, and I wasn’t sure if that excited or terrified me. Either way, it would definitely be interesting.
The Reeves pack house at the end of the street was the largest and grandest. “Hunter and Slade are snobby bastards,” Kellan chuckled, the deep, rich sound sending shivers down my spine. “They like the best of the best.”
I cleared my throat. “I think they nailed it, then.”
I’d never seen anything as beautiful as the three-story residence, which was a perfect mix of white cladding and gray natural stone. Windows lined every wall, and I could already imagine the abundance of natural light inside.
Kellan parked near the front porch, and I found myself mesmerized by the sheer size of the entrance—the front door had to be at least ten feet tall.
“Welcome home,” he said, shocking me to a standstill.
Rubbing a hand over my chest, I wondered if it would have hurt less to be punched in the boob. This wasn’t my home. It would never be my home.
Shifters like me don’t get pretty homes on amazing, picturesque streets where all my family lived. We got neglectful,cruel mothers, who ended up getting themselves killed because they couldn’t control their omega urges.
It hurt though, because if I’d ever allowed myself to dream of my perfect life, this was it in spades. The reality of knowing what I’d be leaving behind when I ran tasted like ashes on my tongue.
Bitter and dead.
Chapter
Fourteen
Inside the pack mansion—calling it a house was ridiculous—everything looked exactly as I’d expected. Open, airy, and filled with natural light. The furniture, oddly, reminded me of Annandale Pack house. Expensive but comfortable. It was cozy and oversized, as to be expected when four massive alphas occupied the space, but none of it felt showhouse-ish. This was a lived-in home, and I hadn’t expected to find it so… comfortable.
“We’ve given you a room on the second floor near me and Finley,” Kellan said, throwing back a quick smile as he hauled the suitcases up the stairs.
I only carried the toiletries bag, and even that he eyed as if trying to figure out how he’d fit a fifth handle in his grip. “Slade and Hunter are on the third floor. Slade has the largest space, and if you take any advice about living here, please take this piece: don’t ever go into his room uninvited. He doesn’t allow any of us to enter his dominion alone, and half the time not even when he’s there.”
“He sounds worse than Hunter,” I mumbled, wondering what I’d gotten myself into.
Kellan’s reply held the slightest hesitancy: “Just stay out of his way and you’ll be absolutely fine.”
I cleared my throat and tried not to roll my eyes. “Very reassuring, thank you.”
It was no surprise that these alphas were a threat to my life, but I expected it to comeafterbonding. It felt weird that I hadn’t even met two of them and I found myself with questions I never expected to have. Like… were they both wolves too? What did they look like? Why did Kellan speak about Slade in hushed, fearful tones? I had no idea if any of my questions would be answered considering this house was huge enough to possibly avoid them for my entire stay.
When we reached the second floor, Kellan pointed out his room right by the stairs. “You’re always welcome inside, even if I’m not there. I have nothing to hide.”
I had no idea what to say to that, but he didn’t appear to require a response as he continued along the lovely hallway, with its blue walls and white wainscoting. “This is your room.” He clicked open the next door we reached and waved me inside.
I followed him in and forced myself not to visibly react to the striking space. In my mind, though, I was squealing like a stupid girl over how perfect it all was.
Filmy white curtains framed a wall of windows, all which were open to allow in the fall breeze, showering us in scents of grass, citrus, and wood smoke. The floors were dark wood boards covered by fluffy white wool rugs. Shucking my shoes at the entrance, I enjoyed my bare feet sinking into the soft depths as I moved toward the bed.
It was straight out of a dream with the four posts holding up the same white curtains that lined the windows. The bedding was checkered in mauve and cream, and looked so comfortable I barely restrained myself from diving into those cushy depths.
“Is this room okay?” I was shocked by the waver in Kellan’s tone, as I turned to where he’d perched near the doorway, my four bags stacked neatly against the wall.
“Are you kidding me! It’s gorgeous. I’m about two seconds from a princess twirl, flying hair and all. This room is just perfect. Thank you.”
He cleared his throat, and I caught a glimpse of his soft smile. “We wanted you to feel at home here. Anything you need or want, just let me know and I’ll make it happen.”
Anything except my freedom, but that was a worry for another day.
He straightened and pushed off the doorframe. “Okay, the wardrobe is through that door, and the bathroom is there.” He pointed out the two attached rooms. “I’ll leave you to unpack and settle in. Come down to the kitchen when you’re ready and we can have breakfast.”
