**Lila's POV**
"Welcome to our new home, my darling." Cole smiled widely as he extended his hand to help me step out of the car.
"Thank you." I accepted his offer and stepped out, already bracing myself for the disgusted stares that I sensed coming from the warriors at the gate.
Once my feet touched the gravel, I took two steps to steady myself before looking up.
Oh shit. This was his house?
Before me stood a very modern building with white walls and mirror-like glass. It had a chandelier visible from the balcony, and it appeared to be at least three stories tall.
I glanced at Holly, who was as shocked as I was.
"Holy fuck," she whispered, turning to me with a wide grin. "Was this the type of house you were living in with your father, or was it better? Because I had no idea a house could look better than Alpha Vance's."
"It was a bit better than Alpha Vance's, but nothing close to this. This is pure luxury. I've only seen houses like this in movies. Honestly, I'm just as shocked as you are right now." I shook my head, still transfixed by the building.
With wild, gleaming eyes and a wide grin, Holly threw her hands on her head and repeated what seemed to be the only phrase left in her vocabulary. "Holy fuck."
"Come on, you two. I need to show you to your room," Cole said to Holly, then turning to me, added, "But you will be staying with me. Now let's go. I need to introduce my Luna to my pack."
I trudged toward the house, my heart pounding faster with each step. I could have sworn I spotted some people looking at me through the windows. The glass was so reflective, though, that it would be impossible to see inside, so I kept quiet to avoid sounding foolish.
Upon entering, we were met by a line of maids at the door, all wearing clean uniforms and looking much more composed than those at Alpha Vance's Pack House.
"Say hello to your new mistress, my Luna, Lila," Cole introduced me to the maids. The amount of coldness I felt from their glares was enough to freeze me.
"Hi," I waved nervously, forcing a laugh as I tried to make eye contact, hoping for at least one friendly smile.
"Hello," they all chorused, some rolling their eyes, others sneering, while a few of the older women actually smiled.
"Help them with their bags," Cole instructed. "Lila's personal maid will have a room at the headquarters."
Personal maid?!!
"She's not my personal maid, Cole. She's my friend," I whispered, my face reddening with anger.
"It's okay. I can't imagine not doing anything here anyway. Like it or not, your personal maid is a title I'd actually love to bear," Holly whispered back with a light smile. I could tell she was trying to keep the peace in front of the others.
I maintained a straight face and followed Cole, who was walking behind the maid carrying my bags, while Holly managed her own.
"Is there a separate place that's the headquarters?" I asked, locking my hand with Cole's as we climbed the stairs.
"No. It's called the headquarters—it's where the head maid, head chef, and the other staff stay. It's just a way to show rank and respect."
"Ohh. Okay, now it makes sense," I laughed. "I was wondering."
Cole chuckled and fell quiet until we were in his bedroom, which was now our bedroom.
"Whoa. Cole, this place is absolutely beautiful," I marvelled as I took in the stunning space.
The room was massive, with a king-size bed dressed in pristine white bedding at the center. The air smelled fresh, and everything radiated a clean vibe. Best of all, the room overlooked a natural pond, where some little ducklings were playing, and beside the pond, a chestnut mare and a white horse grazed side by side.
Is this real? Am I dreaming? Because there's no way this can be real.
I pinched myself to ensure I wasn't hallucinating.
"Yes, it is real." Cole wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his head on my shoulder. "And no, you're not dead. You better not plan to die soon either."
I laughed at his poor joke. "Did I say all that out loud, or do your Alpha mate's abilities let you read my mind?"
"I wish it were the latter, because I'd really like to know everything going on in your head. Unfortunately for me, yes, you did say it out loud."
I chuckled.
Whether he intended it or not, he knew how to make someone feel at ease in his presence. I thought it was just because I was his mate, but I noticed that he also made Holly feel comfortable in less than ten minutes. I realized it wasn't just me; he had a gift.
"This place feels like something out of a dream," I said. "With the horses grazing and the ducklings playing, it's just…" I hesitated, searching for the right words, "… ethereal."
"Those aren't ducklings; they're geese." He kissed my cheek and moved to the bed to change out of his clothes. "
And yes, it looks like something out of a dream—until it's full moon."