Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter
14
"Please, sit. I'd like to discuss a few things about your stay here."
Aurora complied, folding her hands in her lap as he took the chair opposite her. Up close, she could see the subtle lines of
weariness on his face, the weight of leadership etched into his features. But there was also kindness, a warmth that reminded
her of what she had once thought Fenrir possessed.
"As I mentioned yesterday," Cassian began, "we don't take in rogues lightly. But you and your mother don't strike me as the usual
kind." He leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady. "I need to understand what brought you here and what you're looking for."

Aurora hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "We... we've been on our own for some time," she said. "Our old pack fell apart,
and we've been moving ever since. We're looking for a place to belong, a chance to start over."
It wasn't entirely untrue, but it wasn't the whole story either. Cassian studied her, and for a moment, she wondered if he could
see through the half-truths. But he simply nodded.
"Starting over isn't easy," he said. "But if you're willing to work and prove your loyalty, this pack has room for anyone who
contributes." He paused, his expression softening. "What skills do you have? How do you see yourself fitting in here?"
Aurora blinked, caught off guard by the directness of the question. In Fenrir's pack, roles were dictated, not chosen. She hadn't
been asked what she wanted since she had been named Luna. Clearing her throat, she said, "I've helped manage pack affairs
before. I'm good with organization and... and people."
Cassian tilted his head, a faint smile playing at his lips. "You don't seem like a typical rogue," he said. "You carry yourself with
grace. It's rare."
Aurora felt a flicker of warmth at the compliment but quickly pushed it aside. "I've just had to adapt," she replied.
Cassian nodded again, as though satisfied. "You'll start by helping with some of the communal tasks-planning events, assisting
with pack gatherings. It's a way to meet others and understand how we work."
Aurora agreed, relieved that the responsibilities seemed manageable. As Cassian stood to dismiss her, he added, "One more
thing. If you or your mother need anything, don't hesitate to come to me directly. This pack thrives because we look out for one
another."

His words lingered in Aurora's mind as she left the hall. The kindness he offered felt foreign but genuine, and it unsettled her in
ways she couldn't explain. She had built walls around her heart, yet here was someone who seemed determined to see past
them. Returning to the cottage, she relayed Cassian's instructions to her mother. Lila nodded approvingly. "He's giving you a
chance to prove yourself," she said. "It's more than most Alphas would do."
Aurora agreed but couldn't shake the sense that Cassian saw more in her than she was ready to reveal. She glanced at her
reflection in the small mirror by the window, her hand unconsciously brushing over her stomach.
The secret she carried was heavier now than ever. She only hoped she could keep it hidden long enough to find her place here
or until she was ready to face the consequences.