The Alpha, and His Kitsune Mate

Chapter 5

Raven looked over at her brothers, and then followed Alpha Rubeus up the packhouse stairs with Andy close behind them. She couldn't believe the beauty in this place, but also when her eyes caught the Alpha her heart fluttered. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen. She tried not to look, but it was hard when he spoke to her. She just felt drawn to him. She scolded herself. She had just fled one terrifying Alpha. How could she want another one?

Rubeus seemed like anything but cruel, like her old Alpha. He was kind and very welcoming. She followed through the packhouse door with her brothers beside her. This place was much bigger than hers, and she saw people wandering freely. She quickly ran her fingers through her hair trying to make it more tamed and presentable. "This place is breathtaking, are you sure it's okay to stay here? We can always stay somewhere else."

Andy smiled at Raven, shaking her head. "No, you will be staying here where it's safe. The packhouse has the best security, and they all stayed here for a few weeks. We don't want to take any chances with your safety. Once we are sure you won't be discovered, then we'll find you alternate lodging." She followed them down a hall towards what appeared to be the dining hall. She saw hundreds of tables scattered around. Most were empty, but some had some people eating at them. She looked around the room with awe until she suddenly smelled something delicious, and her stomach growled. She blushed, looking down. "Sorry."

Rubeus chuckled softly. "Nothing to be sorry about, you must be starving. Come this way." He led them over to his normal table, and pulled out the chair next to his for Raven. "Please have a seat, all of you." She smiled warmly at him with butterflies in her stomach as she sat down on the chair, and he pushed her in. "Thank you, Alpha." She watched Kai and Koe take the seats beside her, smiling at them. She looked over at Andy. "Will you be joining us?"

Andy took her chair across from Raven, nodding softly. "And miss having lunch with a beautiful girl like you? Not likely. This is our packhouse dining hall you can come eat whenever you want. It's normally buffet style, but Faith, who is our lead in the kitchen, is making something special."

Faith suddenly burst through the double doors with a huge tray, walking over to the table. She set down the tray. It was filled with different kinds of sandwiches, fruit, french fries, and some burgers. "I didn't know what you would be hungry for, so I just prepared what we had for lunch today. Can I make you any coffee, tea, or perhaps some orange juice? Please dig in!"

Raven looked at Faith with slight tears in her eyes. "Thank you so much. We are not picky, and we would just love some water if that would be okay." She watched her brothers instantly take one of the burgers and devour it in seconds, and then take a sandwich. She reached for a sandwich and took a bite before placing it on her plate. It was delicious.

Faith returned with a tray with four glasses and placed them in front of everyone. She filled them one at a time, then left the pitcher on the table. "If there is anything else I can get for you, please don't hesitate to ask. Welcome to the pack." With that she turned, and left again, glaring at Rubeus as she passed him.

Raven took a few more bites of her sandwich, and then eagerly took her drink, downing the entire glass with a soft sigh of relief. It tasted so much better than the stream they had been drinking from. Hearing his voice, she looked at Rubeus as he spoke. "When you are ready, I would like to hear why and how you came here." She looked down at her plate, thinking of her mother wiping a tear from her eye. "I will tell you the whole story. I would just prefer to do it in private, Alpha."

She watched as he nodded. "It's not a rush, Raven. Clearly none of you have slept, so it can wait until tomorrow. I've had a suite on the Alpha floor prepared for you, and Faith will be sure the kitchen is fully stocked with snacks and such. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. We want you to feel safe and comfortable here with... us." She watched him look away with a hint of a smile, and then panic.

Raven reached over, hesitating, then placed her hand over Rubeus'. "My brothers and I are so very grateful to you and your pack. We already feel safe, and very much would love to stay."

She blushed when he held her hand, giving it a squeeze before bringing it to his lips and kissing the back of it. "You are welcome here for as long as you want, Raven." She released his hand reluctantly, and leaned back in her chair. She let out a loud yawn, then quickly placed her hand over her mouth. " I am sorry." She looked at both her brothers. They had finished their meal, and were leaning on one another looking sleepy.

Rubeus had let out a soft chuckle, standing up from his chair. "Come on, I'll take you to the suite on the top floor. It's very big, enough rooms for all of you, so you don't have to separate. You can shower, and there will be a rack of clothes to choose from."