CHAPTER FIVE: SURPRISE

 CECILIA

"Ma…. Look at the high walls and flowers… So beautiful, it even smell different here… Trent what's the name of this place again?" Cecelia asked at the same time tugging her brother gently out of the expensive car that had just brought them.

"Lake mount pack! Cece… I can't wait to see my sister, "Trent added, looking directly at the big and shiny mansion in front of them.

Cecilia smiled at him, this time her smile was so genuine and wide, everything felt like a dream. They would finally see Tessa today after a whole year, "ohooo ma don't cry now… You did good by agreeing to be here…don't cry please" Cecelia comforted Tessa's mother.

She had been crying all through their journey, one part happy for the reunion and the other asking them if she had made the right decision.

"I just want to see my baby… I'm so happy she's alive" Kimberley responded to Cecilia as she sobbed, Cecilia grabbed her hand and led them; Kimberly and aren't, toward the very bright hall. Her heart was slamming in anticipation as well.

They entered the very beautiful and high hall, everywhere felt like paradise, definitely different from their pack. It was more grand and expensive here, her eyes met with the Lycan king and she bowed to him.

He smiled back in recognition from where he sat and she looked away, it's time to find her friend, Tessa would be so shocked to see them. When they get to the bridge of answering her questions of how they got here, they would cross it.

Pulling Kimberley and Trent along with her they entered the other side of the hall and kept searching for Tessa, they didn't have to search for too long, The Lycan King was scowling at a particular place since their arrival, Cecelia followed his fixed gaze.

She saw her friend sitting very stiffly in one secluded and quiet corner, her hands on her laps, even her sadness could not overshadow her radiant beauty, her hair curled, styled and sat brightly on her head.

She was putting on a royal sea blue long gown adorned with shiny and expensive diamonds, her jewelry sparkling from far. The Lycan king wasn't joking when he promised them to take care of her.

"Hey princess!" she yelled into her friends ear, Tessa recognized her voice at once and immediately jumped out of her sit, holding her chest in shock, the surprised very visible on her face.

The two girls jumped on each other, screaming and rolling in tears on the floor, everyone in the hall attention was immediately on them but they didn't care, Trent started to cry at once, the reunion getting to him as well.

His sister grabbed him into her hug and comforted him, "I'm here now… Your sister is here Trent" she kept repeating. Their mother was the most dramatic and happiest.

She sat on the floor with Tessa in her arms and they both cried, her mother kissing her all over her body, the sight was so heartwarming. Everyone clapped and cheered for them, it was obvious that it was a family surprise reunion.

"To the reunion!" The Lycan king announced clarifying everyone's thoughts. They cheered with him and the party went on. Cecilia and her best friend chatting and gisting all through the night.

Cecilia noticed as Tessa threw some questioning glances at the Alpha king even as she communicated with her family, she wanted to know how they got here unharmed, looking so cared for and in expensive clothes.

Eventually she asked Cecilia and her mother but they both avoided the question, pretending not to hear. She gave up at last and went to the Lycan king at once.

Cecilia watched as Tessa stormed away to see the Lycan king, yelled at him and how he dragged her after him, away from the very crowded party hall.

She looked away and concentrated on having fun, the whole family had done nothing but cry and miss Tessa since her imprisonment. They are united and together once again, she would deal with the other challenges later.

Grabbing a chilled wine and sweet dessert for herself and Trent she allowed the music to sync her into the party mood. Time to celebrate.

 TESSA

Seeing her family after a year, hale, healthy and very happy was like a dream. She never expected to see them again or like this, they looked so happy and well cared for.

Once the excitement and emotional rush of their reunion cleared off, Tessa asked how they got to Alpha Shane's pack. Suspecting at once that he would know about it.

Nobody enters his territory without his knowledge, the fact that they were clothed in very expensive clothes, brought in with special cars and security, meant a lot.

She glared at him from where she was and found his eyes on her. It wasn't new to her, he had been gaping at her since her arrival two weeks ago.

Although he hadn't visited her quarters or called for her again, she sure knows that he'd been aware of her escape plan, in her two weeks here she realized that he knows everything. Maybe it's his special abilities, she's not sure.

But he sure knows everything and keep secret tabs on her but yet she had chosen this night to escape, for the fourth time she asked her very emotional and excites friend how they got to the lake mount pack but Cecilia continued to feign ignorance.

At Once she knew her suspicion was true, she went straight to where he was sitting on his high throne at the other side of the hall with his elders in council.

 His guards didn't stop her from approaching him, it was as if they were already expecting her.

Even before she got to him she started to yell and question him about her family's sudden and special appearance. He sat there so composed and happy with himself, it was very obvious from his smug smile and the lifted corner of his mouth.

He was enjoying her tantrums, without her getting ready for his next move, he grabbed her waist and dragged her away from the hall. He didn't stop Until he got to his office.

When they got there, she was panting and filled with outrage. She opened her mouth to speak but he placed his finger on her lips.

"We did an exchange Tessa… Their protection and the reunion for you… We are getting married next month!" he announced to her, all emotion depleted from his face, instead he searched her face as he spoke.

Tessa's shoulder slumped at once, in defeat; at once, she saw the twinkle in his eyes, he definitely knew about her escape plan, while she was planning her escape, he was also planning his.

"No wonder he didn't bother to see her all these past two weeks" Tessa brain informed her.

He sure knows she's going nowhere, the Lycan king had just proved himself to be the smart and domineering king like everyone fears and respects.

First he bought her, claimed and now he makes sure she wouldn't be able to leave ever again.

Now he doesn't have to force the marriage, he knows she would do his every bidding with her family life on the line.