We fell into a routine after that.
In the mornings I’d wake to Max getting ready in the bathroom, my body and mind both unwilling to wake up so I’d lay burrowed in the warm covers until Max would come out and gently wake me up with a soft touch and forehead kisses.
Then, we’d have breakfast together before Max would squeeze my hand tightly and head off to catch up on some pack stuff I didn’t really know about.
I’d sit by the river, or sit under a tree, or just be outside as much as possible. Not that I didn’t like the pack, just that I didn’t want to spend time with the others. It made my skin itch and my hands fidget, discomfort and nerves making me feel too overwhelmed to spend time with all the people and wolves.
Then, I’d have lunch with Max and he’d end up feeding me most. It always made me flustered and embarrassed, it felt like the eyes of every pack member zeroed in on me and it made me want to curl up against Max and hide my blushing face.
After lunch I’d spend the rest of the afternoon visiting Lola. Her pups were now toddlers, their growing had slowed down, and they’d continue to grow at a normal rate. The running, screaming and crying children were a terror to everyone around them but I still spent time with them. When they were calm, River was rather charming and Xander always shyly clung to my sleeve. Lola seemed to appreciate the help, looking rather exhausted.
After visiting Lola and her pups, I had dinner with Max before we headed to bed. I’d crawl into bed almost immediately while Max would change into sleeping clothes or go use the bathroom. I’d just chuck my pants off and sleep in my shirt.
Then, Max would rest me against his chest and read something softly until I fell asleep.
It was pleasant, despite how much I felt like an outsider I was eternally grateful no one had raised a hand against me. Part of me was even more on edge because of it, like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Walking on eggshells all day even though it was exhausting.
Then there was a change.
I was sitting beneath a tree when I heard someone shout, “Heads up!” I jerked my head upwards, startled, a pair of feet swinging down towards me. I scrambled out of the way, the person landing on the ground with a laugh. They wore a loose t-shirt, a pair of pants rolled up to their knees and a leather necklace. They turned, and I met a pimple ridden face grinning maniacally, his hair brown at the roots and a shock of bright blue hair along the top. Their appearance shocked me.
“You were almost a squished puppy.” He said, smile not wavering. I blinked, both wary of the stranger and indigent at being called a puppy. “My name’s Simon and you’re Luka.”
“Nice to meet you.” I said, still confused about this tree person.
“Want to see something cool?” He said, brown eyes lighting up. I almost shook my head, to turn down this odd stranger, but part of me really wanted to see what he wanted to show me. Before I could really answer, he grabbed my wrist and eagerly tugged me into the trees. My mouth went dry, the forest, and I didn’t have a great relationship. Not after I ran away and met that sleep demon.
Simon didn’t slow his excited pace, legs pumping fast enough to make me break out into a sweat. I stumbled, trying to keep up, and he suddenly stopped. I grunted when we collided.
“C’mon, c’mon, quick!” His town was slowly making my heartrate pick up, anxiety tugging at my stomach as I scrambled up the tree he indicated. He shushed me halfway up and stopped moving when we reached one of the thicker branches, sitting down easily like we weren’t a dozen or so feet off the ground. I licked my lips, reaching out slowly and tugging on the edge of Simon’s shirt.
“What are we-?”
“Shh!” He said, waving wildly. “Look, look.” He whispered, pointing to a knot on the branch across from them. I peered forwards and to my surprise, a small nest was there. Eyes widening, I leaned further and saw three small bodies nestled together. I inhaled in surprise. Simon shot me a smile, and he stared down at the baby birds fondly.
We both sat there for a couple minutes, watching the tiny things sleep peacefully before Simon pointed wildly upwards. I tilted my head back to see a very large and furious looking sparrowhawk flying swiftly towards them. Simon shoved me and I practically fell out of the tree, clinging tightly to the branch as I shimmied down as fast as possible.
“Run!” He shouted, sliding down the trunk at a dangerous speed. I tumbled down after him, landing awkwardly on my feet. Simon sprinted away, I was close on his heels. I heard the angry scream of the mama bird, but when I glanced back she didn’t seem to follow them.
Simon was laughing wildly, and I felt close to tears. He had brought me all the way up there to see the cutest thing I’d ever seen before just to push me out of a tree? I stopped running, crossing my arms over my chest and glaring after him.
He slowed to a casual jog and circled around back. I looked away, feeling grumpy as my legs wobbled from the swooping fear and adrenaline rush. Simon continued to laugh breathlessly, face pink and hair damp with sweat.
“I’ve been there a dozen times, and that bird hates me. She’s never been back so soon though.” I scowled harder, realizing that I was being rather childish but pretending I didn’t notice. “You gotta admit, that was more fun that sitting alone for hours on end.” Heat filled my face, and I looked down at my toes, hands falling to my sides.
“Fun is one word for it.” I mumbled. Simon beamed.
“C’mon, let’s go get a drink before heading to lunch.”
To my surprise, Simon followed me to my seat beside Max. I glanced at him, face still pleasant and smiling. It seemed odd he was suddenly here, had he always been a part of the pack? There were still only a small amount of people I could pick out from the crowd. I don’t remember ever seeing Simon’s odd hair.
I recalled a girl back in my old pack who had purple streaks in her pretty blond hair. I didn’t know what it was or how she did it, but she went away for a day or so and came back half bald, patches of scalp bleeding and bald.
When I sat down, Max wrapped a warm arm around me with a smile and leaned down to press his lips to the bridge of my nose. I flushed, glancing over at Simon worriedly. He wasn’t paying attention, his teeth already buried in an unidentifiable hunk of meat. Max followed my gaze, an odd expression twisted his face as he looked at Simon.
