I awoke the morning of the Festival rested and in high spirits. My time at the pier - even if I was still unsure if it had been real - had restored in me so much peace. I was bright and excited for the new day ahead, of the lights and dancing the festival promised, the prospect of meeting new members and understanding their stories. I loved my poeople fiercely, even the ones I had only just encountered. I wanted nothing more than their safety and happiness, and tonight I could be a part of one of those things.
Torrance had made me promise her that I would come get ready with her at the Pack House. She had big, brilliant plans to style me and had left me a long list of clothing pieces to bring, some a mix from our shopping trip and others items I already owned. She said she's leave my hair and makeup to me, but she'd be damned if I didn't let her approve of my outfit.
"What if your mate's there! They have to see you at your best." She argued, her tone liltin
We huddled in the library for what felt like days, the night grew and swelled above us, and the whispers of lights began to streak across the sky. Leona and I had gone around offering tea to anyone who would need it, encouraging people that needed a distraction to take a book. My mother had gathered up all the kids and was reading to them, book after book, to keep them from getting too scared.While the atmosphere was tense and troubling, it warmed my heart to see the more vulnerable members of our community band together to protect each other.After a few hours, once I knew everyone was taken care of and as comfortable as they could be, I crept downstairs to the study to find Mains, a now lukewarm cup of tea in his hands, studying Ronelda's journals like he had for so many weeks. He looked calmer as he read, and despite the raging violence outside he seemed relaxed. His brow wasn't furrowed, his law was unclenched, but he never moved beyond turning a page, h
As if only minutes had passed since my eyes closed, they were welcomed again by the streaming of early morning light and the Alpha's voice calling out across the link, "Rise and shine, Theo! Time for your first day."I groaned as I rose from bed, not even bothering to dress as I strode out the front door and shifted immediately. I gently jogged into the treeline, letting Sage control my movements, my own mind still sluggish from the night prior. The morning dew was wet on our paws, the mud between the trees sticking as we walked gently through. I followed the link to the border where the breach had occurred the night before, where a few warriors and The Alpha stood. The huge wolf turned as I approached, and padded over to me lightly, the morning sun pricking at his fur."Good morning," I groaned through the mind link."Good morning, Theo, I know it was a rough night but I need you alert, understood?" The Alpha's commanding voice said."Understood, I
The next few hours were a blur. My mother had, at some point, rushed down the stairs and ran to check for a pulse. I held the back of my hand to his mouth to feel for breath. He was alive, faintly wheezing and unconscious. Kip had come, and we had whisked him off to his clinic. He was hooked up to fluids and machines and a mask pumping full oxygen into his frail frame.I walked through in a haze, my mind and body not fully connected, my legs moving on their own. I sat, cold with fear, grasping the weak hand of my compatriot. His chest rose and fell in measured breaths, wheezing even with the oxygen mask. The beeping of monitors and rusting of papers as Kip came by, checking on him in rotation, blended together into white noise. My blood pounded against my ears, and my mind was blank with worry. I couldn't make my eyes focus, I was fully dissociated from the reality I stood ground in.Mains was my best friend. He always had been. I couldn't lose him, not now
Moments after his final breath left his body I could feel he was gone. The room began to feel cold and empty, it seemed smaller than it had been and I felt like I was suffocating in its walls. I held tightly to my mother, unmoving as I felt her sob, rubbing her back as she mourned. My own breath was trapped in my lungs, I focused on steadying it as we called for Kip, I stared forward as Kip announced the time of death and covered my dear friend's lifeless body in the thin, white hospital sheet. I clenched my jaw as Mom and I wordlessly gathered the items she'd brought in only moments before, and I did not shed a tear as we turned our backs from the body of our friend and walked out.I drove us home, mother still uncontrollably shaking in her grief. I welcomed the numbness in my limbs as I guided her into the house, running her a hot bath and readying her bed. I left a cup of tea on her nightstand and the softest pajamas she owned and sat unmoving in the dark kitchen, my eyes b
The feeling of loneliness never truly faded, but the blow was softened by the aide of the town. Leona and Beta Gideon had brought us food and sympathies, Betty from the bakery had stocked our cupboards with breads and sweets, Dr Kip and Clarice had handled all of the arrangements for Mains' burial. The only thing left to us was the service.I had gone to the pack house, I had sat in the Alpha's office, I had looked to him as he explained the options but nothing felt right. Mains was not a man who liked to be lauded over. He was simple, quiet, humble. He lived in the words on pages and the rich history that ran through town. Alpha Rhodes suggested releasing balloons, a full-pack run, a traditional funeral service, but it was all wrong."Then we'll work backwards, Theo, no bother," he said gently as I started to uncomfortably shift across from his desk.He studied me, uncomfortable and small in the hard leather chair, as he sat in his grand armch
