“Ruby,” I heard a familiar voice call out to me.I was in a familiar yet unfamiliar place. I was standing in my room back at the Blue Sky pack. “Ruby,” someone called my name once again.I turned around and saw Jonathan standing at my door. His face looked younger than I remembered. He looked like he was seventeen years old. I was confused. The Jonathan Willow I knew was twenty-four years old with a more muscular frame. And the last time I saw him, he had been growing a stubble on his chin.But now… he had a baby face. And his brown eyes, which were normally clouded with bitterness and contempt, were wide with wonder and amusement now. What was going on here?“Jonathan, you—” I stopped talking as soon as I noticed that the sound of my voice was really high-pitched. I reached for my throat and that was when I noticed how short and small my arms were.I looked down at myself and saw that I was now a little girl. What the…?“Ruby, what are you doing? It’s almost time. I can’t wait to
It was stupid to try and pull the shirt down to cover my thighs at this point since Lucian had already seen them, but I still made that stupid decision.“If I had come to seduce you, I would have worn something seductive!” I sassed, recovering myself from the slight embarrassment.Lucian only remained amused. “Really?” He then stood up from the bench and took only two steps to reach where I was standing.“I thought that you were aware that you can be dressed in only a sack bag and I’d still get seduced by you.”My jaw dropped. Stunned at his words, it took me a while to recover. Satisfied by my reaction, the smile on Lucian’s lips broadened. That was all that I needed to snap back into reality and school my expression.I frowned deeply and backed away from him.“I see that you have no interest in holding an appropriate conversation with me. I guess I’ll be returning to my room now.”As I turned my back to him and was about to leave, Lucian slid an arm around my stomach and pulled me i
“Operation: Ruby’s Caretaker,” I verbalized for the first time and allowed myself to evaluate how it sounded in me. “I think it sounds quite interesting, doesn’t it?”Lucian laughed and leaned back on the bench with his arms crossed. “I guess so. But actually we have to think about if the operation can be completed. It is not enough to simply think of a cute title.”I agreed but my brain was already running with several scenarios about how to achieve that. “That’s right. First of all, I need to tackle all the issues with the pack and clear my name. Which means off course the issues of me being a threatening Alpha also proving that I am not just a pathetic Omega.”“Precisely.” He said and then added after some moments of thought. “And I guess the first ones would be the most relevant ones, that is, Gina, Timothy and maybe even Beckett,” Lucian said this seriously. “They are the most influential pack members. If they are on your side, the rest will follow.”“Gina will be the problem. She
The closer we got to the training area, the more we could hear the sounds of warriors engaging in sparring—groans of exertion, the sounds of bodies colliding, and infrequent exclamations resonated about us. This arena was a large enclosure in which the members of the pack fought and practiced, fenced by lumber. I was filled with apprehension and glee as I entered at the same time with Lucian.“Do not forget to be courteous. These are the fiercest fighters in our pack,” Lucian cautioned in a serious voice.“I’ll remember,” I said and set my jaw. “Still, first, it is important that I send the appropriate message if I expect them to take me seriously.”“Don’t worry; we all know you will do it anyway.” Lucian smiled at me with a look, which was supposed to be calming. “They will appreciate you for that.”We stepped further in the arena, and some heads turned our way. Additionally, I could spot a number of warriors huddled together and quietly talking with their gazes jumping from Lucian t
The following days went by in a flash as I dedicated myself to finding out everything I could about the rogues and how they operated. With the help of the warriors, I gathered relevant information that Gina and Lucian insisted on seeing. They both appeared to appreciate my work, which made me more ambitious to show that I am worth it.“Ruby, this is fantastic work,” Lucian said and verified the documents I was presenting. “This can assist us in forming a plan.”“Thanks! I was simply pursuing what the warriors had already told me. They provided useful information,” I said, feeling a bit proud.“And you have turned that information into something tactical,” Gina said, approvingly. “If we can find out the way the rogues behave, then we can predict where they will go.”“I am happy that both of you think so,” I said, smiling. “I only want to ensure the safety of everyone.”“On that note of assuring everyone’s security, we need to talk about the upcoming pack meeting and what needs to be do
The aftermath of the pack meeting had me in an emotional, bygone state. I was finally starting to get to the position I had wanted within the pack members, and I could sense the shift in the atmosphere. There started to be rumors about my part in the rogue investigation, and even some of the warriors who had doubted me I could tell where beginning to warm up to me.While making my way through the pack house, I caught some snippets of people saying nice things about me.“Did you hear about Ruby? She has been working on the rogues.”“Yeah, it seems so. I guess she is not as dim-witted as we thought.”I grinned to myself, their words cheering me up. The burden of being, ‘the Ruby of Blue Sky’ was finally getting divorced and I was beginning to wear my own crown.One afternoon, I found myself in the kitchen, cooking with my friend, Sierra. She was still high from the party that had ended the day before, and her mood was excellent as she began cutting vegetables.“Ruby! You won’t believe w
