It was the first time that I was allowed to enter the Miyuri forests and I didn't waste the chance to look around.The huge trees with vibrant flowers and and thick leaves gave the road a scenic imagery.Bright red flowers adorned the falling branches with the greenest of the leaves.The darkness left behind the trees alongside the roads was filtered by the rays of the sun thus creating a sparkling effect.I was entranced.

This is what I missed for 18 years.The thought struck the sad chord in my heart.I wish Ma was here to share this joy with me.Nonetheless I was fortunate to be a part of the clan now.

I glanced over at Kurona who was lost in her thoughts.As if sensing my eyes on her she turned to me.A smile replaced the wrinkles on her face."How do you find your new home.?"

Home.My home.My lips tipped by themselves.

"Judging by those dimples,I don't think I need any words." Patting my head she continued"The road before you will not be easy.Even though they respect me, they will only go so far to tolerate the whims of an old lady.I can only hope that you will not regret your decision and blame me one day."

"I understand Elder Kurona.I know it won't be easy at all.I am happy that you found me earnest enough to even give this chance.Before you, I wouldn't even have dreamed of crossing these lands but here I am.Your trust in me gives me strength and hope that I'll be able to overcome any hurdles that come my way.I want to thank you for choosing me." I could never convey to her, the wonderfulness of the gift she had given me.To be able to be associated to Aeran in any way,it was a miracle in itself and I had her to thank it for."You can not think how grateful I am to you,Elder."

"Stop with this Elder nonsense.You are my granddaughter now.And those dear to me, call me Granna."

With a sobering look she stared at me"Aeran has not accepted you yet.I can force him to marry you but I cannot force him to join his heart with you.You are the only one who can change this."

Leaning her head back with a slight smile on her face she continued "Aeran is a great boy of mine and I am not saying this because he's my grandson.He outshines everyone else in the pack,even his father.No matter where he goes he earns their respect and their love without even trying.And that love is returned by him to all near and dear to him.All the pack members feel his love and that is why they consider him their own.Protecting him,loving him and trying to save him from anything harmful.My boy is special.You'll know this when you'll live here."She chuckled.

Oh Mother Nature how can I tell her that I considered him special and the beloved of my heart from the first time I laid my eyes on him.Even without knowing anything about him, I fell in love wholeheartedly.

"Promise me this child that you won't back away when you are faced with his rejection again.Even though he doesn't know it yet, he needs you and will need you in the coming future.Be with him always."

Her tearful gaze caught me off guard and without hesitating I took both her hands in mine and promised her "I promise I won't ever leave him no matter what happens."

Nodding her head slightly she whispered "I know."And turned her head away towards the window.

The remaining car ride was silent and it was too soon that we reached the pack house.

We got out and I was amazed to see the sprawling mansion before me.It was magnificent.There were beautiful gardens on both the sides of the mansion.My eyes left the huge house to focus on the people present.It appeared that the whole clan was there to greet the Elders and to see the cursed bride of their future Alpha judging from the scowls and the glares directed my way.It was intimidating to say the least.Unable to bear their gaze any longer I looked at my feet.

"Elder Kurona how could you do this to us.?" A woman's angry voice directed my way"How could you bring her here.?"

Very calmly Granna answered "Leann, did I hear correctly.Are you really questioning my authority.?"

The woman named Leann flinched along with a few others "No..No Elder Kurona. It's just... that you know she will never be part of us no matter what happens.We will never accept her."

It looked like everyone was in agreement with this Leann person.It hurt really to know you were not welcomed.

"Hmm" Looking around at all the others Granna decreed "So this is how its gonna be.I didn't want to do this but you have all forced my hand.I have given word to this girl's mother that I won't have her hurt.My word applies to you all.So if I find any wrongdoing against her ,you will have to answer to me.Whether you accept her or not, she is your future Luna and any disrespect towards her would not be tolerated."Granna stopped to let her words sink."I believe I made myself pretty clear.Now you are all invited to join us in the celebrations to invite this newest addition to our family.I will expect you all at the mansion."

Taking a few steps ahead she turned to me "Come child."

Ignoring the angry faces around me I followed Granna inside."Welcome to your new home,Zairi."

The inside of the mansion was as grand as was the outside.Expensive decor made the castle similar to the ones I used to read about in the fairy tales Sekra gifted me.The hostile treatment of the outside faded in the warmth of my new home.I took everything with my eyes eagerly.Oh how wonderful it would have been if Ma and Sekra had accompanied me.A sad smile greeted my face as I looked at Granna.

"I want to apologize but we both know that this is just the beginning."Coming closer she patted my head lovingly "I also know you are much stronger than this and noone but only you can win them all,my daughter.I am with you at every step of this tough journey."

A crashing sound interrupted this sweet moment.I looked around to see a young girl same age as mine glaring at me.

"Ravine.I am glad I found you here.Come , meet your future Luna." I noticed Granna's tensed form.Who was this girl to illicit such a reaction from Granna. She came towards us with decisive steps without breaking her eye contact with Granna. As per I know such disrespect was not tolerated in the packs. I wanted to know who she was to be given this leeway by Granna.

"Elder Kurona." Bowing her blond head she exited the mansion without stopping and sparing a glance my way.

Granna continued staring after the pretty girl.Shaking her head then she glanced at me.I could see she wanted to say something but maybe thought better of it and hobbled towards the stairs."I would have loved to show you to your room but these legs are not as strong as they used to be.Wait a moment."With that she shouted "Aiinata,do come here."

A woman of middle age walked briskly towards Granna , bowing her head she waited patiently " Yes Elder."

"Would you be so kind to show Zairi her room."

"Of course Elder." Without looking at me she continued up the stairs.

"Aiinata .Stop right there.I don't need to remind you to greet your future Luna."Granna angrily scolded the woman.

Stopping mid stairs abruptly she turned to me and frostily uttered "I apologize. Welcome ,Luna".

"I assume you will not forget your manners next time you see this young lady." Granna was losing her patience and that could be seen in the way she talked.

Aiinata lost her composure and bowing her head waited for me at the stairs.

"I will see you tonight,Zairi. Rest till then.You will meet your new family later.I will have someone bring your bags."

Thanking Granna I walked behind the stiff lady.Crossing many rooms we stopped behind a closed door. Aiinata opened the door slightly ."This is the room.I hope you enjoy your stay while you last here."Smiling acidly she pushed my shoulder in her hurry to walk away.I looked inside to find it a neat small room with a small bed , a table in the corner near the window and a medium sized cupboard.

Even without anyone telling me I knew Aeran will not be sharing his room with me.I was just a formality to him.

I walked towards the window and looked out.The view was spectacular.The backyard of the house was vast and I could see many of the members mingling about.Some men were wrestling among themselves and many of the girls were cheering for the semi naked guys.I tried to find Aeran but he wasn't there.

The thud of a bag falling had me turning back to the door where I found a guy throwing my bags inside the room harshly.With that he disappeared.

I ran to my bags to right them and looked inside to find the glass of the framed picture of Ma and me,broken.Very carefully I took it out and placed it on the nightstand with the broken glass intact.I sighed and could very well imagine my future days here.

Without wasting time I gathered my few things and unpacked.

Within a few minutes everything was placed where it belonged.I then collapsed on the bed and closed my eyes for a while waiting for the evening to arrive.