Chapter 4 Pack

A slight shake roused me from my incredibly cozy sleep. I let out a low growl, forgetting where I was, to tell whoever it was to get the hell out of here. My eyes shot open in response to a little squeal, and I was startled to see a young child looking down at me with wide eyes. I'm at the castle, sh*t. "Oh, Miss, I'm so sorry. I apologize for being impolite. The young girl was on the verge of crying. I got to my feet and held up my hands in surrender, not wanting to frighten the girl any longer. "No, you're okay. I'm very sorry for growling at you.

I forgot where I was for a minute." The young woman nodded and straightened her outfit. She was dressed in a maid's uniform, with her hair braided beneath a small cap, her blue dress smooth and falling to her knees, and a spotless white apron. I'll be there in 30 minutes to accompany you to breakfast. I was also instructed to offer assistance if you require it. When you're ready, miss, I've spread your clothing out on the chair. My lovely dress from last night was lying over the back of the chair by the desk as I turned to look at it. I stretched while gazing around the room as I nodded at the girl. The grounds were immaculately maintained, and the suite was even more stunning during the daytime when I could see out the enormous windows and enjoy the breathtaking view. The mountain range in the distance was only just discernible through the early morning fog. I don't require assistance; I appreciate you mending my clothing. The girl laughed and said, "I'll wait outside your door when you're ready, miss. I'm afraid the travel left its mark." I got out of bed after she left the room, grabbed my clothing, and then went to the bathroom. Since I had a shower before going to bed, I didn't bother. I rinsed my face in cold water to make myself appear more alert than I actually was. I dressed and straightened my black knee-length skirt. Simple yet stylish, my garment was merely a white top with sleeves that could be buttoned up. I applied mascara to my lashes and concealer to the bags beneath my eyes. In order to keep my hair out of my eyes, I pulled it back into a chic, high ponytail. I liked how I looked when I looked in the mirror because I needed to present a professional image. I exhaled deeply a few times to calm my nerves before leaving the toilet to put my flats on. I wouldn't dare wear heels because I would definitely break my neck. The maid was standing by the room door when I opened it. When the door opened, she looked up and smiled briefly at me. "This way, miss, breakfast is about to be served." I hurriedly followed her in order to avoid getting lost as she turned and started walking down the hallway. We entered a huge dining area, and as soon as I noticed, everyone turned to look at me. I immediately felt unwelcome. Since I was the only woman around, every man's attention was on me-and not in a nice manner. The maid had disappeared as I turned to look to my left. Just let the wolves have me. Funny pun. My stomach growled as I rapidly surveyed the rest of the room in an attempt to locate the boys after noticing the enormous buffet station set up on the right side. They were all cramming their faces when I found them in the center of the room. I laughed and left to fetch lunch. I stuffed virtually everything on my plate, including some sausages, toast, pancakes, bacon, fried eggs, and bacon. In order to carry my plate and my cup of coffee, I grabbed a few rolls and shoved them in my mouth as I made my way to the table. I maintained my composure and didn't let the looks get to me; I didn't give a damn if I looked like a chipmunk. "Good morning, boys," I said as I sat down at the table, setting my plate and cup down. "Morning, Alp-" I glared at Tom. "Alyssa" was his concluding remark. They were greeted in return by the others. I still don't want anybody to know, but I anticipate that they will after the introduction party, and I want to set up the pack before any threats come in. I rolled my eyes and shoved a pancake into my face. When I looked up, I noticed the boys giving me a disgusted look. "What?" Thrain threw me a little smirk and said, "I feel bad for your mate to have to put up with you eating like that." I gave him a boot under the table while I gaped at him, grinning as I heard his tiny 'fuck'. "Don't be disrespectful," I said as I continued to eat my meal. The boys were hunched over, giggling quietly. "Are you nervous about meeting the King and Queen?" I was not nervous until you just reminded me that I definitely should be. I snapped my head up to meet Thrain's eyes. Thrain shrugged and grinned at me. "You will be fine; they will love you; everyone else usually does." I grinned and completed my meal before gulping down a cup of coffee and savoring its bitter flavor. As we waited for someone to pick us up, we talked about our nights. They all had