Beyond the Pack’s Law: My stepsister or nobody else

Hayley’s POV

We drove out to the Glorious Rogue Pack with a waiting, haunting sense of anticipation. We settled into a smooth clip as the vistas gradually shifted from small village interiors to open-country surroundings. Lush fields extended on all sides, broken in spots by pocket woodlots. It was lovely, but I only noticed it in my periphery as I thought about other things. I looked over at Aiden, his eyes on the road ahead as we twisted and turned around every curve.

Then a voice broke the silence. “We’re almost there,” he said.

I nodded, forcing myself to suppress the flutter in my stomach. “Yeah. I only pray that Evelyn has the answers we need.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“Which we will know in a couple of minutes,” he said, his tone more reassuring.

Finally, to our relief, after what seemed like aeons and aeons, we caught sight of the town. A sign that said “Welcome to the Glorious Rogue Pack” in old lettering. The town was charming, like the village we had come from. Cobble-stained streets and facades that spoke of an ancient world, one would think, had withstood the past century.

The loud growl of Aiden’s stomach broke the silence. He chuckled sheepishly. I guess I am just hungrier than anticipated.

I felt a half-smile, and the tension was beginning to drop. ”’Wait till we find a place to eat first.”

I went up the main street searching for a restaurant. And there was a little bistro with tables and chairs in the street outside, which made Aiden’s eyes light up. “How about there?”

“It looks perfect,” I agreed.

I parked the car and strolled over to the bistro, a touch of freshly baked bread in the breeze amongst wafting whiffs all around. The location was comfortable and friendly, with wooden tables and chairs set up in an orderly area outside. When we reached the building, Aiden opened the door for me and let us in.

We were met with a broad grin by the amiable waitress. “Welcome! Table for two?”

“Yes, please,” Aiden replied.

She showed us to a table in the corner by the window, which provided an ample view of Muswell Hill Broadway. She led us to sit and handed us menus. “May I offer you something to drink for starters?”

‘One coffee-‘ ‘I’ll have a coffee, thanks,’ I said.

“Same for me,” Aiden added.

She left, and I looked at the menu, trying to figure out what exactly I was going to order. Man, I thought there were more opportunities for everything.

Aiden nodded, his eyes running over the choices. Beef stew, I think. It sounds hearty.”

“Ok, that sounds good,” I chimed in. I Dine: Chicken pot pie it is.

The waitress brought our coffees and flipped open her pad to take orders. Aiden sat back in his chair and sipped the coffee the moment she walked out. While she was listening to this, the thought came on as a voice in my head: “Then how are you feeling about meeting Evelyn?”

Aiden grasped my hand across the table and squeezed gently. We can do this together, Hayley. No matter what, we find out.”

His unwavering support made me smile, feeling so grateful. “I know. Thank you, Aiden.”

Not long after, our food arrived, and we ate in silence, enjoying the meal on our own. The stew and pot pie tasted bold, hearty, and delicious. That meal was exactly what I used to replenish in order to continue on with our journey.

When we were done with the food, we paid and walked out again. The sun was setting somewhere at the back, sending out a golden glow across town.

“Where to next?” Aiden asked, glancing around.

Let’s just get a hotel, I said. We may have been having a conversation with Evelyn for quite awhile, and it would probably be evening by the time we finished. Where were they going to stay?

“Good idea,” Aiden agreed. “Let’s see if we can get a mild one.

We wandered the streets, looking for a hotel. We no sooner came across a magnificent building with a signal stating “The Wonderful Inn-Five Star Resort.

I pointed to the sign as we passed by and said, “That looks like it could be good.

Aiden grinned. “Only the best for us.”

The five of us walked into the hotel, and I was already in awe at how fancy it looked. The accommodation hall was large and elegantly furnished, with couches inside your home plus the roof. The reception desk greeted us with a big grin.

“Good evening! How can I help you today?”

Aiden said, “We need a room for the night.”

Naturally, she typed away at her computer. Our lovely suite is open! Will that be alright?”

‘Well, then that is perfect!

She gave us the keycards and pointed to our suite. We rode the elevator upstairs, and I started getting excited.

It was a long, horrible day.

The elevator took us to a plush hallway carpeted thickly underfoot with wall sconces. The luminous light gave a washy glow to the opulent room. Aiden took the lead, and I trailed behind with the keycard held in my hand. We walked up to a door with “Suite 204” posted on it.

We made it to our room. “Hey, this is us,” I said as I swiped the key card. The door unlatched, and I swung it open to find the most spectacular room.

I walked into a room, which was spacious and decorated beautifully with the king-sized bed at its center. A seating area with a crushed-velvet sofa and armchairs was created to enjoy the floor-to-ceiling windows that led out onto our balcony, looking down at the town below. Aiden put our bags down and smirked at me.

His arms came around my waist, and then his lips were on my neck, softly pressing a kiss. I thought as I shivered at his touch that only the arousal and intensity of it caused warmth to linger on my spine.

“Mew,” I said, laughing. “Wait, someone will see us.”.

He gave a soft chortle, his warm breath against my flesh. “I don’t care,” he murmured. Every damned werewolf in the world:I want you all to know that your mines are… my Luna and my mate.”

Heat crept up my cheeks, and I felt the urge to smile. You are nearly impossible,” I told him, nudging just away from me.

