Mated to a Human

Chapter 7: Pack House

The Pack House is farther into the mountains than any property in Black Lake. We drive up a dark, inclined dirt road that I've only followed once before. The road is narrow and enclosed by trees which likely offer just enough space for Harvey's truck to squeeze through. If I roll down my window and stick my arm out, I'm convinced I could reach some of the lower branches.

Ten minutes along the road and we reach the end. The house is hard to spot at first—the trees obscure it, especially at night—but Harvey's truck and a couple of other cars are parked in the small clearing that the end of the road creates. Alo, Abby, and I get out, and Alo leads us to the house's flagstone path.

"They really need some lights out here," Abby says after tripping on the flagstones for the second time. "The alcohol is messing with my werewolf vision."

"Stop calling it your werewolf vision, and active pack members aren't supposed to be so drunk they can't see," Alo judges.

"One, I'm not an active pack member. Two, I can see, but God forbid I'm a little dramatic for once."

"For once? I wish it was just once."

We follow a curve in the path, and the Pack House comes into view. The house is two stories with a circular stained glass window where I assume the attic is. It has a front porch, a large stilted back deck, and a balcony over the deck with stairs that lead down to it. The house reminds me of a mountain cabin but homier and less like a vacation rental.

The one time I was here with Abby picking up something from Alo, we only saw the outside, but there was still plenty to see. The property is full of hidden treasures. Just from my sole visit, I saw hammocks strung in the trees, a large fire pit, a tire swing, painted birdhouses, and feeders, hanging ornaments like hidden easter eggs in the forest, and windchimes I can hear even now.

My favorite thing is a small bridge that crosses a creek on the property. A previous member of the pack used a wood burner to decorate the bridge's rails with vine-like designs and other artwork relating to the pack.

We approach the door, and Alo lets himself in like he lives here, but, if I remember correctly, only six of the ten active pack members do. Abby said before that there are six bedrooms, and they're offered to the pack members with the most seniority. Having a room at the house is a great privilege, but not everyone chooses to live here. Jalen, for example, could easily share Luke's room since they're mated, but he only stays some nights because he helps take care of his grandfather at home.

I move closer to Abby as we step inside. The interior is more open than I expected. The entry, living room, kitchen, dining room, and staircase are all connected, not separated by walls. I peer up the stairs and see a banister lining an exposed upper hallway that overlooks the living room where Liam perks up, lying on one of the squishy, leather couches.

"Woah, human in the Pack House," he says.

My heart skips a beat.

Liam grins. "Don't look so scared, I'm just kidding. The Alpha's mate is always welcome."

Sam appears from a hallway off of the living room. He halts for a second when he sees us but carries on to the couch across from Liam. "What's going on?" He asks as he drops on the cushions and lays his arms along the backrest. "Thought there wasn't anything happening tonight."

Liam gestures at Abby and me. "Yeah, you two definitely look like something's happening. Are we having a party?"

"No, I was taking them home but Harvey changed plans," Alo says and he leaves us to join the pack boys.