My breath quickened at the news. “What? Since when? How many of them?”“It’s only a few of them, but they’re fast. We must hurry,” the warrior responded, eyes stretching in panic.“Mobilize the warriors and get them ready for a patrol,” Lucian gave the command in a strong voice. “I want every warrior prepared to deploy.”“Yes, Alpha!” the warrior reacted immediately and dashed out to gather the warriors.Lucian gazed at me, this time more urgently. “Ruby, I do not want you to get involved. This may get rough.”I violently recoiled, the rush of power flooding through my veins. “No chance. If I intend to secure a place in this pack, I have to be in this fight. I can assist.”“Ruby, this is not fun. It’s dangerous outside,” Lucian admonished, the look on his face already showing worry.“I comprehend the dangers involved, but I will not sit on the sidelines anymore. If there is any information or assistance that I can provide, I want to be present,” I emphasized, my voice resolute. “Fine
The days that followed our encounter with the rogues was a mad rush of activities. The pack was cautious and I was at the center of it all. It was upon Lucian’s orders that I was to be part of any and all considerations regarding the threat posed by the rogues and I was going to do everything to earn that faith.“Ruby, you’re going to sit in on the strategy meeting today,” Lucian said one morning as we stood outside the training arena. It was bright outside with the sounds of the warriors, who had started their daily training, echo in the surroundings.“Me? For real?” I said, almost gleefully. “What if they don’t wish me to attend?”“They’ll have to manage it. You’ve already earned your stripes and it is important you take part in the conversations,” he replied, turning serious. “Moreover, there is a chance you could help us.”“Sure. Very helpful.” I said, feeling nervous and excited all at once. “And what if I make a fool of myself?”“Don’t think like that. Just speak how you feel an
“And what sort of thing did you hear?” I queried, feeling my pulse increase at her sudden outburst.“On the next full moon, they—attacks the pack!” they, foolishly, making sure to pronounce the words like they were dancing, giving up “fool her,” meaning all along — scheming against them, completed the rogue’s tale, sounding somewhat hysterical.Lucian, looking grim, met my gaze. “Look, I don’t think we can afford to ignore this. If this rogue isn’t lying, we have to get ready.”“I will inform the rest,” I said, shaking out of it and preparing to share the information.“Stay beside me,” Lucian said and his voice brooked no argument.On the way back to the rest, a strong kink of insistence engulfed me. There was no time to lose in assisting the pack.As soon as we brought edged the warriors, Lucian turned to them and explained the content of the message received from the rogue. “We have been informed that the rabid pack plans an assault towards the next full moon. We must now make arran
“I believe in you! Just keep on training and you will reach that level,” I said feeling proud of him.But not so long after, Lucian walked over to us and watched for a while. “You’re both progressing quite well. Ruby, your footwork is much better than it was before.”“Thanks! I have been trying to improve it,” I said with a blush on my face.“Timothy, you’re nailing down the techniques. That’s good,” Lucian appreciated this and Timothy adored the praise.Anyway, as it went on, I sensed a bond between us strengthening as well. We were a pack, and we aided each other in meeting the challenges that lay before us.Later that evening, when I was already in bed, I felt apprehensive, like we were about to enter into something. The rogue threat was still very fresh in my mind, and I wanted to be ready for it.***The following day, there was a strange sort of tension in the pack house. The warriors were getting ready for an evening patrol along the borders, and I could feel the pressure in th
The following days flew by like the sands in an hourglass as the Blood Moon pack prepared for the upcoming strategy meeting. There was a strong sense of vigilance in the atmosphere; everyone understood the menace posed by rogues who encircled us and it became rather obvious that a pack welfare strategy had to be put in place.“Hey Ruby! I’m sure you’re all geared up for the meeting?” Sierra yelled out while I was entering the common room with a heap of paper files chewing on my lip.“Almost! Just one more go through my notes,” I said shaking my head and paging through the notes nervously. “I just want to make sure that I cover all the bases.”“You are going to be okay! Everyone thinks highly of you,” she said a lot more encouragingly as her smile broke on her face, more light spilled on her figure.“Thanks, Sierra. I hope so. I am just so…” I began and retraced my steps again, not pressed to finish that thought. Excited? Caesar was Brutus billing himself as a saint.“Just keep in mind