He smirked against my lips, twisting around and clinging to them for a brief moment with his own warm ones. “Impossible, but irresistible,” he joked.

I leaned into him, sighing in contentment. Well, that, I suppose, is hard to argue with.

It was a chance for both of us to soak up our travels. It was only a small reprieve in the storm to come, and we each knew that it wouldn’t last.

We should settle down, Aiden proposed. “Tomorrow is going to be a busy one.”

I agreed, sauntering off towards the bathroom to clean up as Aiden unpacked our things. The bathroom was just as lavish, with a big, fancy bath and an amazing rainfall shower. I rushed to clean myself and get back with Aiden.

I resurfaced to see Aiden lounging on the couch, running his way through a hundred billion channels of cable TV on the giant flat screen. He looked up when I walked in, and his smile set the room aglow.

“Feel better?” he asked.

‘Very,’ I answered, slipping onto his bed beside him.

He wound an arm around my shoulder, pulling me back tightly. You know what? Let’s capitalise on this. We have to unwind like this very rarely.

I laid my head on his chest and felt the beat of his heart. “You’re right. Let’s just enjoy it.”

The next hour we spent together talking all about it. Even with such a divine duty, we were so momentarily unburdened that all four of us fell into each other in joy, physical proof against the ominous skies that seemed to claim no His presence let the edge of tension in my nerves relax, and I basked in it.

Finally, we turned in for the night. As plush as the bed was when I finally made it to that sweet haven of softness, we sunk into one another with an audible shudder. Aiden took his place by my side and held me in a protective embrace.

He murmured, his lips brushed against my forehead, “Goodnight, Hayley.

With his embrace surrounding me, I whispered, “Goodnight, Aiden,” and the heat of him relaxed me into a tranquil sleep.

In the morning, we woke up feeling great and prepared to take on another day. The room was bathed in golden light streaming from the windows. We dressed as fast as we could, excited to hit the road.

The receptionist smiled a warm smile at us as we checked out of the hotel. I hope you had a great time visiting! “Safe travels!”

“Thank you,” said Aiden, mimicking her smile.

We slipped outdoors, reinvigorated by the cool morning air. The little village hummed with life louder than I remembered, and I felt myself determined again.

“Ready to find Evelyn?” Aiden asked, taking my hand.

“Ready.” I took his hand and squeezed it. “Let’s go.”

We took the route. Marcus had told us to wind through some of the town and eventually travel to more countries. The road was narrow, surrounded by high trees shaking their leaves from a caressing wind. We soon saw a small cabin nestled in the woods, exactly as Marcus had explained.

“Here-this one,” I stammered, my heart pounding itself to pieces.

My hand met Aiden’s, and he gave it a light squeeze. “Let’s find out.”

The cottage loomed closer, and I steadied myself before rapping upon the door. The door squealed in answer, opening to an elderly woman with soft blue eyes and a loving smile.

“Evelyn?” My voice was trembling a little as I asked.

She nodded, looking at us both hard. You must be Hayley and Aiden. I’ve been expecting you.”

“Thank you for having us,” Aiden said respectfully.

“Step in, you two,” Evelyn said, moving to the side.

The cottage was warm, with dried herbs hanging everywhere and a smell of freshly baked bread filling the room. It felt so warm and lived in with all of the trinkets decorating it, along with photos throughout that were family-related. Evelyn showed us to a small sitting area where the fireplace was burning quietly.

With some effort, she slipped out of his hand and replied, “Please sit,” motioning towards the decrepit but rather homey armchairs.

We sat down and spoke wordlessly. Evelyn took a seat across from us. She said sorry in a way that was part sad and part bemused. I know that you are trying to get information about your parents.

I nodded, my heart racing in my chest. “Marcus mentioned that you might be able to shed some light on the matter-so, is there one?

Evelyn sighed, and her expression grew dark. I must tell you that Marcus was wrong. Your parents-I have no idea.

My disappointment was how the shock treated me. “That was all a lie; I contradicted him.” Marcus wouldn’t lie to us. He said you were some sort of partner to my mom and dad.

Evelyn shook her head slowly. I really want to help you, and I do. Even so, I was never as close as your parents were. I had been aware of them, like everyone else in our community is, to a point, but I was no closer to their secrets.

Aiden sat forward in his seat, perplexed. Then, why would Marcus send us here?

Evelyn sympathised as her gaze softened. Maybe he thought I could steer you in the right direction. I do not have the answers you are looking for, but I know someone who may be able to.

I felt a glimmer of hope. “Who?”

There is a woman who lives on the fringe of town, Evelyn told her. “Her name is Selene. She knows more about your biological parents than everyone else. She is the only person who can help you.

Crap, why wasn’t Marcus speaking of her? Aiden asked, perplexed.

Evelyn shrugged. “Selene is… an enigma. She is relatively unknown, and to anyone who does know her, they stay very far away. She is not very approachable, but I think she knows more about your past.

I locked eyes with Aiden. I stood and offered my hand to Evelyn. “Thank you. “We’ll find Selene.”

Evelyn got up too, but she had a more thoughtful expression on her face. “Be careful. You will have never met anyone quite like Selene. But she may also show you what you need to know if you approach with an open heart.

With those words and loud echoes in our minds, we left velyn’s cottage, and a new sense of urgency took it and did take chase.

The truth was still out there to be had, and we were all the more eager now.