Alpha Bound (Redone)

Chapter Three

"Miss, you really should be resting," Julia urged from the foot of the bed. Neira glanced up at the fidgeting female, throwing her a small smile. True to her word, Cardia had sent an omega to tends to Neira's needs. She was grateful, but she was afraid Julia was going to have a heart attack with all that pent up worry over small things.

Raising her book, Neira went back to the worn pages of a story she had gotten just this morning. Pride and Prejudice was such a lovely book, she had finished it all in one night. Julia didn't like the fact that Neira was being stubborn, but also admired her love for books, unlike those humans that she had seen in the city once. They were all on these electronic devices with hardly any verbal communication. Julia thought it was ridiculous.

Pursing her lips, Julia tried again. "At least go outside, the garden's fresh air will do you good." Neira looked up at the pleading she-wolf and with a reluctant sigh, tossed the book on the sheets and swung her legs to the edge of the bed.

Julia squealed happily at Neira approval and rushed to get her some proper clothes. Twenty minutes later, Neira was dressed in a blue summer dress and her hair was braided to the side. The Prime City was untouched by the human's evolving clothing and gadgets, so Julia was having a hard time finding clothes that didn't involve a petticoat or a corset.

Opening the wooden doors to the gardens, Neira inhaled the wonderful scents that she could possibly pick up, lavender, fresh rose, buttercups, she even liked the smell of the grass. She walked forward admiring the stone paths and the large flowered arcs around the big space. Her eyes flittered curiously to anything that sparked her attention. She felt small compared to everything as it stood magnificent and beautiful.

Clink!

The noise pricked Neira's focus as her eyes landed on Cardia who was sitting in a gazebo, sipping tea. "I see you've finally decided to come out, Child," Cardia noted thoughtfully. Taking another sip, she added, "Come, sit down. There is something which I wish to discuss."

Neira cautiously made her way to the empty chair across from the Elder and noticed that Julia was now far off in the corner, giving them privacy. Cardia eyed her cautiously. "Now, Child. Do you know what tonight is?"

Neira gently shook her head confused with the question. Cardia took another sip of tea before carrying on. "Tonight will be the annual Peace Ritual." Finally understanding dawned on her. The Peace Ritual was just a fancy term they used for the restoring of peace treaties between packs. All leaders gather at the Prime City every five years to swear oaths and update each other on anything they may deem as a concern.

"I expect you to be on your very best behavior," Cardia cut in, her tone a mild warning. "Not many outsiders get invited to this particular spectical, but seeing the circumstances, it was either lock you up in your room or let you experience a once in a life time chance." Neira's eyes widened at the mention of her attending such an important event. "Do you accept? Unless you want to be locked in a room all night."

Shaking her head yes, Neira smiled a thanks at the Elder lady. Cardia simply nodded, but could feel a small tug at the corner of her lips for the silent girl. She had heard the girl was a mute from Max. Poor thing. She could tell Neira's attention was drawn elsewhere towards the blooming flowers as the girl's eyes kept shifting. "You may go if you wish."

Neira's smile grew. She was very eager to see the various flowers that were littered along the the sides of the paths an patches. She bowed her head slightly before running off towards the Lillie's that were floating on the pond's surface nearby.

Kneeling on the edge, she gently stroked the petals of the nearest flower, enjoying the softness of the delicate plant. The sun was not too hot, partly covered by thick clouds, so the slight gust of morning wind made Neira's cheeks go the tiniest bit rosy.