suits on, and they all looked really dashing. I adore a man in a well-tailored suit, so I took notice of that. A butler approached our table a little while later. "The Queen and the King are prepared for you. We all stood up and followed him out the door. As we left, I immediately smoothed my clothes once more and saw the boys adjusting their ties and jackets. When we reached a large oak door, I suddenly felt nervous. When the doors swung open and I saw the chamber we were entering, I suddenly had the impression that I may have just made the biggest mistake of my life. My heart was pounding in my chest, and my hands were perspiring. Beautiful pillars with gold inlay stood along both sides of the space, creating a type of corridor leading to the thrones that were erected on a platform. On the walls, lovely tapestries that depicted some illustrious and historic scenes were hung. Two of the most gorgeous people I've ever seen were seated on those thrones. The crown was proudly resting on the king's dark locks as he sat up straight with his jaw set in a flat line and his dark eyes fixed directly ahead at us. The Queen, who was sitting on the throne next to him, had her hands tightly clutched over her growing tummy. Her long red hair was neatly combed on top of her head, and her brown eyes were beaming with joy. She was looking at us with a soft smile on her face. He was the somber, brooding type, and she was the sweet, loving type, so they made a striking contrast. We all moved forward and made respectful bows to our leaders. They have dealt with and resolved more problems since taking over from the Queen's parents a few years ago than her parents ever did during their whole reign. We were instructed to get up and provide our names, positions, and reasons for being here by the herald. I moved forward while making an effort to take deep breaths and control my heart rate. I kept my head held high and turned to face the thrones." The Alpha, Alyssa Bowers, is the child of Romeo and April Bowers. I moved back as Thrain walked forward and said, "Thrain Hawkins, Beta, son of Lee and Andrea Hawkins, lending support to my Alpha." The warriors then moved forward and echoed what Thrain said, substituting their names for his. I heard an elderly woman standing next to the King speaking in his ear when we fell silent. He gave us a nod before standing up and helping his queen to her feet. Please accompany me to my office, Alpha and Beta. If your warriors choose to wait outside the door, they are more than welcome to. I turned to face Tom and Eric after nodding. They walked two steps behind me after bowing respectfully and nodding. The King and Queen were strolling behind an elderly woman, and we were following them. They all entered the door that opened up in front of them and waited for us. Tom and Eric sat down on either side of the entrance and gave us nods as they did so. They wouldn't dishonor the Crown or me by listening in on my conversations because they were currently in protection mode. The King and the Queen sat on his lap as Thrain and I sat down on the office couch, with the King occupying the chair behind his desk. Her belly was immediately massaged by his hands, which automatically encircled her. I experienced a twinge of jealousy at the fact that I still don't have it; I'm almost twenty-two and I still haven't found my mate, which is rare but reasonable given that I didn't do what most people do and visit various packs. As the king began to speak, I quickly put my emotions aside and sat up straight. My seer," he said, gesturing to the elderly woman who gave me a wide smile, "has detected something about you." He pointed to the seer, who drew a chair over and sat down in front of me. I observed the Queen giggling subtly and the King rolling his eyes. My temples were touched by the seer's hands, and I immediately felt warmth radiate from that area. Her eyelids slid back, and a calm grin fluttered over her lips as I watched. She held her hands in for a moment before removing them and beaming at me. This is interesting, I must say. What year were you born, sweetie? Year as well," I retorted, "Uh, January 20th, 1996," as I stared at her peculiarly. Have you discovered that wolves are drawn to you? She laughed at my face and said, "No need to worry, dear." I shrugged and cast a troubled glance Thrain's way. He patted my knee while grinning. "I have observed. As a child, I was fascinated by her. I had a young kid ask me a few weeks ago why he feels the need to never irritate her and why he feels such a great urge to defend her, and I didn't know that. I know the rest of the pack feels this way. All I knew was that my pack always followed my instructions, and if we were ever attacked, I would offer my life to save theirs. You are a very exceptional Alpha, Alyssa Bowers, the seer said as she clasped her hands together and grinned.