Alpha's Surrogate

7. New Pack, New Life.

They had been driving for hours when they finally turned off a main road into a breathtakingly dense forest. Kiara’s anxiety intensified as the car made its approach towards the packhouse. Combine her nervousness from that with the unnervingly silent man that had sat next to Kiara during the entire trip between packs and she felt like she was walking on a razor’s edge.

There were many points along their drive that she had felt so uncomfortable that she had seriously debated the merit of jumping out of a moving car just to avoid him.

"Welcome to the Sirius Bright Pack, Luna," Kaiden smiled warmly. He could barely contain his excitement over bringing home the new Luna to the pack.

"Thank you," Kiara hesitantly returned his smile. Kaiden had introduced himself, then throughout the trip he had made an effort to chat with her from time to time by talking about his mate, explaining a little about pack life at her new home, and just generally trying to help her feel more comfortable.

"Did you explain everything to Jennifer?" Xavier inquired.

"Yes. Just as you ordered, no one other than your inner circle will be at the packhouse. None of the pack members will be able to enter without permission, " Kaiden informed.

"Why will no one be there?” Kiara wondered as panic began to set in. Could it be that Xavier had less than savory intentions for her after all?

"The Alpha doesn’t want any men seeing the Luna," Kaiden chimed in by way of explanation. Kiara looked irritatedly at Xavier out of the corner of her eye.

“Then should I take your eyes first, Kaiden?” Xavier growled.

"Oops! Did I say that aloud?" Kaiden pretended to act surprised. Xavier's hand swiftly swiped out to smack the back of the brown-haired Beta’s head.

“This is not the time for you to be a smartass!”

"Don't slap me in front of the Luna," Kaiden pouted like a small child as he rubbed his head.

Kiara couldn't control the laughter that escaped her lips. Were these the same bloodthirsty men that had almost annihilated her entire pack and family? Kaira's melodious giggles instantly drew Xavier’s attention. Xavier could not help but think that she looked even more beautiful when she laughed.

"The Luna looks beautiful when she smiles," Kaiden smirked at Xavier.

“Please call me, Kiara,” Kiara requested.

“How could I ever even dare think of doing that?” Kaiden's eyes flickered back and forth between Xavier and Kiara in confusion.

The car pulled to a stop. Kiara couldn’t crane her neck into a far enough angle to take in all of the massive packhouse. It was a massive white stately home. She fully understood at that moment why Sirius Bright was considered the wealthiest of the packs. She became lost in her own thoughts that she did not realize that Xavier had opened the door for her.

"Let's go." Xavier extended his right hand, offering it to Kiara, which surprised her. After the way he had treated her during the trip, where he was offering his hand like a gallant gentleman? His new-found politeness held an almost menacing tone to it. The feel of Xavier’s hand in hers was unusually warm and alluring, she couldn’t help but glance up at him.

Kiara was just barely able to disguise her flinch when Xavier suddenly wrapped a muscular arm around her waist. Her body grew chilled. What in the world was he doing? She was only his surrogate, so what was the point of this show of public affection?

"Let's go inside," Xavier used his hand on her back to lead her into the packhouse. Kiara maintained her regular calm demeanor that she had perfected as a child, but she sensed the authority in his touch. He made it seem as though he had every right to touch her as he pleased. She lifted her gaze as he guided her up the front steps. “People are watching us,” Xavier murmured, so that only she could hear. She realized that her stoic expression must have slipped for a moment, this caused her to blush and look away from him.

“The Alpha will be introducing our new Luna to the pack later,” Kadien announced, explaining the situation to the waiting pack members.

Kiara was captivated by the beauty of everything as they entered the luxurious packhouse. Everywhere she looked there were signs of opulence. The extra-large windows in each room allowed natural light to filter into the rooms. There were varying types and sizes of artwork. At the same time, she was also puzzled as to why she hadn’t seen a single-family photograph.

'Does he live alone? I don't see any women. Not even a maid. Will he and I be alone in this huge mansion?' Kiara's heart began to race. He knew practically everything about her family and life, yet he was an absolute mystery to her. Xavier allowed her to take small steps while she was in her new home, as he could sense her anxiousness.

"Kaiden!" A woman jumped into Kaiden’s arms for a kiss. Kiara looked over, finding a tall, blonde beauty with a visibly pregnant belly sharing a heated kiss with Kaiden.

"I missed you so much!" She moaned into his mouth.

Their lustful public exchange of affection made the hallway uncomfortably heated. It caused Kiara to look away as she felt shy. Xavier was surprised to see her blushing.

"Kaiden, you have all night to make out with your mate. You know what, you can just stay here. I’m leaving," Xavier grumbled.

"No, wait for me. I’ll accompany you." Kaiden broke off the kiss with his mate, whispering sorry into Jennifer’s ear, then walked over to Xavier and Kiara.

"Ohh, we have a guest! Who is she?" Jennifer's curious eyes examined Kiara from head to toe.

