I look over and meet the most beautiful dark burgundy eyes.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5V9DWUdXA

"You okay honey?" Mom's eyes glance back to the road but she watches me closely, concern marring her brows.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡemhhdjA0Q2

I nod, rubbing the sleep from my eyes and stretching the fitful restlessness from my bones. Unfortunately it does little to relief me.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡli3vO1J7uG

She reached over and gently, with care, squeezed my shoulder. I looked over.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡllalyZc1mk

"Nightmare? What about?"copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡazoe1OWmxK

She only has to look over for a moment at the look in my eyes to know the answer.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4b2n1WdsH

She shudders. "I know, baby. Believe me I know. Maybe here we can start over fresh."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeHjbcW3or

I can only swallow the bile in the back of my throat, sending my heart pounding forward in my chest, leaving a deafening impression on the inside of my ribs.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1c0NrJoTc7

"It's okay Annabear..."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR0izWBegJ

I shake my head to force the memory away.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP6JFExXl7

"We need this pack, baby, we can't live without. I wish we could but I'm not strong enough and you're so new to the change still."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡksQFDyQqTz

I curl my shoulder and hunch down into my seat, letting the seat-belt dig in under my arm. I try again to sleep. The beauty of it has eluded me this last week. It started with the death of my beloved father. It began as I watched the life leave his body.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡbN3jd9bsKb

"Beautiful girl." Alpha. Predator. Sadistic.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtB4NTRdAu

He smiles at me. It turns my father into dark fury. It doesn't take his over protective warnings to tell me to be careful to know this new Alpha is danger.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1hMQf00Gv

"Be careful Annabear. He has sickness inside him. He is broken and twisted and if you ever find yourself alone with him scream as loud as you can and run. Run for me and I'll protect you."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9eX6slHf3

He said that days before the challenge. But it wasn't really a challenge. No, in a pack battle daddy would have wrecked this vicious animal.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9drWlcYmU

Daddy was always honorable. It was an inner beauty in his soul and it's why he was slaughtered.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzCBiPl17D

The sharp crimson red of blood over his tan complexion. Dull steel gray eyes losing that remarkable honor I've long cherished.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ADd6HA3sh

All the while surrounded by the most majestic palette of greens only nature can twirl into existence. My fingers tightened with the urge to work a paint brush.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlXU789vW3

No.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZ6BPC5KOE

No.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqCRKGgo7X

I never want to give those terrifying colors realism again.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgem3cZ8oK

xXxXxxXxXxxXxXxcopyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu2awA2bzZ

Something jerks me awake. We're still in the car. The ghost of memory spins monsters into the green dark woods. I search the other side of the glass trying to find the innocent love I used to feel when looking to the woods. Nothing but adrenaline and anxiety touched me now. We're following what looks like a curving long driveway farther back into the woods.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMhboxhKt5

The hand shakes me lighter this time but still with worry. I look over.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQdZPVAuhA

"You were crying."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡOw8eYLwhsE

I reach up and my fingers come away wet from my cheeks. Guess I was. Exhaustion dogged me for the rest of this unnaturally long drive and yet sleep eluded me.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24Z79apLb6

"We're here."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡePveHJ0kBi

My mother's face was filled with trepidation as she put the Oldsmobile in park and shut off the overused engine. I searched her lovely face. She carried the refined complexion of any werewolf in her prime. She looked closer to thirty than her actual age.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjeSjnYAFn

Her beautiful eyes were tired. She'd just driven from New Mexico to Virginia straight without a wink of sleep.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEkpCwNhAQ

I asked her how she was holding up. She smiled and caressed my face.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUi53J1WLS

"I'll be just fine sweet child. Now come on, we're already late."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFmkEypEPP

I let myself out and finally looked at this potential home. It was old Victorian but well kept. How cliche I can't help but think. It's almost maroon but a little too dark. Maybe it's age, the over all condition of the two story building was maintained but the paint was weathered more to the right than the left as the house collected more sunlight on that side while the left was primarily shadowed by tall pines and maples. In the front lawn a willow sat by itself. I had the strongest urge to touch it but refrained as mom wrapped an arm around my shoulders and leaned on me.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡine8S1x4xU

