The Welcome

Liora's POV The sun was going down already by the time we finally returned to the Silver Moon Pack. I had stepped into the pack that once rejected and humiliated me exhausted but victorious. As soon as I arrived, the atmosphere changed. Wolves gathered from different ranks, and none stayed back in their chambers. It happened that the news of our victory and the magical healing that took place on the battlefield went before us into the pack. As they looked and waited, I saw something different from the one I saw the last time I left the pack, their eyes were filled with awe and respect. I could see and hear from their Whispers and looks that they were proud of me, they cheered as I approached. Somehow, I felt strange, seeing them cheering me and welcoming me, a wolf that they themed a lowly Omega, is now celebrated. I had sacrificed a lot in fighting for them, even to the point of betraying the pack that took me to my lowest state. I had also healed them from new power. And now, maybe in appreciation, they are putting every effort to welcome me like a queen. Jaxon stood with some members of the pack, admiring me like a proud father. He locked eyes with me, staring at me as has become his new ways these days. His joy was evident as he smiled and jubilated everyone around. His strides were with purpose; he walked with much grace that I hadn't seen operate in a Long while. He displayed such authority that one might be forced to think I am his betrothed. His face kept radiating throughout the time we gathered before the hall of the pack. 'Liora," he called me sweetly, as he reached out again to pull me into another warm embrace. 'You're welcome back to your pack, once more." he had said cheerfully. I simply rested my forehead on his broad, masculine chest, feeling his heartbeat as it pounded on my skin. 'I couldn't have made it back to the Silver Moon Pack again without the guidance of the moon goddess and the spirit of our ancestors. And, yes, you also contributed to what I am today; I wouldn't have found myself without you." Jaxon pulled me to look into my eyes; I saw that something in his eyes had been there for days. 'No, Liora, I am very much aware that the moon goddess and our ancestors planned everything, but you also played a very important role. It's all you're making. You fought selflessly for the pack that rejected and humiliated you; not only that, you also healed our wounded wolves, and to crown it all, you saved me from Darius, not minding all that I put you through in the past. You're a true hero in the Silver Moon Pack. My hero." I could feel his eyes piercing through my inner being, the heat rising to my cheeks, and I lost myself in shyness. 'I just did what was expected of a good citizen to do, nothing special." He held even closer that I feared it was more than a friendly grip, worried that Seraphina might see more of it and start throwing tantrums as usual. The last thing I wanted was to start warfare with someone like Seraphina when I should be busy with the affairs of the pack, looking for solutions to the darkness about to gather. 'You did more than give your best. And the whole pack can't turn a blind eye to that; they are very much aware of your inputs." Suddenly, a loud noise erupted from the inner camp; there were heavy cheers and sounds of bration, like those waiting to welcome a queen. Wolves howled joyfully, and surprisingly, they were shouting my name. I was beyond stunned. I had never been celebrated like this before; I know I have taken the spotlight many times in Night Howlers, but it's only because of my skills at the training ground, not as a queen or someone of power and influence. I had planned to come back to my pack, Silver Moon Pack, a better person and fulfilled, but not in this manner. I had planned to come back to prove that I am not weak, to prove that I am no more a weak Omega. I caught sight of Jaxon smiling sheepishly as he stood behind me; he stepped back to allow me to see the number of pack members who gathered to give me the best welcome. 'You see? They're happy celebrating you, you are more than a hero." Without knowing when I started tearing up, I turned in the direction of the crowd as I waved at them. The feeling was heavenly, and I was overwhelmed by the gesture of love displayed by people in appreciation and in welcoming me. The wise elder was in their midst, guiding some of them on what to do to make me feel at home, and as he gave his welcome address. 'Liora our hero," he started as he addressed the crowd. 'You have demonstrated a rare venture, great strength, and compassion which is not common among your peers. In the face of danger, you did not hesitate to do everything within your power to save our pack, even to the point of betraying the back that took you in. You've saved and restored the lives of our warriors, and you've been placed in a high rank because of this, you've earned our respect. Tonight, we have decided to harmoniously honor you and give you the respect due to you." I stood like a statue as I watched the whole pack display in response to what the wise elder said. Some of them approached me and bowed as a way of honoring me. It all seemed strange to me as I had never witnessed such in my life before. Jaxon glanced and chuckled at my expression. 'You deserve everything you are getting today, even more than this. You've worked so hard to earn it." As I was still lost, totally speechless, he took my hands and led me gently through a hallway. He led me into a chamber prepared specially for me. The crowd gave way as we passed, and still, the whispers of admiration did not die down. 'She's an amazing lady; what a gift to our pack." 'A selected true healer to our pack." 'The savior of the Silver Moon Pack, we are lucky to have her." My joy knew no bounds as they continued praising me. Their words mean a lot to me, to my reconnection to my roots. The truth remains: I had no idea how to react to the sudden fame coming my way. I had been invisible for the longest time, forgotten like I was nothing, but right now, the tables had turned in my favor. As we reached the chamber prepared for me, Jaxon wasted no time in making me comfortable. He ordered the servants to gather immediately, his voice vibrating through the whole room. 'Prepare a special feast, fit for a queen. Tonight, we dedicate it to celebrating a hero of the Silver Moon Pack. Liora's bravery is worthy of celebration, and the victory accompanying it, the victory over our enemies, the Night Howlers." He faced me after giving the necessary orders. 'Just help me by relaxing to enjoy all we have in store for you this night because you deserve even more, Liora." I was already getting uncomfortably shy at the level of attention I was getting. 'Jaxon, there's no need for you to stress yourself doing all this. I'm comfortable with just—" But he cut me short, not allowing me to finish my statement. He placed his middle finger on my lips and shut me up. 'No, Liora. You can't be fine with anyhow welcome treatment. You're incredible in everything, and I have to show you that. The whole Silver Moon Pack values you, and I must represent their interest well." The whole pack got even busier in celebration of our victory and my arrival back to the pack. I realized that the room that Jaxon had kept me in was a private room decorated just for me to stay. I liked the fact that the interior decorator took note of my taste. They made sure that the room was cozy. The lighting of the room was moderate with a big-sized bed. It struck on noticing that he didn't just bring me to any place, but his quarters. 'Jaxon," I called him, as I was feeling uneasy with the tense environment. He gave out a small smile; he made me sit on one edge of the bed. 'Don't be tense, just relax, Liora. You have done so well today and must be tired, so you need to rest." I quietly sat down, trying to forge my comfort in his presence. It was obvious that I was tired and needed rest, but the situation I found myself in gave me no room for that. Suddenly, Jaxon knelt, moved closer to me and knelt a very dangerous range, his hands relaxing on my lap, and the administration I had seen in his eyes returning with full force. I saw his face drawing closer to me, closer than normal, or maybe I am over thinking things, maybe not. But his face continued to draw closer.