Chapter 11: New Home
ADRIANA'S POV
The adrenaline from the argument with my father still crackles in my blood as the car starts moving. Xander is silently sitting beside me while I try hard not to let any part of me touch him.
We are not touching in the slightest but his presence fills the car, making me feel suffocated as I try to hide in the back seat. I'm fully resting on the door though there is still room for me to sit on. Alpha Xander is a big man, yes, but the car is big enough that if I didn't want to touch him, then I wouldn't.
I feel his eyes on me even before I turn and when he lays his hand over mine, it curls into a fists completely on its own. My show of bravado in front of my father has gone, the adrenaline is wearing off and my reality is starting to come back to me.
I take in a shuddering breath when he entwines our fingers, a soft gasp leaves my lips without my permission when he tugs hard, pulling me into the car more. I have to fight the instinctive need to fight against his hold or protest. Something tells me he won't take it lightly.
“If you move any more closer to the door, you'll end up falling out.” His voice is leveled, controlled but there is a hint of amusement there.
I bop my head in a nod, like I didn't realize I was pushing into the door, trying to create as much distance between us as i could.
I sit still, like someone put a pause on me while the car zooms past trees. I don't know what car we are in because there were about four or six when we found them. I was too lost in my head to be sure, but I know there is a car in front of us. I just can't see far enough to tell if there is another one in front or behind us.
I choose to distract myself, getting ready for the long ride. Needing to think of anything other than the man beside me whose presence is all I can register in my head. I simply can't ignore him, my body refuses to.
I don't know how much time passes before I am suddenly jerked awake by the sound of screeching tires. I blink to clear my vision then look out the window to find a few of the other cars stopping.
l inhale a huge breath before exhaling slowly. I fight the need to turn and look at the man sitting beside me.
Without a word, he opens the door and steps out. I still don't move, I doubt I even breathe, having no idea what to do next. Am I to go out and follow him, or wait for him to give me instructions on what step to take next?
Is it really just how easy it is for me to move away from my new? Is my life so insignificant that it is very easy for me to just be uprooted from one point to the other?
The sun is shining bright, working perfectly, unaware of the turmoil I'm going through. Tears sting my eyes but I hold them back and breathe out through my mouth.
I finally gained enough courage to look up and take in my surroundings. We are parked in front of a large building, it is bigger than anything I've ever seen.
My door is opened by one of the men that intercepted us in the woods. He doesn't say a word or offer me his hand, but I get the memo that I'm supposed to exit the car, and that is what I do.
My bare feet hit the gravel and I groaned, not expecting that. The numbness in my feet is starting to go away and i can feel everything i didnt from last night to this morning. Even before then, from when I left home.
Home? It doesn't feel right to call it that when it has never felt like that to me.
It is a sad realization for me, I've never had a place to call home because nowhere felt like that. Maybe if I was with my mother I would know what that means. Before I could let that thought overtake my mind, I heard a deep rough voice speak. And for the first time in my life probably, I'm grateful for the interruption.
"Come with me,” the guard that opened the door for me commands. I nod meekly and step in line behind him.
I don't get to take in the place i was going to stay in for the rest of my life probably. The thought brings tears to my eyes, I'm forced to blink them back.
"Walk fast,” the same deep voice grumbles, sounding annoyed. He seems unhappy to be the one doing this babysitting duty.
I hasten my steps to meet up with the angry guard who looks seconds away from losing it and snapping at me.
We leave the city behind us, the thick air filled with the bust of activities of the pack members going about their day. The sound of honking horns and the smell of exhaust fumes, the constant hum of energy and motion. I can't help taking a peek behind me, trying to catch a glimpse of the new place I will be staying in.
I'm rewarded with the view of skyscrapers soaring towards the sky, their glass windows reflecting the sun's rays in a dazzling display. The pavement was a mosaic of colors and patterns, the different storefronts and advertisements competing for attention.
The sidewalks, as much as I can see from here, are packed with people, all jostling as they rush to their next destination.
"Hey wolf,” the guard growls, making me jump in fear as I quickly turn to face him. My eyes widened with fear and slight panic. “Keep up. I don't have time for this.” he grumbles the last part under his breath but I still catch it.
I jog up to where he is standing, glowering at me. I duck my head, refusing to meet his eyes. He growls at me and grumbles something underneath his breath.
My heart is beating erratically in my chest as we reach the large double doors leading to the main house. I guess I shouldn't call it a house, it isn't just a house. It's like a castle.
Scared of the guard warning me again, I didn't take in the interior as much as I would have liked. Not because I was excited to be here or anything, I just wanted to look around the place, to at least try and be familiar with my new surroundings.
The inside of the house is cold, chilling me to my bones. I wrap my arms around me and try to hide my shiver.
The entire place is as silent as a graveyard, and with how quiet it is and the chill unwelcome air, I can't help but say it feels like a graveyard. How accurate for my new life.
