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Her dark thoughts were interrupted by Lyliann’s soft voice. “Would you like me to accompany you?”
“Yes, please. Blake showed me where Christa lives but I’m not sure if I’ll find the path right away.” Niev had been a little anxious about walking to Christa’s all by herself, but had been too shy to ask either of the women to come with her.
“I need to walk in that direction anyway. I wanted to go stop by my house and grab a few things for Darron.”
After they said their goodbyes, Niev followed Lyliann out of the house and down the small hill. “Do you live here or somewhere hidden in the woods?”
“Right on the other side of the village.” Lyliann pointed at a house close to the main road. “It’s Seth’s duty to live close to the pack. Even if he’s not alpha yet, he needs to be easy to find for everyone.”
“Did you grow up here?”
“No, I actually grew up in a pack that lives further up north. I met Seth when he came to visit my pack with his father. Alphas like to stay connected to maintain a strong relationship.”
The thought of other friendly packs out there fascinated Niev. “So you left your pack to be with Seth?”
“Yes. At first, I was reluctant, but my father was overly excited for me. It honored him that a future alpha chose his daughter to be his mate. Seth invited me and my family to come meet the pack and see what my future home would look like if I chose to be with him.”
“Is it much different from your home?”
“Definitely. We have long, cold winters and short summers, which are only half as lovely as they are here. As soon as we arrived, I fell in love with this place.”
Niev smiled because she knew exactly what Lyliann was talking about. As they walked through the village Niev couldn’t help but notice the stares and occasional dirty looks from the other pack members. It hurt her more than she would’ve thought. She didn’t know anyone, and she hadn’t done anything to hurt them. Niev held her head high and didn’t show how deeply it hurt to be treated like a criminal.
Lyliann leaned closer to Niev and lowered her voice. “Give them time to get to know you and they’ll see what an amazing woman you are.” Then she leaned back and continued talking in a normal voice. “I think if Seth wouldn’t have let me see with my own eyes what a beautiful place the Timber Territory is I wouldn’t have left my pack for him.”
“Are you still able to go back and visit your family?”
“Anytime I want, and they are welcome to come visit too. Tanner believes it’s the best way to keep a good and healthy relationship between packs. He encourages everyone to visit and invite their families at any time.”
“I would have to agree with him, it seems like the best way to keep the peace.”
Lyliann’s mood seemed to change as she walked beside Niev and guided her to the little path that would lead them to Christa’s cabin.
“I’m sorry you won’t be able to let your family visit you.”
“I haven’t talked to them in five years. We disagreed on how I wanted to live my life and they banished me.”
Suddenly, Lyliann wrapped her arms around Niev and hugged her. “I didn’t know that, and I’m terribly sorry for it. I know we cannot replace your family, but I hope that we can give you at least something similar to it.” Lyliann stepped back and gave Niev some space.
“You’ve already made me feel as part of your family and I’m incredibly happy about it.” Niev sighed and couldn’t hold back her fear. “I just hope that the pack will at least try to accept me at some point.”
Lyliann gently touched her arm, trying to soothe her. “I know it might not seem like it right now but with time, theywillget to know you and they will accept you.”
They walked the rest of the way in silence. Niev was grateful for Lyliann’s company and her honesty. She hoped that Lyliann and her would become friends. She liked her and enjoyed being around her.
“There you are, daughter of Snow.” Christa was waiting by the front door of her cabin. “Alpha Tanner let me know you would visit me.”
Lyliann gently squeezed Niev again before letting her go. “I’ll let you two be. Niev, would you like me to pick you up later and accompany you on the way back?”
“No, I think I’ll be fine. Thank you, Lyliann, for everything.”
Lyliann gave her an encouraging smile before turning around and walking back to the village.
“Come on in, my love. How are you two feeling today?”
“Good, thank you. Did Tanner–I mean Alpha Tanner–tell you about my idea?”
“Yes. I’m delighted and honored that you want to learn from me. Even though I think I’ll learn much from you in return.”
