Chapter Six
Ruby
Now I understood how dogs feel when their owners decide to take them outside. I was out of the house! I was out of the house and it wasn't for work. And while I didn't know where I was going, I was excited. I had gotten dressed as Xavier had demanded and had found him outside just as he was getting into his car.
The asshole really was going to leave without me.
I could feel eyes on me as I got into the car, but there was no one outside that I could see. For a moment my excitement faltered, my imagination painting a picture of wolves hidden in the trees watching me with vengeful eyes.
I sat back as Xavier pulled out, his matte black Audi speeding toward the large iron gates that led to my freedom. No matter how temporary it would be. I knew I would have to return to this place at the end of the day, but I sighed and pushed that thought away. I decided to just be in the moment.
During the long drive to the gate I stared ahead at the towering trees that lined both sides of the driveway. I watched as the limbs swayed and a smile made its way onto my lips. I'd been trying to deny it, but being surrounded by nature is peaceful. I awaken every morning to a breathtaking view and the sound of birds. With the fast pace of the city left behind, I'm starting to appreciate nature's beauty a lot more.
"How many werewolves are in your pack? So far I've seen less than ten people."
"Fifty-two."
My eyes widened as I looked over at him. "Seriously? Wow. Where are they? Are there other houses here in the woods like yours?"
He held the steering wheel with one hand and my breath hitched as he reached over to me, his arm brushing against me. He grabbed my seatbelt and strapped me in without taking his eyes off the road.
I frowned, a churning in my gut. He smelled amazing.
"There are a few houses here in the woods, yes, but some wolves live in the city. Only a few though."
"Oh."
He pressed a button on his keychain and the gate swung open. We drove in silence for a couple minutes before I was unable to hold it in any longer. "What's it like? Changing into a wolf?"
He didn't answer right away, and I held my breath waiting to see if he would. Mathieu had said I would learn from them, so I was going to ask every question that came to mind. I had originally planned to find Natalie, but for whatever reason Xavier was being nice to me right now and I was going to take advantage of it.
"The first change is painful. It happens from a young age, between ten years old and thirteen. As we grow older it becomes easier and you don't notice the pain. Being a werewolf is like when you're sitting in an uncomfortable position and your leg falls asleep. You can feel your leg, but at the same time you can't really feel it. I can feel that side of me there, under my skin."
I turned in my seat to face him, my interest piqued. "And when it comes out?"
"It feels like I'm truly myself. My leg isn't sleeping anymore and I can feel it, truly feel it." His mouth twisted into a smile. "We already have heightened senses, but in wolf form it becomes so much stronger. Everything becomes better."
"That sounds amazing."
His brow arched and he threw a look my way. "Does it?"
"Isn't it?" I countered. "To have such power and strength, it has to feel amazing."
He slowed the car for a stoplight and turned to look at me. "It's not always so. Some wolves hate being wolves because they have to keep so many secrets. We go to work and school and live alongside humans, but we have to hide so much, hide who we are. Living in a world like this with the abilities we have is hard. One slipup and that's it, we go viral on YouTube." The light turned green and he drove off. "Yes, being a wolf is amazing, but it has its downsides."