Chapter 12: It happened

Traeger:

As I make my way through a copse of trees, I take one last look at my beautiful female. Jelena’s standing unabashedly naked by the light of the moon. Love, she said she loved me. I still do not understand what it is. However, I do know that those feelings she described are what I feel for her. Lying with her in that bed was incredible. I had never felt so alive in my life. What I do know is that I will kill anyone who attempts to take that away from me. Once I’m a good distance away, I run through the woods until I make it to the Institute’s clearing. It only takes me a few minutes to get there, even though it’s miles from Jelena’s house. Lycans are incredibly fast. We can travel miles within minutes. That’s probably why the Institute did not consider that even if humans are miles away, we can still make it as long as they’re within the perimeter of the forest. Jelena’s house is at least fifty miles away. Not quite a neighbor to the Institute, but not far for a Lycan to travel or to be out of bound of the Institute’s perimeters.

Once I reach the Institute, I carefully make my way to my dormitory, careful not to bother the guards. That night, I lay in my bed, thinking about Jelena. I already miss her. I wish I could stay in her arms throughout the night. However, I know that it would be too dangerous. If I had stayed too long, the Institute would come looking for me. That would be bad. Eventually, I fall asleep.

It can be minutes or hours before the Institute’s morning bell rings. Rising from my bed, I shower quickly. My packmates are already waiting for me at the door. Grey gives me a knowing look but quickly hides it. We begin the morning by running laps around the grounds. It isn’t until we’ve run a few laps that Dr. Shepard approaches me. “Traeger, we need to run a few tests. How about we go to the testing room?” I nod my head remaining alert, then look at my packmates and call out. “Dr. Shepard needs to run a few tests. How about you take the boys and do some target practice.” Grey nods his head in acknowledgment, then turns back to the group and herd them towards the ammunition room.

When we get to the room. I am asked to remove my clothes. This reminds me of Jelena’s unabashed nakedness. But as soon as I think of her, I shut my thoughts down. I don’t want the Doctors to notice my distraction. Giving away any feelings in front of these people can mean my death. So I remain stoic as they strap me down to a table, place a few vital tabs over my chest and head. Over the next few hours, I am prodded, probed, and tested beyond my endurance.

In the meanwhile, Dr. Shepard asks me questions as the researchers probe me. “Have you been feeling any changes lately, Traeger?” I shake my head. “No, sir.” He continues with his questions. “I have noticed that you are spending a lot more time in the woods. Is there a reason for this?” I shake my head remaining resigned in my response. “No, sir. I just like to run.” Looking unconvinced, he stares at me as if he can glean my secrets. I don’t let it shake me, though. There’s no way that I’ll let these men hurt Jelena. Keeping my breathing even, I keep a steady eye forward, never giving anything away. Dr. Shepard taps his pencil on his desk with an annoyed crescendo.

The sound reverberates through my sensitive ears like a metronome. I almost break when he makes a comment that makes the blood run cold inside my body. “I saw that you left late last night and came back a few hours later. Why were you out so late last night, Traeger?” I swallow imperceptively. “I was late last night because I wanted to run, sir. I want to be as strong as I can be and make the Institute proud.” Dr. Shepard nods his head, satisfied with my answer. “Very well. Just make sure you stay close to the Institute, and try to keep your outings during regular hours of the day. You are very valuable to the Institute, and we would be sorry to lose you.” I nod my head again. “Yes, sir.”

After I am released by the doctor. I walk into my room, unsurprised to find Grey there. As soon as he sees me, he rises from his perch on the bed and stands in front of me. Quirking a brow, I give him a questioning look. “What are you doing here so early, Grey?” Grey scowls in the direction of the door. “I wanted to make sure everything was okay.” I nod my head. “He just wanted to ask a few questions.” Grey walks to the door making sure it’s locked, then turns back to me. “He hasn’t just been asking questions, Traeger. He’s been asking the team about you. About the things you do throughout the day and where you go. I think you need to watch your back. I don’t trust them. Especially if you have a female now.” I nod my head, clenching my jaw. “I saw her tonight. We spent the night together. It was incredible, Grey. I didn’t want to leave. I don’t think I can be without her. What am I going to do? The Institute is not going to let me have her.”

Grey shakes his head with a sympathetic scowl. “I don’t know, Traeger. But, whatever you decide, just know that the pack is with you.” Nodding in agreement, I sit at the edge of my bed and place my elbows on my knees. “We have lived here all our lives Grey. Trained to be soldiers, but not allowed a war. We’re animals in a cage. Seeing Jelena has made me realize that this is not how life should be. We are not even allowed the comfort of a female. I had never experienced what I experienced with her. She told me that she loved me. We have never had love or kindness or affection. What kind of life have we lived?”

Grey lets out a forbidding scowl. “Let’s not dwell on this, brother. Just be careful with what you do.” He gives me one last look before he walks out the door. Feeling exhaustion, I move towards the bathing room and consider my options.