Sold to the Cruel Alpha

A new change

After a day and a half at the hospital, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. Little Nicole was in my arms, her tiny fingers curling around mine, and I couldn't help but smile as I gazed at her sweet face. The kind Nurse Kelly had insisted I wouldn't be needing my little bag anymore, so I tossed it aside with a mix of relief and sadness, realizing just how far I had come from my old life. I was still dressed in the soft, flowy dress she had given me, a stark contrast to the rags I'd worn while hiding away in the forest. It felt foreign and yet so welcoming.

"Ready?" Nurse Kelly asked, her eyes sparkling with warmth. I nodded, heart racing with a blend of excitement and apprehension. She led me out of the hospital, and I followed her into a car, my heart pounding as we drove away from the sterile white walls that had become my temporary refuge.

As we navigated through the city, I watched the world pass by, a mixture of old and new. Houses lined the streets, small but so much cleaner than the little hut I had called home in the forest. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that I was finally stepping into a new life, a life where I could be free from Micky and his tyranny.

"Your baby is so precious," Nurse Kelly said, glancing at Nicole in my arms. "How are you feeling, really?"

"I'm… better," I replied, looking down at my daughter. "It's been overwhelming, but I'm grateful."

"I can only imagine," she said softly. "You seem to have been through a lot, Noelle. But you're not alone anymore. We're here to help you."

As we approached a neighborhood with small, clean houses, I felt a flutter of hope in my chest. Nurse Kelly parked in front of one of the houses and turned to me. "This is yours," she said, a smile breaking across her face. I could hardly believe it. The single bedroom, living room, tiny kitchen, and bath were modest but felt like a palace compared to what I had left behind.

"It's more than I could have imagined," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. The warmth of electricity hummed through the walls, and I felt a sense of safety I hadn't known in so long. 

"Let's take a look inside," Nurse Kelly suggested, guiding me toward the door. 

As we stepped inside, I looked around, taking in the donated furnishings that filled the space. "Why are you helping me?" I asked, feeling a mix of gratitude and curiosity.

Nurse Kelly smiled softly. "I'm part of a program dedicated to helping single mothers like you. We have donations and resources to assist those in need." She pointed to a small pile of uncooked food on the counter and a few clothes folded neatly on a chair. "Everything here is a donation. You're not alone, Noelle. You and Nicole have support."

I felt tears prick at my eyes, a flood of emotion washing over me. This was a kindness I hadn't expected from a world that had taught me to fear lycans. "Housing is free, but bills won't be," she continued, her tone steady. "Once you're able to work, you can support yourself. For now, you'll be okay."

"Thank you," I said, my voice trembling. I was overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of strangers. 

"Take your time to settle in," Nurse Kelly added, her smile reassuring. "You're going to do great things, I just know it. Remember, you can always reach out if you need anything." 

"I will," I promised, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me as she left. 

Once inside, I began to explore the small house, running my fingers along the clean surfaces, feeling the promise of a new life settle in my chest. I kissed Nicole's forehead and gently placed her in the bassinet, marveling at the love that bloomed in my heart. As I began to arrange our things and prepare a simple meal for myself, I allowed myself to dream of the future. I knew we would be fine; I just had to keep pushing forward. 

After the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow through the window, I prepared to feed Nicole, readying myself for a peaceful night. Just as I was about to settle down, a sudden knock at the door startled me. My heart raced as I approached, fear creeping in, but I took a deep breath to calm myself before opening it.

Standing on my doorstep was a neighbor, a woman with kind eyes and a warm smile. 

"Hi there!" she said, holding out a fruit basket. "I'm so sorry to come by so late. I just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood and bring you a little something. I hope it's okay."

"Of course, thank you!" I managed, relief flooding through me. "This is so thoughtful of you."

The woman stepped inside, her smile brightening the room. "I'm Mary. I live just down the street." She glanced at Nicole, who was peeking out from her bassinet that was still in the small living room. "Oh, she's adorable! How old is she?"

"She's a few days old," I said, my heart swelling with pride. "Her name is Nicole."

"What a beautiful name! You must be exhausted," Mary said, her tone warm and understanding. "I remember when my little ones were babies. It's a lot of work, but it's so rewarding, too. Are you settling in okay?"

I hesitated, but her genuine interest put me at ease. "I am, thank you. It's a big change, but it's better than what I had before."

"I'm glad to hear that," she replied, glancing around. "If you need anything—food, clothes, or even just someone to talk to—please don't hesitate to ask. We're all here to help each other out."

"Thank you so much, Mary. I appreciate it more than you know," I said, feeling a sense of relief. This kindness was something I hadn't experienced in so long.

"I'll let you get settled," she said, stepping back toward the door. "Just remember, you're not alone. We have a wonderful community here. Goodnight, Noelle!"

"Goodnight!" I called after her, locking the door behind her with a sense of newfound safety. It struck me then, how different this place was from what I had known. I had been raised to believe that lycans were cruel, superior beings. Yet, these people were welcoming and compassionate. My pack back home hadn't been nearly as advanced or generous.

"Thank you, Moon Goddess," I whispered into the stillness of the room, my heart swelling with gratitude. I turned toward the bassinet, where Nicole lay sleeping peacefully. "We're going to be okay, baby. We have a home now." 

Finally, I was okay and free.