Elian
The sun had not yet risen, but the house was already bustling with activity. I sat at the head of the long dining table, surrounded by the members of Aurelia's pack. Despite the early hour, everyone looked alert and ready for action. The air crackled with excitement and determination, as if each person knew that today marked the start of a new journey.
The scent of fresh coffee wafted through the air as I sipped from my mug, savoring the rich aroma. My gaze swept over the assembled group, taking in their expectant faces. At the far end of the table, Raina stood, her stance commanding and authoritative. Her dark hair was pulled back into a severe ponytail, accentuating the sharp lines of her features.
As I meet Raina's gaze, she gives me a reassuring nod. Beside her stands Lyra, her fiery red hair cascading down her shoulders in loose curls. Lyra's green eyes sparkle with mischief, but there's an underlying strength that's impossible to ignore. Further down the table sits Cade, his muscular frame and stern expression giving him an air of intimidation.
The sound of footsteps echoes through the hallway, growing louder with each passing second. All eyes turn toward the doorway as Aurelia enters the dining room. Her presence commands immediate attention, and the chatter dies down to a respectful silence. She walks with confidence, her steps measured and purposeful. Her golden locks cascade in loose waves around her shoulders, framing her striking features perfectly.
The room falls silent as Aurelia approaches the table, her gaze sweeping over each member of her pack with a mixture of pride and determination. As she takes her seat beside me, I can't help but notice the subtle shift in the atmosphere. The air seems charged with anticipation, as if everyone is waiting for her to speak.
Her blue eyes lock onto mine briefly, a silent acknowledgment of our shared secret before shifting her attention to the gathered pack. "Good morning" she greets, her voice steady and clear. "Thank you all for being here today." A chorus of affirmations meets her statement, each member responding with enthusiasm.
Aurelia surveys the room, her expression grave. "As you all know" she begins, "I will be leaving for Miami today to discuss the issue of our new alliance with the Alpha council." She pauses, allowing her words to sink in before continuing. "My visit is purely political, and I will return as soon as possible." Her eyes catch Elara's, and she gives a subtle nod.
"During my absence" she says, "Elara will be in charge." There are a few mutters of protest from some of the others, but Elara was Aurelia's second-in-command a long time now, and Aurelia will listen to no further discussion. "Raina will be tasked with helping Elara ensure that Elian is protected while I am gone." Her eyes pierce Raina. "If the slightest hint of danger comes near him, I want to know."
Raina nods, her expression resolute. "Understood, Alpha" she responds, her voice steady and confident. "Elian's safety is our top priority." "Good" Aurelia replies, her gaze sweeping over the rest of the pack. "The rest of you know what to do." Each member of the pack murmles a response, giving their acknowledgment. She smiles as she turns her gaze back to Raina.
Aurelia stands, her chair scraping against the hardwood floor as she rises, breaking my train of thought as I was no longer listening to her. All the women rise first, followed by the men. "I hope to be back before the full moon" she says, her voice carrying a hint of sorrow and concern. However, "No one is to worry." her tone suddenly came strong, "We will have a full moon celebration together."
As I stand, my legs feel weak beneath me, and I struggle to maintain my composure. My stomach churns with a mix of anxiety and sadness, knowing that Aurelia will be leaving soon. I glance up at her, trying to memorize every feature of her face, the sharp angle of her jawline, the way her eyes seem to glow with an inner fire, the curve of her lips as she smiles softly down at me.
Aurelia turns towards me. I see her alpha spirit. Her grip around me tightening and her fingers warm against my exposed skin. She then leans in and whispers in my ear, "Be obedient while I'm gone so I don't punish you." Her breath is warm against my skin, and I shiver despite myself. Everything beats fast. Organs, thoughts, and emotions. But the blush on my skin remains.
Aurelia strides towards the entrance, her back straight and her head held high. The pack watches her go, their eyes filled with respect and admiration. Her hand reaches for the handle of the door, but before she can grip it, I spring into motion. I rush forward, my feet carrying me across the room with newfound urgency. Tears blur my vision as I fly into her arms, wrapping my limbs tightly around her.
Aurelia catches me, her hands wrapping around my waist to hold me steady. I press my lips to hers, needing to feel her one last time before she leaves. Her kiss is fierce and claiming, her teeth nicking my lower lip as her tongue slides in to tangle with mine. I moan softly, my body molding itself to hers as I kiss her back with all the devotion I can express.
Aurelia grips my ass, her fingers digging possessively into my flesh as she utters a low growl through our kiss, communicating a silent promise to claim me fully upon her return. Our mouths move together with ferocity, our tongues warring in a display of passion and desperation combined. I taste salt as our lips part; my tears flowing freely down my face.
Her hands move on my back a little before she breaks the kiss and gently pushes me back a step. "I'll be back before you know it, little omega" she growls softly, her voice filled with both reassurance and determination. I step reluctantly back, wiping away my tears with the back of my hand. "I'll miss you, my Alpha" I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.
Aurelia nods, a small smile playing on her lips despite the seriousness of the situation. "I will miss you too, Elian." She presses her lips to my forehead, a soft and tender gesture that brings a flicker of relief to my rapidly beating heart. Then, she steps back, her eyes lingering on mine for a moment before she turns and strides out of the dining room and out the back door of the house.
The heavy oak door closes behind Aurelia with a resounding thud, sealing her departure. It's as though my heart has been locked away in a chest, hidden deep within the bowels of the house. I stare at the closed door, tears blurring my vision. A heavy sense of loneliness settles over me, enveloping my body like a dark shroud. I hear footsteps approaching, and someone comes to stand beside me.
Elara places a hand on my shoulder. "She'll be back soon, Elian" she says gently, her voice laced with sympathy. "I promise she'll be back before you know it." I turn to her, meeting her kind brown eyes with my own tear-streaked ones. "I know..." I sniffle, trying to muster up a convincing smile. "You're right. I just... I can't help but feel anxious. This is the first time she'll be away from me for an extended time."
Elara squeezes my shoulder comfortingly. "She knows how much you care about her, Elian. And we'll all be here to support you until she gets back." I take a deep breath, grateful for Elara's reassuring presence. Slowly, the faint sense of peace she conveys begins to seep into my mind, calming my racing thoughts. "Thank you, Elara" I whisper, managing a small smile. "You really are a great friend." Elara's eyes soften.