The next few days were a blur. Alpha Rhodes had kept to his promise, and hosted a beautiful candlelight ceremony honouring Mains in the library. Pack members old and new sipped at tea and guzzled down pastries and we laughed and told stories from all over the world. My mother's spirits had lifted greatly after this night, she went back to work and her step seemed lighter. We would be broken by Mains' passing for as long as I lived, but the pain was no longer searing my every movement.Alpha Rhodes had kept me off of patrol duty for the time being, letting me mourn and recoup as I needed. I knew I would eventually be called to serve, but the quiet for now had helped me heal immensely. Even Torrance offered me space, letting me come to her, and not overwhelming me in our visits. She knew I needed space to heal and grow, and she offered me that.It took me almost a week to muster up the courage to go back into the study. I knew Mains' cherry wood scent wound lin
My mother had eagerly agreed to join in the crusade, I think she'd been chomping at the bit to join in Mains' and my mystery for some time now. We came up with a plan for when we would work, Sherry agreeing to take on more responsibility running the shop. We would only be downstairs, so any one of us would be available to help at a moments notice. Luckily as the air chilled and school settled in the foot traffic had slowed, especially in the mornings.The BEta had taken little convincing when asked to spare Alex from training, both persuaded by the direness of the situation before us and Alex's proven inaptitude, "Kid, taking a few months off can't hurt." He'd joked, and Alex was relieved to be spared his weekly embarrasment as he got his ass handed to him by wolves half his size.The three of us spent nearly every morning poring through archives and photos, their ahrp minds offering new perspectives on things Mains and I had brushed off as unimportant coinci
Alpha Rhodes descended upon us within moments, the promise of a map to guide us at the forefront of his mind. His towering frame burst into our crowded workspace, hands grasping for the flimsy piece of waxy paper."Great work, Theo," he said gruffly as he studies the crude drawings ont he page."Actually, this was Alex and my mom's find," I said, gesturing to my genius compatriots, who nervously stood off to the side, bubbling over with pride. The Alpha nodded at Alex and he let out a gust of air he'd been holding in his chest, spilling over as he explained how they'd found the map.Satisfied with his explanation, the Alpha turned back to me, "We'll set out first thing tomorrow, at dawn. I have every intention of seeing this through.""Alpha, sorry- I'm needed here," my mother chimed in, a worried look on her face."No, I meant Theo and myself. We'll follow the map. You two continue your research," he said, pointing one finger towards t
The rest of the day milled on, dry and aching as I felt out in the space for my mate. I wanted nothing more than to be with him, surrounded by him and the electric heat that closed the space between us. I so longed for him, but the turmoil of my body and mind were not in harmony. Inwardly my thoughts were muddled, painful. Normally I would turn to my mom in times like these. I would spill my fears over her perfectly cooked eggs at the counter in our little cottage, the hot coffee and morning sunbeams washing away my dread. I thought now to the charred walls and burnt memories, our cottage another ruin in the wasteland my land has become. Even my beloved dock, steadfast and strong as it was, had become much to dangerous for me to sit alone and work through my maze of thoughts. I felt so alone under the weight of my life. What a way to spend your birthday. I thought of my friends, how I so desperately wanted to let them in and to celebrate. I had found my mate! He loved me too! I
As the strategy meeting came to a close and we all retreated to our preparation points I felt the calloused hand of Jonas meet my elbow, his low whisper in my ear."Alpha's chambers, now."His voice was gruff and bone chilling, the fear lingered on the back of my neck as I swallowed it down. Funny how I was not afraid of the battle ahead, but the scolding tone of my own packmate sent my senses into a fight or flight frenzy.As we walked through the wooden corridor towards the office I could pick up the residual hints of my mate's scent wafting in the air. Somehow that reminder of him, that hint of his once-before closeness worked magic in calming my nerves. Seeing his towering, chiseled frame as we broke the threshhold of his office even more so. His back was turned, he'd clearly been pacing, but the crease of his furrowed brow softened as our eyes met.This miniscule act of intimacy was enough to send Jonas back into a rage. His low, ne
The Pack House's Great Hall was a room rarely used. It was reserved for tactical meetings and the occasional party, but I couldn't remember the last time the wide oak doors were swung open, the room aired out and the curtains drawn. With all of our warriors and the visiting help we found ourselves with way too many ranks for any other room, so here we stood.I timed my entrance, not wanting to walk in with Rhodes, knowing I couldn't stop myself from standing too close, his scent intoxicating and the invisible strings tied around our souls straining to pull us back together. I was only a few feet away from him and yet I missed him. I yearned to be next to him, buried safe in his arms and drunk with love and comfort. But being with him had to wait. As blurred as our minds both were with the confirmation of our hunch, there were more important tasks at hand.I stepped over the threshhold, my eyes taking in the rows and rows of brave men and women we had gather
