Chapter 2 - New Beginnings

Amara, do you think this is a good idea? I know you've been repressed for so long but living right under the nose of the Council and the Royal family? They might figure us out.

Amara, my wolf, had been quiet since the entire process began but I could still feel her fire, her burning desire to be free.

Cate, you have to trust me. This is our path and we are doing what is necessary for us and our little wolf.

I did trust her and knew that she would never steer us wrong nor would she put Olivia in danger.

Look at all the trees! It is so much greener and more lush than before. Even Moonstone didn't have so many trees. I could feel her excitement grow with each passing hour.

We had called Uncle Kenny once we were off pack lands to let him know that our connection has officially been broken and we were on our way. He was happy to learn that my mother was with me and he would meet us in town at a Council owned hotel. He offered to set my mom and Olivia up with a room until I was officially introduced into the pack by taking my oath and our new home was prepared. I already had a job lined up with the construction company owned by the Royal family, signed up for several volunteer positions, Olivia was even signed up with the local wolf pup daycare to meet others her own age. Everything was lining up perfectly thanks to the assistance of my uncle.

As we drove through town I could hear all of our hearts pounding with anticipation - the beautiful structures that were surrounding the town were breathtaking. The King firmly believed in rehabilitating the architecture that was built years before in order to preserve the beauty of the town and it showed.

I pulled into the front of our hotel to see Uncle Kenny waiting with a warm open smile. He signaled for a valet to take our bags and park our car, instructing him to take extra care.

"Welcome! I am so happy you made it safely. I selected a lovely suite and already have food waiting for you. I know you must be hungry after your long journey. Once you eat I'll take Cate over to pack lands to meet the Beta and receive her assignments." He directed the way into the lobby. I could tell that Olivia was already needing a nap despite the long journey.

The hotel was luxurious. It was a massive wooden cabin nestled within the woods - the front lobby had a high ceiling with walls of windows allowing the light shine through, showcasing the beauty of the surrounding forest. It had tall pillars made of solid trees throughout with elegant chandeliers. The lobby was a perfect mix of rustic and elegant. Large oversized couches and chairs surrounding a large stone fireplace. It was unlike anything I had seen before. Wood and steel were blending together to create a feeling of warmth and charm. I was familiar with the hotel but had never been given the opportunity to experience it myself. I could smell the mixture of human and wolves throughout the lobby - a few other shifters were blended as well. So many people were moving about that it was almost too crowded to move. The King and council were holding their annual summit - allowing for representatives from packs to gather and mingle. Attending meetings and balls, signing treaties and new business ventures. It was an opportunity to meet your fated mate if you were lucky enough. Amara whimpered slightly at the thought that we missed our chance to meet our mate but it was something that we would have to focus on later. Now we had to focus on restarting our lives.

Uncle Kenny and my Mom were deep in conversation as we entered the elevator banks. Olivia was silently talking to herself about whatever was on her little mind. I often wondered what she was thinking. She was always giggling and playing without a care in the world. She was such a happy girl despite our circumstances. In a way, I was happy that Alex was not active in her life as it made things easier when we left. She wouldn't remember him or miss him. There would be questions later on in life but at the moment my soul focus was ensuring that she was given every opportunity. Living within the Royal pack would help.

"Here we are," Kenny announced as he opened the door to our suite, "this is the main living area. You have a kitchenette. Two bedrooms. Each with their own bathroom. I have covered all expenses for a week but if you need to stay longer they have permission to expense it through me. There's laundry services that are included with the suite. The kitchen is open all night because you know....shifters. There's also a five star restaurant on site, a pool, kid's area, business center, two lounges with bars attached, and conference rooms. I think that is everything but I often forget. The forests around the hotel are restricted for shifting. There are signs that direct you to safe areas. Those areas are restricted from humans."

The room was huge. The living area held a giant leather couch, loveseat and two chairs. Side tables, coffee table and entertainment center with a huge television. Olivia was already asking Mimi to turn on her cartoons. I should have known the room would be extravagant based on the lobby alone. It carried the theme of steel and wood, the rustic yet modern look.

"Uncle Kenny! This is too much! I can't believe you did all this for us. I can't thank you enough. You have done so much for us." Tears began to prick my eyes.

"You are my niece. I may not have been able to protect you all those years ago and you know regulations and laws prevented me from stepping in but you are family. It is my duty to do everything I can to ensure your safety. If I could kill that sorry excuse for a wolf I would. You best believe I have requested an investigation into Alpha Derrick as well." I could see Kenny's wolf rising to the surface. I knew he couldn't challenge Alpha Derrick because he was a Council member, as such, Council members could not have their own packs as they were to represent all packs without prejudice.

"Your father would be proud Cate. I'm proud of you." He placed his hands on my shoulders the way my father would when he was offering words of wisdom and love. Uncle Kenny had the same green eyes. They offered so much support and tenderness. I didn't know Uncle Kenny as well as I should have but the day he received the requests submitted by Alpha Derrick and Alex nullifying our bond he arrived at my doorstep that evening without hesitation. He set into motion the events that led me here to this beautiful hotel room and I would be forever grateful to him.

Lunch was light and breezy. Uncle Kenny provided us with some great insight. Even let slip that the King was looking to host a ball to search for his future Luna. The King had yet to meet his fated mate and could no longer hold off of remaining unmated. The Council had spoken and a ball would be arranged just for the King. He would be presented with some of the most beautiful, eligible she-wolves around with the goal being that he meets his mate, if not, he will have to choose who to court and mate. It wasn't unheard of for the Royal family to wait so long to find a mate. There is immense pressure and they must be sure that their mate will preform their duties. Rejection of the fated mate is normal but highly frowned upon as your fated mate is meant to make you stronger, meant to make you a better version of yourself and the King needs his other half.

"Alright Cate! Want to freshen up before we head off? You'll be meeting with the Royal Beta. King Nicholas is currently in session and not able to welcome you." Uncle Kenny spoke, still smiling.

"Is it normal for the King to meet with new wolves joining the pack?" I was extremely skeptical and nervous.

"You are the niece of a Council member. The King wished to meet with you since I did speak on your behalf. Don't worry, he doesn't know the whole story. I just told him that you were facing some challenges and turmoil since Alpha Derrick took control of the pack and needed a fresh start." Kenny's smile wavered slightly but he calmed my racing heart. I started to believe that he was smiling to try and ease the nerves that were racking my brain. His smile was so much like my father's.

"Well, I guess I'll get dressed and we can go."

"Good! Because I think Livy Love and I are going to take a nap. It's already been a long day for us." Mom was already heading to her room. Olivia was following closely behind her calling out for her Mimi. Not even a second glance in our direction.

Little traitor. Amara was teasing but knew that when Mimi was around that was all that mattered to her.

"I'll be downstairs in the Blue Moon lounge. I have a few calls to make. Take your time. Your appointment isn't for another 2 hours. Ann, if you want to call the front desk and request a few groceries they can have them sent up for you." Uncle Kenny already knew that women were always late so he gave me plenty of time to prepare.

"Thank you Ken. This is all so amazing. We are so grateful."

"Liv can sleep in my room with me. You know she'll end up in my bed anyway. Do you need help picking out something to wear?" She knew I was scared. She knew that if our secret was revealed that we would be hunted. It was amazing that we kept it quiet this long.