5.
906 Words
As I open the door to my bedroom my eyes roam over what will fit into the backpack now dangling at my fingertips.
How could I have agreed to this?
I mean dad argued beside me for at least half an hour, even getting me a salary, the likes of which is unheard of for the women of the pack, but still the shock has not set in.
We have lived in this house.... alone in this house for the past ten years.
I'm not only about to start a new 'role', but it also feels like I'm rejoining a pack we have barely been apart of since we were so tied up in it we could hardly breathe.
A decade is a long time but the vivid memories of our life before the wars took mum are clear as day.
Eating every meal in the dining hall.
Mum and dad's busy schedules of meetings.
Hanging out in their offices as pack members came in and out all day.
Greeting visiting wolves.
Attending mating balls.
Attending pack meetings.
Attending... school.... seeing my friends every. day.
My friends... well, my former friends.
After Mum, I became a shell of myself, getting out of bed became a chore, I had to work at every day, laughter became unimaginable, making plans seemed like betrayal.
The month we spent in the packhouse mourning was the worst month of my life. Not one of them understood. Not one of them paused their victory dance to step back and look at what the price had been.
This month was also the month I met Jessa. She and she alone seemed to glimpse into what I was going through, having lost her father that day too.
"Are you ready Michaela?" Dad asks as he approaches from down the hall.
"No" I reply with a soft smile before looking down to his full but not overflowing backpack.
"Come on" he says, throwing his arm over my shoulder and guiding me into my room, "I even left some space in mine for you.... we both know I wear the same set of three clothes any way".
I laugh quietly as I nod my agreement before dropping my backpack on the bed and beginning to pack.
I don't know if the walk to the packhouse seems longer under the now overflowing backpack or because of the guards Alpha sent to 'assist' us with our move.
But as we arrive the packhouse seems busier than ever.
Lunch.
But even this is a bit much for lunch isn't it? The walls seem like they will burst at the seams with how many people are crowded into the main hall, many making their way towards the dining hall but others are standing still..... staring. Great.
I put my head down, hoping to make my way through the crowd without that one brave soul...
"Michaela". Rats.
"Michaela" comes Winter's high-pitched, slightly annoyed voice.
"Hello Winter" I reply, plastering on a polite smile before trying to move past her and her other half of evil, Sofia.
"Michaela, are you really sure you want to do this? I mean, I know you have always had a thing for Weston, but like really, stalking? Isn't that a bit low... even for you?" Sofia asks, giving me her best fake pitying look.
"Huh hmm" Dad clears his throat beside me, Sofia and Winter turning their attentions to him for the first time noticing him beside me.
"Oh M..Mr Or... Ors... Orson..." Sofia stutters.
"Daddy didn't say you too would be joining us Mr Orson. Welcome home" Winter says, trying to ignore her best friends and her surprise.
"This isn't my home, but thank you all the same" dad replies with a curt nod of dismissal before ushering me forward.
"Even as a child that girl knew no bounds" dad whispers once we are out of earshot.
"Which one?" I chide in return.
"Fair point" he says before pausing and turning to the men still following, "I think we know our way from here gentlemen, and thank you for your assurance of our safe passage. Good day".
Dad turns, but as we begin to walk again, the men continue to follow.
My dad turns, a questioning expression on his face. The braver of the two steps forward. And for that he instantly has my respect. It has taken me years to step towards my father once that look is so firmly in place as it is now.
"Sir. The Alpha's orders were to accompany you to your rooms and then for you... Sir... for you to meet him in his office to discuss your new role".
"My new role?" Dad questions, standing a little taller.
The guards look to each other but finding no aid there look to me instead.
Pity. But also a little proud of one of them speaking up previously, I give them a secret nod.
"Why not just hear what he has to say? It'll get him to leave you alone" I offer dad with a little shrug.
"Hmmm" dad says his eyes squinting, considering whether to call out how he knows exactly what I'm trying to do.
"Fine" he agrees after a moment. "Fine but you" he says pointing to the braver of the guards "are to make sure she makes it to her rooms... uninterrupted. No matter whom tries".
"Yes sir" the guard says immediately, stepping towards me slightly.
- Writer