Even though he’d been dragged up a tree and chased by a bird because of him, I felt a sudden worry for him when Max stared. Would he send him away for his hair as well? I wasn’t sure, my heart sinking.
“So the Big Bad Beta finally settled, huh?” Simon said, not looking up from his food. Max sniffed, reached out to wipe away a smear on my cheek.
“I wouldn’t call it settling.” He rumbled. Simon shrugged.
“I’m just surprised that someone like Luka would be paired with you.” Max glared, his voice dipping deeper in warning.
“I’d watch what you say about Luka.”
I looked between them worriedly before looking down at my fingers, squeezing them tightly in my lap.
“I’m just saying,” Simon continued. “I wouldn’t think someone who’s much more thoughtful, reserved and sunny like him would end up being yours.” Max didn’t seem to expect that. Simon looked up and met Max’s eyes. “I may be a pacifist but I’ll break all those vows if you hurt him.”
My jaw dropped.
Simon went back to eating calmly, not giving either of us another glance.
Then I let a little snort out.
I knew my laugh wasn’t loud, in fact sometimes it was nothing more than air leaving my mouth, but right now it was verging on giggles and now the two of them were staring at me and I was embarrassed but it took another minute to calm myself from the fit. Max smirked affectionately, ruffling my hair.
After eating, Simon said goodbye when I went to visit Lola. Four toddlers bounced excitedly around and on her, Lola herself collapsed on her side. I smothered a smile and stood a foot away, looking down at her.
“Need a hand?” I asked. Lola perked up, a kid or two tumbled off her when she pushed herself into a sit.
“Luka! It’s been forever.” I grinned as she pulled me into a hug, not caring we’d seen each other yesterday at the same time. It was nice.
Unfortunately, Lola and I had only been talking for a short while when someone interrupted.
“Hi!” She said pleasantly. “I’m gonna borrow Luka here.” Before either of us could say anything, she’d snatched my arm and hauled me to my feet. I squeaked in surprise, following her reluctantly.
The lady lead me into the corner, pivoting and grabbing my hands tightly in her own. She was smiling, so I didn’t feel too worried, but I was still concerned that I’d done something.
“My names Chloe, it’s nice to meet you.” She started, pushing some curls from her eyes. I glanced at her hair, the ginger locks sprung out from her head in corkscrew curls similar to Lola’s hair. I opened my mouth to introduce myself but she just squeezed my hands before continuing. “I’m sure you’re wondering what’s going on and I just wanted to apologize. You can be angry or upset or whatever, but Shay’s attitude towards you was uncalled for and both of us are very sorry.” My head was spinning. Shay, the scary lady with the pretty black hair and icy glare. Chloe was saying sorry for her. “She’s really stubborn and hotheaded, she does stupid things without thinking it all the way through and her impulsiveness has gotten us both in enough trouble already. I just want to let you know it wasn’t your fault or personal, Shay just has a very narrow perception when it comes to what she thinks if fair and justified.” I was about to stop her and stutter out that she didn’t need to say any of that when I was interrupted again.
“Hey.” I jumped, Shay appearing behind my shoulder. I slid my hands out from Chloe’s and took a step back, this whole situation was confusing me. Shay was glowering and I quickly avoided eye contact, not wanting to be on the other end of that again, but when I glanced up through my eyelashes she’d wrapped an arm around Chloe’s waist and the frown on her face was more of a pout than a death glare. “Why do you always ignore what I say?”
“Because you’re usual wrong, dear.” Chloe chirped, patting the hand that was holding onto her hip. “Anyways, Luka. We’re both very sorry. Shay’s mother was the previous Luna and loyalty was the only thing that mattered to her; Whether it was loyalty to blood, love or your pack. Shay-”
“I can speak for myself.” Shay cut her off, sweeping her long silky hair over a shoulder before turning her cool eyes on me. “You were an unknown wolf in the pack, which made you a threat until I neutralize it.” Chloe slapped her shoulder and she yelped. “What?” She demanded.
“What she’s trying to say,” Chloe said, smiling at me. “Is that she was just trying to protect the pack. She wanted to make sure you weren’t going to be a problem with a public initiation.” Shay huffed and pulled Chloe closer against her.
“Yeah, what she said.” She grumbled. “Can we go now?” Chloe rolled her eyes, giving me an apologetic look.
“Bye Luka! If you need anything, both of us would be happy to help.” I quickly nodded, finding my lips were sealed shut from shock. Shay kissed Chloe’s cheek and guided her away, arm still locked tightly around the ginger’s waist.
“Those two are something, huh?” Simon materialized by my shoulder. “It’s kinda funny how that happens, someone like Chloe ends up falling for someone like Shay. Carefree, daydreamer, almost ditzy. I never thought she’d really want to be with someone so strict and grumpy.” I rubbed at my arm uncomfortably.
“You mean like me and Max?” I asked in a small voice. Simon sighed.
“Kinda. You two are very different, it boggles my mind.” Simon brushed some strands of royal blue hair from his eyes. “I don’t have a mate and never will, I’ve known that since I was young. It’s just not for me, I don’t want that. I’m okay being this way so when two people end up together that clash so violently it makes no sense. Yet somehow it always works for them.” Simon’s eyes were trained on the two girls heading out into the sunlight. “I’m not really envious, but sometimes I wonder what it’s like.” Simon didn’t look sad, he had a soft smile on his face and when he turned to me it grew. “You wanna be my platonic mate?”
I snorted, eyes watering and suddenly I was laughing harder than I had in years.
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