The Human In The Wolf Pack
Chapter 8

I taped the last box, letting out a heavy sigh. That was it. My whole life packed away.

“Are you sure you have to go?” Mom asked for the twelfth time that day.

“Yeah mom. I can’t be here. I need a fresh start,” I told her, smiling gently.

She nodded and pulled me into a tight hug. She smelled familiar, and being in her arms just made my resolve weaken. I pulled away reluctantly.

“Is dad still mad?”

“Oh honey, he’s not mad. He just wasn’t prepared for you to leave so soon.”

I nodded my head solemnly. I don’t think any of us where, but I can’t stay here anymore. It was all too apparent that out of the hundreds of people in this pack, I could count the ones who wanted me to stay on one hand. Mom kissed me on the forehead before wishing me a good night. I sighed glumly, looking at my empty bedroom. It had been my home for so long… I showered and got ready for bed. After, I turned off my lights and laid in the dark.

I couldn’t help but feel sad. This was my last night with my family.

…

I heard my door creak open softly. Still being half asleep, I ignored it. Just the footsteps made me slightly alarmed. I woke up and saw Rider standing in the moon light. I jumped slightly, startled.

“Jesus, Rider! Why are you here?” I asked, exasperated.

He looked down, wordlessly before approaching my bed side slowly

and kneeling be side me.

“I’m sorry,” he said, looking at me sincerely

I think that if it was possible to choke on air I would have.

“What?” I asked shocked.

“I’m sorry, Vera. My wolf has been yelling at me endlessly, and I shouldn’t have slept with that she-wolf. You’ve never done anything wrong to me and I was taking out my resentment on you. I have no right to call you weak, or to look down on you. I know I don’t deserve forgiveness, but… Please don’t leave because of me,” he said, averting his eyes as silence consumed the room.

I gasped, shocked and even though I wanted to hold onto my anger it seemed to be slipping away. Was this just the mate bond? I had never cared for Rider before, and the things he said or did never affected me much until now.

“Rider… I’m not leaving because of you. I just… Can’t stay here. I need some place where I can start over. I don’t want to be seen as the weak little human any more,” I told him, resting my hand on his shoulder tentatively.

He relaxed into my touch, his grey eyes never wavering from mine.

“You were never weak, Vera,” he whispered.

I was almost overcome with shock. What happened to the mean, ruthless Rider from before? Why, now, is he sweet and kind?

“I just… don’t know what I would do if you just disappeared, you know? I haven’t been kind to you, I know that, and I don’t blame you for wanting to go, but apart of me is screaming not to let you leave,” he said, resting his head on my bed in defeat.

“I have to go, no matter what. I don’t belong here.” His grey eyes suddenly met mine intensely.

“You belong with me.” I gaped at him.

“Come back to my pack. Have a fresh start. My Pack is different from yours, they had a human for a Luna and they adored her. Just give them a chance,” Rider offered, grabbing my hands as he spoke and holding them firmly in his own.

I felt tingles of electricity travel up my arm and I shivered, goose bumps rising on my skin. The idea was insane. I was leaving my family to escape from werewolves, but why was his idea so tempting?

“Where is your pack?” I wondered, dazed.

“Polson, Montana.”

I thought about it. It would still be traveling. And if I didn’t like it, I could leave. I looked at Rider wearily. There was only one problem.

“Listen closely, Rider,” I said, bringing my face closer to his.

He stared at my lips, his eyes darkening a few shades.

“I’m listening,” he murmured.

“Screw me over and I swear to god you’ll never see, hear or even breath the same air as me ever again,” I promised darkly.

He nodded eagerly.

“Then I’ll go with you.”

His whole face brightened.

His grey eyes lightening, his lips drawing into a huge smile. Dimples appeared on each of his cheeks. It was stunning to see such a bright expression on the man who always glared at me. I had to begrudgingly admit, he was too beautiful.

“Thank you, Vera,” he whispered, standing slowly.

I smiled, shakily, unsure with my decision but nodded at him either way.

“Well, it’s going to be a long day tomorrow. Good night,” I said, pulling my blankets up closely to my chest.

He frowned but hesitantly nodded. I watched him walk out of my room before my eyes started to close.

…

I woke up a few hours later to see Rider curled up on my floor with a blanket, snoring softly. I stared at him blankly for a moment, unsure with what I was seeing. I tapped him softly.

“Rider, wake up. If you sleep on the floor, you’ll be sore in the morning,” I whispered.

He stirred slightly but then returned to snoring softly. I sighed and shook him a little. He jerked, looking at me with wide, innocent, sleepy eyes. I felt myself soften under his gaze. It was like looking into the eyes of a puppy.

“C’mon, Ri, let’s get you to bed,” I murmured softly.

He whimpered slightly, still half asleep, but once I grabbed his hand, he followed obediently. It was easy to tell he was barely conscious as he stumbled after me. The bed room across the hall was empty so I opened the door and led him to the bed.

He stood there staring blankly at me for awhile. I sighed before guiding him onto the mattress, then laying him down. I tucked him in gently while he kept a hold of my hand. I tried to pry it softly from him but he refused to let go.

“Rider, I have to go to bed,” I whispered.

He whined softly again and I let out a frustrated breath before staring down at him wordlessly. Was it because the bond had gotten even stronger? I couldn’t replace any other explanation for his sudden actions, and my growing softness to him. After a moment, he blinked slowly before jerking me onto the mattress. I was tense, laying along side him, but after awhile, I decided I was too tired to fight him on it.

“Don’t make any moves or you’ll be missing a testicle,” I hissed, but he was already asleep.

I relaxed, feeling an unknown emotion wash over me. As I felt the last of my consciousness drift away, I felt Rider pull me close to him and into his arms.