Chapter 81
Lisa’s POV
Alexandra parked the car gently in front of the large mansion that stood at the heart of the Shadowrune Pack. The headlights cut through the early morning mist, and the first rays of sunlight touched the rooftops. Everything looked peaceful, as if the world here had never known heartbreak.
I stared up at the mansion. It had a noble and ancient look. It didn’t feel intimidating. It felt warm, like a place where people lived and laughed.
Alexandra picked up her phone. “Let me just call Katherine. She should be up by now.”
“Are you sure this won’t be a problem for her?” I asked softly. I could feel the anxiety bubbling up in my chest. “It’s really early.”
She smiled and touched my hand gently. “Lisa, don’t worry. This is important. Katherine will understand. She’s a good friend.”
She stepped out of the car and paced a few steps away while she made the call. I looked down at my hands. They were trembling. Not from cold, but from fear. Everything was uncertain. I had no idea what would happen next.
Sierra’s voice rose gently in my mind. You’re safe now. You made it through the hardest night.
I still feel like I’m drowning, I whispered back.
But you’re swimming now. Not sinking.
Before I could reply, Alexandra returned. She opened the car door, smiling. “She’s on her way.”
Moments later, the front door of the mansion opened and a young woman walked out. Her blonde hair flowed down in soft curls, and her blue eyes sparkled like morning dew. She wore a soft white sweater and jeans, but she looked effortlessly elegant.
“Alex!” she called out with a warm smile. “It’s so good to see you.”
They met halfway and hugged like old friends. Then, Katherine turned to me.
“You must be Lisa,” she said gently while extending her hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you. And don’t worry, you’re safe here.”
I shook her hand. Her grip was warm and steady. “Thank you. I really appreciate you letting
me come here.”
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“Of course,” she said. “Alexandra explained everything. I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through. No one deserves that kind of pain. But here at the Shadowrune pack, we take care of our own. You’ll be alright.”
Alexandra moved to the trunk and started pulling out my bags. “Katherine is the Alpha’s daughter. We have been friends since we were little. She’s the kindest person I know.”
Katherine blushed slightly. “You’re making me sound like a saint.”
“Well, you’re close,” Alexandra teased.
We all laughed softly, and for a moment, the weight on my chest lifted.
“Let me help with that,” Katherine offered and grabbed one of my bags. Alexandra handed me the other and took a deep breath.
“I guess this is where I say goodbye.”
I looked at her. My heart was aching. “I don’t even know how to thank you. You’ve done so
much.”
She stepped forward and wrapped me in a hug. It was a warm, tight and sisterly hug.
“You don’t need to thank me,” she whispered. “You’ve been through hell, Lisa. And you didn’t let it destroy you. I’m proud of you. And I’ll always be here if you need me.”
Tears welled up in my eyes. “I’ll miss you.”
She smiled sadly. “I’ll miss you too. Take care of yourself. And don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re not enough, alright? You’re more than enough. You’re everything.”
I nodded. I was barely able to speak.
She turned to Katherine. “Take care of her.”
“I will,” Katherine promised.
With one last wave, Alexandra got back into the car. She started the engine and gave me a small and encouraging smile before driving off.
I stood there, watching the car disappear down the winding road.
“Come on,” Katherine said gently. “Let’s get you inside. You must be exhausted.”
We walked up the steps and into the mansion. The entrance hall was wide, with a stone floor and soft rugs laid out neatly. The walls were lined with paintings of wolves and landscapes. Everything smelled like lavender and pine.
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“This place is beautiful,” I said softly.
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Katherine glanced at me with a small smile. “Thank you. My mother loved decorating it. She always wanted it to feel like home.”
I followed her down a hallway. “It does. It really does.”
We reached a door near the end of the hall. She opened it and stepped aside.
“This will be your room for now. It’s one of our guest rooms, but it’s warm and comfortable. The bed is soft, and the view is lovely.”
I stepped inside. The room was cozy, with pale cream walls and soft lighting. A large bed stood against one wall. It was covered in plush gray blankets. There was a dresser, a writing desk, and a window overlooking the trees.
I turned to her. “Thank you, Katherine. Truly.”
She nodded. “My room is just two doors down. If you need anything at all: water, food, just someone to talk to, come find me.”
“I will.”
She smiled again. “Get some rest, Lisa. You’ve been through enough.”
When she left and closed the door behind her, I stood in the quiet for a moment. Then I dropped my bag and climbed onto the bed.
I curled up into the soft blankets. My body shook as the emotions returned. Everything I had bottled up since the incident spilled out.
And I cried.
I cried until the pillow was soaked and my chest ached.
Why did it have to be like this? Why did the people I loved always hurt me?
Sierra stayed close. Her presence was warm in the back of my mind. She didn’t say anything. She just stayed with me.
And for now, that was enough.
Chapter 82
