Chapter 176
Lily POV
Sometime later, after Celeste had calmed her nerves, we arrived at the pack house.
The pack house complex was larger than I’d remembered, sprawling across several acres with multiple buildings connected by stone pathways. As Celeste drove past the main Alpha residence where Kai lived, I caught a glimpse of warm lights glowing in the windows and felt a pang of longing. Soon, I reminded myself. Once the curse was broken, we could be together again.
“Your quarters are in the Luna wing, so you’d practically be in the same area with my mom” Celeste explained, following a curved driveway that led to a smaller but elegant two-story building set apart from the main house. “This particular building has been used for visiting dignitaries in the past, but my mom thought you’d prefer the privacy and independence it offers p>
The building was beautiful—constructed of the same warm stone as the main house but with large windows and a wraparound porch that gave it a more intimate, homey feel. It was perfect for maintaining distance from Kai while still being within the pack house protective boundaries.
But as we pulled up to the entrance, my mood soured instantly. Uncle Tobias sat on the front steps, his big frame making the porch furniture look small. His eyes met mine through the windshield, and I could see the determined set of his jaw even from this distance.
I rolled my eyes and turned to Celeste. “Did you invite him here p>
Celeste parked the car and gave me an apologetic look. “I should have told you, Lily, and I’m sorry for keeping this from you. But he kept insisting. He called the pack house directly and spoke with my mom p>
“Of course he did,” I muttered, unbuckling my seatbelt with more force than necessary.
Uncle Tobias rose from his seat as we approached, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. “Before you say anything, Lily, I’m not here to force you to train or leave with me. I’m just here to protect you. Consider me your bodyguard p>
I sighed heavily, brushing past him without acknowledging his words. “I don’t need a bodyguard p>
“With the Shadow Council mobilizing, yes, you do,” he called after me, but I was already reaching for the front door handle.
The door swung open before I could touch it, and I stepped inside, then froze in complete shock.
Four people dressed in crisp white uniforms stood in the spacious living room, their heads respectfully bowed. The room itself was stunning—high ceilings, elegant furniture in warm earth tones, fresh flowers arranged on every surface, and a stone fireplace crackling with welcoming flames.
I turned to Celeste, who had followed me inside. “What is this p>
“These people will take care of you,” she explained, looking almost as uncomfortable as I felt. “My mom arranged it. There’s a butler—. She gestured to the distinguished-looking man in his fifties, “—a cook,” she indicated the elderly woman with kind eyes, “a housekeeper,” she pointed to the middle-aged woman, “and your personal maid.” The last was a young woman who appeared to be close to my own age, with big eyes and an eager-to-please expression.
“This is ridiculous,” I protested. “I can clean and cook for myself. I’ve been doing it for years p>
The butler stepped forward, his posture impeccably formal. “Miss Lily, you are the future Luna of this pack. You should not be subjected to such hardships. It is our pleasure and honor to serve you well p>
Before I could protest further, the personal maid—who had introduced herself as Emma—gently took my bag from Celeste.
“I really should go,” Celeste said hastily, backing toward the door. “I’ll stop to see Kai and my mother before I leave and I don’t want to go after he falls asleep, and p>
“Don’t you dare leave me here,” I started to say, but she was already out the door, practically fleeing.
I found myself alone with Uncle Tobias, who had followed us inside, and the four staff members, all looking at me expectantly. Their attention felt suffocating.
“Okay,” I said finally, defeated. “I guess this is happening p>
Emma stepped forward with a warm smile. “Miss Lily, I’ve prepared a steaming lavender bath for you upstairs. It will help wash away the hospital smell and refresh you p>
The mention of a bath was actually appealing after days of hospital sponge baths and antiseptic everything. “That… actually sounds wonderful p>
Emma led me up a beautiful curved staircase to the master bedroom, which was even more impressive than the living area. A king-sized bed dominated the space, draped in luxurious fabrics, while French doors opened onto a private balcony overlooking the pack house compound.
The attached bathroom was like something from a luxury spa—a deep soaking tub, separate glass shower, double vanities with marble countertops, and heated floors that felt divine under my bare feet.
“The water is the perfect temperature,” Emma said, testing it with her hand. “I’ve added lavender oil and healing salts that will help with any lingering soreness from your injuries p>
I hesitated, uncomfortable with the idea of someone helping me bathe. “I can manage on my own p>
“Please, Miss Lily,” Emma interrupted gently. “You’re still recovering. Let me help. It’s what I’m here for p>
Too tired to argue further, I allowed her to assist me. She was respectful and professional, helping me into the bath before discretely turning away to prepare fluffy towels and a comfortable robe. The hot water felt incredible against my healing muscles, and despite my reservations about the whole situation, I found myself relaxing for the first time in days.
After the bath, Emma helped me into the softest pajamas I’d ever worn and brushed my hair until it shone. When we went back downstairs, the dining table had been set with fine china and covered dishes that smelled absolutely divine.
“Please, sit,” the cook—Mrs. Patterson—said with a warm smile. “I’ve prepared a light but nourishing meal. Herb-crusted salmon, roasted vegetables, and fresh bread p>
The food was restaurant-quality, far better than anything I could have prepared myself. But as I sat at the large dining table alone, I felt awkward and isolated.
“Would you all please join me?” I asked, gesturing to the empty chairs. “There’s more than enough food p>
The staff exchanged glances, clearly uncomfortable with the suggestion.
“Oh no, miss,” the butler—Mr. Sterling—said firmly. “That wouldn’t be appropriate. We have our own dining area in the kitchen p>
“But I don’t want to eat alone,” I protested. “It feels wrong p>
“I understand your discomfort,” Mr. Sterling replied kindly but firmly. “However, there are protocols that must be observed. You are the future Luna, and we are here to serve you. Maintaining proper boundaries is essential p>
I ate in solitude, the delicious food tasting like ash in my mouth as I contemplated whether this would be my new reality. Was this what being Luna meant? Beautiful surroundings but crushing loneliness? People to attend to my every need but no one to simply talk to?
Uncle Tobias had remained outside, giving me space to settle in, but I could sense his presence through the windows. At least he was familiar, even if he came with his own complications.
After finishing as much as I could manage, I pushed back from the table. “I think I’ll retire for the night. It’s been a long day p>
Mr. Sterling appeared at my elbow instantly. “Of course, miss. But first, we need to review your itinerary for tomorrow p>
I turned to stare at him. “Itinerary p>