We left the car behind on the pavement and stepped down onto gravel to reach the front door. It opened before we reached it.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡagVqmfd48c

My spine tingled with awareness as we stopped mid step. I took one step in front of my haggard mother to protect her.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fFUQfr9uL

"You must be Nicole and Julianna. So good to see you here safe and sound!" The woman said with a bright alluring smile. Her hair was this short bob of strawberry blonde that seemed to glow in the rising sunlight.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKQ2h44ehf

"We are. Thank you so much for seeing us. Are you the Alpha's mate, ma'am?"copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5Mb8Yflec

She laughed and motioned us into the parlor room.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmzJh6VN80

"No, our Alpha Sebastian is unmated. I'm the resident doctor. My name is Gretchen Marshall. It's so nice to meet you."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JmSmVySsW

"You as well. You must be the Gretchen I spoke with on the phone? I know this is all rather sudden but we had to leave our pack."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AHkReT9lF

"That's okay Nicole. I've notified Sebastian. He's made sure to be around the grounds for when you arrive and-"copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEpGJZKdYA

I turned from them and searched the architecture of the room for some idea of the new pack's style. It was well kept but not overtly pretentious. Signs of yellowing paint told me the house was older and not regularly up kept but there was a distinct lack of dust, cobwebs and dirt. Clean and neat but not compulsive about perfection.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4ku8rr2gt

My mother took my hand and gently led me up the stairs leading up from this open parlor. The open breezy doorways led down hallways but I missed the signs of life. We were led up a second set of stairs to a second level. Was there a basement? Four floors was rather spacious and a bit ostentatious. Was that the personality of the Alpha?copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQPRKkNNse

Gretchen led us down a hall to a set of double door and knocked once before pushing through to a rather bland looking waiting room then again through a second set of double doors. I was suddenly overwhelmed. Beautiful, vibrant hues welcomed me. Royal decadent purples paired with warm grays colored the entry room of this master suite. A polished swirling marble floor that seemed completely out of the ordinary for this house but it held a luster that stole my eyes. I watch white and light blue strands dance and twist in the marble. I followed it until my mind froze on a set of bare feet. I followed them up with the distinct feel of my heart racing in my chest.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6fNmeUETE

Faded, rough blue jeans topped bare feet, curved loosely over strong legs. Narrow hips but a well strung body barely concealed by the button up shirt tugging at wide shoulders. This man...copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOeG893cEd

There was no mistaking who our new patrons were. The new presences in the room.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZBmb0ShVu

My eyes had locked onto none other than the Alpha himself. It had to be him. No one could hold that frame of power and lethality and be anything less than Alpha. He was nothing like I expected. Nothing like what I'd become accustom to.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡjR7MYzsWgU

He watched my mother as she stared at his chest and muttered. I've never seen eyes as piercing as his. They reminded me of chrysocolla, a lustrous green blue stone. It's a otherworldly semi-precious beauty commonly confused with turquoise. His eyes are different, no greens quite match them. Turquoise doesn't do them justice. Maybe because they held no sense of lunacy in them.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡZShLMibzKV

They turned to me. And the world froze.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOoqTHrDii

His eyes narrowed but we were locked on. I couldn't look away. I couldn't explain the tight pull in my chest, like my ribs were gripping my heart, crushing it. It didn't hurt but I gasped anyway.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIfpgYCPF4

Suddenly my mother's arms were around me and growling vibrated my body. I tore my gaze away and searched the ceiling again searching for breath.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxElTYpAtN

I felt wind on my cheek and turned to the movement. My mother was speaking, her words blowing on my face.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ3aeaZeA9

"-very different. Not like anything you've seen."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLmjzbXtQ7

I pull away and sign to her.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCLgldSXxM

She signed back and then turned to the Alpha.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0c08jgnEfD

