"...Marissa never talks for herself, so that's my job, just accept that Regina would be happier here."
Mavis didn't respond, and for some reason, Regina's heart hurt. Why didn't the woman fight for her?
"Why don't we let Luce decide? This will affect her life, after all."
The girl finally broke from Marissa's hug and looked at those around her.
Teresa had her hands on her hips and a fierce look on her face. The Alpha and Luna were in the back, along with her cousins. Liam and Sarah were by Mavis's side, offering support. Atta was backing Mavis up while the woman looked like she was close to tears.
She could be happy here, be a perfect family, and have an ideal life. But Speranza was right; she couldn't grow at all. Regina could and would end up hiding in the trees from the other wolves. She needed a push, and this was it.
Regina faced Marissa once again and gave a smile. Marissa let out a chocked laugh and hugged the young woman tighter.
"You come back; you hear me. I'll be waiting." Marissa whispered into her ear before letting Regina go and giving her a small push.
Regina walked to Mavis and Atta without another look. If she did, she would crumple.
Regina had to leave before she had another chance to stay.
"We will visit; this was my first time actually seeing the packhouse. Maybe our next family reunion can be here instead of in Helena. Mom and Dad would like the scenery."
And so, the three left. Atta opened the door for Regina and later Mavis, helping the younger into the car. As they drove away, Regina never turned back. She would be back, and when she came, it would be with smiles and welcoming words coming from her mouth.
For a while, the car was silent. Mavis and Atta didn't talk much during car rides; they just listened to music. Regina didn't know what to talk about, so she just stared out the window.
"I think I'm gonna take I-15, it will add time, but it should be quicker."
"Are you sure Atta, that means dealing with lunch traffic?"
"But then I can take I-90 the rest of the way. You know we also get slowed down near Stevensville, and I want to avoid it."
"That also means dealing with Idaho Falls and Rexburg. Back roads would be better, Atta."
And that was the whole conversation for the drive. Regina toned most of it out; she had no idea what they were talking about anyways. Instead, she focused on what she saw outside the window. It wasn't too forested, more mountainous. Then they broke through the mountains, and she could see cars.
They were all going along one path, and there weren't too many of them. Atta joined them and drove with the other cars.
They passed little towns, forests, and bare land. It wasn't that cool, kind of boring actually. The land was all brown and flat, nothing in sight.
Bored out of her mind, Regina eventually fell asleep. It wasn't like she was missing anything.
The next time she opened her eyes, she could see mountains. Houses were all around her, and there were a lot more cars and people.
"Hello, sleepyhead, welcome to Missoula. We only have an hour or so left."
So, Regina continued watching. They left the town and were back on the road. Mountains were all around, and one was growing closer. Miles along the way and Regina could even see some water.
They drove past a campsite and the lake, going onto a smaller dirt road. The three then bounced around on the uneven ground. Trees were surrounding them, and Regina never felt more at home.
Soon the car stopped, and a man walked up to Mavis, who was now driving.
"Hey there, Mavis, just in time for dinner."
"Yeah, that was the plan. Say hi to Leon for me, Jake."
The man smiled, and the car continued on the dirt path. Then the trees opened up, and Regina could see the packhouse. Houses were surrounding the two-level structure, and a group had gathered by the front door.
"That would be all your family waiting for us," Atta lowered his voice as he turned to Mavis. "I told them to wait for us to introduce to her them. Thirty-plus people is too much for Luce."
"It's fine; we will just introduce your parents and siblings, cousins, and nieces can wait."
The car stopped, and Regina didn't move. So many eyes were staring at her; she could feel it. Mavis and Atta stepped out, and Regina watched as they were enveloped into the group. Children hung onto them while adults talked. Regina could feel her heart begin to race at just the idea of meeting any of them.
'Tell Mavis I don't feel so good.'
While Speranza mind linked Mavis, Regina focused on breathing. Her hands were shaking, and her breathing was labored. Was she sick?
The door opened, and Regina calmed down at Mavis's scent.
"Is this too much for you, Luce?"
She wasn't even able to answer, Speranza said something instead. Mavis then unbuckled her and sat next to her in the car and shut the door.
