“And is the pack united behind you now? Even Ryne’s supporters?”
“Yes. The pack mentality still runs through all of our blood. The strongest member is the leader and we instinctively accept that.” He raised his chin as he spoke, an Alpha’s confidence showing in his stance. “I proved myself and the others are at peace with the results.”
Elise considered what he’d told her. It must have been an awful position for him to find himself in; forced to fight someone who, quite likely, had been a friend for years. She was glad he’d shown mercy to the challenger. It spoke well for the kind of mate he would be.
Kane was watching her, one brow cocked, perhaps wondering what her reaction was to his tale.
She gave him a slight smile. “I’m glad you won and that you healed well from your fight.”
“Thanks. It was a few weeks ago—all water under the bridge now.” Kane flashed a smile at her and appeared to relax, almost as if her reaction had mattered to him. He wandered back to the dresser and picked up his watch. “You need to get up and get dressed. We’ll be leaving in about an hour.”
“Leaving?” She couldn’t keep the surprise from her voice.
“Uh-huh. I need to return to my pack. It’s only about an hour’s drive but I want to get back in good time so that you can see your new home before it’s dark.” With that, he left.
Elise sat up and wrapped her arms tightly around herself. In an hour she’d be leaving the only home she’d ever known, leaving all the people she’d grown up with. She’d be joining a new pack, be surrounded by new faces. The only person she’d know would be Kane, and he was still the next best thing to a stranger to her.
Once again, her stomach clenched as she slowly climbed out of bed and prepared to follow him.
*****
A short while later, Elise stood in the doorway of her old bedroom. All her possessions had been packed for her and the room was now bare. She walked inside and ran her hand over the white dresser and pulled open a few random drawers, checking if anything had been left behind. Of course, nothing had been. The packers had been efficient. Peeking into the closet, only a few hangers remained on the rod, forgotten and forlorn in the flurry of activity that had no doubt overtaken the room.
She sighed wondering how her whole life could be gathered up and stuffed into a few boxes in such a short period of time.
Wandering over to the window, she looked out at the familiar view of the yard and the forest beyond. A reminiscent smile played over her lips as she recalled all the times she’d stared out at the scene below dreaming of the future, planning her life around this small world that she’d grown up in. Leaving had never entered her mind. Instead, she’d envisioned herself mated to a pack mate, raising her pups here, teaching them all the secret places in the woods that were part of their territory. She blinked rapidly as tears threatened and turned away from the beloved view. That was all in the past now.
Swallowing hard, she walked to her bed, carefully tugging it away from the wall so that she could feel along the baseboards. There was a loose section and she moved it away, feeling inside the hidden space behind. Was it still there? Surely no one had found it... She reached in further and finally her fingers encountered a soft surface. Pulling it out, she shook the dust off of the leather bound book. It was an old diary—one that she’d kept on and off for years. Lately she hadn’t been writing in it, but she couldn’t leave it behind. Who knew who might take over this room in the future. Elise didn’t want some stranger reading her secret thoughts.
Tucking the book into the large purse she had slung over her shoulder, she walked to the door. Pausing briefly, she turned and gave the room one last glance before flipping the light switch and quietly closing the door on her childhood. Her chin quivered as she stood in the hallway but she forced her emotions down. Taking a deep breath, she descended the stairs and went to meet Kane where he was waiting to take her to her new home.
*****
The drive was completed almost in silence. Kane made a few idle comments along the way but seemed content to listen to the radio, his fingers drumming along on the steering wheel as he kept time with the music. Elise didn’t feel inclined towards conversation either and was grateful for the songs that filled the quietness of the cab. With her head leaning against the window, she stared unseeing at the passing landscape, lost in thought.
Leaving the house had been hard. Sarah, usually a no-nonsense type of person, had uncharacteristically fussed over her, making Elise promise to come and visit soon.
“Now remember, just because you’re moving away doesn’t mean we have to lose contact.” Sarah tucked a stray lock of hair behind Elise’s ear. “You can call anytime and I’m sure we’ll find opportunities to visit.”