“This is Kiara, my Luna," Xavier introduced the two women.

"Oh my God!” Jennifer jumped up and down in sheer childish delight before he could finish. “Our Luna?!" she screamed. "How dare you hide this secret from me, Kaiden!" Jennifer narrowed her eyes accusingly at her mate.

"I wanted to surprise you." Kaiden acted cute to save his own ass.

"I should have already realized that the Alpha was planning to bring our Luna home when I got the order to remove everyone from the packhouse. She is so beautiful," Jennifer's dark eyes twinkled in admiration. Kiara's blush deepened from her compliment.

"It’s lovely to meet you, Luna. I’m Kaiden's mate, Jennifer." She grinned as her gaze moved back and forth between Kiara and Xavier. “It’s no wonder, the Alpha wanted to hide your beauty from everyone,” she giggled.

“Jennifer, I have to go take care of something. I’m leaving her in your capable hands. Can you show her to the room and take care of her dinner?” Xavier brought his Beta female back to the topic at hand, with a bland expression. He knew that the teasing and poking from his inner circle of friends was only beginning.

"Of course, I’ll take care of our Luna," she responded with zeal.

'Let me know right away if anything, I do mean anything, happens,' Xavier mind-linked Jennifer before exiting the packhouse. Kiara watched Xavier and Kaiden walk away, wondering where they were heading to at that hour.

"Umm," Jennifer cleared her throat, drawing Kiara's attention. "The Alpha will be back soon, Luna.”

"I didn't say anything," Kaira croaked, feeling alarmed that she might have offended the first person she met upon arriving at her new pack.

"You don’t need words when your eyes do all the talking." Jennifer gave her a sly grin.

"You have it all wrong," Kiara argued, but Jennifer just laughed.

"Let's go. Your room is upstairs," Jennifer picked up Kiara’s suitcase before leading the way up the stairs.

"Aren’t you pregnant? You don't need to carry my luggage. I can manage it." Kiara pulled her bag from Jennifer’s grasp, then continued to climb the stairs.

"It's perfectly all right, Luna. It's not heavy, plus it's my responsibility as the Beta to help you," Jennifer insisted, reclaiming the bag.

"Then it’s my obligation as Luna to look after my Beta's health," Kiara insisted with a smile, following Jennifer to her room. On their walk Jennifer quietly assessed her new Luna. She was surprised that she already admired the young woman for her kindness and willingness to help others. Anyone with eyes could see that their new Luna was beautiful but Jennifer found herself being drawn to her character just after their short interaction.

"This is your bedroom," Jennifer pushed the door open.

"Why did you bring me to the Alpha's room?" Kiara began to panic. The room that Jennifer took her to was filled with Xavier's scent.

"You are our Luna. So, of course you will be staying with the Alpha, right?" Jennifer let out a little chuckle.

"Yes, of course." Kiara gave her a tight smile. Though even as she said the words she was worried over how Xavie would arrive once he discovered that she had stepped foot into his private sanctuary without his explicit permission. She had assumed that he planned for her to stay in another room during her time in his pack.

"Luna…"

"Please, call me Kiara," Kiara interrupted Jennifer.

"Umm, I don't think that’s such a good idea," Jennifer hesitated.

"Why not when I’m the one asking you to do it?" Kiara argued.

"Still…."

"You’re around the same age as my sister. I want us to be friends. Friends don’t call each other by titles but by their names, as far as I’m aware. It’ll help me feel more comfortable, Kiara suggested. This made Jennifer give her a bright smile.

"Sure! Luna… I mean Kiara," both women giggled as they continued to chat.

“How far along are you?” Kiara asked as Jennifer’s belly looked quite large.

“I have just entered my seventh month.” Jennifer used both of her arms to lovingly cradle and rubbed her belly. "How old are you, Kiara?" Jennifer went to open the window to air out the room.

"I’m seventeen but my birthday is in three days."

"Wow, you’re so young. The Alpha must have been completely smitten with you from the first time he saw you. I’m sure of it," Jennifer teased Kiara with a smirk.

“Smitten with me?” Kiara was confused. She wasn’t sure that a man that had come to her pack to eradicate it from existence could have fallen in love with her instead. No matter how unbelievably handsome she found him, she still couldn't allow herself to believe in that fairytale. In any case, she was fully aware of the truth behind her status as his Luna and chosen mate. In other words, there would be no happy ending to this for her.

“Don’t you agree?” Jennifer asked.

“Maybe,” Kiara lied, brushing the subject aside with a smile as she sat on the sofa.

"A meal will be brought up for you shortly. Until then, you can place your clothes in the closet. If you would like, I can help you." Jennifer handed Kiara's bag to her. Kiara liked the suggestion but she wanted to consult with Xavier first before doing anything.

‘Am I supposed to spend the night in his room?’ Kiara wondered to herself as she opened her suitcase. She abruptly stopped when she realized that Jennifer would see the lackluster condition of her clothing.

