“Caleb says I’m the only thing keeping the pack safe.” I mutter it as quietly as I can.
Mum cups my cheek and kisses my head. “The pack is strong and besides we make a great team. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Caleb can be a little… paranoid.” She mouths the last word. “But that’s what makes him good at security. He has cameras covering the entire ranch for miles around.”
“So you think I’m over thinking?” I ask.
“Krista you always over think things!” She laughs. “You take after your father, putting so much pressure on yourself. What you said earlier to Izzy was a big promise and it’s one that I hope you never have to uphold. You’re my little girl and I don’t want you to have to go to those dark places with your power. You’ve already shed enough blood.” She tucks my hair back behind my ears caringly. “Now eat up and enjoy yourself. We have a lot of hard work to do tomorrow.” She kisses my temple again before getting up.
I finish my plate of food and go over to the food table and place it atop other used plates. I take a moment to feel the rhythm of the earth and let it flow through me. Centring me and enveloping me in a comforting embrace. I feel warm despite the snow covering the ground. The gentle fresh breeze on my face is refreshing and I breathe it in. I smile as I close my eyes and listen to the forest animals around me. The slow heavy footsteps of a herd of elk grazing through the forest pulse through the earth. They feel at ease and calm as they settle for the night. The weight in my stomach is lifted away and replaced with tranquillity.
I open my eyes and hear Lukas’s deep voice from next to me.
“Feel better?”
“Much, but how did you know what I was doing?” I ask.
“I’ve seen Gwen re-centre herself in Gaia’s energy many times.” He offers me a can of cider which I gladly take. “Werewolves can do it as well to a degree. When we shift we give ourselves over to our instincts and impulses. We still maintain a certain level of control but it feels nice to just let go and be at one with the world around us. The burdens we have day to day don’t matter for a time and life becomes simple.”
“Does it hurt when you transform?” The thought of someone’s body turning into a completely different shape is incomprehensible. “It sounds terrifying.”
“Not at all. It’s almost a relief sometimes. Mind you the first time can be uncomfortable to say the least. Especially if you turned from a bite instead of being born a werewolf.” He tilts his head to the side and I find my eyes being drawn up into his.
“And I’m guessing as your mum and dad were both wolves then you were born one?”
I try piecing together all the information I’ve been told.
He smiles. “Exactly. My dad met my mum when she joined the pack.”
“I still find the idea of you growing fur and walking on four legs crazy I must admit.” I laugh as I drink more cider.
“Maybe I’ll show you sometime.” He offers with a smile.
“Umm… ok.” I smile back. “But is it not like… I dunno… It feels like a private thing for me to watch.” I feel my face go red.
“Well-“ He’s cut off by my dad calling everyone’s attention as he stands next to the camp fire.
My mum is next to him holding his hand as he raises his beer in the air. “I propose a toast! To being reunited. To those we lost and to our future and most of all to Krista whom I could not be more proud and grateful!” His exclamation is drowned by cheers of “To Krista!” and if my face wasn’t red already it certainly is now.
I raise my can back to everyone and Lukas puts his arm over my shoulder in a half hug as he clinks his can with mine.
After the noise dies down my mum raises her hand. “And now we’ve all eaten our fill how about we help Penny tidy up as you know she’ll only do it all herself otherwise!” She laughs.
Everyone gets up and starts carrying plates and used utensils into the main house. I pick up what I can and follow Izzy into the kitchen. It’s a lot bigger inside than I first thought. The kitchen is huge with state-of-the-art appliances and a granite worktop. The lighting is from chandeliers made from various antlers woven together.
Izzy spots me looking around.
“It was like this when we got here.” She explains. “Kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms were all set up like some Airbnb. Plus most of the cabins were as well. Thankfully as Caleb likes his own space and Jason and Penny desperately need some time to themselves.” She winks with a giggle. “It’s been nice getting settled into my own little cabin. Actually having privacy!” She blows a long whistle. “You cannot imagine how nice it is!”
“It looks amazing in here! It's weird though don't you think?.” I ask.
“Yeah but I'm not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth!” She laughs. “I see you and Lukas are getting along very well?” She gives me a side smirk as she washes up some plates.
I grab a tea towel and start drying. “He’s been showing me around and helping me settle in.” I answer nonchalantly.
“Mmm… and? What do you think of him?” She pries.
“I mean he’s nice to look at don’t get me wrong! But… wait are you and him?” I do an awkward show of locking my fingers together.
“Oh hell no!” She laughs. “He’s like a big brother to me! We grew up best buds and as lovely as he is there’s no way me and him could be a thing! Yuk!” She shakes her head side to side with her tongue lolling out. It has me cracking up.
