Novels2Search

New Home

I found myself in a car with a strange Fae I'd never met the next day. Desi had set me up with a ride that would only cost me $100, and he would take me all the way to the MoonStriders pack. I was thankful to her, but I suspected the moon goddess had a hand in that happening.

The 2,000-mile ride was long and awkward. He played the radio most of the way, constantly switching between genres of music. Since he was Fae, we didn't need to stop for rest. He just used his magic to perk up, saying he could sleep again before heading home.

When we arrived, he pulled up in front of another rickety hotel. I grabbed my stuff from the car as my stomach growled. I'd been living off gas station sandwiches, and bottles of water filled at rest stops. As soon as I closed the door, he called out a farewell and took off, peeling around the corner and squealing his tires. I rolled my eyes.

I sat down on the curb, looking around at my new surroundings and trying to find my way. It was unbearably humid, and sweat dripped down my back.

"Hey, young lady, I believe we were expecting you," a soft, shaky voice said behind me, startling me.

I turned to find a wrinkly old man standing behind me on the sidewalk, holding a cane in one hand while the other was outstretched toward me. I eyed it warily.

"Your name is Melanie, right? The moon goddess warned me you wouldn't trust me at first," he said, a laugh leaving him quickly.

I eased a bit, hearing him mention the moon goddess. She'd told me she'd warned the elder alpha of my arrival. I immediately bowed my head and said hello.

"Young lady, you were told to stop bowing. I'll smack you with my cane," he scolded, and I raised my head, bewildered.

"Let's go. I have a room for you in our house," he said, grabbing my arm and pulling me along with a strength that was uncharacteristic of an old man.

"Can I grab my suitcase before you drag me off, please?" I asked gently, and the old man belly-laughed and let go. I grabbed my suitcase handle, and he grabbed my arm again, continuing to drag me along.

As we walked, he pointed out all the places I'd need once I settled in: restaurants, grocery stores, schools, libraries, town halls, and parks. The city was beautiful and well-maintained. Small red maple trees were planted in various pots along the sidewalks, and the buildings were beautiful.

It wasn't a long walk, maybe 10-15 minutes. The old man, whose name was Allen, was pleasant to talk to. He reminded me of my father, always cheerful and never having a bad word to say about anyone.

"We are home," Allen sing-songed as we walked up to a good-sized house. The front had a wrap-around porch, and the entire house was painted a pale baby blue. Flower gardens filled the sideyard, each one thriving and blooming. We walked up the stairs onto the porch, and he opened the door, pushing me inside ahead of him.

It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the sudden change of light, but as they did, I looked around. The house was simple but decorated just enough to look homey. A golden retriever ran up, licking my hands and barking excitedly.

"That's just Barnabus; we call him Barney," Allen told me as he ruffled the dog's fur. Then, he walked through a door, motioning for me to follow him. He showed me around the kitchen, where he made a grand show of making sure I knew where all the food and drinks were, the bathroom, and the dining room. Then, we went upstairs, and he took me to my bedroom, which had a small bathroom attached. As we walked past a few doors, he advised me to stay out of his son's room, the current Alpha, and to stay out of their room because everyone here values privacy.

"You will have privacy too. Nobody will enter your room or go through your things without you knowing," Allen told me, marking a cross over his heart and then pinky promising me.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

"Let me know if you need anything. My wife is out getting groceries right now, but she'll introduce herself at dinner tonight. My son is also coming over for dinner too. He doesn't live here, but sometimes he'll sleep here, hence his room still being set up," Allen continued, chuckling to himself.

"Okay, thank you," I replied. He smiled at me, pulled me into a tight hug, and then took off down the stairs a lot quicker than an old man should be able to, especially one with a cane.

Closing the door behind him, I sat down on the floor, taking in my surroundings. The room wasn't decorated, the walls white and unmarred. The bed and its coverings were white, and the furniture was dark wood. I guessed they left it blank for me to decorate myself. I'd have to ask.

I unpacked my things slowly, hanging my clean clothes in the closet and stacking the few books I owned on the floor next to my bed. Then, I lay down. My mind was spinning over everything that had happened over the last week, and I needed to stop moving to pull my thoughts together. The hollow feeling in my chest was slowly fading, and the less numb I felt, the more I started to experience actual emotions.

---

The sound of the door opening startled me. I jumped up and out of bed, rubbing sleep from my eyes. I hadn't even realized I'd fallen asleep.

"Woah, honey. You're okay. I just wanted to let you know dinner is ready if you're hungry," a calm, feminine voice said. I looked up from the floor at her and was stunned. She had a huge scar along the entire right side of her face. Her eye was obviously prosthetic, as it didn't move around like her real one. But her face was kind and welcoming despite the grotesque claw marks that marred it.

"Yes, I am. Thank you for letting me know. When you're done, let me know so I can come eat," I told her, shuffling awkwardly.

She raised one eyebrow at me and looked confused.

"You're welcome to sit down and eat with us. You don't have to wait until we are done. The food will be cold," she said slowly.

I shook my head, trying to clear the bad thoughts swirling around inside of it. I wasn't with my aunt and uncle anymore. Those rules no longer applied. I could eat like a normal person with other people.

I smiled and followed her downstairs to the dining room. The small round table was set with plates adorned with brightly painted flowers and silverware of different sizes and colors. The food in front of me smelled delicious. There was a bowl of seasoned meat and various bowls of tomatoes, cheese, and lettuce. There was even sour cream and some kind of red sauce. A plate sat in the middle of the table with taco shells on it.

I was about to eat a meal I didn't have to cook myself, and I didn't have to eat alone. Excitement bubbled up in my chest.

"You can sit wherever you want, honey," the woman told me as she bustled around the table, filling glasses of water and placing napkins at each setting.

"Would you like help with anything?" I asked timidly as I sat in a chair close to the window. She shushed me as she continued to move around, making sure things were ready.

The front door opened, and two men stepped through it, one so tall his head almost hit the door frame. The woman rushed over and enveloped him in a huge hug. Then she hugged and kissed Allen.

"I'm so glad you're here," she said to the tall man, whom I assumed was her son. Their pack Alpha.

"Yes, momma. I could never say no to taco night," he replied, his voice deep and gravelly. It made my stomach do a slight flip. Men with deep voices were my weakness.

"How'd you make out at the grocery store, Rosa?" Allen asked, and the woman laughed.

"If you're asking if I got you 5 lbs of strawberries, then yes, I made out well," she said, chuckling, and Allen's smile got even bigger.

This family was so loving and happy. With my life devoid of all happiness for the last three years, it was hard to believe this was real. My memories with my parents had been repressed so I didn't end up depressed over what I didn't have. But watching these strangers interact made visions of my parents and I flash before my eyes.

Suddenly, every gaze turned to me, and my eyes went wide. Being the center of attention was never really my thing. Embarrassed, I cast my gaze down and waited for them to sit down to eat. I heard the floor creak as everyone did just that except for one person. Their feet stopped in front of me, and I heard their knees crack as they kneeled to talk to me.

Gentle, calloused fingers appeared under my chin, pushing my head up to meet their gaze. My heart just about stopped when I looked him in the face.

I thought Arlo was gorgeous? This guy couldn't even hold a candle to him.

I should've showered before I came down.

He had bright green eyes with little flecks of brown in them, and his hair was a rich chocolate brown. He had styled it, so the front stuck up a little, and the back was buzzed. His beard was short and well-groomed.

"Do not bow to anyone. If I catch you doing that again, I'll punish you. I'm your alpha now," was all he said before he stood and made his way to his chair, chit-chatting with his parents along the way.

I sat there, stunned, as everyone started digging into their food.