Chapter 56 Pack Run
ADRIANA
The next morning, I woke up feeling more energized than I had in days. Training yesterday had helped clear my mind, even if my body was sore from all the drills Hazel had put us through.
I got ready quickly, taking extra care to tend to the bruises on my arms from sparring. They were already starting to fade, thanks to my werewolf healing, but they still ached when I moved too quickly.
I headed down for breakfast, my stomach actually growling for the first time in what felt like forever. The dining hall was already buzzing with activity, pack members chatting and eating together. The atmosphere was lighter than usual, probably because of the full moon tonight.
I grabbed some food and sat down at one of the tables. My mind wandered to what Hazel had wanted to talk to me about yesterday. She’d said it was nothing serious, but I was still curious about what it could be.
As if summoned by my thoughts, she appeared beside me with her own tray of food.
“Morning. Sleep well?”
“Better than I have in a while, actually. Though I’m definitely feeling yesterday’s training.”
She laughed as she sat down. “Good. That means you worked hard. Your form is improving, by the way. I noticed during the drills.”
“Thanks. I’m trying.”
We ate in comfortable silence for a moment before she spoke again.
“So about what I mentioned yesterday—.”
I tensed slightly, my fork pausing halfway to my mouth. Here we go.
She must have noticed my reaction because she quickly continued. “We need someone to organize the water stations and collect everyone’s clothes before the shift. You know, so people have something to change into when they get back. If you don’t mind, it’ll be really helpful to have another hand.”
Oh. That I could actually do.
“Sure, I can do that.”
She smiled, looking relieved. “Great. It’s not glamorous work but it’s important.”
“What time do you need me?”
“Around sunset. We should be ready to go by the time the moon rises fully. Shouldn’t take more than an hour to set everything up.”
“Okay. I’ll be there.”
“Thanks, Adriana. I really appreciate it.” She paused, then added more quietly, “I know it can’t be easy, being around all of this when you can’t… you know.”
“It’s fine,” I said, meaning it. “I want to help however I can.”
The rest of the day passed more quickly than I expected. I spent the morning with Leo, reading him stories and playing with his toys. He was in a good mood, laughing and signing enthusiastically about everything. It warmed my heart to see him so happy.
In the afternoon, I helped Betty with a few things around the palace. Small tasks that kept me busy and distracted. She chatted away about palace gossip, about who was courting whom, about the new recipes the cook was trying. It was nice. Exactly what I needed.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, I made my way outside to start setting up. Leo had been attached to my hip all afternoon. He’d had a nightmare during his nap—something about shadows and monsters—and hadn’t wanted to let me go since waking up.
I didn’t mind. Having him close made me feel useful, needed.
I started setting up the tables near the edge of the clearing where the pack would gather. People had already started dropping off their clothes earlier in the day, neatly folded bundles with names written on tags. I organized them carefully, making sure each pile was clearly labeled so no one would have trouble finding their things when they returned.
The water station was next. I set up several large jugs and cups, making sure everything was easily accessible.
As I worked, pack members started arriving, the energy in the air shifting, becoming more charged. I could feel the anticipation, the excitement. Even without a wolf of my own, I could sense it.
“Hey, I heard you’ll be taking care of us today.”
I turned around to see Elijah approaching, already dressed in the simple clothes.
“Hey, yeah I’ll be here waiting for you to come back.”
He stopped in front of me, his eyes warm. “I really wish you could come.”
There was something in his voice I couldn’t quite identify. Longing, maybe? Sadness?
“Don’t worry. Leo and I will be here for you guys when you get back.”
His eyes moved to Leo, who was still clinging to me, when I mentioned his name.
“He hasn’t looked at me. Is he okay?”
I shifted Leo slightly so Elijah could see his face better. “He had a nightmare during his nap and he’s been scared since. He doesn’t want me to put him down.”
Elijah’s expression softened with concern. He reached out and tapped gently on Leo’s back.
“Hey buddy, it’s me. Dad’s here.”
Leo raised his head slowly, his eyes still red from crying earlier, and when he saw his father, he immediately reached out for him. Elijah took him carefully, cradling him against his chest.
I could hear Leo sobbing softly against Elijah’s shoulder and felt bad that I hadn’t been able to comfort him completely.
“It’s okay. It’s okay, nothing’s going to happen. Daddy is here now. I’ve got you.”
Elijah swayed gently, rubbing soothing circles on Leo’s back, whispering reassurances. He stayed like that for several minutes, until Leo’s sobs quieted and his breathing evened out. The other pack members were gathering now, stretching, preparing, but Elijah didn’t rush. He took his time with his son.
Finally, when everyone was assembled and ready to go, Elijah looked at me over Leo’s head.
“Here. I have to go now but I’ll be back soon, okay?”
I didn’t know if he was talking to me or Leo, but we both nodded. He handed Leo back to me carefully, and the little boy immediately buried his face in my neck.
And then, in front of everybody gathered there waiting for him, Elijah placed a gentle kiss on Leo’s head, then turned to me.
Before I could react, he kissed me on the lips. It wasn’t long, barely out of peck territory but it said enough. He was claiming me in front of everyone. The thought made my heart skip and my cheeks flush.
I froze because I knew people were watching. I could feel their eyes on us.
“Come on, Cupid. Let’s go!” I heard Hazel shout from somewhere in the crowd, her tone teasing. Elijah laughed, the sound rich and warm.
“Goodbye. Come on everyone!”
I couldn’t help my smile as he walked away, his confident stride carrying him toward the tree line. Everyone followed behind him, a stream of excited pack members heading into the forest. When he was finally out of sight, swallowed by the shadows of the trees, I let out a breath I didn’t know I’d been holding.
I attended to the few people who came to drink water before their run, making sure everyone had what they needed.
Leo was calmer now. He even came down from my arms and offered to help, carefully handing cups to people with his small hands. It made several pack members smile.
The clearing was nearly empty, just a few stragglers and me with the children who were too young to shift yet.
Then Hannah appeared, seemingly from nowhere.
“You’re in the right place tonight and you don’t know how happy that makes me.”
I turned to face her, already exhausted by her presence. “Aren’t you tired of being who you are? Doesn’t it get exhausting?”
Her smile was vicious. “You will regret saying that to me. I swear it, you bitch. You think you’re something now? Wait till you see what I have in store for you. I will surprise you.”
The threat hung in the air as she walked away, disappearing into the darkness.
Something told me to take Leo back into the house right then. A feeling in my gut, a whisper of warning.
But I didn’t listen.
I wish I had.