We began walking through the forest. Allison had walked in front with Cole while I stayed behind with the other two boys.
The boy with curly hair introduced himself, "Hi, I'm Dylan!" He smiled like an idiot.
"It's nice to meet you." I smiled back at him.
"Your eyes are really unique," he commented.
"Thanks," I replied, fidgeting with my hands.
The one with the dark grey hair intervened, "It wasn't a compliment."
"Yes it was!" Dylan argued, hitting his friend on the shoulder. He turned back towards me. "I think they're pretty. Just ignore him. He's always rude," He explained to me.
"Hey! I'm not always rude! Don't ignore me. I really exist so I don't deserve to be ignored." The grey headed boy protested.
"Ok, person that really exists. What's your name?" I asked, breaking their argument.
"My name is Granite," he replied.
"So where are you guys taking us?" I questioned.
Dylan gave me the answer almost immediately, "We're taking you to our packs village. We'll give you food there. If you don't mind me mentioning." He looked up and down my twig-like body.
"Oh it's fine," I reassured him. I looked down at my body. It was boney and it really did look like I was hungry. I mean I am. I haven't eaten in a week. The last thing I ate was a rabbit I split with Allison. Suddenly I bumped into something.....or someone. I looked up and I had run into Cole's back.
"Hey, would you mind looking where you're going?" He gritted through his teeth.
"Oh I-I'm sorry," I apologized. He ignored my apology and just continued walking.
"It's fine. He's just short tempered. Don't take it personally." Dylan whispered in my ear. I nodded.
"So what pack were you from?" Granite butted in.
"We were from the White-shadow pack." I replied bluntly. He looked at me shocked.
"Really!?!?"
"Yes. Why are you soo surprised?"
"We have one of your packs members already!"
"Really? Who? I thought me and Allison were the only survivors."
"Her name is Natalie."
No way. Natalie. She hurt me the most growing up. She could somehow always get me alone and away from everyone, and she would beat me up until I couldn't move. I was a great fighter but for some reason I always froze up. When Allison heard her name she immediately turned around and practically screamed, "Natalie?!?!?"
"Oh is she a friend of you guys?" Granite questioned.
"No, I hate her guts," Allison spat.
"Why? I think she's pretty nice," he confessed, being confused by Allison's angry tone.
"Why? Because she did this!!!" She lifted my chin revealing a bite mark that engulfed my entire neck.
It was from a fight we had once. I remember lying helplessly on the pavement after it had happened. I remember the metallic smell of blood that had filled my nose and the bright light of the sun causing me to squint. I thought it was the end until I saw Allison's face come into my frame of view. She was calling out my name before I blacked out.
"She did that?!?" Dylan asked worriedly.
"Yes," Allison answered, fierceness in her tone.
All of a sudden Cole's voice sounded, "We're here." Before my eyes was a gate about 20 feet tall. It was composed of long metal poles that overlapped each other. Cole unlocked the gate and cracked it open. We filed into it one by one and I began to examine the land. The day was bright, complimenting the scenery. There were trees everywhere with an abundance of fruit on each one. Below them were berry bushes and lovely arranged flower beds. There were stone paths that led to different buildings and openings. In the middle of this garden-like area was an intricate fountain. I watched as water flowed from one panel to the next.
"Welcome to the Promise pack village!" Dylan announced as he stood in front of us with his arms spread out like Jesus. I saw a smile stretched across his face but Granite quickly wiped it away.
"Alright now that you're done with your grand welcoming, let's go eat." He pushed Dylan out of the way and headed to one of the large buildings. Everyone followed behind him. I was last because I was distracted by the stone path. I wanted to step on every individual stone. I looked like a toddler but I don't really care. It's fun and fun is something I haven't had in a long time.
(Cole's P.O.V.)
I looked back to see if everyone was following and noticed Penelope at the very end playing on the stones like an innocent child. Actually a little girl came up and copied her. The little girl looked so happy and so did Penelope.
"This is so fun!" The little girl exclaimed.
"I know right? But I have no idea why," Penelope said to the little girl. I remember when I used to do that.
My dad would always yell at me and say, "Son, one day you are going to be the alpha so stop doing such childish things and be mature and composed. This isn't a playground. It's for walking. Not running, skipping and certainly not playing."
I would hang my head as I obeyed him, "Yes, Father."
"Are you going to keep staring at Penelope or are you going to walk?" Allison said irritably tapping her foot, "If you are interested in her you are going to have to go through me."
"Sorry. I'm not, I was just making sure everyone was following," I replied nervously then turned around and started walking again.
Dylan waited back so he could walk beside me. "Oooooo did someone finally find their mate?" He wiggled his eyebrows at me.
"Ha no. Don't be ridiculous," I pushed on his shoulder playfully.
"Why would that be ridiculous? I think Penelope is cute."
"Then why don't you take her for yourself?"
"Cause I already have Shania."
"Oh yeah. You're so lucky. I wish I could find mine already."
"Penny," He taunted
"Even if I did like her, my dad would never let that happen."
"Why do you even listen to your dad? Just let loose once in a while. He's way too hard on you. You have the right to be your own person."
"I wish I did."
"You do."
"I'm telling you that I don't!!!" I suddenly lashed out at him. All eyes were on me. "Sorry, let's continue." We walked a few more feet until we entered the main headquarters.