Chapter 30: Chapter 30

EVIE

I started my day by inspecting the closet, curious to see how Mack, the new girl, had arranged my clothes. Next, I moved on to the bathroom, checking out the setup. I was pleasantly surprised by the organization and found myself warming up to Mack.

We seemed to have similar tastes. I then began to explore the room further. The bathroom was a significant upgrade from the one in my townhouse.

It boasted a spacious, two-person walk-in shower with intricate tiling, a bench against the back wall, and dual shower heads. A large jacuzzi tub was also present. A vanity stretched across the opposite wall, featuring a single sink and an abundance of counter space and cabinets.

A mirror, extending from the counter to the ceiling, hung above the vanity. I decided to indulge in the luxurious bathroom amenities and took a long, relaxing shower. I only stopped when the water turned cold.

After drying off, brushing my teeth, and tending to my hair, I exited the bathroom. I switched off the light and headed to the walk-in closet, selecting a pair of cozy joggers and a loose T-shirt. As I reentered the bedroom, a knock echoed from the door, followed by its slow opening.

“Hello? Luna?” a timid voice inquired.

“Come in!” I responded, moving toward the door.

A young woman with glossy black hair, pale skin, and large brown eyes stepped into the room. She looked about my age.

“Hi, Luna! I’m Mack,” she greeted me with a smile, standing just inside the door.

“Hi, Mack, please call me Evie.” I returned her smile.

She seemed taken aback but quickly regained her composure.

“Can I assist you with anything? Is the room to your satisfaction?” she asked, glancing around the room.

“Oh, yes, everything is perfect,” I assured her.

“Alpha says you can make any changes you want. Are you sure there’s nothing I can do for you?” she asked again, eager to help.

I wasn’t one for decorations or personalizing spaces. The only personal touches in my townhome were family photos and some artwork. But if I was going to spend more time here, I needed something to keep me busy when Noah was occupied.

“Actually, I would appreciate some art supplies. I enjoy painting and drawing. It would be a good way to pass the time,” I suggested.

Mack’s face lit up.

“I can definitely arrange that for you! Do you need anything specific?” she asked.

“Would you like me to make a list?” I offered.

She nodded enthusiastically, grabbing a pen and notepad from the bedside table and handing them to me. I jotted down everything I needed, including some more extravagant items I wouldn’t usually splurge on. I handed the notepad back to Mack.

“Thank you.” I smiled at her, and she bowed her head.

“Of course, Luna. I’ll get on this right away.”

I sighed at her insistence on using my title but didn’t comment as she left the room.

I decided to try my luck at navigating the sprawling pack house to find Noah’s office. I remembered Sawyer showing me the way during my tour. I knew it was on the first floor and toward the back, closer to the library than any other facilities.

I took the elevator down to the first floor and began to weave my way through the labyrinthine hallways of the pack house. I knew I was nearing my destination when the noise and activity of the pack members started to fade. I found myself in the library and realized I had taken a wrong turn.

I sighed in frustration, turning around to retrace my steps when I collided with a man’s chest.

“~Ooof!~” I gasped, stumbling backward and looking up at the figure I had bumped into. “I’m so sorry!” I apologized, studying his face.

There was something familiar about him. He didn’t look happy as he frowned down at me.

“What are you doing here?” he grumbled, glaring at me.

I took another step back, taken aback by his harsh tone.

“I’m ~uh…~ I’m with Alpha Noah,” I stammered.

I didn’t know what else to say. Everyone knew who I was; I never had to introduce myself before.

“I know who you are, ~human.~ I want to know why you are here,” he snapped.

Suddenly, it clicked why this guy seemed so familiar. He had the same round, sculpted face and olive-green eyes as my mate.

This was Noah’s dad.

“I’m trying to find Noah’s office.” I managed to find my voice and a bit of courage, standing tall and pushing the quiver out of my voice.

I was aware this man didn’t think much of me, but I was hell-bent on proving him wrong. I stared into his hardened eyes. They were the same shade as Noah’s, but that’s where the similarities stopped. Noah’s eyes were gentle, always twinkling with mischief. Toby Landry’s eyes were devoid of life.

“You don’t belong there,” he said flatly. “You should do as you’re told and stay in your room.”

I blinked at him, taken aback.

“I was told to make myself at home,” I retorted, crossing my arms over my chest.

“You can do that by staying put,” he shot back.

“Noah…”

He growled at me, gripping my arm and blocking my exit.

“That’s ~Alpha~ to you,” Toby warned, his eyes turning pitch black.

“Let go of me,” I ordered, glaring at his hand on my arm.

“You will show me some respect,” Toby bellowed.

I narrowed my eyes at him. Summoning all my courage, I spat out the words that Noah, Sawyer, Molly, and so many others had told me.

“I owe you nothing. I am ~your luna.~” A voice I didn’t recognize slipped from my lips, startling both me and Noah’s father.

Toby stumbled back, letting go of my arm.

“Not if I have anything to say about it,” Toby muttered, shaking his head as he walked away.

I felt myself trembling, tears threatening to spill from my eyes as I waited for him to disappear from sight. I rushed down the hallway and found Noah’s office just a few steps away from where I’d been. Before I could stop myself, I was pushing his door open and stumbling inside.