Chapter 63 Chapter 63
_Leah’s POV_
The next morning, a soft knock woke me up. I shot upright in the bed, my hand instantly reaching for the gun I had kept on the nightstand beside me. My heart pounded as I stared at the door. I needed to be ready. What if it was someone who had bad intentions?
"Leah?" a familiar voice called. "It's Fred. Alpha Kayden asked me to wait for you downstairs. Breakfast is ready."
Fred. I let out a shaky breath and glanced around the room. Light was streaming through the window, soft and golden. It looked peaceful, but nothing felt peaceful inside me.
Athena stirred. "It’s okay. He doesn’t sound like a threat. But keep your guard up."
I got up from the bed and looked around for something I could use to strap the gun to my body. My eyes landed on a long silk scarf draped over a nearby chair. It must have been left there as part of the room’s decor, but it would do.
I tied the scarf around my waist and slipped the gun underneath it, positioning it against my lower back. Then I pulled my blouse down over it. It wasn't the most secure holster, but it would work for now. I needed to ask Kayden for real clothes. I couldn't keep wearing the same clothes I had run away in.
When I stepped out of the room, I kept my eyes on everyone I passed. I didn’t trust anyone yet. The hallway was silent, the air still heavy with memories.
I reached the stairs and slowly made my way down. The smell of fresh bread, eggs, and tea filled the air. It hit me like a wave, and my stomach growled. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was.
When I entered the dining hall, I stopped.
Kayden was already seated at the long table, along with his Beta Fred, the Gamma, and other high-ranking pack members. Their eyes all turned to me at once, and for a moment, I froze. In the past, I wasn’t even allowed near this room. Omegas like me ate scraps in the back kitchen, far away from the Alpha’s table.
Now, Kayden was motioning for me to come closer.
Fred got up and moved to another seat to make space beside Kayden. I swallowed hard and walked over slowly. My boots were echoing softly on the floor.
Kayden smiled when I reached him. "Good morning. Come, sit here."
I glanced at him, then at the others. Everyone was silent. They were watching me.
I sat beside him, keeping my body stiff.
"There’s plenty to eat," he said while pointing to the spread. There were buttery croissants, golden hash browns, pancakes, eggs cooked three different ways, a bowl of mixed berries, sausages, and a tray of muffins in various flavors.
"Croissants are my favorite," he said with a small smile. "But everything here is good."
I reached out and grabbed a chocolate chip muffin. It was the smallest thing there. I poured myself some tea from the pot and added a bit of milk.
Just as I was about to take a bite, a thought struck me.
What if the food was poisoned?
I froze. The muffin was in my hand.
Athena spoke up. "The food is on shared plates. You picked at random. If they poisoned it, others would eat it too. It’s safe."
I looked around. Kayden and Fred had already taken bites of their food. The milk was from a shared jar. I nodded slowly to myself.
I took a bite of the muffin. It was soft, warm, and sweet. So much better than the bread which was served at Tariq's pack.
Kayden turned slightly toward me. "Did you sleep well?"
I didn’t want to tell him the truth. That the mattress was so soft and the sheets so warm I had fallen asleep within seconds. That for a few hours, I had forgotten all the pain.
"Not really," I said instead. "It’s an unfamiliar place. I didn’t feel comfortable."
He nodded, not pushing further. "Is there anything you need?"
"Clothes," I said quickly. "I have nothing. Just what I’m wearing."
He opened his mouth, then smiled. "Then I’ll take you shopping."
I nearly dropped my muffin.
"What? No," I said quickly. "I don’t want to go shopping with you. I’ll take anything. Even old, unused clothes from someone in the pack. I don’t need anything fancy."
He looked like he wanted to argue, but then a guard rushed into the dining hall.
"Alpha Kayden," the guard said urgently.
Kayden stood. "Yes?"
The guard looked around nervously, then leaned in. "Alpha Tariq of the Fireblood Pack is here. He demands to speak with you immediately."
My blood turned to ice.
Tariq. Here?
I sat frozen, my hands gripping the edge of the table. I could feel the gun pressing into my back beneath my clothes.
Athena let out a sharp growl in my mind. "He found us. He came for you."
"What should I do?" I whispered inside.
"Be ready. Don't panic. Watch what Kayden does. We need to be smart."
I looked up slowly. Kayden was already walking toward the door.
He glanced back at me once. Our eyes locked.
He saw the fear on my face. He gave a small nod, as if to say, "I won't let him touch you."
But could I believe that?
I turned back to the table and stared at my half-eaten muffin.
Tariq was here. And everything was about to fall apart.