"What is going on, female?"copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeCMt53ulz

I looked to mom as she responded hesitantly. I remember the painfully when she had told the crazed Alpha about my "disability".copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv81DsybAV

"Will her offspring be broken as well?" I flinched at the thought. The sharp taste of bitterness coated my tongue.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FIyRfpp9x

"My daughter is deaf. She can't hear."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgWSo6Eavd

"What?" Those beautiful unique eyes were swallowed by canary yellow and shock as they looked at me.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg1iH1h7za

"Julianna is deaf and mute."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDmhEJEkRU

"How is that possible?"copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo1XfdenCd

"That's why her looking you in the eyes, facing you is not a challenge. It's the only way she can understand what's going on."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m9NIpSy4a

He looks me straight on, searching me. I can't decipher the emotion in his eyes.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhImb7vJKb

I know he doesn't know I can read lips because he meets my eyes while still talking to my mother and says, "Is she stupid?"copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYjXTrH92c

I rear back and spin to my mother and begin signing harshly.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡpphz29t4iD

"Did he just call me stupid?"copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYSTY3iyPD

"Sweetheart please not now." She signed back to me as she spoke allowed.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JlmtphVbF

"I'm not stupid. He's the ignorant dog!"copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLQxPN5NDn

"You shouldn't say things like that Julianna."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EH9IVCfPN

"Don't just stand there! Tell him I understand!"copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡs57VHPmS5E

"Julianna."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUcVI86WgQ

I turn and sign to him. I know he won't understand but I have to try and do something.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa7cukxJld

"I am not dumb! I can understand you! Just because I can't hear doesn't mean I'm blind! You are a piece of shit if you think I can't understand!"copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA3Z68WmrN

He gripped one hand trying to cease my movements, eyes a bright almost neon yellow and tried to speak but I ripped my arm from him and continued ranting the only way I knew how.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkSC780aGd

This went on for several minutes until my jaw hurt so much from my teeth being clenched. When I finally finished I was heaving, breath rasping like I'd just run a marathon.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf1mvoTuBb

My mom's hands gripped my shoulders and shakily drew me back into her and then behind her to protect me from this quiet Alpha's wrath. He seemed to be simmering under the calm. He said nothing. He just stared me down but I refused to be cowed by his glare.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvh8wdeas1

After everything I had just called him my adrenaline was pumping and my heart and mind refused to back down.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0X8Wcq5jC

He breathed in deep, that intense gaze leaned forward a moment then he said,copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmFvBtlzLi

"Take them away."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjDvuNQf58

Suddenly the men I had previously been oblivious to descend and led us out. I pulled my mother into my arms when one of the men grasped her arm and she cowered.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zBZGbR9CJ

She's a submissive. She won't fight you. Don't manhandle her you monster!  I wanted to scream but my voice refused and I cursed my deafness.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEwpKSDf2U

There was two men and the doctor Gretchen.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqpEIujWnU

As far as I could see everyone stayed silent. Mom asked no question. She seemed less scared by the singular fact that she only barely shook as she curled an arm around my shoulder. I huddled closer, wrapping one arm around her waist. We gripped the other and became the others support and pillar of strength. After father's death sometimes it was all we had. Gretchen smiled sweetly at our gesture of affection and it was the first real distinction about her. She had a beautiful smile. It matched the rest of her soft, gentle, motherly affection-like aura.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2sS5byisj

I signed to my mother that I loved her.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDswsSniPK

"I love you too my sweet child."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjt4373I1M

We were led not to the front door from which we first entered but up a set of stairs.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nx1GGmk9K

"Where are we going?"copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyfmnjudGs

My mother looked just as uncertain as I was so she reiterated my question to the three others.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6w6Ua9nd2

The woman was the only one to respond. She looked at me as she spoke.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbbNs5PxzL

"Sebastian is very direct. If he had wanted you both gone he wouldn't have just said, 'Take them away.' He wasn't sending you out the door, only away from him. He can be rough around the edges sometimes but he won't send two females out packless."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5hoRjUyA4

