Leave the cage behind and be yourself

Alanis POV

Julian shows me so much patience and kindness. Everyone here has been extremely kind. I have not felt anything like this since before Alpha Raymond took me. Being around everyone is hard, but I am trying to figure it out. I want to be a part of the pack. I want to make this my home.

"Alanis, honey, Alpha Sebastian is here to see you," Julian calls out to me from the kitchen.

Alpha Sebastian has made it a regular occurrence to check on me every morning before he gets busy. He is kind and compassionate yet stern. I see so much of my pack in him. I walk out of the bedroom to greet him.

"Good Morning, Alpha Sebastian," I say softly.

Alpha Sebastian is very handsome. His long dark hair and scruffy beard make him look rugged and sexy. His deep voice is comforting when he speaks to me. His sweetness makes me look forward to seeing him every morning. This time with him is my favorite part of my day.

"Alpha Sebastian," I say as I approach him. He reaches for my hand. I take it and follow him out of the kitchen.

"We should talk," Alpha Sebastian says with a smile.

He leads me out onto the front porch. I am finally able to go outside without sunglasses. My daily visits to the lake and sitting on the porch have helped with the light sensitivity. I am still afraid to be around many people, but I am working my way up to it. I did manage to go into the Alpha's house with Julian to pick up some things one of the she-wolves sent me.

"Alanis, I want you to come to our end of summer celebration tomorrow night with me as my guest or my date," Alpha Sebastian says.

I stand in front of him, shaking. Why would he want me to be his guest or date? "I .. I .. I would love to come, but I am afraid to be around a lot of people, Alpha Sebastian, but I do not want to disappoint you," I say softly.

"I know, but I want you to come. I want you to meet everyone. If you become overwhelmed, then I promise to get you out of the party personally. It would mean so much to me if you would be my date," Alpha Sebastian says.

How can I say no to the Alpha? My father would be so disappointed if I were rude to someone that has helped me so much. Alpha Sebastian brushes my hair behind my ear and touches my face so gently. "I will not let any harm come to you, Alanis," Alpha Sebastian says. His hand is so gentle; how can I say no.

"I know you will protect me, Alpha. I will be your guest," I answer him. Alpha Sebastian leans down and kisses me on the cheek.

"Tomorrow night, I will come for you and Julian. I will escort the two of you to the party," Alpha Sebastian says.

He leaves, walking toward the pack house. I stand on the porch watching him for a moment. Julian comes out to see what Alpha Sebastian wanted. I have a feeling she already knows, but she wants to see what my answer was to his invite.

"Well, so what did my brother want to speak with you about in private?" Julian asks. She brushes up beside me, waiting for my answer. She is almost giddy with anticipation.

"He asked me to be his guest at the end of summer party," I answer.

Julian stands close to me. "His guest or his date?" Julian asks me.

"I am not sure, his date, I guess. He said he wanted me to be his date, but I have no idea why," I say.

"I think he likes you," Julian says. I look over at her, smiling.

"Maybe, he does. I do not know why, but he is very kind to me. You both are very kind to me," I say.

I turn to go back into the house. I am not sure how to feel about all of this. I have only been here a few weeks, and I am still trying to acclimate myself to living outside the cage. Alpha Sebastian does not need the burden of someone like me. He needs someone stronger and more stable. I am only a scared little wolf that is broken with baggage and fears the unknown.

"You know, Alanis, you are very humble, brave, and beautiful. My brother would be lucky to have you as a friend or more than a friend," Julian says.

I shake my head to acknowledge I understand her, but I have no idea why the Alpha would want me. Why me? I am sure there are plenty of she-wolves that would love to be his date.

"He has not dated or even tried to date in a very long time. There has to be something special about you for him to ask," Julian says.

I stop halfway through the door and turn back to Julian. "I do not feel special, and I do not want him to feel sorry for me," I say.

Julian pulls me into her arms. "He does not feel sorry for you. He cares about you and your wellbeing. I can see it all over him. You make him smile," Julian says.

"Well, then, there is only one thing left to do," I say with a smile on my face.

Julian looks at me, puzzled. "What is that?" Julian asks.

I shrug my shoulders. "I have nothing to wear to this party," I say.

Julian laughs. "Well, good thing I like to shop," Julian says.

"I could wear something of yours. No need to buy me anything," I say.

Julian shakes her head. "No. If you are going to be Alpha Sebastian's date, you need to wear the best and be the most beautiful. I am just the wolf to make sure you are perfect," Julian says.

"I guess I am in your hands," I say.

I have a feeling my afternoon will be spent being Julian's doll to fix and dress up. She is beaming with the thought of dressing me up and shopping with me. I can see her mind going and planning my outfit.

"He loves purple. How do you feel about purple?" Julian asks.

"I love it. It is my favorite color," I say.

"Good, let me grab my phone and keys. There is a she-wolf that makes the most fantastic dresses. We will go see her," Julian says.

Panic begins to set in, and I feel like I cannot breathe. Am I really doing this? I will be Alpha Sebastian's date for a massive event with the entire pack in attendance.

"You okay?" Julian asks. She stops scrambling to get us out the door to check on me.

"Yes, I only worry that I will mess this up for him. Does he want to spend an important night babysitting me?" I ask.

Julian pulls me over to the couch. I sit down beside her. "Listen to me, carefully. You are not someone we took in as a burden. Stop thinking that, please. I have enjoyed you being here. Alpha Sebastian checks on you because he cares about you not only as a member of his pack, but I think it is more than that. Just go with it. Have some fun. Be a woman. Leave the cage behind and be yourself," Julian says.

Julian's words are nothing but the truth. "I can do that. I know I can leave it behind eventually with your help," I say.

"Now, let's get to Becca's and see what she can make you. I want to see you shine tomorrow night at the party. No need to worry; I will be there by your side the entire time," Julian says.

Julian stands to leave. "Thank you," I say as she takes my hand to go.