That's how they stayed until Regina calmed down. Mavis was rocking her gently, holding hands tightly and humming. Regina focused on the woman, ignoring the people waiting outside that door. She managed to calm down, and when she looked up, the group was gone.
"I told Atta to take them back inside. You don't need to deal with that after being so anxious."
Regina didn't care; she was just happy they could walk in without anyone talking to her.
"We do need to see the Alpha; he sees everyone that wants to enter the packhouse. And with you joining the pack, he needs to see you."
Speranza was still close at hand and was talking to Mavis before Regina could even say anything.
'Would it be just him? I can handle that much.'
"The Beta and possibly the Gamma would be there. But Atta and I will go in with you. He just needs to see you and accept you into the pack."
It sounded simple enough. Regina nodded, and after taking in some deep breaths, she was ready.
Mavis held her hand as they got out of the car. Mavis handed something to a young man, and the two entered the large house. It was like the Lotta Lunare packhouse, large and two levels. It still had a different layout Regina knew it would take time to memorize.
"The Alpha is upstairs; his family takes most of the floor."
Atta greeted them at the top and went right to Regina's other side. She felt better already.
Atta knocked at the door and opened it. Inside were two men, from the scents and power; they were the Alpha and Beta.
"Alpha Josh, Beta Jayden. How good is it to see you again."
"It's been too long, Atta, how was Idaho?"
"Good Alpha, we found a friend." Mavis answered the tall man, and the two moved to show the Alpha and Beta Regina.
"So, this is the pup you were sent to help. She does look older than Marcos mentioned."
She was so tired; how long did adults have to talk? It was all about what happened at Lotta Lunare and things like that. Why was she here?
"Anyways Alpha, because of that, we want Regina Luce to enter the pack. Then we can continue looking for her birth pack."
Mavis finished, and Regina let out a yawn.
"Of course, I would gladly let Regina join us. Come here, Regina." The man motioned for her, and Regina tightened her hold of Mavis and Atta.
"He just needs your wrist. He needs to open a connection between you and him. The whole pack is connected through the Alpha bloodline. After this, we can show you our part of the house."
If that meant sleeping, Regina was all for it. Still holding onto Mavis, the young woman walked towards the Alpha.
With surprisingly gentle hands, he grabbed her wrist.
"Forgive me; this is going to hurt."
Then he bit down, and Regina screamed. Pain rolled through her veins until it felt like her head was going to burst. There were voices, so many voices. They were talking and sharing information, but it was too much for Regina. She placed her hands over her ears in hopes to make them all stop.
Mavis pried one hand away and spoke in a whisper. "It hurts, but right now, you need to build a wall. Block out all the other wolves in the pack."
Regina obeyed and built a wall like the ones in the packhouse, logs stacked on top of logs. As she constructed mentally, the voices dimmed, and it was eventually quiet once again in her head.
"Now build a door, one that only you can open."
A door appeared, one with a doorknob only on one side. With the door completed, there was a strange knock at the door. Regina opened it just enough, and soon there was an unfamiliar male voice in her head.
'Welcome to Montagna Sigcura Regina.'
Regina opened her eyes and looked around, finding the Alpha with a smile on his face. She gave a smile before closing the door and returning to Mavis and Atta.
"I can tell she's tired and it's dinner time, don't want to keep the kids waiting for food. Whenever she is ready, we can officially welcome her to the pack."
The family left the Alpha's office, and Regina let out another yawn.
"So, since you're tired, Atta and I can show you around tomorrow. Today's been a lot, and I know you need rest."
Mavis smiled at Regina, and they walked downstairs and through the packhouse. Passing a colorful door, they reached the end of the hallway. Atta pushed some buttons, and the door unlocked.
Regina peeked through to find couches and chairs. Following through the house, she saw a kitchen and a table before it went into a hallway. There were three doors, Mavis and Atta, guiding her into the first on her right.
It was plain, white, brown, and tan. Still, there was a soft bed that looked very inviting.
"We can go shopping for bedroom things another time. Get some sleep, and we'll see you in the morning."
Regina fell onto the bed, a smile on her face.
Sure, she would miss her friends at Lotta Lunare. But so far, this pack wasn't so bad.
Comments (0)
See all