SWNOVELS Chapter 42
Chapter 42: Ayla
Instead of spending a relaxing evening together, we spent the time packing up for the move. Pierce had come over with a truck and loaded up the bulk of my stuff. It still wasn’t much. I hadn’t gotten anything new since arriving, so everything I owned was what fit in my old car. Pierce left before us while Kingston talked me into getting breakfast with him before going to the packhouse.
The meal was nice, but it didn’t do much to settle my nerves. I didn’t know why I was nervous. I was ready to meet some more of my new packmates, and since I was settling into my job, I was feeling more like an actual member of the pack. Moving into the packhouse was kind of a way to solidify my place here, which I was happy about.
But I was still nervous.
We pulled up to a massive, modern building that looked like a cross between a hotel and a mansion. Despite being so close to the city, the land it sat on was expansive. We were parked on a long circular drive that led up to a large but simplistic entrance.
Kingston came around the car and held his hand out to me. That’s when I realized why I was nervous.
Emma had said I wasn’t a secret among the rest of the pack. Apparently, the woman Alpha Kingston rescued and took in had been the juiciest gossip in a long time. But it was one thing to be talked about. It was another to actually be
paraded through the packhouse on his arm. And that’s what
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was about to happen.
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Our relationship, whatever it was, was officially going public.
I gave him a weak smile as I took his extended hand, hoping he didn’t see me struggling with my emotions. He led me up the few stairs to the front doors. We entered and made our way down the entrance hall and through the building.
There were people scattered throughout the place, and I had to fight the urge to pull my hand free of his. Many formally greeted Kingston as we passed, offering me friendly-smiles. Thankfully, no one stopped us on our way, which I was grateful for. It would be nice to have a few hours to get used to things before meeting the people who had been talking about me for weeks.
When we finally reached a door Kingston ushered me through, it led to a full apartment. I was a little surprised at how spa**ous it was. The packhouse was huge, but I hadn’t expected to have this much private space. I almost thought it was a mistake, but I saw a few of my boxes sitting on the kitchen table.
“The rest of your stuff should be in the bedroom,” Kingston said. “There’s obviously less space here, but I think you’ll still find it comfortable.”
“There’s plenty of space,” I said. “It’s not like I have much.”
“True,” he said with a smile. “But if you start feeling cramped in here, let me know. We’ll move to one of the larger suites.”
“Wait. We?” Was he saying what I thought he was? “Is this your apartment, Kingston?”
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Chaptre 42: Ayla
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He looked at me, confused. “Yeah, we’ve been sleeping in the same bed, so I thought we might as well just stay here.”
“Oh,” I said, feeling a little blindsided.
“Is this okay, Ayla? I just thought it would be easier,” Kingston asked a little defensively.
“Yeah,” I rushed. “Yeah, it’s fine. You’re right. I’m sorry. I was just caught off guard. I didn’t really think about us living together. I guess I just thought it would be similar to the lodge, you know. It’s just a big step for everyone to know we’ re like living together’ living together.”
“Ayla,” his voice softened, “hey, it’s okay. It is a big step. I’m sorry. I should have discussed it with you first. We can get you set up in your own apartment tomorrow.”
“No, no,” I insisted. “I’m okay. Really. I mean, you’re right. I don’ t want to sleep in separate rooms. So this is better. Besides, l’ m sure us sneaking in and out of each other’s rooms would send the same message anyway.”
“You’re also safer here,” Kingston said. “I wasn’t trying to push s on you, Ayla. Really, I’m sorry. It was dumb of me not to ake sure you were ready for this. I was just thinking about keeping you safe. This ensures I can do that.”
“I know, Kingston,” I insisted, sliding my arms around his waist. “I know.”
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Yeah, I’m sure. This is all new to me, is all. Not just being here or the pack. I’ve never been in a relationship. I’m not used to
having so many people interested in my every move.”
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Chaptof 42. Ayla
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“How the hell have you never been in a relationship?” Kingston asked in disbelief.
I chuckled. “Working multiple jobs and taking care of a family when you’re a teenager doesn’t leave a lot of time for them. I went on a couple dates here and there in my early twenties, but nothing ever came of them.”
Kingston leaned in and k*ssed me.
“Okay, I’m glad to know that,” he said. “I understand why all of this can make you feel a bit nervous. I’ll try to remember that going forward. And don’t be afraid to tell me if I’m moving too fast. If I’m crossing a line, Ayla, I need to know. I want to know. The last thing I want is to make you uncomfortable.”
“I know,” I said. “And I’ll do better at being more forthcoming in the future.”
“Good, because you don’t have to worry about sparing my feelings, Ayla, or protecting me from anything. I’m a big boy,” he said with a smile. “I can handle it, okay?”
I smiled back. “Okay.”
Chapter 41 Thes
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