BLOODMOON

Chapter Thirty-Seven:A Grand Welcome

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the dense forest, Luca stirred, awakening Arvan and the rest of the pack. Sahil rubbed his eyes, grappling with the vivid memories of last night's eavesdropped conversation. The air was charged with anticipation as the pack prepared for the day ahead.

Luca, with an air of excitement, gathered the pack around. "I've rented a van," he announced, a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes. "We're heading to my house to see my father and Nonna. It's time they meet Sahil and the rest of the pack." The pack exchanged glances, a mix of curiosity and anticipation, as they prepared to embark on this unexpected journey.

Lydia placed a reassuring hand on Luca's shoulder. "Calm down, Luca," she said with a serene demeanor. "Before we set off, we need the address to your father's place. It wouldn't do for us to wander aimlessly through the woods." Her steady gaze prompted Luca to share the crucial information, grounding their adventurous spirits in practicality.

Luca took a deep breath and shared the address with Lydia and the rest of the pack. "We'll head there together," he said, a mix of anticipation and nervousness in his voice. The pack, now armed with the destination, prepared to embark on this journey, ready to tread the path to Luca's home.

The pack piled into the rented van, excitement palpable in the air. Luca, taking the wheel, navigated the winding roads toward his home. As they drove, the wolves gazed out the windows, captivated by the changing scenery. Lush landscapes and towering trees painted a breathtaking picture, the beauty of nature unfolding before their keen eyes. The journey was not only a physical one but a visual feast, forging a connection between the pack and the world beyond their usual wilderness.

Sahil, lost in thought, stared out of the van's window. The rhythmic patter of raindrops transported him back to Umhlanga, his mother's Porsche Cayenne cocooning him.Raindrops danced on the windows as his mother called his name, asking if he was ready for their journey to Canada.

"Yes," Sahil replied, the memory echoing in his mind. His mother reassured him, mentioning his big brother Arvan awaiting him in Canada. Sahil's mother, her voice gentle amidst the rain's symphony, engaged him in conversation. As the Porsche glided through Umhlanga's streets, she spoke of the new adventures awaiting them in Canada.

"Arvan will be there for you," she assured Sahil, her eyes reflecting both love and anticipation. "You're strong, my son. Canada holds endless possibilities, and with Arvan by your side, you'll navigate this new chapter seamlessly."

Sahil, despite the reassurance, couldn't shake off his nerves. In the gentle rain-drenched cocoon of the Porsche, he confessed to his mother, "I'm nervous, Mom. I'm the only one sent by Dad without assistance. What if I can't live up to expectations?"

His mother, her gaze filled with unwavering confidence, cupped his face. "You're not alone, Sahil. You have Arvan, and you have your own strength. Your father believes in you. Embrace the challenges, and remember, your journey is uniquely yours. You're destined for greatness, my dear."

The echoes of his mother's comforting words lingered in the air, offering a lifeline of courage as Sahil, who continued to gaze outside the van's window.

As Sahil was lost in the echoes of his mother's comforting words, a gentle tap on his shoulder disrupted the reverie. Arvan's voice cut through, "Sahil, you okay?"

Startled, Sahil turned to face Arvan. "Yeah, just lost in thought," he replied, offering a faint smile. Isabela, perceptive as ever, joined the conversation. "I noticed you've been staring out the window for a while. Everything alright?"

Sahil, appreciating the concern, nodded. "Just reminiscing. I'm fine, really." The van continued its journey, the pack united in both shared memories and the promise of the unknown future.

Sahil, breaking the silence, sighed softly. "I was thinking about Mom," he admitted to Arvan.

Arvan, wearing a warm smile, asked, "What's on your mind, little brother?" The van rumbled along the road,punctuating the moment of connection within the pack.

"I had a flashback," Sahil began, the raindrops on the window providing a backdrop to his words. "We were in Umhlanga, in her Porsche. It was raining, and she was reassuring me about moving to Canada. She said you'd be there for me."

Arvan's smile softened, a mix of nostalgia and warmth in his eyes. "Mom had a way of making even the uncertain moments feel secure. We've come a long way since then, Sahil."

The van carried them forward, the bond between the brothers strengthening with each passing memory shared.

Lydia, sitting near Luca, switched to Italian, her voice low yet assertive. "Luca, quanto manca?" she inquired, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. The pack, accustomed to the pack leader's bilingual exchanges, awaited Luca's response, curious about their proximity to their destination.

"Stiamo vicini," Luca replied in Italian, his eyes focused on the winding road. "We're close." The assurance in his voice resonated with the pack, the anticipation growing as the van carried them nearer to Luca's house, where his father and Nonna awaited their arrival.

The van came to a halt in front of Luca's sprawling mansion, a grand structure that seemed to blend seamlessly with the natural beauty around it. The mansion, adorned with ivy-covered walls and large, arched windows, stood as a testament to both opulence and a deep connection to the wilderness.

The pack, eyes wide with awe, marveled at the sight of Luca's impressive home. The sheer size and elegance of the mansion hinted at a life beyond the forest, and the wolves couldn't help but be astonished by the unexpected juxtaposition of luxury against the untamed backdrop.

As the van smoothly parked in front of the mansion, a well-dressed butler approached, opening the door with a polite smile. "Benvenuti," he greeted the pack in Italian, his demeanor radiating hospitality. The wolves, stepping onto the mansion grounds, exchanged glances, captivated by the blend of formality and warmth that greeted them at Luca's family home.

Seklani and Alexis shared a wide-eyed glance, a simultaneous "Holy shit!" escaping their lips in unison. Turning to Luca, Seklani couldn't contain his amazement, "Luca, questo è davvero casa tua?" he asked in Italian.

Luca, with a proud grin, nodded. "Sì, è la casa mia," he affirmed, the grandeur of the mansion becoming even more surreal as the pack took in the opulence that awaited them.

Two butlers, impeccably dressed, entered the scene.The first butler, Giorgio, began with a respectful tone, "Signori e signore, permettetemi di presentarvi la signora Nonna di Lydia e Luca. La signora Elena Rossetti, una donna di grande saggezza e successo."

The second butler, adept at translation, continued, "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce Mrs. Nonna, Lydia and Luca's grandmother. Mrs. Elena Rossetti, a woman of great wisdom and achievement." The pack, now informed of Nonna's distinguished background, awaited the encounter with a newfound sense of reverence.

The grand doors of the mansion swung open, revealing a woman of timeless elegance. Nonna, Mrs. Elena Rossetti, stood with an air of grace, her silver hair framing a face adorned with the marks of a life well-lived. Dressed in tasteful attire that spoke of both refinement and comfort, her eyes sparkled with a warmth that transcended the years.

With a welcoming smile, Nonna extended her hand. "Benvenuti a casa mia. Sono felice di conoscerVi," she greeted, her voice carrying a blend of authority and kindness. The pack, led by Luca and Lydia, stepped into the embrace of the mansion, captivated by the presence of a woman whose aura radiated a lifetime of stories.