We were so lost in our world, focusing on ourselves, that we didn't know that everyone was watching us, some with curiosity and others with confusion. The whole dinner was silent as everyone was watching your interactions with wary eyes, wondering what was happening.
I glanced up to face the pack, but one particular set of eyes caught me. It was Harry. Shit! I forgot about him. I was yet to thank him for his help during my heat. I tried to signal him with my eyes that we would talk later, but he was looking at me like someone stole his puppy.
Richard stilled when he noticed that everyone was looking at him, waiting for some sort of explanation. He took a sip of the water in front of him, pushed back his chair, and stood up. He extended his hands to me, and I took them, not knowing why he wanted me to take his hands.
He pulled me to a standing position and cleared his throat. Now all eyes were on him, waiting for his next move. "I know you're all curious about this beautiful lady standing beside me," he began casually, as if he hadn't just called me beautiful in front of the pack.
My eyes met Isabella. She was sitting among some females, and she was smiling at me. It seems like she already knew the direction this was headed in... Wait, is this what I think? Is Richard going to finally introduce me to the pack?
"This is Isabella, and she is my mate." Yes, he did introduce me to his pack. Shouts of joy and claps filled the room as everyone congratulated their Alpha. I scanned the faces of the pack, trying to gauge their reaction, but they were all happy; a lot of them sported smiling faces.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. One of my major concerns has been if the pack wouldn’t accept me, and I was happy it wasn't so. Although I noticed a few weren't all that happy. I couldn’t care less; so long as the majority accepts me, I am fine with that.
My eyes flashed to Harry, and he had on an unreadable look. Although he doesn't seem shocked, I guess he must have figured it out.
I decided not to bother myself with that. He already knew I had a mate, so why the sour face? I looked at Jessica; she was really excited about this, because her shouts were the loudest. I couldn't help but smile at her antics. Even if no one would support me, I was glad to know that she would be there.
Richard held up his hand, and the noise gradually died down. "That's been said. You must accord her the same respect that you give to me. She will be your Luna, and I will not tolerate any disrespect in any form towards her. Is that clear?"
"Yes Alpha." The pack chorused.
"That will be all." We took our seats as the chatter resumed, but with a low buzz. I tried to finish my meal as quietly as possible. Too many eyes were on me, watching my every move. It is a miracle I didn't spill the food on my clothes.
Finally, the dining room began to empty as people finished eating. Jessica rushed to my side. She squealed as she enveloped me in a warm hug, almost shattering my ears. She was beaming from ear to ear.
"I'm so happy for you, Bella." She whispered in my ears. "I can’t believe I have a sister now. Being the only girl was suffocating. I am so glad you came." She bounced excitedly as she complained. Richard didn't even pay her any heed; he pretended like he didn’t hear her.
"I am also happy I am here. It still feels surreal that I am going to be the Luna of a pack."
"Mm-" Jessica's smile turned into a smirk as she sniffed the air. "So," she winked as she nudged me, "how does it feel to be mated, huh? You practically reek of Richard."
This was exactly what I was afraid of. "No, we didn't, mate." Sadly. "I forgot my bath bag in my room downstairs, so I had to bathe with his products. Besides, I am wearing his clothes, hence why I "reek" of him.
"Oh, I see." She replied in a dejected voice. "Anyways, I am truly happy for you."
"Thank you. Now if you will excuse me, I need to see someone."
"Who-" I was racing towards my target, not waiting to hear what she had to say. I needed to thank Harry before he would disappear.
"Harry!" I called out as I got close to him, slightly out of breath because of the little run. He didn't seem happy to see me, and I wonder why.
"Luna." He bows his head at me and turns to continue his journey. Uhm… strange?
"I never got to thank you for your help during my heat, so thank you."
"No problem, Luna. I was just doing my duties as a pack member," he said with a tight-lipped smile; he was also avoiding my eyes. "May I be excused now?" I don't understand. Why was he being so rude? I haven't done anything to warrant that.
"What is going on? Why are you so stiff and formal?"
"Pardon me, Luna, but I don't think the Alpha will approve of this. Goodbye." Who lit a fire under his ass? Because I don't understand this recent attitude.
I shrugged it off after a while. It was fruitless thinking about what I did wrong. Besides, I didn't want anything to spoil my mood today.
I hurried back to my dining room to meet Richard. He was seated with some men who were discussing in low tones, their faces all serious. I sat down at the far end and picked up my phone, trying to reply to as many messages as I could.
I smiled as I saw the videos my friends sent me of their outing. This time, they went to a beach. They looked so happy, splashing water all around and playing. I missed being with them.
I saw another notification in my family's group chat, reminding me that my brother's coronation is coming up next month. I hoped I could make it, but with the way things are going on, I don't think I will be able to make it.
"Isabella!" Shit, he said my name in full. What did I do now? I stood up to face him. "Why can I scent another man on you?"
"That should be Harry. I was just thanking him for the help he provided."
"And how the fuck did you know Harry? I don't think I've ever introduced you guys. Besides, why do you even need to thank him?" His eyes gleamed black as his wolf came to the surface.
I was beginning to get angry. Why has he been this way? I was already put off by Harry's response today, and I wasn't in the mood for Richard's troubles.
"He was the one that was showing me around the pack while you were too busy ignoring your mate. And he helped get me to safety during my heat, so I do need to thank him."
I wasn't going to stay here and argue with Richard. The best option would be to leave the scene. I was about to do just that when he grabbed my hands and drew me towards him.
"I am sorry, my love. My emotion got the better of me." He grabbed me on my waist, drew me even closer, and pecked me on my cheeks. "I will make sure to thank him properly," he said in between kisses. I couldn't help but giggle at the attention I was getting.
Something has definitely changed since I woke up from my hibernation. Richard has been more caring and attentive. And I love it; it is all I have ever wanted and more.
Richard began to lead me through the house; we were passing through places I had never been to before. We got to a door, and the door opened, leading to the balcony.
The back was surrounded by trees, some of which bore flowers and others bore fruits. Some hanging chairs were placed around the balcony. It was truly a beautiful sight to see.
Richard led me to one of the couple's chairs and we sat down. Before long, an Omega came out, carrying a tray; on it was a bottle of wine and two glasses.
Richard unscrewed the cork and poured the content of the bottle into the glasses before handing me a cup.
"I have been wanting to ask you a question, Richard," I began after taking a sip of the red wine. It had a tangy taste at the beginning, but once it hit my throat, the aftertaste was really refreshing.
"What is it, My Love?"
"Don't you have a beta? Since I arrived at the pack, I haven't seen or heard anything about him."
"I do have a beta. But he is currently away for a much-needed vacation. That was partly the reason why I had so much to do. But he will be coming back tomorrow."
"That is a relief. I thought you had none." We continued in silence as we sipped our drinks—not an awkward one, but a calming one.
"What were you doing in your previous pack before you came here?" Richard asked after a while.
"That is so random, why do you ask?"
"I heard you were looking for a job at the hospital, so I was curious. Why didn't you ask me first?" He said it with a hint of anger.
"I barely saw you during the day, and I was tired of staying indoors, so I had to resort to something else." I began, "In answer to your question, I do carry out an autopsy back at home and help out."
We fell into silence after my reply. But Richard suddenly stood up and smiled, his dimples on full display. "Want to go someplace fun?"
"Hell yes!"