Chapter 26 ( Meeting the Pack.)

***Laura’s POV***

Today is turning out to be a strange day, and I feel like I am caught in the eye of a tornado. Robin isn't doing as well as expected; his treatments are causing a side effect that was rare and unexpected. His skin is super sensitive, and any touch can cause him pain.
I will have to contact my lawyer to find out how the proceedings are going and warn him that Devin might try to interfere. Then the run-in with Mrs. Roberts, I don't think of her as my Mother anymore. She seemed deranged. Perhaps she was more than just a gold digger; she might be insane as well.
I look at the scenery as it passes by my window, we were going to go for a drive, but then Aiden got that phone call, and we are now on our way to his Packhouse. I am not sure what I think about all this right now, so I have decided to go with the flow, so to speak, and deal with things as they come.
Looking over at Aiden, his expression is one of concern. I look out the window with a sigh; I hope this isn't another crappy situation. Because unfortunately, I am not in the mood to deal with anything more, and I am feeling a little angry and frustrated with the need to take a piece out of someone's ass.
We had been traveling for a while until, finally, Aiden pulled off onto a gravel road. Wherever we were going was rural, to say the least, with nothing but the road and trees for as far as you could see. It was beautiful and refreshing from the busy city I am used to.
It wasn't too long when we pulled up to a black iron gate connected to iron fencing; there were two men, perhaps guards came out and opened the gates as Aiden drove through them and down the road again.
The gate and fence were impressively tall; what do they have here, King Kong? I looked to Aiden, who smiled at me but did not explain why he needed such an impressive fence.
I added that to my mental list of questions I will ask him when we are alone again; if he wants me to live in his world, he has much to explain. As if he was reading my mind, perhaps he was.
*"You probably have many questions to ask me, and I understand. For instance, that fence and gate mark the borders of my Packs territory. However, it is mostly for show and does not go around the property."
"Tonight, we will sit down and have a private chat, and you can ask me anything you wish to discuss or know about. I know this is challenging for you, and adding to everything else you have going on makes it all that more stressful. Just know I will protect you, and we will get through all this confusion together."
"I want you to know, though, if there is something that you need explaining right away, just ask, don't be embarrassed or afraid, you are not expected to know, and no one will hold you accountable."
"You are right, Aiden. I have many questions that need answering; I am feeling a bit frustrated and grumpy right now because of all the stuff that is going on in my life; I am not upset with you; I just wanted you to know that."
"I will do my best to understand and ask you anything in the future if I don't understand it. I would, though, like a small run down on what I should expect here and what is expected of me."*
*"Right now, nothing is expected of you, this is your first meeting, and I have warned everyone to be on their best behavior; I have also told them that you are human and that they are not to do anything that would harm you."
"Since you are also my mate, if they insult you in any way, you will let me know."
"Alright, I will do my best. But it is best to observe for the most part since I don't know what I will be facing.
"I understand that this is all a bit fast, so you know you are my mate and under my protection. I am the pack's Alpha; you will be its future, Luna. I will explain all that tonight after dinner."*
I wasn't sure what to say, so I nodded and looked at the scenery again, it was long before we turned into a drive, and then the pack house was there before me; I wasn't sure what to expect, but I didn't expect this grandeur.
It was huge; it was a gothic mansion. Its dark grey stone and even darker grey and black accents were intimidating. It was four stories high and looked to have a basement. There were also several smaller though big houses that ringed it in a circle.
They looked connected by a rather large garden; each house had a unique color. Children were playing in what looked like a small play park with swings and other things for kids to play on.
Though it all looked intimidating and dark, it didn't feel that way, the exact opposite, to be truthful. It didn't look like a warm place, but it sure felt like one. It felt like a happy home where it was safe to be out after dark.
There appeared to be more houses back further into the tree line; there also looked like a practice field off to the left of the houses and a significant park area to the right of the places.
This place was enormous; the front area entrance to the Main Packhouse was also a miniature garden of nothing but all kinds of roses. To each side of the Packhouse, there were lilac bushes and wildflower beds.
It was amazing; it felt like home to me. Even though I already had a home, this felt like my forever home. Even the air was beautiful, with all its flowery scents floating around in the breeze.
I noticed that others were watching from the windows, looking at me. It made me uncomfortable; I held my head higher and smiled at Aiden. He, in turn, smiled at me and put his arm around me; it helped calm me down and reassured me that he was there should there be a need.
We were greeted by a really large guy, blond hair he looked like he had muscles on his muscles, his smile was warm and genuine though; Aiden jumped out of the car as soon as he stopped and went to greet the guy.
I wasn’t sure if I should get out of the car or stay inside and wait for Aiden to come get me, I don’t like not knowing what the rules of this world are. I know that in a fight I can hold my own; I am a black belt and I do boxing twice a week at my gym, however I also know that I am not going to hold up long against shifters. Not without knowing if they have weaknesses or how they fight.
If Aiden’s wolf was any indication of what I was up against, then I think it is best if I play the pacifist for now. Keep the fact that I can fight a secret, it may come to my advantage if someone thinks I am an easy target.
I watch as Aiden talked with this big guy for a little bit and then he walked over to my door and opened it, I take his hand and exit the car. I didn’t hide behind him, I stayed at his side but I kept silent for now. I don’t know why, but for some reason I didn’t want to come off as weak or timid.
I could feel eyes on me, lots of people were watching us. Sometimes I really hated my gift, at the moment it is making me feel like I need to get back in the car and take off home as fast as the car will go.
It wasn’t an easy feeling to deal with, I tried my best to keep my eyes on either Aiden or the big guy, I felt like I was being hunted.
Before the big guy could speak, Aiden let out a low menacing growl. Instantly all the eyes I felt had left and my unease calmed down. I didn’t know I was holding my breath till I took in a big gulp of air.
Aiden tucked me under his arm and kissed the top of my head…
*“I am sorry about that little one, we have some very curious pack members all trying to get a peek at you. They don’t deal with outsiders well, that is why tonight I am going to have an official introduction to the pack. Letting everyone know that you are their future Luna.”
“Hey, you know I am all for that, Alpha. Perhaps you can introduce her to me first since I am your Beta after all.”*
He said it very happily, instantly any doubt I had about him left. I knew I could trust this guy at least. Now to just find out what is with all the ranks and where I stand, so I don’t go and piss off someone by mistake.
*“Josh Gorman, this is my Mate Laura Roberts.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you and I can tell already that you are going to make a great Luna.”*
I was about to answer when the most godawfully shriek fill the air, the next thing I know this crazy looking woman tries to yank me out of Aiden’s arms. Her nails sink into my skin and I let out a hiss in pain as she started screeching at me…
**“Who the hell are you and what are you doing with my future husband?!”**