Chapter 16
Ayla
Rooms are an understatement. I’ve been ushered into a small apartment. The space feels overwhelming considering I have been confined to cage for so long. I can’t believe this is actually happening. I stand in the middle of the sitting area and just stare in shock. I actually got out. I feel dumbfounded and in denial. I actually got out. This is real. Is it? Is this really happening? My rooms are beautiful. There is a large bed, large tv, tons of clothing and a freaking jetted bath tub. I haven’t had anything this nice since before I was taken. Could I stay here? Could I make this pack my home? There is nothing left for me otherwise. My family is gone. The warden told me my father was dead, the whole castle burned down. The entire pack slaughtered; I am sure. There is a knock at the door, which has me startled. “Ayla, I am Monica, I work in the kitchen and Alpha Thane asked me to bring you up some food.” I stare at the door contemplating whether or not to open it for what seems like an eternity. “I am going to set it down here in front of your door, and head back down to the mess hall. Let me know if you need anything else.” I wait until I no longer hear footsteps and quickly open the door and pull the tray inside. The smell alone has my stomach growling so loud, you could hear it outside. I waste no time getting to the table to start eating. I think they made everything imaginable. Eggs, toast, bacon, sausage, pancakes, biscuits, fruit. The amount of food on this tray is crazy and it’s all mine. I dig in, practically choking because I am inhaling my food. It tastes amazing.
When I finish, I head to the bathroom. I have never seen a tub so big. I swear you could put a whole family in here. I quickly study it twisting nobs and attempting to turn this thing on when a push of a button has a stream of water shooting me right in the face. Well, at least it works. The tub starts to fill and the water is so hot, it could melt the paint off the walls, and I can’t wait to get in. Looking around, for who or what I’m not sure, I slowly peel my clinic sweat pants and shirt off and lower myself into the tub. The heat relaxes my muscles and it feels so good, I may never leave. I watch as my white hair floats all around me and realize that in ten years, I have never had it cut. My hair is down to my knees and although it’s pretty, hair that long isn’t practical. Maybe Thane knows someone that can cut it for me.
I close my eyes and relax back. I find myself thinking longer about Thane more than I should. He is the alpha here and is busy. He has a whole pack to run and! can’t expect him to be at my side 24/7. I will need to meet more people here at some point. The thought makes want to vomit, but I know it will be necessary. Thane’s beta was funny. It was nice to be joked with, I wish I was brave enough to laugh. Cyrus definitely earned one. He too, is absolutely gorgeous. With dark black hair that is a mess of curls on his head, another dimpled grin, muscles for days, and sea blue eyes, a girl could get used to all the shifter eye candy that seems rampant here. There must be something in the water. The water I am currently soaking in. I look around and there are toiletries already here. Lavender scented. Apparently, someone wants to make my scent stronger. The thought has me shaking my head. I’m sure Thane asked someone to bring me stuff. He wouldn’t have time to do it himself and it is a coincidence the scent is the same. It takes me an eternity to get all of my hair washed and detangled.! rummage through the dresser and find a pair of jean shorts and a plain fitted black tee to dress in. I could wear something cuter; there’s tons here, but having clothes at all is nice. I pull a black bra out of the top drawer and a matching lace panty. I find myself blushing at the thought of Thane placing these in here. I know he didn’t, but I can’t help my imagination.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.