Rhodes drew in a sharp breath, almost a gasp. We stared at each other, in disbelief, drinking the moment. I felt myself being drawn to him, as if a thread was holding us together, pulling us nearer. The only thing I could see were his amber eyes, boring into mine, I swear I could hear the thump of our hearts beating in time, could feel the blood pulsating through my veins. It’s as if the whole world fell away and there was only him.“Come with me.” Rhodes said gruffly, “Now.” His eyes darkened and his voice was rough, he wrapped his calloused hand around my wrist, sparks emanating from his palm as he gently pulled me through the pack house corridors and towards his bedroom.Once we were alone he turned to me,“Is it? Are you…&rd
Sleep came easy, but rest was unrelenting. As soon as my eyes closed I was tormented by images of shadows draping themselves sickeningly across the swells of Stay's landing. Their menacing black grip grasped at our buildings, dragging them from the light and into the clutches of a ravenous night. Truth be told, I had expected the nightmares to come. I had expected the feeling of ice in my veins, of panic and cold sweats and fear as I lie between sleep and waking. In a way this prepared me for the mania that would come, the fear that would undoubtedly paralyse me where I stood. The shadows slunk along the stone pathways of my home, hissing as they slithered like indiscernible snakes around the structures of town. They singed the ground beneath them, the air around them growing thick and warm as the world burned. I felt myself gasping for air as the embers in the shadow's wake begain to flutter as the flames caught. Smoke was billowing all aro
Torrance’s bedroom was already emptier than I had expected. She’d gone ahead and wrestled all of her summer clothes, every tank top and sparkly sandal shoved into trunks and boxes. Her round, bubbly handwriting decorated the sides, little hearts dotting the i’s and swirling underlines cementing in that she was really leaving.“Don’t look so sad, Red. I’ll be back to visit!” She said, sticking out her bottom lip as she hugged me into her.“I can’t help it,” I said, trying to make my tone sound light even though it was weighed down with merciless grief, “you’re my best friend and you’re leaving me.”“I’m going with my mate!”“Why couldn’t you have mated with an orphan with no responsibilities that loves mountains? Maybe a geologist. A geologist would be happy here.”Torrance only rolled her eyes at my antics, her sparkling grin both
The next two weeks were here and gone in a blur, between training and studying and battening down the hatches I began to know myself in a whole new level of exhaustion. Muscles I didn't even know existed ached, I loaded up on more carbs than I even thought possible, I pushed myself past the limit and past the next one too. Even Sage, deep within me, panted for a rest.The promised week of rest could not come faster, I yearned for the days of easy patrol runs and light agility training. I hadn't run for leisure in weeks, and the feeling was sorely missed. I felt a lot of myself slipping. I hadn't been back to my pier since the day my mother left. I hadn't run for myself, I hadn't read a piece of broken poetry or breathed in the calming sense of nature. It felt like an eternity since I paused and felt the earth under my feet, since I felt the swimming thoughts in my mind clear. I felt like I was but a blur.Rhodes had pulled away, too, the pressure of the imp
I was no stranger to the falsified sense of peace that had graced our dinner table the evening before. Everything and everyone I loved shared in the final meal, my mother to my right and Alpha Rhodes seated at the head of the table to my left. Torrance and her newfound mate were cuddled up, sharing in hushed whispers as they got to know one another. Her parents looked on adoringly, and laughter and warmth radiated across the room. I was all but haunted by my conversation with Clarice, the promise of a new and unfamiliar future on the horizon. When morning came, everything would change.As the dawning light crept in the Alpha and I sighed. Neither of us had slept a wink, but we hadn’t shared a word either. It was as if we were both in denial of what was to come. As the frost settled and the cold winter air whipped around the pack house, the haunting whistles made soundtrack to our somber morning. We worked in tandem, handing each other
"Mate."Torrance replied, stepping out from behind me, her breathing heavy. They drifted towards each other weightlessly, almost as if on autopilot, They glided into one another's arms, holding each other at the elbows. Their conversation was hushed, in whispers, as the familiarity of their souls called out to their mate.Leona sighed, and I looked back at her beaming smile, her eyes brimming with tears and pride as she watched her daughter meeting her other half. I beamed, squeezing the Alpha's hand in excitement as I watched my best friend accept her new role. The daughter of a Beta now the mate of another. A Goddess perfect pairing.Moments passed, no one dare interrupt the fate's meeting. The duo seemed to hold the same regard for public forum, however, and they pulled apart to let the official meeting commence. Torrance stood nervously close to her new mate, their arms touching as she let the Alpha speak."Well! Even more now than b