Chapter 3 Meeting with the alpha

Lila POV

The walk to the Alpha's office feels like the longest one I have ever taken, and that says a lot since I have been walking for four days! I glance down at Milo, noticing that he is fast asleep. A fierce growl wants to burst out of me as I think about how he grabbed him. But I know better than to challenge these people, especially the Alpha. I am fully aware of what they are capable of; I have been at the mercy of an Alpha for a long time.

I glance around at my surroundings; we are still in the forest, but we have already passed a few homes. They are small but seem very cozy. I accidentally trip over a branch, but before I hit the ground, a pair of strong yet gentle hands catch my arms and bring me upright.

"Watch your step, princess," a voice murmurs close to my ear. I turn to see a very handsome guy standing behind me. He is tall, with blond hair and hazel eyes. He is clearly in great shape, showing off his toned muscles and a six-pack. I immediately feel nervous, and he seems to notice it based on the smug grin that spreads across his face.

I keep my eyes on the ground, determined not to trip again. I silently curse my clumsy feet.

Soon, we reach a large house, which I assume is the pack house. It is about four stories tall, and I would bet there's a basement too. The house is wide, probably around 300 feet, with an old-fashioned design. Its dark brown color blends in with the tree trunks that surround it. The house is truly beautiful.

The Alpha leads me to the door and holds it open for me. I keep my distance, not trusting him even a little. Once inside, I notice that the place is even more stunning than the outside. Everything gives off a warm, welcoming vibe. Alpha Martini's pack house was always filled with harsh men who laughed at my pain while I served them. This place feels completely different, though I can't quite describe why.

"Follow me, rogue," Lucas says. His voice is gentle, and I don't understand why.

I follow him up a flight of stairs. Let me tell you, stairs are my worst enemy. I manage to trip on most of them, and that same guy who called me princess keeps steadying me, which only irritates me more. Finally, we reach the fourth floor.

'Why do Alphas always have to have their offices at the top?' I ask my wolf, feeling annoyed. She simply shrugs and strengthens her defenses, knowing we have a pup to protect.

We enter Lucas's office. Just like the rest of the house, it has a welcoming atmosphere. The walls are a soft cream color, and the furniture is made of oak wood, with leather chairs for guests and a large leather chair behind the desk. I spot a bookshelf overflowing with books and another shelf filled with long scrolls. Pictures hang on the walls and are placed on his desk. Many of them show him with a woman and some small children, but I can't make out the ones on his desk since they are facing him.

"Please, have a seat," Lucas says. I sit in one of the leather chairs and almost sigh with relief at how comfortable it is. I have slept on hard floors for most of my life, so this chair feels like paradise.

I turn my attention back to the Alpha, who sits in his own chair, while two men stand behind me with their arms crossed. I look at the Alpha, waiting for him to speak.

"What is your name?" he asks.

"Lila," I reply simply. I don't give him a last name, just in case he is working with Alpha Lorenzo Martini.

"Well, Lila, what brings you to my territory? And with a child no less?" His voice carries curiosity.

"I didn't know I had entered your territory, sir. I was walking along the road when I heard the sound of water and followed it."

"You were walking along the road?" I nod my head.

"Then you must have passed the sign with the name of the pack."

I feel my face heat up as I remember the sign I couldn't read.

"I-I can't read, Alpha," I stammer, feeling embarrassed. Lucas purses his lips.

"Where are you from?" he asks. I keep my mouth shut. Do I tell him I was the daughter of a once-powerful Alpha and a prisoner in the New Moon Pack? If he is allied with Alpha Martini, he might turn me in and have me and Milo killed. That thought makes me pull my son closer. He is still asleep, for which I am grateful.

"I can't remember," I say in a quiet voice. But I do remember. I remember waking up early as a child, sneaking out of my room, and running to my parents' room, jumping on them to wake them up. My mom would grumble but smile, while my dad would laugh and tickle me until I gave up. I remember my dad carrying me on his shoulders as we explored the forest, then playing tag in our wolf forms, getting covered in mud. My mom would make us shower after we hugged her and got her muddy too.

"Are you sure?" Lucas's voice pulls me out of my memories. I nod with a blank expression.

"Very well. Now, why is a young girl like you a rogue?"

I bite my lip and lower my gaze. I need to say something.

"I was taken when I was little. I-I can't remember much, but I was. I became a slave, and I ran away. I had to," I whisper the last part while looking down at my baby. Lucas glances at Milo, and his face softens. What I said is true. I don't clearly remember how they took me from my mother's arms, but they did, and I became a slave, enduring daily beatings and worse.

Lucas looks at me, then back at Milo. "Where are you going?"

I shrug. "Wherever my feet take me, sir. I have no home, no money, and a baby."

He looks at me with sympathy before glancing behind me.

"Are you sure you have no relatives or anyone we can contact from your old pack?" he asks.

My eyes start to sting as I think about my family. My parents. My cousin Benjamin, who was a year older than me. He was visiting us with his mom and dad the day we were attacked. I wish I could see him again, but he is gone, like everyone else.

I shake my head as a tear slips down my cheek. I quickly wipe it away before looking back up at the Alpha. He nods.

"Very well. Ms. Lila, I don't see any danger coming from you or your child."

My heart skips a beat when he says this. "Does that mean I can leave?"

"Yes," he says. I sigh with relief. "Or," he continues, a small smile forming on his face, and I almost stop breathing, "you can join this pack."

I think my jaw hits the floor after hearing that. I am too shocked to say anything. I glance back at the two guards, who are both grinning at my reaction.

"Do you really mean it?" I ask, still in shock.