Author's note: this is from Zoe's point of view

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My heart was lighter when I saw that Seraphina returned for dinner. Part of me feared that she will abandon us. Everyone else did before her.

Seraphina called me, Luca, and Ash to come to the side, and we joined her around the circular table in the common room.

Lazarus's scent was strong, and I looked around, visually searching for him, but Serina gave us cell phones and I was distracted when she started showing how to use them.

It was embarrassing to admit I never had a cell phone considering that everyone in this packhouse had one like it's normal, but Serina didn't make a big deal out of it. Luca and Ash also listened attentively, and I felt better knowing that I'm not the only one marveling at the communication enabled by the technology without the mind link.

Seraphina ensured that each of us knows how to text and call her. It was important to her that we can get in touch and she warned us that we need to pick up when she calls, otherwise she will be worried.

"If you plan to be out of range, or without a phone, let me know. Regardless of what arrangement we come up with, if we didn't see each other, I need you to text me at least once a day; let's make it before you go to sleep. Just saying that you are OK will suffice and if you share more that will be better. I don't want to bother each of you to check-in every night, so if one of you contacts me, that will be fine. The three of you decide on a schedule. I will also ask Fynn to contact me or Aldus if anything unexpected happens...", she was raining rules on us, but somehow it made me warm and fuzzy, knowing that she cares.

Serina also said that once we are settled and comfortable, we will reduce the frequency of this mandatory communication.

Next, she asked us about our day, starting with Luca.

"Cleaning the gym. Dinner preparations." Luca was always a boy of few words.

Ash was visibly excited as he literally bounced while waiting for his turn to talk. He was goofy in a cute kind of way.

"I was with Horace. He taught me about car maintenance. I know how to check the tire pressure and oil level. I got to drive a car! We tidied up the garage and Horace said that he will continue giving me driving lessons…"

In the Dark Walkers pack, we had a handful of vehicles and they were reserved for Alpha and a few of his closest ones, while we got to see them from afar.

We don't need cars to move because in our wolf form we can outrun them, but having a car is a sign of status.

When Ash ended his chatter about shifting gears, it was my turn.

"I cleaned with Martine the dining room after lunch, and then we went to the laundry room. She showed me how to operate a washing machine and we folded clothes…"

It was a big deal for me because in the Dark Walkers pack we washed clothes in the nearby creek. During winter, even with my werewolf physique, my hands would ache from the icy water. Here, they have washing and drying machines and the whole process can be done without putting clothes on a string to dry. The thing called fabric softener makes a sweaty t-shirt smell like a spring breeze and I don't even need to get my hands wet. Very fancy.

I also ironed shirts. It took me some time to understand the art of not creating creases on the opposite side, but I was getting better with every next shirt.

"Tessa came and gave us apples.", I remembered to mention that we got a snack. Luca also gave me an apple later, which was sweet of him.

Food was almost a luxury in the Dark Walkers pack as we would get one meal a day and for the rest, we had to manage ourselves. I was proficient in finding mushrooms and berries, and sometimes I would catch a rabbit or some other forest creature. Luca would also help in finding food and he is good at spotting burrows and other places where our next meal is hiding, and his trap-setting skills are enviable.

"What do you think about this place so far?", Seraphina asked.

I looked at Luca and Ash who returned my gaze. They were expecting me to talk for the three of us. I didn't mind.

"It's better than in our former pack…"

I was not sure how to end this without sounding ungrateful or selfish. I wanted to be with Seraphina and if I say that things are fine, she will leave; but if I say that things are not fine… what will happen then?

"You can ask them that tomorrow.", Fynn's voice reached us from the side. He was eavesdropping and not ashamed of it. Of course, his eyes were glued to Seraphina as he spoke, "Today, they only got to do a few chores. In the morning we will start training and see what their wolves are made of."

Displeasure flashed over Seraphina's expression at the sight of Fynn. She didn't like his interference and was not afraid to show it. Brave.

She turned to us and her expression softened. "Alright. Based on what I heard so far, I will take it that your first impression is OK, and we will revisit this topic tomorrow."

I was happy to hear Seraphina confirming she will stay for at least one more day.

Fynn didn't mind Seraphina's cold attitude, but when he approached us, his expression stiffened.

