Listening to the frog's croak from the river, I sit on a tree stump. I planned to join a new
pack with the Alpha's blessing. We have only come across one since we were traveling, and I decided against it because it was an all-girl pack. I could only imagine the drama involved.
Hearing footsteps behind me, I nearly jump out of my seat.
"It's okay, Zare, it's only me," Ajay says.
"Do you need anything, Alpha?"
"Just to talk."
"About?"
"I know what it's like not being able to be with your Mark mate, and it was nearly the
death of me. I loved her with every inch of my body."
"What happened?"
"Her name was Nora, and she died from respiratory sickness. And even when I am at her grave, it's like my inner wolf can still sense she is near."
"I am sorry."
"So, about Chetan, I think it's such an act of kindness stepping aside and letting Kiara be
with him."
"Did Chetan tell you everything?" I try my best to hide my anger.
Ajay laughs so hard, he nearly falls over.
"What's so funny"? I plant my hands on my hip, feeling irritated and annoyed all in one.
"He didn't say anything; our pack can sense each other's feelings. I can sense how you
feel when Chetan is around. You guys are too wrapped up in your feelings to let others in."
"So Kiara will find out." I place my head in my hands, suddenly feeling ashamed for
loving my sister's boyfriend.
"I doubt she will be able to figure it out. Those deep feelings are yours, and don't tell the
other pack members. I am happy they didn't figure it out yet. I feel it would cause more conflict, that's why we are keeping it a secret."
I nod my head. More fighting is the last thing the pack needs.
"Please report back at dinner time; you will need to eat for the long journey. Your wolf
needs the energy," Ajay says before walking back toward the others.
Maybe being with Kiara has nothing to do with it. Perhaps it's just because Chetan
doesn't want me to start. With my stomach growling, I knew it was time to head back toward the camp.
The wolf pack has a camper. There were only two bedrooms, which made sleeping
awkward. Ajay says it brought us closer as a pack, all part of his motivational speech. Dev and Chetan shares a room, and my sister and I share a room. Ajay sleeps on the couch in the livingroom. Many nights I sleep under the stars in my wolf form to stay warm.
"You're back." Kiara rushes to hug me.
"Yes, I just need some fresh air."
"We heard that before," Dev utters, rolling his eyes.
Flipping him off, I roll my eyes.
"Is that a promise, beautiful?" he smirks.
"In your dreams."
"I did have a dream about that last night."
Chetan punches Dev in the arm, and they both laugh.
"Yuck," I roll my eyes.
Dev stops laughing. "Yuck? Girl, please, you'll be more than satisfied."
Before I could respond to his comment, Ajay begins to speak.
"Quiet down, cubs, there has been a zombie sighting just north at the cemetery. We will
leave at daylight."
"I am ready to rip some zombies apart," Dev says.
"You said it, bro," Chetan agrees.
"Chili is on the oven," Ajay announces.
Dev and Chetan race inside for food, pushing each other out of the way. Kiara follows
behind them. Feeling the breeze run through my hair, I look up at the evening sky. I decide to wait for the others to fill their bowl to avoid the kitchen fight. Hearing Dev yelling, "Unhand the cheese!" I know I made the right decision. Ajay was the first out with two bowls of chili.
Walking over, he hands me one.
"Thanks." I smile slyly at him.
He sits next to me, like super closer. He feels so warm, and I knew it would be a huge
mistake falling for the alpha.
"You need to eat, Adagyudi," Ajay declares.
Adagyudi, I can't believe he just called me love. Trying my best not to appear confused, I
look down at my bowl. I know Ajay protects our pack, but did he mean something more? Ajay would be a fantastic boyfriend, and Chetan would finally be off my mind.
He probably just said it in a general way.