"I'll put my stuff away later." Kiara gave Jennifer a small smile to cover up her actions, but the other woman had noticed her Luna refastening her bag. That made her also take note of the fact that everything Kiara was wearing was worn thin and beyond outdated.

"Do as you wish, but later we will go shopping."

"Shopping?" Kiara was confused.

"Yes, don't you want to spend your mate's money? Annoy him until his inbox is full of messages to gain his attention? I do it all the time." Jennifer’s antics had Kiara giggling.

"I'm not too sure about that. I'm fine with what I have. I've never been the demanding type. I can live with two sets of clothes," Kiara admitted with a chuckle.

"But what about shopping?" Jennifer pouted in astonishment.

"Don't worry, I promise I'll accompany you. I just really don’t need anything," Kiara answered with a reassuring smile.

The only money that Kiara had at her disposal was what was in her savings account and the small amount of money her mother and sister were able to give her before she left earlier. She had already decided on the ride to the pack that her money would be used entirely towards her education. She knew that for the coming semester she would at the very least have to purchase books and a smartphone so that she could attend her classes online. Before, she had been able to use Adira’s smartphone for her classes. She had never been able to afford a laptop and beggars couldn’t be choosers. So, a smartphone had always been her only option.

"What pack are you from?" Jennifer inquired; a bit perplexed. Jennifer had been trying to piece the puzzle of her new Luna together. Kaira’s attire, though modest, was shabby and inexpensive at best. Yet her vocabulary and manner of speaking indicated that she had been raised by a good family.

"Ardara Moon Pack," Kiara hesitated slightly before answering.

"What?" Jennifer frowned. "You’re Alpha Sawyer's daughter?" she asked.

“Yes,” Kiara nodded.

“Our Alpha has selected a mate from an enemy pack that we were supposed to exterminate,” Jennifer whispered under her breath.

"How dare you step foot into our pack!" the furious snarl of an older woman broke the stillness in the room.

“I’m sorry.” Kiara sprang up from the sofa at the older woman’s words. From what Kiara could tell, the woman appeared to be roughly around her mother’s age. Her eyes that were red and swollen from tears held nothing but rage and the need for vengeance, which was what Kiara didn’t understand.

"How dare you give me such an innocent look!" the woman shrieked as she charged at Kiara.

"Margaret, you know that you can't do this. She is our Luna." Jennifer leapt between Kiara and Margaret the moment she recognized Margaret’s desire for revenge. She quickly mind-linked Xavier, informing him of the situation.

"The Luna of this pack?!" Margaret exclaimed.

"Yes, she is Alpha Xavier's mate," Jennifer confirmed.

"How could Xavier choose this woman as his mate?" Margaret's eyes watered. Jennifer could only give the older women a pitying look. “It was her brother that raped and killed my daughter!!” she frantically shrieked.

“Your daughter?” Kiara's eyes widened as her entire body became as cold as ice. In her own naivety she had not expected to encounter the mother of her brother’s victim. Once again, Jennifer tried to stop Margaret from getting any closer to Kiara but she dissuaded her.

"You don’t need to stop her. You can move out of the way." Kaira took Jennifer's hand in hers, gently guiding her out of the grieving mother’s path. Kiara did not want to jeopardize Jennifer and her baby if a scuffle broke out. "You can say whatever you need to," Kiara told Margaret, who stood there snorting like a bull about to charge a matador.

"Margaret, the Alpha has mind-linked me. He has given strict orders that you’re not to touch the Luna. You have been asked to leave the room immediately," Jennifer delivered Xavier's message quickly before something irreversible happened.

"You should be ashamed!" Margaret scowled at Kiara, completely disregarding everything that Jennifer had just told her. She knew that she couldn't lay a finger on Kiara, but this was the only chance she would have to say whatever she wished. "Your brother raped and killed my daughter. Yet you think you can enter this pack as Xavier’s mate. I loathe you and refuse to accept you as my Luna."

Margaret's words were like poison darts hurled at Kiara that she took without argument or saying a word. Even though Kiara was deeply affected by each of Margaret's statements, she allowed the devastated mother to vent her frustration and grief out on her.

"I am truly sorry." Kiara lowered her head. Even though she knew that it would never be enough, she apologized. The repercussions of Lewis' actions would always come back to haunt her. She had to learn to accept that.

"Like I said, shame on you! If you were truly sorry you wouldn’t have looked into Xavier's eyes!" Margaret turned to leave with a final growl and bloodthirsty glare. She then stormed out of the packhouse and drove away.

"Kiara, are you okay?" Jennifer grabbed her hand. Kiara took a deep soothing breath as she tried to forget everything that had just transpired in this room.

"I’m fine," Kiara managed to hold back her tears.

"What happened here?!" Xavier strode into the room with a growl. Kiara gasped, completely bewildered as to why there was anger in Xavier’s wolf’s eyes. Why would he be so furious as to look like he was ready to slaughter someone?