Ebony Rose

I sat in the back of the car between my parents as our servant drove us to the town hall. “I suppose we should be thankful that the arrogant pup started a fight with the hunters, and got herself injured during the battle. You might actually stand a chance.” My father sneered at me. “Not that losing is an option for you. Make sure to go after her bum leg, you said she is still showing signs of favoring it at school right?”  “Yes father.” I said, hating the pit that was swirling in my stomach.  “Good. Exploit that weakness, and take her out quickly.” He stated again, more firmly this time.  “Father, the council said even if I lose we don’t have to move.” I protested.  “And what would we do? Just continue to live here in shame with our tails between our legs as we were assimilated into their pack?” My mother laughed, “No dear, if you lose we will maintain what is left of our dignity and relocate.”  “But mom, my whole life is here, all my friends and school.” I tried protesting.  “Good. That is motivation for you to win, and a punishment for you should you lose this match. If you lose to her you will lose everything.” My father met my eyes with a stony expression, and I knew the conversation was finished. The car stopped shortly after as we arrived at the town hall and made our exit. We were the last to arrive, as my mother adored being fashionably late since it made her feel important. Alex and Theo were already together, he rubbed her shoulders as if she had already won. Alex noticed me first and gave a hesitant smile. I grimaced, in another world she is the type of person I would love to have in my corner, but alas I’m cursed to live in this world where we are enemies. Theo gave my shoulder a pat as he and his father led the crowd out towards the forest. Alex’s grandfather and my father were the next one’s out, followed by our mother’s and her grandmother, then Alex and I walked side by side in silence as the rest of our packs escorted us to the woods.  Alex shifted first her black fur shimmering in the evening light that filtered through the snowfall and trees. I shifted as well, my wolf nervous as she always was around Alex. I started to pace around her, as we circled one another I noticed her slightly favoring her hind quarter that was wounded with the bullet. Now. My father’s command echoed in my mind, and I lunged for the injured limb. Blood rushed into my mouth as I pulled her leg out from under her causing her to roll over on her side, I felt guilt at her yelp in surprise and pain. I dragged her by the injured leg turning up a patch of pine needles and dead leaves in the fresh snow. Before I could figure out my next move I felt her back claws s***h my face and I dropped her leg in shock as I registered the pain. She pounced in my moment of hesitation her front claws digging into my spine as her teeth pierced the scruff of my neck. I growled in frustration as I began trying to buck her off of me, I used all the force of my back legs hurling them up, but messed up by going too far and cracking my head on the ground. Once again my moment of hesitation left me completely open and her fangs were sinking into my throat, pinned on my back I struggled and used my back paws to try and kick her off. She grimaced and growled deeply, as I felt blood run down the pad of my back foot. Even though I’m pretty sure I just agitated her wound she was not letting go. Squirming I managed to move my muzzle so I could bite on her front leg, using all the force I had left in my body I rolled with her leg in my mouth so I landed on top of her. In an instant her hind legs were pushing against the bottom of my rib cage as she launched me off of her. She whimpered low as it hurt her leg. I charged in again, and went on my hind legs to pounce on her but she caught me midair, with her paws on my shoulders she slammed me to the ground. Her front legs had me in a headlock. I growled and wiggled, and tried pushing and clawing at her, but to no avail. I tried rolling over thinking if I could just get on my stomach I could wiggle my way out, but she held me so tight I couldn’t roll over and was trapped on my back. Panicked I met my mother’s eyes and the disdain there told me what I already knew: I had lost. I lifted my paw towards her face then put it back on the ground, I repeated the motion two more times, effectively tapping out.  Satisfied she released her grip and I rolled out of her reach shifting back as fast as I could. People were already departing back towards the town hall. She changed back and her grandmother and mother immediately started dressing her new wounds. I felt an arm on my shoulder and looked up to see her cousin Em smiling down at me with bandages and water. After Em patched me up I approached Alex. Her bright blue eyes met mine, and she tried to hide her excitement at beating me. “Congrats. He’s all yours.” I said to her, reaching out my hand. She took it without a second thought, “You truly deserve each other.” I added, glancing at Theo who had the decency to be waiting our discussion out before rushing over.  “Thanks.” She said, “You put up one hell of a fight.” I could smell the blood seeping through her fresh bandages on her leg and through her fresh pair of jeans.  “Sorry about the cheap shot to your injury.” I said, truly concerned as I saw her standing here again in human form. “But after hearing how good you were I figured it was my only shot.” I tried to explain in a way that let me take ownership of my own actions, instead of blaming my father for ordering me to do so.  “It’s all good.” She smiled at me, “All is fair in love and war.” She quoted, as she plopped down in the snow.  “Well...I guess I’ll see you at school on Monday.” I lied to her, as I turned to head back to the hall. I stopped just out of everyone’s hearing range and went off the path until I knew no one would be able to smell it on the way back and puked in the woods. I rinsed my mouth out and off with some of the still fresh snow on the ground before wiping my face dry with my sleeve. Leaning against a nearby tree I cried. I thought of Theo, the only person who I thought truly cared for me and how I would never see him again, I thought of my friends at school, and my teachers. I thought of how hard it would be starting my senior year at a new school. I thought of and mourned everything I had just lost. I had tried my best. I had trained with my staff, and worked out as much as I could, and I even fought dirty. And after it all I still lost everything. Finally, I thought of her, Alex, her black hair a mess sitting in the snow with her blue eyes and a freaking bullet wound in her thigh smiling up at me, and I regretted that I would never get the chance to thank her for her kindness. Sighing I got up, and wiped my eyes before heading back to the town hall. My pack would not make eye contact with me or acknowledge my presence. They just sat with their faces stony as they stared at the front of the hall. The elders of the Winter pack entered and pulled up a new seat at the table for Alex’s grandfather. Theo entered last gripping Alex to his chest, the knot of guilt tightened in my gut as I knew she was being carried due to me reopening the bullet wound. Theo set her down gently, and kept his arm around her for support as she barely put any pressure on that leg. They stared at the council.  “Well the victor of the fight is Alexandria Mae Rose. She is now promised to my son Theodore Winter.” Andy said. “Do you young love birds have anything to say to your future packmates?”  “Yeah. I, Theodore Jamison Winter, claim you Alexandria Mae Rose as my natural mate, in this life and the next.” Theo said. With that proclamation everything made sense and clicked into place in my mind. Every time I caught their scents intermingled and dismissed it as them spending so much time together. Theo’s apparent jealousy and concern for her. The fact that Theo actually entertained the idea of the challenge instead of dismissing it immediately. The way my wolf acted around her, as if every time I was challenging her I was a Beta challenging their alpha rather than an alpha challenging another alpha. I felt like an i***t, how could I have been so blind? “I, Alexandria Mae Rose, accept your claim Theodore. In return I claim you as my natural mate, in this life and the next.” She responded. He kissed her then, and placed a small promise ring with an alexandrite stone in it on her left hand. He whispered something in her ear and she blushed. Alex made eye contact with me and for the first time I returned her smile. I clapped and cheered for them, for the two people who I would forever consider to be the best friends I would ever have. The rest of the Winter and Rose packs joined in my cheering. My family sat perfectly still, unfazed by all of this. “Well this meeting is adjourned.” Andy said, with a bang of his gavel. “There will be an engagement party to follow at our house, everyone is invited.” My pack rose and made their exit first. My parents grabbed my arm as they passed and led me with them.  “Well, it’s time to go home and start packing.” My mother sighed.  “I’ll join you guys after the engagement party.” I said, firmly. They only gave me a side glance before nodding their heads and going to the car.  One of Alex’s cousin’s offered me a ride to the engagement party, when she realized my entire pack was gone. I sat awkwardly in the minivan with her, her spouse, and their three pups. Thankfully it was a short ride. “You should train with us some time.” The oldest pup smiled at me. “I could give you a lot of pointers, and it helps to watch the older wolves beat up Alex a little bit.”  “I would love to.” I said, returning her smile.  “Not to say you did a bad job.” She clarified, “You did really good, just Alex trains all the time, and if she’s not training she is working out or working on the farm so she’s very strong.” The child emphasized. She looked at my hands, “Yeah, and you have real pretty hands, so you don’t work like Alex does.”  “Claudia, that’s enough.” Her mother growled in a warning tone.  “It’s fine.” I laughed, “Trust me, I know how much Alex worked, she was always showing up covered in bruises, with broken nails, etc. Your kid is right, I work in my family’s shop in town, and didn’t work out nearly as hard.” I smiled at them, “Plus with them being mates it makes sense why she worked so hard.” I shrugged it off. “I’m just glad it’s finally over, it’s like a weight off my shoulders.”  “I’m glad you feel that way”, the mother said, “Alex always said you were a nice girl and she wished you could be friends. Now that the challenge is over you can.”  “Yeah.” I said, and forced a smile. We arrived at the Winter manor and entered to the smell of food as a catering company had been brought in. Theo paced nervously, and kept glancing at his watch. “Hey stranger.” I said, as I walked up to him, “Where’s the blushing bride-to-be? She run off already?” I teased.  “No, she’s getting her wounds redressed. And she is not happy.” He laughed. “Her mother, grandmother, and Em are primping and prepping her in my mother’s room. We tried reasoning that a dress will let the wounds air out and heal faster, but you know Alex.” He looked at me, “How are you doing?” He asked.  “I’m fine. A lot better now that I know you guys are natural mates.” I said, glaring at him. “You could have saved us a lot of trouble by leading with that you know.”  “I’m sorry. I know I should have told you, but Alex wanted to do it the right way.” He rubbed the back of his neck.  “It’s okay you don’t have anything to explain to me.” I said, giving him a joking shove. “I’m sorry for making the last few months so hard on you. It’s just you were my only true friend, and I mistook the feelings of friendship for love, because..well you know my parents.”  “Yeah. I know.” He said, “So when is your pack moving?” He asked.  “How did you know?” I answered his question with my own.  “I figured.” He shrugged, “They aren’t true alphas, just rogues that formed their own pack, but with their money and status they refuse to be less than alpha in another pack, so I figured they wouldn’t stick around long.”  “They’re packing now.” I admitted, and it felt good that someone knew. That someone would miss me.  “I’m sorry.” He said, and he meant it. “You are more than welcome to stay and be a part of our pack.” He added, “Alex would love to have you as a friend now that the challenge is over.”  “I know, but assholes or not they’re still my family.” I shrugged it off, “Thanks for the offer anyways.” From upstairs I heard the faint click of the door. “Well it sounds like your wifey is ready.” I smiled up at him, “Congratulations, and be sure to take care of each other.”  “Take care of yourself too.” He said, giving me one final hug before I wound my way to the front door. I looked back to see her descending the stairs with her grandmother on one arm and her mother on the other. Alex looked more beautiful than I had ever seen her, her rich black hair was curled and cascading down her shoulders, her blue eyes were radiant with joy. The dress she wore was a cornflower blue maxi dress with a black knit cardigan and matching black flats, the scratches from the battle were just thin white lines as they healed, and her alexandrite earrings and teardrop necklace matched her promise ring. She gave me a nod that I returned before making my exit.  Once outside I shifted forms and ran home, not bothering to text my parents that I was on my way. The run was long as the snow continued to fall around me, the cold air stung my lungs and the pads of my paws protested against running on the frozen ground. That child was right, I was no warrier, and my hands were too pretty. I would have to work harder to train, especially since Theo was right. My family is a pack formed of rogues who left other packs. We have financial power but that is it. Our pack size is small and since we aren’t true alphas, we need to find another pack to marry me off to to earn our title. The only way I can do that is by getting stronger, and I have Alex to thank for teaching me that. Panting, I ran up the drive, anxious to collapse onto my bed only to find a single moving truck parked in the circle drive. My pulse raced as I ran into the woods and shifted back, I continued my walk up the drive as two movers loaded my mother’s favorite lounge into the truck and closed it up.  “Um, excuse me.” I said, to the driver as he was closing his door, “Where are my parents?”  The man turned red, “I’m sorry, they left a couple hours ago. They called us this morning and ordered the house packed and moved. This is the last load, it took our whole shop to move this place.”  “Moved where?” I asked, my heart threatening to pound out of my chest as I checked my phone and saw there were no texts or missed calls.  “Sorry ma’am I can’t tell you that.” The driver said.  “But I’m their daughter!” I screamed.  “They didn’t say anything about a daughter.” The man explained, “But if that’s true you should just be able to call your parents.” He eyed me suspiciously.  “Oh trust me. I will.” I said, “Since you’re of no help you can go now.” I waved him off imitating my mother’s heir of authority. I went into the house and saw that it was indeed empty, save for a single garbage bag with a note taped to it in the parlor by the door. I grabbed the note, and noticed it had my name scribbled on the back, opening it I read:  Dearest Jessica,  We were relieved you chose to go to the engagement party, therefore we got to avoid this awkward interaction. We knew you had no chance of winning against her, as you are just too weak. The movers arrived shortly after you left for school. The maid packed this bag for you. We cannot afford to have such weakness in our small pack as we try to distinguish ourselves in the shifter community. We are moving far away from our tarnished name. Your phone is paid throughout the end of the month, but after that you will have to secure your own service. We wish things did not have to be this way. Do not try calling us, for we are changing our last name and phone numbers, as we seek a more advantageous arrangement with your father’s younger sister’s engagement to another prominent pack.  