I woke to sunlight streaming through actual curtains and the sound of birds chirping outside my window. For a moment, I thought I was dreaming. Then I remembered, I was in The Nightshade Pack territory, in my own room, safe.
I sat up and looked around, still amazed that this was real. The room was simple but clean and comfortable. My few belongings looked lost in the spacious dresser. I'd need to get more things, build an actual life here instead of just surviving day to day.
A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. "Nessa? It's Emma. Can I come in?"
"Yes," I called out, quickly running my fingers through my silver-streaked hair. I'd taken off the scarf last night, tired of hiding.
Emma entered with another tray of food, eggs, toast, fruit, and tea. Her eyes widened when she saw my hair in the morning light.
"Wow," she breathed. "Those silver streaks are beautiful. Are they natural?"
"Sort of," I said carefully. "They appeared recently."
"Lucky. I'll kill for hair that is interesting." She set down the tray and grinned. "Eat up, then we'll get you some proper clothes and start the tour. Fair warning, everyone's going to be curious about you. New pack members are always exciting, especially ones who arrive with Alpha Ezra's personal welcome."
Over breakfast, Emma explained the pack's schedule. Morning training sessions for warriors and anyone who wanted to learn combat skills. Midday meals served communally in the main hall. Afternoons were for work, everyone contributed to the pack according to their skills and abilities. Evenings were free time for socializing, hobbies, or additional training.
"What do you do?" I asked Emma.
"I'm a healer," she said proudly. "Well, healer-in-training. I work with our pack doctor, learning about herbs and medicine and how to treat injuries. What about you? Do you have any skills?"
I thought about it. "I can read and write. I can cook, clean, and do laundry. Basic servant work, mostly."
Emma frowned. "That's not servant work, that's life skills. But is there anything you're interested in learning? Any jobs that appeal to you?"
No one had ever asked me what I wanted before. At Silverwood, I did what I was told. The idea that I could choose felt foreign.
"I'll like to learn more about healing," I said slowly. "And fighting. I want to be able to protect myself."
"Perfect!" Emma clapped her hands. "You can train with the warriors in the mornings, and I'll teach you about healing in the afternoons. Sounds good?"
It sounded wonderful.
After breakfast, Emma took me to a storage room filled with donated clothes. "Pack members contribute things they've outgrown or don't need anymore. Everyone's welcome to take what they need."
I selected several practical outfits, jeans, shirts, a warm jacket, and some boots that actually fit properly. Emma also insisted I take a dress "for gatherings and celebrations." It was simple but pretty, deep blue with silver embroidery.
"You'll need it for the full moon celebration next week," Emma explained. "It's a big deal here. The whole pack gets together for a feast and bonfire."
The thought of a pack celebration made me nervous. I remembered the monthly gathering at Silverwood where Marcus had rejected me. But Emma assured me that Nightshade celebrations were different, inclusive and actually fun.
Properly clothed, we began the tour. Emma showed me the pack house first, the communal dining hall where meals were served, the kitchen where volunteers prepared food, the common rooms where pack members gathered to socialize. Everything was clean and well-maintained, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
"This is the training yard," Emma said, leading me outside to a large area where several wolves were sparring. "Training starts at dawn every day. Beta Drake runs the sessions."
I watched two wolves circling each other, both in human form but moving with predatory grace. They struck and blocked, a complicated dance of attack and defense. I never had any formal training. At Silverwood, omegas weren't taught to fight. We were expected to submit and serve.
"Don't worry," Emma said, reading my nervous expression. "Drake is tough but fair. He'll start you with the basics and work up from there."
We continued the tour, seeing the pack's territory, the forest where they hunted, the stream that provided fresh water, the gardens where they grew vegetables. Everything was organized and purposeful. This was a pack that worked together, that valued every member's contribution.
As we walked, pack members greeted Emma warmly and studied me with open curiosity. Most were friendly, introducing themselves and welcoming me to The Nightshade. A few were more reserved, watching me with cautious eyes. I didn't blame them, I was a stranger, potentially bringing danger to their safe haven.
"That's the medical center," Emma said, pointing to a small building near the pack house. "Where I work. I'll show you around inside tomorrow when we start your healing lessons."
"Emma!" A male voice called out. We turned to see a young man jogging toward us, tall with black hair and a friendly smile. "Is this the new arrival?"
"Nessa, this is my brother Jake," Emma introduced. "Jake, Nessa."
Jake extended his hand. "Welcome to The Nightshade. Any friend of Emma's is a friend of mine."
His handshake was firm but not aggressive. "Nice to meet you," I said.
"Are you settling in okay?" he asked. "I know joining a new pack can be overwhelming."
"Everyone's been very welcoming," I said honestly.
"That's the Nightshade way." Jake grinned. "We take care of our own. Hey, em, mom was looking for you. Something about inventory at the medical center."
"Ugh, I forgot about that." Emma turned to me apologetically. "I need to go help. Will you be okay on your own for a bit?"
"I'll be fine," I assured her.
"Great. Meet me at dinner in the main hall? I'll introduce you to more people."