Shackled

Chapter Ten

They were shown to their rooms. A large building just across from the pack house, it was meant to accommodate visiting packs and would be there home for the length of their stay. It was large and spacious, and Eden would be staying there with Jonathan, Mason and the rest. It felt too big for all of them, it was a house made for roughly fifty people – they didn't even come close to taking half the rooms.

Sitting in the kitchen after eating a hearty meal made by her Beta, Westminster pack fell into silence. They all looked towards her, waiting to see what she would do next. Only, she had absolutely no clue. Words failed her as she looked towards all the eager and hopeful faces of her pack members. So instead of a long and heartwarming speech, she simply told them to get some rest and recover from the long days of travel.

Taking her own advice, she was the first to slink away from the group in search of a bed. Up the stairs and at the end of the hall were two double doors that marked the entrance to her room. It was unbelievably large, with a king-sized bed and seating area. She had been assigned the Alpha's suite, meant for an Alpha and Luna and fit for royalty. It was the lap of luxury and yet she couldn't help but long for the stiff mattress of her attic room. The air in the room felt heavy, weighing down on her shoulders in addition to the burden of carrying the pack.

Sinking into the soft mattress, Eden's shoulders felt more tense than they had all day. Already she could feel an itch between her shoulder blades, and a voice telling her that she'd sleep so much better with Elijah by her side. Shoving the pillow over her head she tried to drown them out, but it was no use – she would have to force herself to sleep amidst the complaints of her traitorous self-conscious. Finally, after what felt like hours, she felt the pull of sleep on her tired muscles, it had been a long day, a long month, and she deserved a good night's rest.

When she woke up in the morning it took her a moment to register her whereabouts, and then another to realize she wasn't still dreaming. The soft morning light filtered in through the windows in an ethereal fashion. It made the room look magical and all she wanted to do was huddle up in the covers and bask in the peaceful tranquility of the room. Letting her eyes drift close, her peace lasted only a minute more.

A loud crash from downstairs made her sense stand at high alert. She flew out of the bed and down the stairs only to be met with a sight she had never imagined. The kitchen was full of pack members, but not only that, Elijah was making breakfast. Clad in an apron he was stood in front of the stove, with the twins hanging off of each of his arms. Valerie was giggling like crazy while Melody smiled bashfully as Elijah danced around the kitchen, humming under his breath.

Her arrival broke the scene,

"Alpha Eden! Alpha Eden!" The girls broke away from Elijah and sprinted towards her, pulling her into hugs and giving her a kiss on either cheek.

Eden's heart melted at the sight of the orphaned girls who showed no signs of fearing her.

"Good morning girls, I see you're having fun." She looked up at Elijah who couldn't meet her eyes and she could have sworn he was blushing.

"Alpha Eli's making us pancakes!" Valerie squealed and jumped up and down.

"Is that so?" She looked over at Melody and the shy girl gave her a nod.

"Well then, maybe we should stop climbing him like monkeys and let Alpha Elicook in peace."

"I really don't mind." His voice was a husky timber that sent shivers down her spine, but she didn't want him to be bothered by the girls.

"I don't need them playing around an open flame, the last thing I need is someone to get hurt." Her own words sent a pang to her heart as she thought of all the bodies that had littered the ground, and she winced as they left her mouth. "Go explore the house for a bit girls, I'll call you when it's ready."