Best Wishes,  Samantha A. Ebony The paper shook in my hand, as I read the note over and over and over again. This cannot be. I thought to myself. They wouldn’t just abandon me. A sharp pain shot through my chest as the air rushed from my lungs, I barely registered the aching protest in my knees as they slammed into the marble floor. I clutched my chest as a sob broke free, the note floating down to the floor beside me. This had to be a joke I thought. Surely, someone is still here and will explain. Panting I ran from room to room finding nothing but emptiness, the pit in my stomach grew larger at each empty room, as I began to realize that for the first time in my life I was truly, and utterly alone. I ended up back in the foyer staring at the still open front door, the wind had blown some snow in, which only added to my feelings of emptiness and despair. My fingers trembled as I dialed the only number I had memorized.  “Hello?” He still answered on the first ring. I gave a small, sad smile at that.  “Hey, uh, it’s me.” I said not knowing how to explain myself.  “What happened?” He asked. ‘Who is it?’ I could hear Alex whisper in the background, ‘It’s Jess honey.’ he answered her. “Jess, what’s wrong?” He asked me again.  “I, uh, they, uh, they left.” I forced the words out and felt the burn of tears in my eyes as the lump formed in my throat.  “Your parents?” He asked, and it almost hurt more that his voice didn’t sound surprised. ‘What’s going on?’ Alex hissed in the background, ‘shhh, I’ll explain in a moment.’ he hissed back at her. “Your parents are gone?” He asked to clarify.  “Not just them.” my voice hitched as I let out a choked sob, “All of them. My pack.” I cried. “I’m sorry, let me talk to Alex and we will figure something out.” he said, ‘Her pack left.’ He whispered to her, ‘They What?!’ Alex yelled, ‘Give me your keys.’ she commanded him. ‘Honey, let’s-’ Theo tried reasoning with her while I barely held onto the other end. ‘No Theo, we are going to get her now.’ Alex said, I heard the fumble of the phone as she must have taken it from him. “Jess, honey, you stay right there, we are on our way right now to get you.” ‘Mom, go back to our house, move the beds around and get the trundle bed all made up. Tell Damien that mine and Em’s room needs to be remodeled like Brad’s granddaughters’s room.’ She issued the commands in the background like a true alpha. “Jess, honey, did you hear me?” She asked her tone shifting from authoritative to nurturing. “I need you to get whatever you want out of that damn place, and meet us by the front door, Theo and I are on our way.”  “I hear you, my stuff was already packed.” I said as the numbness crept in. They abandoned me, my own pack disowned and abandoned me. They didn’t even pack my belongings, just threw some things in a trash bag. The call ended as my phone battery died, only then did I sit on the marble steps and lay down giving into the pain, the rejection. I stared out into the snowy night, at some point I became warm, not even realizing I had shifted, as my wolf tried saving me from freezing to death. I wished she hadn’t. I was too weak and didn’t deserve my wolf, even my rag tag pack of rogues rejected me. My own blood abandoned me. I closed my eyes and focused on the pain, hoping my heart would shatter before the happy couple came. I awoke to the sounds of footsteps pounding against the floor, but refused to open my eyes.  “Theo, grab her and take her to the truck would you?” I heard Alex ask. “I guess this is her belongings.” I heard the rustle of the trash bag as she must have picked it up. Soon I was being lifted, Theo grunted loudly.  “For Artemis’s sake Jess you couldn’t shift back to your human form to weigh less?” He growled as he carried me down the stairs. I pretended I didn’t hear him.  “Leave her alone.” Alex growled, “She will change back when she’s ready.” I was placed in the back seat of the truck, and still refused to move. I should have thanked them for coming, but I couldn’t bring myself to shift back. When we arrived at the Rose pack house Theo opened the back door of his truck. I jumped down and followed Alex into the house, I could smell her mother’s scent but it seemed like everyone else was still at the engagement party. I continued following Alex as my wolf adjusted to the scents of her pack. My wolf was on edge being in another pack’s territory, and I had to struggle to stay in wolf form, not ready to be myself again. Alex led me up the central staircase and into a room with four twin sized beds lining a wall. Her mother was placing the final pillow on the only bed without a bed frame. I still couldn’t bring myself to shift back, instead I nodded my thanks and hopped on the bed in wolf form walking my circles and laying down. I closed my eyes immediately, in order to pretend to be asleep. Her mother gently pet my head before leaving the room, and I could smell the worry and pity radiating off of her. “Let’s give her some space.” Alex suggested, and they followed her out of the room. My wolf relaxed when I heard the front door close. Finally, feeling safe, I shifted back to my human form.  