Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Astrid's POV

I stirred in my sleep. The bed felt like a cloud. It was soft and fluffy, like sinking into a pile of feathers. I stretched, my muscles relaxing into the comfortable mattress. It was the best bed I had ever slept in. My old bed in the Moonshade pack was hard and lumpy. I always woke up with aches and pains. But this bed… this bed was heaven.

I snuggled deeper under the covers, wanting to stay in this cozy world forever. But something pulled me from my peaceful slumber. Voices.

They were whispering, but I could hear them clearly. My hearing had become very sharp since I shifted into my wolf form. I could pick up sounds that normal people couldn't.

"Is she still sleeping?" a female voice asked. It was a voice I didn't know. It was soft and gentle, like a warm breeze.

"She needs the rest," another voice replied. This one I knew. It was Kaeleen. His voice was deep and soothing, like a gentle rumble. It always made me feel safe.

"Has it really been two days?" That was Rebecca. Her voice was strong and confident, like a clear bell.

"Yes," Kaeleen answered. "The doctor said she was exhausted. He said she needed to sleep."

"Did Leon… did he do anything to her?" Rebecca asked. Her voice was full of worry.

My eyes snapped open. Leon. Just the thought of him made my stomach churn. I remembered his touch, his angry words, his attempt to force himself on me. A shudder ran through my body.

I sat up quickly, pushing the covers away. But as I did, a sharp pain shot through my head. I groaned, clutching my temples.

"Ow, Fuck!" I cursed.

The voices outside stopped. I heard a shuffling sound, like someone was moving closer to the door.

Then, the door opened, and Kaeleen walked in. His face lit up when he saw me.

"Astrid! You're awake!" He smiled, relief washing over his features.

"What happened? Are you okay?" He rushed to my side, his green eyes full of concern. He reached out to touch my forehead, checking for a fever.

I leaned into his touch, letting his warmth soothe my aching head. "I'm okay," I said, my voice a little raspy. "Just a headache."

"How long have I been sleeping?" I asked.

Kaeleen's smile faded slightly. "Two days," he said. "You've been out for two whole days."

Two days! I couldn't believe it. I had lost two days of my life. What had happened while I was sleeping? Had Leon come looking for me? Had the Moonshade pack attacked?

"The doctor said it was just stress," Kaeleen explained. "He said you were completely exhausted. He checked you over, and everything's fine. You just needed to rest."

I nodded, trying to process everything. Two days… It seemed like a lifetime.

Just then, the door opened again, and Rebecca walked in. Her face broke into a wide grin when she saw me.

"Astrid!" She rushed over and gave me a big hug.

I hugged her back, burying my face in her soft hair. It felt good to be held, to be safe.

"I missed you so much!" Rebecca said, squeezing me tightly. "I was so worried about you."

"I missed you too," I said, my voice muffled by her hair.

Rebecca pulled back, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I want to show you around!" she exclaimed. "I want to show you the pack, introduce you to everyone. It's so much better than that awful place you were in."

I smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude. Rebecca was so kind, so welcoming. She had made me feel at home from the moment we met.

"I'd love that," I said. "But maybe later? My head is still a little fuzzy."

Before Rebecca could reply, another voice spoke from the doorway.

"Well, well, well. What's all the commotion?"

We all turned to see a woman standing in the doorway. She was tall and elegant, with long brown hair and piercing green eyes. She had the same green eyes as Kaeleen and Rebecca. It was obvious they were related.

"Astrid, this is my older sister, Serena," Kaeleen said, stepping forward to introduce us. "Serena, this is Astrid."

Serena smiled warmly at me, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's so nice to finally meet you, Astrid," she said, her voice soft and melodic. "I've heard so much about you."

I smiled back, feeling a little shy. "It's nice to meet you too, Serena," I said.

"Are you the sister that Kaeleen didn't call when we were still in the Moonshade pack?" I asked.

Kaeleen's eyes widened, and a blush crept up his neck. Rebecca burst out laughing.

"Oh, this is priceless!" Rebecca said, wiping tears from her eyes. "You just reminded her that Kaeleen ignored her."

Serena chuckled, shaking her head. "It's true," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "He never calls. I always have to call him."

"I was busy!" Kaeleen protested, his cheeks turning even redder.

"Busy ignoring your sister?" Serena teased.

"Okay, okay, enough!" Kaeleen said, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. "Can we please change the subject?"

We all laughed, the tension in the room dissipating. It felt good to laugh, to joke around. It had been so long since I had felt this relaxed, this happy.

"Well, now that introductions are out of the way," Serena said, turning to me with a smile. "I'm going to let you rest. But I'll be back later to properly welcome you to the pack."

"Thank you," I said, feeling a warmth spread through my chest.

Serena nodded, then turned and left the room, followed by Rebecca.

Kaeleen watched them go, then turned back to me, his eyes full of concern. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, stepping closer. "You look a little pale."

"I'm fine," I said, waving my hand dismissively. "Just a little tired."

"Well, you should rest," Kaeleen said, gently pushing me back towards the bed. "I'll stay with you, make sure you don't go anywhere."

"I need a bath," I said. "I feel gross."

Kaeleen's eyes widened. "A bath? Are you sure you're up to it?"

"I'm fine," I insisted. "I just need to wash off all the… everything."

Kaeleen hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay," he said. "But I'm going to help you. I'm not letting you out of my sight."

He helped me out of bed, supporting me as we walked towards the bathroom. He turned on the water, testing the temperature with his hand.

"Perfect," he said, turning to me with a smile. "Now, let's get you cleaned up."

He started to unbutton my shirt, his fingers brushing against my skin. A shiver ran through me, a mixture of pleasure and nervousness.

"Kaeleen," I said, my voice a little breathless. "You don't have to do this."

He stopped, his eyes searching mine. "I want to," he said, his voice low and husky. "I want to take care of you."

"Thank you." I said to him.

A knock sounded at the door and Kaeleen groaned, pulling away from me. "Who is it?" he called out, his voice laced with annoyance.

"It's Alex," a voice replied. "I need to talk to you. It's important."

Kaeleen sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'll be right there," he said.

He turned back to me, his eyes full of regret. "I have to go," he said. "Alex needs me."

"It's okay," I said, trying to hide my disappointment. "Go. I'll be fine."

He kissed me quickly on the forehead, then turned and left the room.

I watched him go, feeling a little lost. I wanted to be alone with him, to explore this connection between us. But duty called. He was an Alpha, and he had responsibilities.

Just as I was about to step into the bath, the door opened again, and Rebecca walked in.

"Sorry to interrupt," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "But are you ready for that tour? I can't wait to show you around."

I smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude. It was good to have friends, to have people who cared about me.

"Let me take that bath first," I said. "And then I'm all yours."

Rebecca grinned, clapping her hands together. "Perfect!" she exclaimed. "I'll help you get ready. We have so much to do!"

And with that, she swept me into the bathroom, her energy infectious. I couldn't help but smile. Life was finally looking up. I was safe, I was loved, and I was surrounded by friends. What more could I ask for?