"Why do I smell Lazarus?", Fynn asked.

"Oh… he gave me this shawl.", Seraphina responded casually, and we all paid closer attention to the grayish-blue fabric that was draped over her shoulders.

I sensed Lazarus's scent earlier but didn't think much about it. We all came here after spending the night at his house and having his scent lingering wouldn't be unusual. Seeing how Fynn reacted to it and Seraphina's smug smile, I understood that Seraphina was using the shawl as Fynn-repellent. Not bad. I liked her more.

I didn't want to think why that shawl had such a strong Lazarus's scent. Did he rub it on himself? No, don't think about it, Zoe!

Fynn wanted to ask more questions, but Aldus approached us, so he stepped back. It made me wonder who Aldus is because a strong wolf like Fynn is yielding to him. On the other side, I saw Aldus turning Gil into a dried corpse within seconds without breaking a sweat, so maybe I know why Fynn is being respectful. After all, our kind respects strength.

"You will stay overnight? Where will you sleep?", I asked Serina while hoping that she will not go to the city and leave us behind for the night. I knew I shouldn't, but I was selfish, and I wanted her to stay.

"We can arrange a bedroom…", Fynn said with a smile that creeped me out.

"I have a spare bed in my room!", I exclaimed quickly before Seraphina accepts his offer. "If you don't mind a roommate."

Seraphina smiled. "I don't mind."

I felt my lips curling into a grin. I will share my room with Seraphina! I had so many questions, and now I knew that for the whole night it will be just the two of us and I will get plenty of opportunities to chat.

"Someone will set up a bed for you.", Fynn said with an unreadable expression. I could guess that he was happy she is staying and unhappy that she will not be alone. Was he thinking of sneaking into her room? Not on my watch! I hoped that Serina saw me as useful.

Aldus was not surprised when Seraphina told him that she will stay in my room overnight and I understood that they already considered that option. Relief swelled inside me with the knowledge that she planned to stay overnight even if we said that we are fine here. Maybe she really cares.

The dining room has five rectangle-shaped tables, each can accommodate ten people, so for a group of about thirty-five, there was still space after everyone sat to have a meal.

I liked that everyone ate at the same time. Omegas would get the food on the table, and then they would join the others.

Fynn, Otto, and Bert sat at the table in the middle, and I started calling it the main table. Just like for lunch, Aldus, Serina, and the three of us were at the main table with them, and Vitto and Tessa joined as well.

Fynn was at the head of the table with Otto and Bert flaking his left and right. Aldus was next to Otto and Luca sat between Bert and Serina. I was on Serina's other side and Ash was across the table from me. Vitto was on the opposite side from Fynn, with Tessa on his left (next to Ash).

During lunch, I noticed gazes directed our way and I thought that others were curious about us. However, now I confirmed that not all of the wolves were curious. A she-wolf named Ari was directing her sour expression toward us and I wondered if we took her spot. Ari was sweet in front of Fynn, but whenever he didn't look, her gaze made me uncomfortable.

Maybe I'm imagining things but I had a strong feeling that once Seraphina and Aldus leave, Ash, Luca, and I will get to sit at some other table.

Aldus didn't stay for the night in the packhouse. Before leaving I heard him ask Serina, "Do you want me to send Krob to watch over you?"

Serina refused. "That is not necessary. I won't be on my own, and if anything happens, I know how to reach you."

"Alright. Mitch already got your clothes in the room. I will see you in the morning, if not sooner…" And with that, Aldus left.

I wondered, who is Krob? Must be one of Aldus's people. Or is it Serina's subordinate? I realized that I don't know much about Seraphina or her father. Well, I can start figuring it out tonight.

One thing didn't make sense. Why would Serina need someone to watch over her? The power she showed us last night was the most awesome thing I ever experienced. With one word, she froze me, Luca, and Ash, and even Lazarus was unable to move for a while!

Is Aldus one of those fathers who takes care of his daughter even when she doesn't need it? No wonder they are getting along well.

With Aldus's departure, Fynn, Otto, and Bert invited Serina to the common room.

"We usually hang out there after dinner, if there is nothing else going on.", Fynn explained.

Martine told me that after nightfall they shift into wolf form and go for a run, but maybe they are considerate toward Serina because she is not a werewolf.

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