Chapter 43 Montclair Pack
Selene slowly woke up and immediately felt the pain in her body, sharp and deep, especially in her ribs and head. It was the kind of pain that made her breath hitch before it even reached her lungs. A low groan escaped her lips as she tried to breathe properly, but even that simple action sent another wave of agony through her chest.
Her lashes fluttered as she struggled to open her eyes.
Light greeted her first. It was soft and warm, like early morning sunlight. When her vision finally cleared, she froze.
The ceiling above her was unlike anything she had ever seen.
It was high and wide, painted with soft shades of white and pale gold. Elegant designs curved across it, detailed yet gentle, like someone had poured care into every single line. A crystal chandelier hung above, catching the light and scattering it beautifully around the room.
Selene stared, stunned.
“This…” she whispered, her throat dry. “This is way better than our Alpha’s house.”
The words slipped out before she could stop herself.
She slowly turned her head, taking in the rest of the room. The bed she lay on was wide and soft, covered in clean white sheets that smelled faintly of herbs and fresh air. Tall windows lined one wall, framed by thick curtains. Polished furniture stood neatly arranged, each piece carefully chosen.
This place was… beautiful but despite that, confusion crept into her chest.
“Where am I?” Selene whispered.
She tried to move her hand, but pain exploded through her arm and chest. Her ribs screamed in protest, and her head pounded so hard her vision blurred. Selene sucked in a sharp breath, her fingers curling into the sheets.
“It seems like I broke a bone or two,” she muttered weakly.
Despite the pain, she tried to sit up. Slowly, carefully, Selene tried to push herself up, her muscles trembling as she fought through the ache.
But the moment she lifted herself even an inch, agony slammed into her like a wall.
She cried out softly and fell back onto the bed, gasping. Pain spread through her chest and side, stealing the air from her lungs. Tears stung her eyes as she clenched her teeth, trying not to panic.
Before she could even try again, the door suddenly swung open.
Footsteps rushed in.
“Is she awake yet?” a woman asked urgently.
“Yes!” another voice replied. “She tried to get up!”
Selene turned her head slightly as three figures hurried toward her. Two women in maid uniforms rushed to her sides, worry clear on their faces. Behind them stood a man wearing a white coat followed closely behind them.
The man stepped forward immediately.
“Please don’t move,” the man said firmly. “Stay still.”
“I-I’m fine,” Selene whispered, though even speaking made her head ache.
The doctor shook his head gently. “No, you’re not.”
He carefully checked her condition. He placed a careful hand near her shoulder, not touching, just steadying her. “You’ve suffered severe injuries. Several ribs are broken. Your left arm has a fracture, and there’s damage to your leg as well. You also hit your head hard. If you try to move again, you could make things worse.”
Selene blinked slowly .“That… bad?”
“Yes,” he said honestly. “It’s a miracle you’re alive.”
Alive.
The word felt strange in her mind.
“You need to rest,” he continued. “No sudden movements. No trying to get up on your own. If you do, you could make everything worse.”
“How long?” she asked quietly.
“Until your body is ready,” he replied honestly. “And that will take time.”
One of the maids carefully adjusted the pillows under Selene’s head, while the other pulled the blanket higher, avoiding her injured ribs.
“You’re safe here,” the doctor added, his voice softer now. “Call for help if you feel pain or dizziness.”
Selene nodded. “I understand.”
Selene didn’t know why, but her eyes burned.
After checking her pulse and making sure she was stable, the doctor straightened up. “I’ll return later,” he said to the maids. “Watch her closely.”
“Yes, doctor,” they replied together.
When the door closed behind him, the room fell quiet again.
Selene let out a slow breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.
She turned her head slightly toward the nearest maid. “Um… excuse me,” she said gently. “Can I ask you something?”
The maid leaned closer immediately. “Yes?”
“What’s your name?” Selene asked gently.
“Oh,” the maid smiled warmly. “I’m Rutchel.”
“That’s a nice name,” Selene said softly. “Thank you for helping me.”
Rutchel’s expression softened. “You’re welcome. You should rest.”
Before Selene could respond, the door opened again.
Two more maids stepped inside.
One of them had bright eyes and a cheerful smile, already looking excited. “Oh! You’re awake!”
Selene blinked. “I am.”
“I’m Cariel!” the maid said happily, stepping closer. “And this is Jenna.”
Jenna gave a small wave. “Hello.”
Selene smiled faintly. “Nice to meet you both.”
Cariel clasped her hands together. “You have no idea how shocked we were when they found you.”
Selene frowned slightly. “Found me?”
“Yes!” Cariel nodded eagerly. “Our warriors were patrolling near the river when they saw something stuck between the rocks. At first, they thought it was debris.”
Jenna nodded. “Then they realized it was a person.”
Selene frowned. “The river…?”
“Yes!” Cariel nodded eagerly. Cariel leaned closer, lowering her voice like she was sharing gossip. “You were barely conscious. Covered in blood. Honestly, it scared everyone.”
Selene swallowed.
Jenna nodded. “We’ve never seen injuries like that from a fall alone.”
Selene’s fingers twitched under the blanket.
“And when the Alpha saw you—oh gods—you should’ve seen his face.” Cariel paused dramatically.
Jenna sighed. “Cariel…”
“He immediately ordered the pack doctor to be called,” Cariel continued, ignoring her. “Didn’t even hesitate.”
Selene’s heart skipped. “The Alpha… saw me?”
“Oh yes,” Cariel said dreamily. “He carried you himself.”
Selene blinked. “He what?”
Cariel nodded. “Like you weighed nothing. And he looked so worried.”
Jenna crossed her arms. “You’re exaggerating.”
“I am not!” Cariel protested. “He barely slept that night. Stayed nearby the whole time.”
Rutchel chuckled softly.
Selene felt her heart beat faster, not with fear—but confusion.
“Why?” she asked quietly.
Cariel tilted her head. “Why not? You almost died.”
Selene swallowed and laughed quietly. “I must’ve caused trouble.”
Cariel waved her hand. “Nope, we are glad that you survived.”
Selene smiled, warmth spreading through her chest. There was no tension here. No pretending.
Rutchel gently adjusted Selene’s blanket again. “You’re lucky,” she said softly. “Very lucky.”
Selene let out a weak laugh. “It doesn’t feel that way.”
Cariel smiled at her. “You seem nice. Not cold or scary like some guests.”
Selene chuckled faintly. “I don’t think I have the strength to be scary right now.”
The maids laughed softly.
For the first time since she woke up, Selene felt… lighter. There was no pressure. No eyes watching her every move. No pretending.
She was just Selene and after a moment, her smile faded slightly as a thought crossed her mind.
“Can I ask something?”
“Of course,” Rutchel said.
“What pack is this?” Selene asked.
The room went silent.
Cariel blinked. “Oh.”
Jenna exchanged a glance with Rutchel.
“This is the Montclair Pack,” Cariel said.
Selene’s jaw dropped.
Her heart slammed painfully against her ribs as shock took over.
“Montclair?” she whispered.
Their enemy.
The pack she was warned about.
Her life had just changed again.
And this time… she didn’t know whether to be afraid or grateful.