Mated To The Beastly Alpha
Chapter 67

As the first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, Nicole gradually opened her eyes, greeted by the warm glow of a cosy home. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and delicious food filled the air, teasing her senses and awakening her appetite. To her surprise, she found the young girl, Emily, sitting by her bedside, watching her with curious eyes. Nicole offered a weak smile, still feeling a sense of unease about her own identity.

"Good morning," Emily chirped, her voice filled with innocence. "I'm glad you're awake. What's your name?"

Caught off guard, Nicole hesitated for a moment. She didn't want to reveal her true name, fearing the repercussions it might bring. Instead, she decided to offer a different name, one she conjured on the spot.

"My name is Charlene," Nicole replied, her voice gentle yet tinged with a hint of uncertainty.

Emily's eyes widened in fascination. "Charlene! That's a pretty name. I'm Emily, and this is my family. We saved you."

Nicole's heart swelled with gratitude as Emily led her to the dining area, where the rest of the family eagerly awaited her arrival. The parents, Sarah and David greeted her with warm smiles, while Lucas, Emily's older brother, offered a shy nod. "Good morning, Charlene," Sarah said kindly. "We're so glad you're feeling better. Please, have a seat."

The table was adorned with a delicious spread of breakfast dishes, steaming plates of pancakes, crispy bacon, and scrambled eggs.

The mouthwatering aroma filled the room, making Nicole's stomach growl with hunger. She took a seat, feeling a mixture of comfort and apprehension.

"Thank you all so much for helping me," Nicole expressed sincerely, her voice filled with gratitude. "I can't express how grateful I am."

David smiled warmly. "It was the right thing to do. We couldn't leave you there in such a vulnerable state. Besides, our pack is known for its hospitality and compassion."

Nicole nodded appreciatively. "Which pack is this? I'm not familiar with the area."

Sarah exchanged a brief glance with David, a hint of caution in her eyes before she spoke. "We belong to the Silverwood Pack. We're a close-knit community that looks out for one another. But forgive us if we seem a little cautious. We have to be careful, especially with strangers."

Nicole understood their hesitation, given her own mysterious circumstances. She decided to share a version of her story that wouldn't reveal too much, concealing the pain of her past that still lurked in the recesses of her mind.

"I... I was attacked by a group of rogues," she began, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "I lost my way in the forest while trying to escape. I can't remember much about who I am or where I come from."

Sarah's eyes softened with empathy. "That must have been terrifying. But you're safe now. We'll do everything we can to help you."

Lucas, who had remained quiet until now, spoke up, his voice filled with curiosity. "Do you remember anything at all? Your family or friends?"

Nicole cast her gaze downward, her heart heavy with the burden of her forgotten memories. "I'm afraid none at all. It's all a foggy haze in my mind. I wish I could remember, but perhaps it's for the best. Maybe it's a chance for a fresh start."

Emily reached out and placed a small hand on Nicole's, her eyes sparkling with innocence. "Don't worry, Charlene. We'll be your family now. You're not alone anymore."

Tears welled up in Nicole's eyes as she looked at the genuine warmth and acceptance radiating from the family before her. She couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope and a renewed sense of belonging.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with sincere emotion. "I'm grateful to have all of you."

Throughout the meal, the family engaged in light-hearted conversation, sharing stories of pack traditions, their adventures in the surrounding forest, and the beauty of their home. Nicole found herself immersed in their warmth, a sense of belonging settling within her.

Nicole's heart swelled with gratitude as she observed the closeness of the family. Their love and acceptance touched her deeply, creating a sense of belonging she had never experienced before. As the meal came to an end, she offered to help clear the tables, wanting to contribute in some way.

But Sarah, ever the nurturing mother figure, gently shook her head. "No, Charlene. You've been through so much. Please, take this time to rest and recover. We'll take care of everything."

Nicole hesitated, gratitude and a twinge of guilt warring within her. "Are you sure? I don't want to impose."

David smiled kindly. "It's not an imposition at all. Rest is important, especially for someone who's been through what you have. We're happy to take care of you."

Reluctantly, Nicole acquiesced, giving them a grateful nod. She made her way to a comfortable chair in the living room, sinking into its embrace, her thoughts swirling with a mix of appreciation and curiosity about what lay ahead.

Just as she began to relax, her tranquillity was shattered by the abrupt entrance of two guards and several warriors, their presence filling the room with tension. Nicole's breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. The leader of the group, a stern-looking man with piercing eyes, fixed his gaze on Nicole. "You there! You are needed by the Alpha. He has ordered that you should come see him immediately. Come with us."

Nicole's voice quivered as she managed to speak, her voice laced with trepidation. "W-Why? What does the Alpha want from me?"

The guards exchanged a quick glance before one of them responded in a stoic tone. "We were given specific orders to bring you to the Alpha. They didn't disclose the reasons, but it's important."

Sarah and David exchanged concerned glances, their protective instincts kicking in. Sarah stepped forward, her voice filled with apprehension. "Is everything alright? Why does the Alpha want to see her?" The guard's expression remained impassive. "I don't have the answers. It's not my place to ask. We're just following orders."