I slowly got up from the bed and made my way to the trash bag containing my belongings that Alex had left in the room. I opened it, and began spreading the contents out on my new bed. At the bottom was my jewelry box, inside it held all my jewelry and I was relieved my family didn’t take them from me to pawn them off. There were two pairs of fuzzy socks, my well worn pair of sweats that the scent of my heat refused to be washed out of, my favorite heels, my favorite boots, and favorite sneakers, five of my most worn sweaters, and five t-shirts, two pair of jeans, three pairs of fleece lined leggings, and my winter coat, with a pair of pajama shorts and tank top. I stood back staring at all I had left of my former life, tears pricked my eyes as suddenly I was thankful for the servants who at least paid enough attention to my most commonly worn clothing in order to pick it out for me, because my parents would have no idea what to pick. I laid down on the pile of my clothing curling up with the jewelry box in my arms as I surrounded myself with the lingering scents of home. Letting the tears fall once again, I felt hot anger swirl in my gut at my family. Not just for abandoning me, but for not believing in me. They had the house packed as soon as I left for school. They didn’t even give me the chance to win before disowning me. I reflected back to the sharp pain I felt at the engagement party, at once realizing it wasn’t the pain of losing Theo instead, it was the pain of my pack disowning me. The pain of my family abandoning me. I became angry at myself for being surprised, they had stopped caring about me, as soon as I went into my first heat after entering my courtship with Theo. That was when they started traveling without me, barely home, leaving my care to Theo and the servants. I was dumb enough to believe it was normal, that when you became an adult your family left you to merge into your future spouses pack, that was until I met Alex. Her family supporting her, training her, and keeping her under their supervision was like a slap in the face, I lied to myself constantly saying that it was her fault and her pack didn’t trust her on her own, that they were the odd ones, but I feel deep down I knew. I knew it was my pack who was distancing themselves from me that wasn’t normal. I knew wolves were a pack animal, and that they were supposed to care deeply for each other, but it was hard for me to accept that my pack was different. That they didn’t care for me. That I was just a pawn. The need to run coursed through my body and I led myself back down the stairs and out the front door. I ran the property line, my wolf smelling the differences between the Rose and Winter packs, I followed closely to Alex’s scent as I could smell Theo’s scent intertwining with hers. I thought of all the times they must have run the perimeter together for his scent to be so intertwined on their property, and felt my gut twist as I remembered all the times he was distancing himself from me. Soon Alex’s scent got stronger and I quickly realized she was heading straight for me.  Her black fur shimmered in the moonlight as she burst through the brush that lined the property between the packs. She remained silent as she ran beside me, both giving me space to process my feelings while also making sure I didn’t flee. Theo and Emily’s scents lingered nearby but they kept their distance. Whether out of respect for my feelings or orders from Alex I didn’t know.  Would it help to spar? Alex asked in my mind, I can bring Em over and have her spar with you. She offered realizing that sparring her is how I got in this situation.  No. I think running is enough help right now. I answered back in her mind. Thanks though. I added hastily as I realized she had left her engagement party once again in order to help me. It brought back memories of the pretzel she bought me after complimenting my cheer performance even though her family was waiting for her in the stands, she went out of her way to be kind to me, to pay attention to me. My wolf let out a low growl as I realized in 6 months she had shown me more kindness and care than my own pack had in years. I pushed myself to run harder and faster. Alex silently picked up her pace as well as she started herding me back towards the house. By the time exhaustion started to set in the treeline broke to reveal the pack house was in view. My muscles ached as I got my second wind that pushed me to shift back to my human form, the wooden porch steps groaned under my heavy steps as I made my way to the porch swing, not bothering to brush off the snow before collapsing into it. I leaned forward with my elbows on my knees panting hard from the exercise, and was bitterly reminded how out of shape I was for a shifter as Alex returned from the kitchen offering me a glass of water. I took the glass and gulped it down greedily as I observed her standing there with barely a flush on her pale cheeks.  “Feel a little better?” She asked. There was no judgement in her eyes, just concern.  “A little.” I sighed. “It will be a while before I’m fully healed.” I warned.  “I know.” She smiled sadly at me, “But we are here for you, no matter how long it takes. Come on, I’ll help you find towels for the shower.” She extended her hand, I let her help me up from my seat as I felt the cold, wetness from the bench settle through my pants. Alex showered after me, giving me no chance to take off again, I was too tired anyway and laid down on the bed. I was asleep before Alex returned to the room.