The cool autumn breeze blew lightly throughout the Sunfield territory as Alison Hitman walked through the familiar streets of her place of birth. The bustling roads she once knew were quieter now as if time had bogged down at some stage in the years she spent away analyzing medicinal drugs. The air was full of the heady scent of pine and earth, grounding her in an area that held each consolation and painful memories.
Alison's heart beat fast as she approached the small cottage. It was her old home. The cottage stood near the woods. It reminded her of her mother's hard work to give her a better life
The walls, though worn, still held the warm temperature of limitless memories. It changed here that her mom, Lucy, had fought tirelessly to make sure Alison could chase her goals, even after the devastating death of her father.
With trembling hands, Alison pushed open the wooden door. The acquainted creak echoed in her ears as she stepped inside.
The smell of herbs and spices greeted her. It reminded her of her mom's remedies to heal sick people. But now, the house felt empty and quiet. It felt like it had been affected by time.
“Alison?” A voice called out from the kitchen. It becomes gentle and tentative, yet filled with wish.
Alison’s eyes welled up as her mother emerged, wiping her arms on an apron stained with the marks of an afternoon’s work. Lucy’s hair had grown greyer, her face etched with lines that told stories of complication and resilience. However, her smile remained just as warm.
“Mother,” Alison whispered, rushing forward to embody the female who had given up a whole lot for her. They held each other tightly, as though afraid that letting go might make this moment a dream.
“I’m so pleased with you, my expensive,” Lucy murmured, tears glistening in her eyes. “You’ve grown to be the female your father continually knew you'd be.”
Alison pulled her lower back slightly, looking into her mom’s eyes. “I couldn’t have executed it without you, Mum. I’m right here now, and I’m going to make sure we have a better lifestyle.”
Lucy smiled, but there was something in her eyes—something Alison couldn’t see. “I’m just satisfied to have you back. Things have been modified around here, Alison. The pack, it's not the same.”
Before Alison could ask what she meant, a noisy knock echoed through the house, startling them both. Lucy’s smile faltered as she moved towards the door, her steps hesitant. Alison accompanied, her coronary heart sinking as she sensed the unease in her mother’s actions.
Lucy opened the door to reveal a tall, extensive-shouldered, determined person dressed in the formal apparel of the pack’s guards. The guy’s expression turned unreadable. However, his presence alone made Alison’s stomach churn.
“Doctor Alison Hitman?” The defendant's voice came out with great authority, however not unkind. “The Alpha requests your presence in the packhouse.”
Alison’s coronary heart skipped a beat. “The Alpha?” the words came out with surprise in her tone.
She hadn’t predicted to meet him so quickly. She had heard rumours throughout her time at school, whispers of the way Alpha Fischer had grown chillier, greater ruthless, through the years. But she had by no means imagined that she would be summoned the very day she returned.
Lucy squeezed Alison’s hand lightly. “You should go, Alison. It’s essential to show your admiration.”
Alison nodded, her thoughts racing. She turned to the defendant. “I’ll be there shortly.”
The guard bowed barely and grew to leave. As the door closed, Alison felt a feeling of dread settle over her. She had constantly imagined meeting her mate would be a joyous event, full of exhilaration and wish. But now, with her status in her mom’s small cottage, she felt nothing but worry and uncertainty.
Lucy guided her to sit down at the kitchen desk. “You want to be careful, Alison. Alpha Fischer… he’s not similar to his father.”
Alison frowned. “What do you suggest?”
Lucy’s eyes have been packed with concern. “He’s… special. Cruel, even. Things are going on in this pack that don’t make sense. I’ve heard matters, seen things that I can’t explain.”
Alison’s thoughts raced with opportunities, but she knew she couldn’t dwell on them now. “I’ll be careful, Mum. I promise.”
Lucy nodded, even though the fear didn’t depart her eyes. “Just remember who you are, Alison. You’re strong, even in case you don’t feel it. And regardless of what happens, I’m here for you.”
Alison stood, her head up hardening. She had confronted challenges earlier, and she could face this one, too. “I’ll go see the Alpha. It’s time I faced anything that's anticipating me.”
Lucy hugged her tightly once more earlier than letting her pass. “Be safe, my pricey.”
As Alison stepped out of the cottage and commenced the walk to the packhouse, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her existence turned into trading in methods she couldn’t imagine. The avenue beforehand became uncertain. However, she knew one positive component for certain: she must face anything that got in her way with the energy and bravery her mother had instilled in her.
The sun became putting as she reached the grand packhouse, its towering shape casting lengthy shadows over the grounds. The air turned thick with anticipation, and as Alison approached the grand doors, she took a deep breath.
Whatever awaited her inside, she could face it head-on. For her mother, for her father’s memory, and for herself.