Finding him

6: Finding Him

Glancing at the armor for the fifth time since they got back to the office, Camilla still can't believe what happened some minutes back. How did they decide to bring her into the army so soon? Most importantly, why?

"You seem excited. I'm glad," alpha Adan says as he sees her steal several glances at what used to be her aunt's armor.

"Yeah, I'm excited. This doesn't happen to just anyone, you know," she replies as she eats some of the cake he got for her.

Alpha Adan seems a little surprised. "I don't understand. Weren't you planning to take over the family's legacy?" he asks.

"Of course I was, but I didn't think it was going to be this soon. Plus, Waylen didn't take up his. I still wonder why." Her countenance drops for a moment. The thought of him reminds her of what brought her to the alpha's lodge in the first place. "By the way, I have something to ask."

"Go on."

She tells him about the argument she got into with her friends concerning the bestowing of blessings. He seems troubled but a weary smile graces his aging face.

"You don't have to worry about that, child. With your family, some rules aren't as rigid," he says.

"I knew it," she says, pumping her fist in the air. "I told them the same thing but they weren't ready to listen."

He chuckles. You can't really blame them. They are your friends, aren't they? It's in the nature of friends to be worried when something doesn't feel right," he explains.

"It wasn't a reason to drag me here. I'm glad I came though." They sit in some silence. "May I ask something?"

"Of course, anything."

She nods. "Why did this happen today? I thought it would be later. Also, why don't you want me to enroll as a trainee first?"

Alpha Adan smiles. "I know all of this must be quite overwhelming for you," he starts and she nods. "I understand you but first of all, the army needs another Gael. It was just because you weren't of age yet, that's why it took so long for this to happen."

"But Waylen came of age two years ago. Why didn't he join?" she asks.

She doesn't notice, but his body stiffens. A moment later, he relaxes again. "Waylen hasn't joined yet because I have something important he's doing for me."

"For two years?" Ava asks but Camilla ignores her.

"As for your second question," he goes on, "it's not that I don't want you to enroll as a trainee first. Normally, you should but a Gael can never be a trainee. That's how it is."

"Why is that?" she wonders out loud.

Alpha Adan chuckles. "So many questions you have, eh my friend? You know what? You'll have to do some homework."

She gives him a confused look and stops eating the cake. Her appetite is gone.

"In that home of yours, there is an underground compartment. That's the Gael hold: a place that holds the extensive knowledge and research of your ancestors. Go down there and find the answer to your second question," he says. Her eyes widen. "I'll give you a week to think of this and find the answer."

Camilla whines. "This isn't fair. You know you could just tell me."

He rubs his chin. "I know that, but then it wouldn't be fun that way," he says with a sly smile.

Suddenly annoyed, she stands up and gathers her presents but unfortunately realizes she can't carry the armor with them.

Alpha Adan chuckles. "Is your house open?" he asks.

"Of course not! Who leaves their house without locking the door?" she replies, looking at him in astonishment.

"Calm down. Alright then, does Waylen have a key?"

"He should."

"Great. You can just go about your day. I'll send a guard to your house with Waylen so that they can't drop the armor off," he says.

"Thanks, Uncle Adan," she says on her way out.

"You're welcome, child. Enjoy the rest of your day."

On her way back to the home of the Bradfords, thoughts about her conversation with the alpha flood her mind. It feels like she's in a maze where she's expected to solve a series of puzzles

"This is giving me a headache. I'll think about it later," she whispers to herself.

Getting to the twins' home, her mind takes everything away and focuses on enjoying herself for the day.

"So what did the alpha say?" Serah asks as soon as Camilla sits down with them.

"Aren't you going to welcome her back first? At least ask her those annoying questions of yours while she eats some cake," Kylie scolds her sister.

"I don't care about that. I just want to know how the trip went," Serah retorts.

Kylie's mouth opens to say something but Camilla beats her to it. She isn't in the mood to have the twins bicker again today. "It's fine, Kylie. I'm not even hungry. I ate a lot at the alpha's office." She turns to Serah. "He said it doesn't matter. Some rules aren't rigid when my family is involved."

Serah blinks severally. "Alright then," she says quietly.

"So um, what's up with the presents?" Kylie asks and Camilla begins to narrate what happened.

~~~

Camilla's hair dances in the evening breeze as she makes her way home. Her lips remain in a stretched smile as the events of the day play in her mind. "A birthday to remember," she whispers.

Her nostrils are filled with the scent of roses, sweet lilies, and sawdust. She feels intoxicated by it. If she could taste the air, maybe it would taste like honey or Snickers. Her feet begin to move of their own accord, taking her to the carpenter's shop near her house.

Getting there, she tries willing herself to stop but her feet continue moving until she comes face to face with Waylen.

"That's our mate!" Ava screams.

Camilla's eyes widen in shock