Nicole's heart raced as she contemplated the options before her. She could refuse, but that might only escalate the situation. Reluctantly, she made her decision, her voice barely above a whisper. "Okay, I'll go with you."

As she stood up, Sarah rushed to her side, her voice filled with concern. "Charlene, be careful. If anything seems off, replace a way to send us a signal. We'll be here for you."

Nicole nodded, her gratitude mingling with apprehension. "Thank you, Sarah. I'll do my best."

The guards flanked her as she followed them out of the house, her heart pounding in her chest. The journey to the Alpha's quarters felt interminable, the weight of uncertainty and fear growing with each step. Finally, they reached a grand hall adorned with intricate carvings and symbols, an aura of power permeating the air. The guards gestured for Nicole to enter, their expressions stern.

Stepping into the room, Nicole found herself face to face with the imposing figure of the Alpha, a regal presence emanating strength and authority. His eyes bore into hers, searching, assessing.

As Nicole stood before the Alpha, his Luna and the Beta, trepidation and curiosity filled her being. Their piercing gazes seemed to scrutinize every inch of her, searching for answers.

"My name is Charlene," she began, her voice steady yet tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "I was attacked by rogues, lost my way in the forest, and ended up being saved by a family who took me in."

The Alpha, a formidable presence, regarded her with a stern expression. "Charlene, your sudden appearance within our territory raises questions. We found a cloak of dark magic on you. What can you tell us about it?"

Nicole's eyes widened in surprise, her mind racing to comprehend the implications of their words. "I... I don't remember anything about its origins. I woke up injured and with no memory of my past. The family who saved me told me nothing about it." The Luna, a gentle and compassionate woman, spoke up, her voice filled with understanding. "Perhaps her memory loss is related to the dark magic. We should tread carefully, Alpha."

The Alpha's gaze softened slightly as he turned his attention back to Nicole. "We will give you the benefit of the doubt, Charlene. But be aware that any involvement with dark magic poses a threat to our pack. We will keep a watchful eye." Nicole nodded, her gratitude mingling with a sense of relief. "I understand, Alpha. I have no intentions of causing harm to anyone."

The Beta, an imposing figure with a stern countenance, chimed in. "If you truly wish to prove your loyalty to the pack, Charlene, is there anything you can offer? Any skills or talents?"

Nicole's brow furrowed as she searched her mind, still clouded with fragments of memories. "I... I'm sorry, but I can't remember what I used to do or what skills I possessed. It's all a blank. But I'm willing to learn and contribute in any way I can." The Luna's voice held warmth and kindness as she intervened. "Charlene, we understand your situation. We can assist you in the process of regaining your memory. We have methods of learning and meditation that may help you uncover your past." A flicker of hope sparked within Nicole's heart, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Luna. I would be honored to join you in those practices."

The Alpha nodded, his stern expression softening ever so slightly. "Very well, Charlene. You shall have the Luna's guidance on your journey. We hope that through this, we can gain a better understanding of your true nature."

With those words, Nicole was dismissed from the meeting with relief and anticipation within her. As she made her way back to Sarah's family, she couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

The prospect of uncovering her lost memories and discovering her true self held an allure that propelled her forward.

Upon her return to the family's home, Sarah greeted her with concern, her eyes filled with worry. "Charlene, what happened? Are you alright?"

Nicole offered a reassuring smile, her voice filled with a mix of gratitude and excitement. "I'm fine, Sarah. The Alpha and his council questioned me about the cloak of dark magic they found. They believe it might be related to my memory loss. But they're willing to give me a chance, plus the Luna promised to help me in my journey of self-discovery."

Sarah's expression softened, a motherly warmth radiating from her. "That's wonderful news, Charlene. We'll all be here for you every step of the way. And if there's anything we can do to support you, don't hesitate to ask."

Over the following days, Nicole delved into a routine of learning and meditation under the Luna's guidance. They explored various techniques to unlock her memories, delving into the depths of her subconscious in search of answers. The Luna's patience and nurturing approach provided a safe space for Nicole to unravel the mysteries of her past.

As she delved deeper into her meditations, flashes of forgotten moments began to flicker in Nicole's mind. Fragments of her past emerged, fleeting glimpses that sparked recognition and curiosity, but she couldn't understand it. She recalled Crimson and Shane and the horrors she suffered; Liam and Dark Moon and the maltreatment he gave her. But that was it.

Somehow, someway, she recalled that Asha betrayed her and that Garrett was also evil. Memories of her time with Liam resurfaced. She had memories of him being sweet but believed that it was a dream.

It couldn't be real. It couldn't be real because Liam himself had said that he wanted to sever whatever connection they had.

For some reason, she missed him. She ached for him so badly, yet she was terrified of meeting him again because not only did she escape from his evil clutches, but she also slit his sister's throat.

She remembered Lilian and her hatred for her, but she also didn't understand why the memory of slitting her throat remained with her.

She kept all these secrets, of course, because, in her head, Silvermoon was the best thing that had happened to her.