Chapter 164
Elle’s POV
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What started as polite curiosity from the werewolf residents quickly turned into something that made me deeply uncomfortable. A young
Beta werewolf had stepped forward first, offering me a small bundle of wildflowers with nervous excitement. Before I could properly thank
him, another resident approached with a hand–carved wooden figurine. Then another with a jar of local honey.
Within minutes, a steady stream of werewolves was approaching our group, but every single gift was directed at me. Not Brad, despite his
obvious Alpha status. Not Raymond, despite his confident demeanor. Not even the beautiful Sophia or Abigail. Just me.
I found myself holding an increasingly awkward collection of items while Alex and the other servants scrambled to help carry everything. A middle–aged female werewolf shyly offered me a woven bracelet. Two young males, probably barely out of their teens, presented me with matching carved wolf pendants, their faces burning red when they caught sight of Brad’s darkening expression.
The six pack Alphas and Elder Thompson watched the proceedings with broad smiles, clearly approving of their pack members‘ behavior.
But their enthusiasm only added to my confusion.
“Elder Thompson,” I finally called out, raising my voice slightly over the excited chatter around us. “This is incredibly generous, but I’m
not sure I understand…”
The elder’s weathered face lit up even brighter. “The Blair family are the benefactors of Moonvale Town. Anyone connected to the Blair family will always be honored guests here.”
The pieces suddenly clicked into place. I wasn’t receiving this attention because of who I was – I was receiving it because of my
connection to the Blair family.
“The Blair family’s generosity to our town spans generations,” Elder Thompson continued, his voice carrying the weight of genuine gratitude. “Our debt to them can never be fully repaid.”
By now, the pile of gifts had grown so large that even with Alex and three other servants helping, we were running out of arms to carry everything. A small crowd had gathered, all smiling and chattering excitedly among themselves.
“The town square has been prepared for tonight’s bonfire ceremony,” Elder Thompson announced, gesturing toward the center of town where I could already see werewolves bustling about with obvious purpose. “But first, you must be our guests for the afternoon.”
The crowd began to disperse as the elder directed them toward their preparations. “Go now, prepare the fires, ready the feast! Tonight we
celebrate!”
A chorus of excited howls rose from the departing werewolves, their voices carrying a wild joy that made the hair on my arms stand up. There was something primal and beautiful about the sound, even if it reminded me exactly how far from my human comfort zone I’d
traveled.
“If you would honor us,” Elder Thompson said, turning back to our group, “my home is prepared to receive you.”
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We began walking through the town proper, Brad and Raymond flanking me while Abigail and Sophia followed a few steps behind. The servants and security team spread out, some staying with our vehicles while others accompanied us at a discrete distance.
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“Elle,” Abigail’s voice reached me from behind, pitched low enough that only our immediate group could hear. “Can I ask you something?”
I slowed my pace slightly, allowing her to catch up. “Of course.”
“Don’t you think the werewolves here are being… a little too enthusiastic?” She glanced around nervously.
“I noticed,” I admitted.
“It feels orchestrated,” Abigail continued quietly. “Like they’re putting on a show. And specifically for you, not the rest of us. It makes me
wonder what they’re really after.”
Sophia, who had been unusually quiet since we’d entered the town, suddenly spoke up. “You think this is some kind of trap?”
“I think this is a community that doesn’t get many visitors,” Abigail replied carefully. “And I think they’re smart enough to know that
flattering the right person.”
Her words sent an uncomfortable chill through me. Was I being manipulated? Were these gifts and warm welcomes just a sophisticated
form of bribery?
Elder Thompson’s residence turned out to be a stunning three–story building that seemed to grow organically from the landscape around
- it.
A young werewolf male emerged from the main entrance, and I felt Sophia suddenly freeze beside me. Her hand flew up to cover her face
in what looked like mortification.
The newcomer was perhaps twenty years old, with the lean build of someone just finishing the transition from teenager to adult. His features were pleasant rather than striking, with warm brown eyes and sandy hair that looked like it had been hastily combed for
company.
“Oh no,” Sophia muttered under her breath. “Oh no, no, no,”
I immediately understood. This had to be Sophia’s mysterious online contact.
The young man’s gaze found Sophia almost immediately, and his face lit up with unmistakable recognition and excitement.
“Sophia!” he called out, striding forward with obvious enthusiasm. “I can’t believe you’re actually here! I’m so excited to finally meet you
in person!”
Sophia seemed to be wrestling with some internal battle between embarrassment and resignation. Finally, she lowered her hand and
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Chapter 164
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stepped forward, her usual poise returning.
“I’m Sophia Luke,” she said formally, extending her hand for a professional handshake. “I’m… twenty–five years old.”
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The emphasis on her age made me bite back a smile. She was clearly trying to establish some mature distance from her very young online friend.
“I’m Sean,” the young man replied, grasping her hand with both of his. “Sean Thompson. I’m twenty, and I’m so happy to finally meet you!”
Once inside Elder Thompson’s home, we were seated in a comfortable reception area.
The six pack Alphas lingered just long enough to be polite before excusing themselves, leaving Elder Thompson to host us privately. Brad and Raymond presented their carefully chosen gifts fine whiskey, imported coffee.
–
–
“Your generosity is much appreciated,” Elder Thompson said, accepting the gifts graciously. “But I should warn you – while you’re welcome
to explore the town and surrounding areas, I must ask that you avoid the sacred grounds. Those areas are forbidden to outsiders.”
He paused, his gaze settling on me specifically. “Except, of course, for Miss West. As a member of the Blair family, those restrictions don’t
apply to you.”
Raymond inclined his head politely. “We understand and respect your customs, Elder Thompson.”
Elder Thompson set the gifts aside carefully. “I should also be clear about something else. While I can offer you hospitality and show you around our community, decisions about the development project you’ve mentioned aren’t mine to make. Those choices belong to the joint
council of all six packs, and they’ll need to reach unanimous agreement.”
The dismissal was polite but firm, and I could see Brad and Raymond absorbing this information carefully.
“Of course,” Brad replied smoothly. “We’re not here to pressure anyone. This is primarily a vacation trip for us are secondary to enjoying your beautiful community.”
–
the business discussions
Elder Thompson’s posture relaxed slightly at Brad’s diplomatic response, but I could sense the conversation was about to take a more
serious turn.
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