The day after Lucian’s birth celebration was a different ball game in the pack house. There was a noise of warriors warming up for training, and with it came great expectation. Nobody was oblivious to the current rogue threat, and the enjoyment experienced from the earlier party wore off and solemnity reigned.“Ruby! Are you ready for training?” Timothy shouted as I walked into the common area still drowsy, trying to shake off sleep.“Ready as I’ll ever be, Tim,” I said, smiling at him. “Let’s see if I can catch up with you today.”Timothy smiled widely, showing how he was feeling. “You will! Just don’t forget what I said last time – we have to work on your footwork!”“Footwork, check. I shall do my best to keep moving my feet,” I said, playfully bouncing on my feet. “You are not going to allow me to lag behind, are you?” “Never! I will make sure you are the best fighter in the pack!” he declared, proudly puffing his chest.I chuckled and appreciated the bond that had formed between
In the subsequent days, there was training after training on a different strategy, and interaction with the fighters. I was beginning to feel that I belong to the Blood Moon pack, and I was ready to show myself to be worth it.One of those boring afternoons, I was in the family area skimming through some combat strategies. Just when I was about to deeply engross myself into the book, Lucian appeared, beaming from ear to ear.“You do seem to be busy,” he remarked lazily, as he casually positioned himself against the door frame.“Just trying to read as much as possible,” I answered, my eyes not leaving the book. “Why are you here?”“Thought I’d check in on you. How’s the training going?” he inquired while moving a little closer to me.“Great! I’ve been training with the warriors, and they’ve really helped me. I think I Am beginning to figure things out,” I said with a sense of pride that made even my chest swell.“That is good news. You have come very far from when you first came,” Luci
In the subsequent days, there was training after training on a different strategy, and interaction with the fighters. I was beginning to feel that I belong to the Blood Moon pack, and I was ready to show myself to be worth it.One of those boring afternoons, I was in the family area skimming through some combat strategies. Just when I was about to deeply engross myself into the book, Lucian appeared, beaming from ear to ear.“You do seem to be busy,” he remarked lazily, as he casually positioned himself against the door frame.“Just trying to read as much as possible,” I answered, my eyes not leaving the book. “Why are you here?”“Thought I’d check in on you. How’s the training going?” he inquired while moving a little closer to me.“Great! I’ve been training with the warriors, and they’ve really helped me. I think I Am beginning to figure things out,” I said with a sense of pride that made even my chest swell.“That is good news. You have come very far from when you first came,” Luci
In the next few days, there was too much activity orientated towards the birthday celebration of Lucian. The pack was too busy and I was also on the whirlwind. Everyboody was very happy to help out with the preparation and I also wanted to do my part.“Ruby, I need help with these decorations,” Sierra called me over as I passed the common room.“Sure! I’m always up for helping with decorations,” I said, rushing toward her. The woman was quite surrounded with women. Moreover, I could see streamers and banners ready to be fixed.“Perfect! I need a spare pair of hands,” Sierra said gleefully. “We have to make sure that everything is perfect for Lucian.”“Bring it on!” I responded and reached for some of the flowers. “What is the mission?”‘We are going to place these flowers at the entrance, like along the door and arrange some of the tables for the snacks,’ Sierra said excitedly. ‘I want everything to be good.’‘Good it is! Let’s begin,’ I answered, filled with the zeal to do the work.
In the next few days, I found myself getting busier as I concentrated on training and collecting more information regarding the rogue threat. The entire pack was already enthusiastic about the upcoming birthday celebrations for Lucian, myself however – I put my head down and focused only on work. I was hell-bent on proving my worth to the Blood Moon pack.It was still dawn when I returned to the training arena, practicing my moves. The sun had just started to rise giving the arena a golden glow. I was in my zone when all of a sudden, I heard some footsteps coming closer.“Hi, Ruby!” a bright voice interrupted my focus. I turned and Timothy was running towards me with a huge smile plastered on his face.“Tim! What’s the matter?” I asked wiping away the sweat from my face.“I just woke up and wanted to check on you. You were looking so good at the party!” he bubbled with glee.“Thanks! I am just trying to catch up with the rest,” I said blushing at his compliment. “And you? Is fight pra
The days that followed our encounter with the rogues was a mad rush of activities. The pack was cautious and I was at the center of it all. It was upon Lucian’s orders that I was to be part of any and all considerations regarding the threat posed by the rogues and I was going to do everything to earn that faith.“Ruby, you’re going to sit in on the strategy meeting today,” Lucian said one morning as we stood outside the training arena. It was bright outside with the sounds of the warriors, who had started their daily training, echo in the surroundings.“Me? For real?” I said, almost gleefully. “What if they don’t wish me to attend?”“They’ll have to manage it. You’ve already earned your stripes and it is important you take part in the conversations,” he replied, turning serious. “Moreover, there is a chance you could help us.”“Sure. Very helpful.” I said, feeling nervous and excited all at once. “And what if I make a fool of myself?”“Don’t think like that. Just speak how you feel an