Tell her to leave the tray
Solan’s POV
“Come in!” I croak.
The door creaks open, and Amari peeks in. Her eyebrows lift when she sees me on the floor.
“What are you doing down there?” She asks carefully.
I scramble to my feet, brushing off my shorts. “Uh…stretching.” I mutter, sounding unsure of my answer.
“Solan?” Her warm tone filters through. “Can I come in?” She says, sounding worried.
I nod, understanding that I only got back home last night and we really haven't spoken privately.
Her soft eyes drift to the bed as she walks inside. Her face turns even more worried when she sees my blanket on the floor.
I quickly pick it up, forcing a tensed grin. “How did this get here?” I breathe out, internally slapping myself.
“Did you have a nightmare?” She asks gently, moving closer.
My eyes widen, but I quickly shake my head. “No, no nightmares.” I say.
More like daymares.
“You can't be serious right now.” My wolf hisses.
Do wolves even hiss?
Goddess.
“Solan you don't look good.” Amari's hand brushes my temple.
“I’m fine.” I say immediately, stepping away.
“Liar.” She presses her palm against my forehead. “You look pale. You must have fallen out of bed.”
My wolf snorts inside me.
I glare at nothing. “Be quiet.”
Amari freezes, “I didn't mean to offend you…”
“No,” I blink at her. “That wasn't directed at you. Just…” I wave vaguely at the air.
Her brows knit together. “Solan, what’s going on? If you are hurting any worse, you need to tell us.”
I rub the back of my neck, my heart racing.
“You can talk to me.” She whispers.
“I… I think I’m hearing my wolf.”
“You mean sensing your wolf's thoughts? It happens, Solan. It's because you've only just shifted, that's why it's strange.”
“No Amari,” I step closer, my hands reaching for hers. “I can hear my wolf. Like… he freaking woke me up!” I hiss.
“Solan, your wolf can't be awake if you aren't.”
“He said he's a separate entity but we're one. And I swear he's not in my head… Okay he is, but like… he's real.”
“Honestly I won't be surprised if she starts thinking you've lost it.” My wolf chuckles.
Amari gently squeezes my hand. Her worried eyes study me. “You must have hit your head harder than we thought.”
“I didn’t!” I argue. “He’s real. He’s in here…” I tap the side of my head.
“I'd prefer if you pointed at your heart…”
“He’s sarcastic, and rude, and apparently thinks I stink.”
“You do, idiot.”
She just stares. Then with a heavy sigh she says, “We’ll talk about this later. Dad and Mom want to see you.” Her voice is still soft, but there’s a layer of protectiveness now. Like I'm fragile and she's trying to be careful.
She doesn’t believe me.
“Really? I'm disappointed it took you so long to realize.”
My chest aches.
“No buddy, that's our stomach. We need food.”
Can you shut up and let me think.
“I don't have to shut up for you to think. We can think together…”
Dear goddess!
I step into Dad's study determined to ignore the voice in my head.
I take in everyone present. Alpha Kaelen, Alpha Aul, Dad, Mom, Jace’s parents and… unfortunately, Leo.
The study feels warm but I'm not sure if it's the weather or just the fact that I feel safer with them around.
Mom gestures me over and I quietly take my sit beside her.
“How are you feeling?” She asks softly.
I nod, my eyes locking on Dad's worried gaze. “I'm fine. I can barely feel any ache.” I mutter, watching the relief that crosses everyone's face.
Well, all except Uncle Leo who's too busy stuffing his face with more chicken to even notice I'm in the room.
I shake my head. “Is he… really eating?”
He looks up, pretending to be offended. “If you want some, just ask.” He says with a mouth full.
Utterly disgusting.
“No it's not. Ask him for some. We both need it.”
Not listening to you.
“Solan, I called you here because we need to know everything you remember.” Dad says. “Don’t rush.” He quickly adds, passing a cup of juice over to me. “Whatever you remember, no matter how small, let us know.”
I swallow and try to think.
“I… I don’t remember much,” I mutter. “I only saw those bald men but after I woke up on the road, I really don't remember what happened. I remember attacking them with a sword. I remember hands grabbing me, claws tearing my flesh… There was a woman too….”
Uncle Victor’s pen moves swiftly on a paper. Everyone leans a little closer, taking in everything I'm saying. But that's all I remember.
“There were seven hunters.” My wolf mutters. “Five bald werewolves, like they shared one terrible razor. And an older woman bossing the hunters around. I remember her telling the hunters to get us no matter what it takes.”
My eyes widen a little. “What?” I whisper.
Mom looks at me. “What is it?”
I look around the table. Deciding to trust his words, I repeat everything my wolf just said.
“That's pretty detailed. Good job, Solan.” Uncle Throne taps my shoulder.
“Don’t take all the praise. Tell them I told you.” My wolf says.
“Shut up.” I grit out.
Leo stops mid-bite, fork in the air. “Who’s he talking to?” he whispers.
Everyone watches me with equal confusion and I just want to bury myself.
“Don't worry Solan, I think this should be enough for now.” Alpha Kaelen says warmly but my chest tightens.
“When you are done,” Dad addresses his beta. “Send a letter to every pack in the region. I want all Alphas here by weekend.”
Uncle Victor nods but Mom shifts uncomfortably.
“Saviour,” She says.
“Yes pup… uh…shit,” Dad stutters, his eyes widening when he remembers I'm in the room.
I simply shake my head. Considering how gummy they are with eachother, it would be weird if I found his endearment odd.
Mom's ears turn red nonetheless. “I think we need to invite Knightgale this time.”
Even before Dad nods, I know he's going to do as she's suggests.
Is there anything he doesn't do for her? They're so sweet it's sickening sometimes.
The door opens again and Milly steps inside. Uncle Leo immediately stiffens, choking on his drink the moment he sees her.
Milly’s eyes widen in shock as her gaze drops to him and I'm not sure if she's shocked someone can be so reckless while eating… or it's something else.
Leo's mouth hangs open as he takes her in. The man can't even pretend.
“Fuck!” he blurts, his eyes still on her. “I never thought… I never thought I’d see someone more beautiful than Raven.”
Milly’s cheeks burn pink. She bites her lower lip, suddenly shy. “E…excuse me,” she mumbles, rushing out before Leo can say another word.
“Shit!” My wolf growls. “Tell her to leave the tray of snacks. Goddess be damned!”