Chapter 14: Secrets behind the door

The knock on my door startled me out of my musing. The day had been pretty uneventful save for the shopping spree with Thalia and my short outing to the lakeside. I had sat by the window, eating while staring out at the dense forest that surrounded the pack house before showering and lying on the soft sheets. It was quiet, and I had been soothed by that; but it wasn't quiet anymore, with another knock filling the air.

"Come in," I called with a hint of reluctance.

Thalia burst inside, her bright energy filling the room like sunlight. "You've been cooped up here for too long," she said, hands on her hips. "How about a tour of the pack house? You can't stay hidden away forever.”

I didn't want to leave the safety of my bed, let alone the room, when there were so many new faces. My wolf stirred, though, curious about the new adventure.

"Okay," I agreed softly.

Thalia beamed and clapped her hands together. "Perfect! Let's go."

As we went out into the hall, I could not help but notice the quiet elegance of the fourth floor. The walls were lined with beautiful artworks, landscapes and portraits that were both historic and proud. The fluorescent light streaming from the ceiling reflected off the well-varnished wooden floors, and the subtle scent of pine hung in the air.

“This floor is strictly for the Alpha,” Thalia explained as we walked. "Even I am not allowed to have a room on this floor. It is a huge deal that you're staying on this floor."

Those words caught me mid-step. "Why would he put me here?" I asked in a whisper.

Turning now, Thalia looked at me, her smile mischievous. "Why don't you ask him yourself?"

The suggestion brought heat into my cheeks, and I turned quickly away, continuing my steps. Even the very thought of asking Grayson anything personal made me nervous.

We stopped in front of a door that Thalia opened to reveal what she called the Alpha's office. I peered inside and saw dark wood furniture, a large desk tidily organized with papers and files, and shelves down either side lined with books and artifacts, all giving an air of importance.

"This is where he spends most of his time when he's not out doing Alpha duties," Thalia said. "It's basically his second home."

I nodded but didn't step inside. The space felt too personal, and I didn't want to intrude.

We continued along the hall, reaching and stopping for a few seconds or so to admire the portraits of former Alphas; Thalia gave short sentences as regards their accomplishments, some going overboard with praises about their legacies, while my attention wandered to a door she passed on her way without a single comment. It was offside from the others; with an ornate handle glistening under this one.

"What about that?" I asked, curiosity blazing up.

Thalia paused, glancing at the door before turning back to me with a mischievous grin. “Oh, that one? It’s off-limits, for now.”

I frowned. “Why?”

“Grayson specifically said he wants to be the one to show it to you.”

Her words only fueled my curiosity. “What’s inside?”

She shrugged, clearly enjoying my intrigue. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

I let it slide, but didn't probe deeper. There was something about the way she smiled, and I knew I would not get any more answers.

The rest of the tour went down to the lower floors, followed by a huge dining hall with a really long wooden table that seated fifty people comfortably. Next to it was the busy kitchen. The smell of roasted meat and freshly baked bread wafted across my nostrils, making my stomach growl softly.

"You'll find most of the pack here during mealtimes," Thalia said. "It's a good place to mingle, but I get it if you're not ready yet."

I nodded, glad she understood. It was daunting to think of the prospect of facing so many strangers at the same time.

I was exhausted by the time we got back to my room. "Thanks for the tour," I said quietly, really grateful that Thalia had taken so much trouble to try and make me feel welcome.

"Anytime," she said, grinning. "Sleep tight. See you tomorrow.”

She left, and I collapsed onto the edge of my bed, my mind racing. This mystery room took up so much space in my mind when it really shouldn't. Why would Grayson want to show me himself? What could be in it?

Hours passed and the sun had long dropped below the horizon when the second knock came to the door. My heart leaped in my chest, and I was up in an instant.

Come in," I said, trying to even out my voice.

The door opened, and Grayson stepped inside. Immediately, he filled the space around him with his presence, the tall frame, commanding air was hard to be mistaken. His dark hair was just slightly tousled, his grey eyes locking on mine with a smoldering intensity that made my wolf softly purr.

"Good evening, Althea," he said in his deep smooth voice.

"Alpha Grayson," I replied, softer than I meant to.

He frowned slightly, cocking his head. "Call me Grayson."

I blinked in surprise. "But-"

"You're not beneath me," he interrupted softly. "We're equals. Please, call me Grayson."

The words sent a strange warmth through me, and I nodded slowly. "Alright, Grayson."

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips, and for a moment, his whole demeanor softened. "I was wondering if you'd be free for a walk."

I hesitated, not quite sure what to say.

Before I could decline, he added, "I was hoping you'd say yes because I'd like to show you something. Something I think you'll find interesting.”

My curiosity flared to life. "Is this about the room Thalia didn't show me?"

His smile deepened and amusement danced in his eyes. "It is."

That was all I needed to hear. "Alright. I'm free."

"Good," he said, stepping aside to let me pass.

We walked in comfortably silent darkness down the hall. The soft echo of our footsteps bounced off the walls and I couldn't help but feel hyper-aware of him beside me. His scent wrapped around me, pine, and something warm that my wolf hummed in approval for.

"How are you adjusting?" he asked after a while.

"Fine," I replied shortly, keeping my eyes ahead.

He didn't push, though I could feel his gaze stay on me.

As we came to the door, he turned toward me. "Ready?"

I nodded. My heart began to pound in anticipation.

He laid his hand on the handle and turned it slowly. That soft click of the latch seemed to echo down the quiet hallway. With a soft push, he opened the door and stepped inside, holding it open for me.

I hesitated a moment before following him inside. In one swift second, my breath caught at the sight before me. I clutched my racing heart, and I let out a small gasp.