Chapter 11 A WOLF’S STRUGGLE
Edeline
I backed away slowly, following my dad's silent cue, and made my way around the pack house, staying out of sight. Once inside, I changed back into my human form. I grabbed a robe from the mudroom, left there for those who came home from a run without clothes, to avoid any awkwardness.
I hurried up to my room, still in a state of shock that left me numb and unable to process my emotions. I needed to see them, to figure things out.
Yeah, I’ll go see both of them. It’s just a gut feeling.
What just happened back there? I’m so confused. My friend seems really worked up about his brother and me—almost like he’s jealous. Is there anyone I can truly call a friend? He should know better. We’ve been close since we were kids, always reaching out when we’re down, embracing each other, being there for one another.
Percival has become more than just my best friend’s brother. He’s my buddy now. My wolf gets extra protective when it comes to guys who aren’t family getting too close to me. It’s like an instinct for him to be ready to defend me. I see that fierce determination in his wolf’s eyes, like he’s ready to take on any challenge.
I get it, but I find myself growing more frustrated with him than I’d like to admit. I have the right to be involved, but not with a pregnant she-wolf. It wouldn’t be a fair fight since she won’t be able to shift for nine months.
That could lead to accusations of double manslaughter. The consequences could range from banishment to even death, depending on the father of the pups.
Percival would never agree to my demise, even if I accidentally harmed his unborn child.
It’s crucial to maintain control over my emotions. That’s why I’ve been keeping to myself, holed up in my room. It’s also why she hasn’t been around much.
I hopped in the shower, threw on some jeans and a plain black shirt, and let my hair air dry into loose waves. Then I headed downstairs and out the door. The sun was setting, painting the sky with beautiful hues. But where the fight had occurred, the grass was stained dark with blood, a grim reminder of the earlier chaos.
There was no one around—no pack members wandering the property or anyone in sight. I dashed down the dirt road on the opposite side of the pack house, racing towards the doctor's quarters. This road was lined with houses, including one belonging to the doctor. The pack house itself primarily housed wolves who were single or in mated pairs without pups. We were responsible for guarding the Alpha and Luna, while families with pups lived in this area of the woods for some privacy. My own family had their home here, having moved in when they had pups, though they still maintained a big room in the pack house since my dad is the beta. They mostly hung out at home.
The pack house was enormous, accommodating families on the third floor, including the Alpha and Beta families. The Alpha used to have a family home with the Luna but now mostly stayed at the pack house since Percival and Darius grew up. Darius and I used to hang out at the pack house, enjoying our time there. After your first shift, you have the option to stay in your family home or move to the pack house. I chose the pack house, but my parents kept their home since it was so recent. Percival used to live in the pack house too, but I figured he must be in one of the empty cabins on the other side of the lake now. I wondered why I never caught a whiff of his scent lately.
As I jogged through the woods beside the road, the occasional whiff of blood reached me—a blend of both siblings. I knew exactly where to find them.
Turning the corner away from the lake, I spotted Doc Benton's office and hurried inside. I slammed the door behind me and took a moment to catch my breath, placing my hands on my knees. The air inside was tinged with familiar scents—Percival's, Darius’s, the Alpha's, my dad's, and the doctor’s.
“What's up with Tatiana?” I asked, trying to piece together the situation.
I let out a quiet growl as I pondered the past, surveying the deserted lobby. Everything was pristine and white, plain and uninviting. Doc’s desk stood empty, neatly arranged but unoccupied.
Rolling my shoulders casually, I strolled towards the hospital rooms. Upon entering the waiting area, I saw my father and Alpha William seated there. Their eyes widened in surprise as I walked in. I’d been feeling down and isolated for weeks now, to the point where making eye contact with anyone had become a struggle. My clothes hung loosely on my underfed frame.
“How are they?” I asked, still catching my breath from sprinting a quarter mile. My dad looked up at me, offering a gentle smile. He noticed the bagginess of my clothes and seemed to understand. It was Alpha William who answered, his tone calm and sympathetic.
“They’re both okay, just a bit banged up. The doctor wants them to stay overnight because their healing isn’t progressing as expected. He wants to figure out why,” he explained, his eyes reflecting a hint of concern.
“Okay, can I take a look?” I asked, nodding in understanding.
Alpha William and my dad exchanged a quick glance, their silent communication clear. When they finally met my pleading gaze, I wondered about the extent of their authority.
“Tatiana is with Percival right now. Her wolf seems unsettled. Darius is around too, so be cautious. Once Tatiana leaves, you might run into Percival, but make sure you don’t carry Darius’s scent with you, just to be safe,” the Alpha advised.
I furrowed my brows but nodded, feeling a pang of heartache. I couldn’t hang out with my best friend, and I couldn’t see my buddy until his pregnant she-wolf moved away. It felt like I was the last piece of the puzzle nobody was interested in, and it hurt deeply, like shards of broken glass inside my chest.