From Different Worlds

Chapter 1

"Alright, so meet me in my office after dinner so we can start talking about arrangements," Rafael said, before excusing himself from the room, sensing how overwhelmed Ella must have been feeling. She nodded as he exited the room and sat down on her bed, taking everything in.

Nothing had changed much in this room. Still the same light blue walls flooded with posters and polaroids, same black and white furniture, almost everything left in its place. Laying down on her back she took a deep breath, knowing she needed to calm down before she had a mental breakdown. Checking the time on her phone, she only had an hour before dinner would start. She decided to take a quick shower and got dressed in a pair of black jeans and a sweatshirt she had packed. She decided to see the inside of her closet. It was mostly empty, most of the clothing had gone with her to Los Angeles.

When she looked up onto one of the shelves an old photo album caught her eye. She grabbed the stool that was sitting by the door and climbed up to grab the album. Looking at the light blue covering, she remembered the person that gave it to her. As tears brimmed her eyes she threw it down, walking out of the closet feeling that overwhelming feeling that she just wishes would stop occurring every few minutes. Leaning against the closet door she took a breather before she left the room and started heading downstairs to the main floor. Stares followed Ella as she made her way to the kitchen and grabbed a water bottle from the fridge. The women preparing dinner stopped and watched Ella's every move.

"Uh, hi?" Ella asked, kinda nervous under all the stares they were giving her. Immediately they all got back to work. Ella awkwardly looked around before leaving the kitchen and sitting on a couch in the living room drinking her water bottle. She sighed and leaned her head against the back of the couch, resting her eyes.

"You okay, Ella?" Rafael asked, watching his sister from the doorway. She lifted her head back up and looked at him.

"Yeah, just a little overwhelmed by it all I guess," she answered him as he came and sat next to her.

"You are going to be just fine," Rafael sent her a comforting smile. She nodded not really feeling sure of herself. She didn't believe it was going to be alright. She felt out of place here, she doesn't belong anymore. She left and with that meant that she didn't feel at home with her old friends and family.

"Dinner is about to start, walk with me to the dining room?" She asked Rafael, trying to bond with him again. She doesn't want to let go of their sibling bond on the account of what others have done. They head to the dining room in a somewhat comfortable silence together. Her brother led her to the head of the table.

"Why don't you sit in the beta's spot?" Rafael half-heartedly smiled.

"Why?" Ella asked, undeniably confused. "I'm fine sitting in the guest's seat, your beta should be sitting there. I'm not a beta." The few people standing around the table stood in an uncomfortable silence, watching the scene play out in front of them.

"I actually haven't chosen a beta yet," He stated slowly.

"Why not? We have plenty of great warriors and suitable cousins," She crossed her arms over her chest and supported her weight on her right foot.

"Ella, I was hoping to discuss this after dinner along with the arrangements," He spoke in a low voice. Only then did Ella notice that the two had an audience and none of these pack members needed to hear what was being arranged for the new leadership of this pack. It was always meant to be kept in secret until the night of the ceremony when it would be revealed.

"Alright," She sighed in defeat and took a seat in the Betas spot, next to her brother at the head of the table. A few minutes after the two took their seats, the rest of the pack members poured into the room. Soon food was served and the intense atmosphere was lifted, familiar laughter filling Ella's ears. She smiled sadly as her eyes swept the room, before looking back down at her food eating slowly.

"Ella," Rafael spoke up, clearing his throat to capture her attention.

"Yes, Rafael?" She looked up quickly, losing her train of thought.

"Have you found your mate yet?" He asked, avoiding eye contact.

"What makes you ask that?" She asked, shocked at the question.

"Well, curiosity is all it is," He looked around.

"It really isn't much of your concern but no, I haven't," She sighed, looking away. "Have you?"

"Regrettably, no." She smiled sadly at him, understanding the feeling. Most wolves would usually find their mate while they are teenagers. They are usually in the same pack or a member of one of the surrounding packs. It is rare for a wolf to not find his or her mate. Most believe it to mean that they died before meeting their other half or their god and goddess didn't bless them with one. It can drive a wolf mad trying to find their mate.

"I'm sure she is out there somewhere, you just haven't crossed paths yet," Ella placed a hand on his shoulder in a comforting gesture.

"I'm sure you are right," he gave a soft smile trying to convince himself more so than his sister. For the remainder of dinner, they sat in silence and finished eating their food.

Ella headed up to her room to take a breather before heading to her brother's office. She let out a deep sigh after standing in front of her former alpha's office doors. She raised her hand ready to knock only for the door to be opened before her fist could make contact. She held her breath in surprise and looked up at her brother.