Chapter 21: Finally Earn Their Respect
Selena's POV
I was in the garden sitting on the bench while staring at the beautiful flowers in front of me. Kael was in his bedroom, resting and I don't want to disturb him. I told the maids to bring him food, and don't let their Alpha to come out. I might become strict, but I'm doing this for his own sake. He needs to rest and recover before getting back to work even if his people need him.
I looked at my hands and the bruises I got from the shackles were still vivid. It's no longer painful, but it reminds me of my miserable past. Everything was still clear to me, and the memories I'm trying to forget were still in my head. However, I'm wishing to the moon goddess that this ordeal will soon end because I don't want innocent people to get involved. Mainly, I will be the reason for their misery and I don't want that to happen.
“Selena,” Simon called my name, causing me to turn around and find him standing behind me.
I stood up and approached him but kept the distance between us. “Yes? Did something wrong?”
He shook his head, “No. Everything is okay. Alpha Kael was doing fine. Thanks to you, Selena.”
I smiled and replied, “There's no need for you to thank me because that's the only thing I can do to return his kindness to me. After all, I owe everything to him.”
“I still want to thank you for saving him. I underestimated you without even knowing you. I was just scared that our pack would fall into unexpected challenges, especially since you are known for—” he stopped, clearing his throat.
I chuckled, “I am called curse. I know that already, Simon. You don't have to feel pity on me. I have been treated like that for so many years and I almost believed that I am cursed, but because of your alpha. I have changed my beliefs.”
“Your kindness and bravery impressed me. The way heels came from being tied up just to save him is something a woman can't do. I haven't seen anyone risk their lives just to save Alpha Kael, but you? You are different. Even though our pack vowed their life to protect him, we can't guarantee that others will.”
I shrugged, “Well, as I've said. I owe him big time.”
“In that case, we would like to invite you inside. The Alpha has prepared something special for you,” Simon answered.
I furrowed, tilting my head and questioned, “What is it? Wait, he's supposed to stay in bed.”
Simon smiled faintly, “Why don't you head inside and scold him?”
I take a deep breath before marching towards the house and head inside. I immediately noticed the uncanny silence covering the entire mansion, especially since I used to see maids running around doing their chores.
“Hello? Is anybody home?” My voice echoed through the walls.
“Why don't you check the living room?”
I was startled and my heart almost jumped out of my chest. “Geez, Simon! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”
“They're waiting.”
My eyebrows met in confusion, especially since he sounded hiding something. Out of curiosity, I walked towards the living room and as soon as I entered the room, I was backfired. His pack was inside but my eyes landed on Kael. He was standing at the front, leading them to this strange gathering.
“Uh, what is going on here?” I asked.
Kael approached me and kissed my forehead. “I think they have something to say.”
He was referring to his pack. I turned at them with astonishment, waiting for them to explain this. Later on, Simon entered. He stood with the others.
I sighed when I realized something. “If this is about what happened yesterday, I want to apologize. I don't want any of you to get involved with my problem and I told your dearest leader to leave before it's too late. But he's stubborn. If you were here to tell me how unworthy I was to be your leader's Luna, I would hardly accept it. Besides, I never accept any of you to consider me as his chosen Luna and I will never force you to accept me.”
“We didn't ask you to come here to blame you, Selena. We are here to thank you for saving our Alpha,” Simon said.
I was stunned. “W-what?”
“I know we become rude to you. We always make sure you feel and welcome to this pack, especially since we feel you don't belong here. You came from our enemy and we only wanted to protect the Alpha, and also the pack. However, after what you've shown us yesterday. Things change.”
“What do you mean?”
“We realized that you are different. Even though you came from our enemy, you still risk your life just to save him. That small gesture touched our heart and we decided to welcome you to the pack officially,” he added.
My tears started to form in my eyes, but I stopped. I don't want to be emotional in front of them and I don't know how I can do that. I am moved by their words, and don't know that this day will come very soon.
“Are you sure about that? I mean, did Kael threaten you or what?”
Kael chuckled, “I didn't threaten them. Actually, they came to me. They explained everything and wanted to welcome you officially, so we're holding a party to welcome you to the pack, Selena.”
“Really?” My tears fell.
He nodded before wiping my tears, “Yes, Selena. This is the first step. I told you they will like you.”
I embrace him out of excitement and gratitude. I never felt happy like this before, although Jessica will get mad after knowing this. She is not at the house at the moment, she went to the city to meet her Aunt and once she comes back she will pick a fight with me.
But that's not what is important. The important thing is, I finally found my home.
“Thank you, Kael.” I parted and added, “Thank you for saving me and giving me another chance to experience life…”
“I will do it over and over again, Selena.”
I stared at his eyes and without hesitation, I kissed him. I wrapped my arms around his neck, deepening our kiss as he responded. This day was sealed with a kiss that filled with development in what I feel for Kael.