“Take her to her room, the alpha said it's ready.” the deep voice says.
I look up finally and see a woman, who must be a maid from the uniform she was wearing, standing. Her curious eyes on me.
"Come with me,” she says and turns back, expecting me to follow.
Her demeanor is as cold as the place we're standing in. I don't need anyone to tell me I'm not welcome here, she has made it pretty clear with her back turned.
I follow the maid down the long, ornate hallway. I couldn't help myself, I looked around the place, amazed by the stunning interior of the palace. Everywhere I turn, I'm met with beautiful details and luxurious touches that take my breath away.
The walls are adorned with intricate frescoes and gold leafing, the high ceilings adorned with sparkling chandeliers. The floors are made of gleaming marble, the cool surface polished to a shine. The place is more intimidating than welcoming but I can't deny that it is very beautiful.
The maid leads me to a staircase, the polished wood gleaming under the soft light of the chandeliers. We climb up to the second floor, the soft sound of our footsteps echoing through the silent hallway.
Finally, we reach a door and she stops. I breathe in, trying to calm my racing heart as I wait for her to open the place I guess will be my new room, my new home.
It doesn't have a nice ring to it and it sounds anything but normal, natural.
She swings the door open, revealing a spacious and elegantly decorated space. A four-poster bed stood in the center of the room, the rich, velvet sheets draped around it. A fireplace is set into the wall, the mantle adorned with delicate figurines and vases. It is both genteel, vintage and modern, with a luxurious touch.
I follow behind her, not waiting for any special welcome, I know it's not coming. She has made it clear since her two-word command that she isn't really here to chit chat with me. Good, it's not like I'm looking to make friends either.
I've never had them so I don't even know how the dynamics works.
Unable to just hold still, I walk over to the windows, gazing out at the stunning view of the gardens and the rolling hills beyond. It was like something out of a dream, a fairy tale come to life. The vast colors run close to each other, blending together though they are all different in their own ways. The view from here is the opposite of what I saw when I looked behind me from outside. While that side is bustling with activity and people, this part is more serene. The back of the house probably. The beauty of the room did nothing to distract me from my reality. The reality of me starting a new place with a man I have heard only the worst things about, and from my two second interaction with the members of his pack. They don't want me here, almost as much as I don't want to be here. In life we don't always get what we want. A voice in my head reminds me. I fight the urge to let out a small sarcastic laugh, because when has life ever given me anything that i wanted?
The maid slips out of the room without a word in my direction. If I wasn't already used to people always ignoring me, I guess I would have felt something.
I settle into the bed, the velvet sheets soft beneath me. At least I have an upgrade in that department.
Left with nothing but the large room and my thoughts company, my mind drifted to Aiden. I wonder how he must be fairing. Where he is and what he must be thinking. I wanted to see him to know if he was safe and if Xander kept true to his word. Keeping him as a prisoner only instead of killing him. I know they won't bring anyone to take care of the wounds Xander inflicted on him. He was a Lyacn so it wouldn't take long before he would recover. I wondered if he had been locked up already and if he hates me.
I clear my throat and shake that thought away. It is terrible of me but I'm aware it is my fault he is in this predicament. I wouldn't fault him if he does grow to resent me.
A knock sounds on the door, making my heart drop to my stomach. Instead of being glad someone is finally coming to check up on me, I feel scared because I don't know what their motives might be. My experience with my pack members has left me cautious of people.
Before I can think of what to do, the door opens and a woman walks in. My eyes narrow when they land on her face and I jump to my feet, her emerald eyes are taking me in. She doesn't look hostile thankfully, only curiosity as she tries to guess who I am. I think.
Her straight raven black hair stops just below her waist and she has minimal makeup on. That is what has me looking at her like she is an alien. It's the familiarity between her and the man that brought me here.
She looks very much like Xander, their difference being their eye colors only. The air of power around her mirrors him. Though I doubt he can ever pull off the look on her face, she looked sympathetic.
"Hi, you must be Adriana.” She says, with a small welcoming smile. Her head cocked to the side.
I nod slowly, averting my gaze. "Yes, I am."
“I'm Daciana, Xander's sister.” her smile grows while I try to keep my heartbeat steady at the mention of her brother. Just the sound of his name terrifies me.
Her eyes glaze over like she is receiving a mindlink, she nods at me. “If you need anything, like anything, you can meet me.” I nod. Dancing from one foot to another not knowing what to do, or say. She chuckles and steps closer. Before I can think, I'm wrapped up in her arms.
Not expecting, my hands stay frozen by my side. She pulls back seconds later.
“Sorry, I'm just really excited to have a sister. Finally.” she finishes the last word with a small squeal. I can't find it in me to pretend to be excited. She doesn't mind though.
“I have a feeling we'll be great friends, Adriana.”