Chapter 19
Apr 17, 2025
“Mommy, Lucien’s calling us!” Danny shouted, tugging at Felicia’s hand as Max ran ahead of them toward the dining hall. The sound of footsteps and voices echoed softly through the packhouse corridors, the air alive with the energy of a busy household.
Felicia straightened Danny’s collar, smiling gently at her son’s excitement. “Alright, let’s go,” she said, leading them toward the source of the commotion. Despite her calm exterior, her heart beat a little faster. Being in Lucien’s pack still felt strange, and she wasn’t sure she was ready to face everyone.
The dining hall was grand but warm, with long wooden tables lined with an assortment of dishes that filled the air with delicious aromas. Pack members were bustling around, laughing and chatting, but the moment Lucien entered the room, the atmosphere shifted. His commanding presence silenced the crowd as he approached Felicia and the boys with a charming smile.
“Ah, there you are,” Lucien said, his voice smooth as always. His gaze softened as it landed on the boys. “Are you hungry?”
“Yes!” Danny and Max said in unison, practically bouncing on their toes.
Felicia chuckled, stepping forward to guide them. “Come on, let’s get some food.”
She led them to the table, where a variety of dishes were laid out—roast meats, fresh vegetables, warm bread, and steaming soups. Felicia carefully prepared plates for Danny and Max, making sure each had their favorites. The boys scrambled into their seats, eagerly digging in while Felicia sat beside them.
Lucien joined them at the table, his posture relaxed but his gaze attentive. “Is everything alright in the rooms?” he asked, his tone casual but genuinely curious.
Felicia glanced up from her plate, offering him a polite smile. “Everything’s perfect,” she said. “The boys love their room. Thank you, Lucien, for making them feel so welcome.”
Lucien’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. “I’m glad to hear it. Tonight, we’ll be having a little dinner party to officially welcome you and the boys into the pack. Nothing too formal, just a chance for everyone to meet you properly.”
Felicia’s smile faltered for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. “A dinner party? That’s not necessary—”
“I insist,” Lucien interrupted gently, his tone leaving no room for argument. “It’s important for the pack to see you as one of us.”
Before Felicia could respond, Lucien reached under the table and pulled out a sleek black box tied with a silver ribbon. He slid it toward her, his dark eyes glinting with something unreadable. “Here,” he said simply.
Felicia blinked, staring at the box. “What’s this?” she asked, her voice hesitant.
“A gift,” Lucien said, his smile softening. “Open it.”
Curiosity got the better of her, and she untied the ribbon, lifting the lid to reveal a stunning dress. The fabric was a deep emerald green, shimmering faintly as it caught the light. It was simple yet elegant, the kind of dress that demanded attention without trying.
Felicia’s breath hitched as she ran her fingers over the material. “Lucien… this is beautiful,” she murmured. “But I can’t accept it.”
“Yes, you can,” Lucien said firmly, leaning forward slightly. “You’ll need something special to wear tonight, and this is perfect for you.”
She shook her head, already feeling overwhelmed. “Lucien, you’ve done so much for us already. This… this is too much.”
Lucien reached out, his hand brushing hers lightly as he met her gaze. “Beautiful women deserve beautiful things, Felicia,” he said softly, his voice warm and steady. “Please. Let me do this for you.”
Felicia hesitated, her heart beating faster. His words lingered in the air, and for a moment, she felt a strange mix of gratitude and unease. Finally, she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you.”
Lucien smiled, satisfied, before turning his attention to the boys. “Alright, you two,” he said, his tone playful. “Make sure you’re on your best behavior tonight, alright?”
Danny and Max nodded eagerly, their faces lighting up at the prospect of a party.
When the dinner party began that evening, the dining hall had been transformed. The tables were adorned with white linens and fresh flowers, and the warm glow of candles filled the room. Pack members dressed in their best gathered around, their chatter mingling with soft music that played in the background.
Felicia stepped into the room wearing the emerald green dress, her nerves prickling under the curious gazes of the pack. She kept a firm hold on Danny and Max’s hands, her boys beaming with excitement as they took in the festive atmosphere.
Lucien greeted them at the entrance, his smile widening as he saw Felicia. “You look stunning,” he said simply, his voice low.
Felicia felt her cheeks warm, but she quickly looked away. “Thank you,” she said, guiding the boys to their seats.
As the meal progressed, Lucien stood from his chair, raising a glass of wine. The room fell silent, all eyes on him as he cleared his throat. “Thank you all for being here tonight,” he began, his voice carrying easily over the crowd. “Tonight, we celebrate the arrival of two very special young boys and their incredible mother, Felicia.”
The pack members murmured their agreement, their expressions curious and welcoming.
Lucien smiled, his gaze lingering on Felicia as he raised his glass higher. “I want to formally welcome them into our pack. From this moment forward, I claim Felicia and her sons as members of the Silverstone Pack.”
The room fell into a stunned silence. Felicia’s breath caught, her heart racing as she stared at Lucien in disbelief. She hadn’t expected him to make such a public declaration. Around the room, whispers began to spread, and Felicia could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on her.
“Lucien…” she began, her voice shaky, but he turned to her with a reassuring smile.
“This is your home now,” he said softly, his tone gentle but firm. “You’re safe here.”
