Laura.
“You have all the time in the world to think of my proposal, Laura.” I heard Saskia cut my thoughts off.
I turned to her and gave her a weak smile.
“Just come back to me if you already know what you want. Just figure it out first. Think of your decision many times before coming up with the final one.”
I nodded and smiled at her. I now feel hopeful. I know no matter what happens, Saskia will always be there behind my back. She’s such a dear friend. She’s always there whenever I need someone to talk to. And she always assured me that everything would be alright. I believed in her. I gave her my full trust. I know she would not propose such things if I am going to be in danger.
“Thanks, Sas! I think I must go back. They probably must be waiting for me.”
Saskia shook her head. “And you must think of a better alibi while you’re on your way back.”
A small smile curved my lips. She already knew what was going on inside my head. Very clever.
Saskia stands up in front of me. “Go ahead now. I’ll walk you back near the borders.” Saskia offered her hand.
I mindlessly took her hand and stood up.
“Hey!” Saskia stole my attention. I quickly smiled at her.
“Your place never changed. It still has the same scent. Lavender,” I breathed in. “And I love it.”
Saskia chuckled. “That’s your scent. Of course you’ll love your scent.”
“Huh?” My brows curled.
“Werewolves who came here will definitely smell their scent even though they were not in heat or having sex. You know, you’ll only, and will completely smell your scent and your mate’s when you are doing it.”
I felt my cheeks burning. I guess I would never smell my scent ever again. Thanks to Saskia’s place, I am able to.
“Really? Even though I don’t have my wolf?”
“Crazy little pixie, of course! Even humans have their own scent. It’s not just because of your wolf but because of your character. Humans sometimes smell sour, bitter, sweet… depending on their characters and emotions. Not like werewolves, humans can change their scent according to their feelings, attitudes and characters. And those evil humans stink. Yuck!”
I chuckled at her disgusted reactions. So, that was how she knew what kind of person she was dealing with right after meeting them.
We enjoyed talking while walking back. I suddenly felt refreshed just right after I had a moment with Saskia. It was really nice to have a talk with a friend like her.
***
“Done with the chores?”
I turned to the person who spoke behind me. It was Alpha Evo. I quickly bowed my head upon seeing him and averted my gaze. I didn’t dare look him in the eye. No one dared to, unless it was the second in command—the Beta, my Dad.
I heard him sighed but didn’t move from his spot. “How are you doing, Laura?” I could hear worry lacing the Alpha’s voice.
One thing I loved about our Alpha was that he was really compassionate with every member of his pack—despite the ranks. He cared deeply for everyone. And I must say, he was such a great leader. His brute of a son and the heir to his throne will never measure up to him. I didn’t know what is going to happen to the Remus Pack once he handed the position to Alaric.
“I think I am doing fine, Alpha.”
The Alpha nodded slightly.
“I know it’s hard for you to make adjustments, Laura. But why did you stop going to school? I didn’t strip that right from you.”
I know, but how was I going to use my knowledge if I was an Omega? Having this rank forbade me from doing better.
I wanted to tell him that. But I decided to choke on my words. I didn’t want to argue anymore.
“I know what you are thinking, Laura. But let me tell you, you can do well even if you are an Omega. We never discriminate against everyone's talent here, despite the rank.”
I knew that as well. But I have better plans than staying in this rank.
I turned to Alpha Evo but I avoided his gaze.
“Thank you for the encouragement, Alpha. I’ll think about going back to school.”
The Alpha nodded and smiled. I think he is satisfied enough with what he just heard.
I knew he just felt sorry for me, and that was why he encouraged me to study. And he was right; in our pack, discrimination about one’s talent and abilities is forbidden. The Alpha gave chances even with lower ranks.
I knew this was his only way to help me. And I was really grateful for that.
I was lucky enough to have a good Alpha.
But what about if he handed his position to Alaric?
I didn’t know if I could still save my ass.
That was why I need to act now.
I had already made my decision.
“Good to hear that, Laura. I expect you to go back to school tomorrow, okay?”
I nodded.
I thought Alpha would leave me alone already. I needed to go to the forest and meet Saskia.
But he was still standing in front of me. What else did he want?
“You should visit your parents, Laura. I didn’t forbid you to do that.”
I nodded.
‘They miss you already. You know how precious you are to them. Why would you make things hard for your parents?’
“And I miss them too, Alpha. I don’t intend to make it hard for them. It’s hard for me also. I just want to avoid seeing them hurt.”
‘What? Did I say that aloud?’
My eyes widened. I dared to look up and saw how confused Alpha Evo was.
“Are you in my head, Alpha? Am I hearing your thoughts?”
“One moment.”
Alpha looked at me.
‘Did she have this gift of hearing thoughts and reading minds?’
“Hearing thoughts, I guess, but not reading minds.”
“Ugh! Shoot! You really did hear my thoughts! That’s a great gift! No one from the pack has that kind of gift. You are the first!”
“But that doesn’t save me from not having a wolf.”
That loosened the Alpha’s excitement. He knew I was right. I could still not get back my rank unless I had my wolf.
How was I considered to be one of them if I didn’t have my wolf in me?
“We will figure this out.”
The Alpha quickly left me and I didn’t know what his next step would be.
But one thing I was sure of: this ability wouldn’t change anything. Besides, it was not consistent. It just came and went.
I must stick to my plans.