“It doesn’t matter who or what you are, the moment you are part of the pack, and of age. you will always be part of the pack link,” Elden says sadly. “I am sorry you had to go through all of that, Gwen.”
“I rejected my pack when I left and felt nothing. So that’ll be why.” I pause. “I am so glad I wasn’t aware,” I admit. “I didn’t know what I was lacking. You know, when you don’t know something exists, you can’t miss it. But now I feel it. Thank you, I am truly happy to have finally found my home.”
Aurelia and Elden exchange another look. “I have some choice words for Gwen’s former alpha,” Aurelia says.
Elden’s whole expression is dark. “Me, too. The audacity of this man is unbelievable.”
“I agree. I need to see him for myself,” Aurelia mutters. Then she turns to Felix and me. “We really are happy to have you here, Gwen.”
“Yes, welcome to the family,” Elden says, his eyes suddenly warm and kind again.
He looks scary, but it’s obvious how much he dotes on his family. Dad was similar… he could appear gruff and broody, but he was so kind. I really miss him every day. But I think he would be relieved to know that I have found such a kind, respectfulmate, with an equally kind and respectful family, and that I can finally belong to a pack.
“Let’s go back to the others,” Aurelia says. “I‘ll bet they already noticed us missing.”
“Maybe, maybe not.” Elden looks amused. “Your mother is keeping them entertained. Depending on her mood, she is either keeping them entertained by telling them funny stories, or she is playing with their minds and keeping their attention on something a tad more disturbing.” He grins. “You know, a week ago I left her and Marius – a deadly combination to outsiders – with a group of new, young alphas for half an hour. When I returned, I felt like I had to book them all a therapist.”
Aurelia grins. “Probably served them right. They must have really annoyed you that you left them with Mom.”
“They did,” Elden says simply.
Their whole conversation stirs my curiosity. “You make it almost sound like she is dangerous.”
“Oh, she is,” Elden chuckles.
“She‘s always underestimated because she is so small and angelic looking,” Felix says.
“You should see her in action,” Aurelia adds. “And in her full viciousness against her enemies. It’s pretty dope.”
“She knows exactly what she is doing,” Elden agrees. “Ah, I am so lucky. I have an amazing mate.” He pauses, a sly smile on his face. “And she is hot too, when she-”
“And that is my cue to leave,” Aurelia interrupts him.
“Me too.” Felix takes my hand and tugs me along. “I know the direction this is going.”
While I follow Felix out of the room, I turn around once more. Elden catches my eye and winks, making me chuckle.
thirty-three
Theories
*GWENDOLYN*
True to Elden’s words, Flora has been distracting everyone, and only when we return do they notice we were gone. Only Arden and Dario realized what happened, as they are part of the pack link. Dario smiles at me when he sees us, elbowing Arden.
The latter gets up and walks towards me. “Welcome to the pack, Gwen.”
“Thank you, Arden!”
“Oh.“ Liam turns his head to look at us. “So that’s what you were up to. I had a feeling when I saw you missing. Mom was acting so weird.”
Flora puffs her cheeks. “I didn’t act weird at all!”
“Yeah, I was getting the chills,” Marius mutters, glaring at Liam. “If you knew, why didn’t you say anything?”
Liam grins. “It was more fun that way.”
Marcellus sighs. “Please tell me I am not the only one who didn’t notice anything.”