My mother turned to one of the men but by the time my eyes turned all I caught was the tail end of his words, "-as much as the girl did."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvnrZ5YjEU

I bit my tongue in frustration. I knew he was talking about me and it annoyed me that people had no decorum.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5zWqPnffg

Clean but older wallpaper adorned the walls in this upstairs hallway. A rich and lightly faded burgundy with a light cream carpet. It was also dulled by the incessant foot traffic but at one time it had been extravagant and beautiful. Several closed doors followed the hall, all similar and approximately the same distance apart. We were stopped in front of one. The woman spoke first as the taller of the males, this one had a long mess of blonde hair pulled haphazardly into a ponytail, unlocked the door. From the outside. It sent cold shivers up my spine.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1jJaRy7nA

"While our Alpha decides how to handle your situation you'll be give shelter and food. You'll be kept here for yours and our packs protection. This way."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡCExJlgna0g

She gestured for us to move into the room first. Naturally mom being my protective momma bear went first but no rabid angry wolves jumped out. The room was tastefully decorated but lack any real personality. Art on the walls, flowers and color but missing the warmth of a personal touch.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX4RLYDpeZ

I turn to the woman and found her speaking to mom.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡFw0MNcDkUH

"-will be brought to you three times a day but Sebastian is a very reasonable man. Best guess is you'll be out of here before dinner." Her easy smile and gentle brown eyes seemed to put mom at ease. She nodded and the woman closed the door behind her. She turned to me, "They locked the door."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5HvnqvcAN

I tossed my hand in a frustrated gesture.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFKmK5djHQ

"What do they expect us to do? Savage them? This is bullshit."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVbh0RW2pX

Now she spoke aloud but continued signing.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIWMccL3dt

"We need them, Julianna."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAD68rSw38

"How do we know they're any different than the old pack?"copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbbHanjpn2

"We don't but this Sebastian seems a logical, sane wolf. He will be fair. Beside we aren't strong enough to survive without protection."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEh2ZMgUX3

Even I agreed with her there. Mom had backbone, especially when it came to me and my well-being, but she had no whiff of Alpha in her. She was as submissive a wolf could be. I wasn't Alpha and I wanted no part of this. We'd grieve over dad, toughen up and leave this place. Maybe we could try to be human, pretend and leave this wolf insanity behind us. Last thing mom needs is male wolves messing with her. Last thing I need was to let my anger at a certain Alpha get us kicked out or worse.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo5Le5uWWz

We spent that afternoon and early evening in the locked room that I'd found had no windows. Decorative curtains gave the room a deceptively open feel but behind them led to nothing but more wallpaper. This just fueled my fury. Lies. Deceit. Stupidity. Anger and it was all focus on one man. I could practically feel the steam coming out of my ears. I occupied myself by searching the attached cozy sized bathroom with some basic amenities included like soap and shampoo. They'd made this place barely livable for situations like ours. I gritted my teeth as I paced the length of both rooms.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjQEayFKSG

It felt like days passed before my mom bounced up from where she'd been sitting on the queen sized bed, eyes focused on the door. It opened and the second male from earlier stepped into view. This one was of average height and look infinitely younger, almost my age. He had dirty blonde hair and full lips under high cheekbones.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRtPzNErdn

"Come female, Sebastian would like to speak with you."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlefPZAcpC

We both move forward when the man raises a hand to stop me. Mom freezes.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFpH0SCngG

"Only you. The girl stays."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNPL0tB9Cu

I sign to mom frantically. She kisses my forehead and gently pats my cheek.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQVYsdGBCu

"Stay here. Be good. I'll be back."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡxciukXiS6z

I was gasping, scared for her and frantic to not be left in the cage alone. She smiled softly, eyes pained and then left with the male.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjTRymj566

I immediately went to the door and pressed my hands and cheek to it but the movement had quickly faded on the other side of the wood.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡin6zEOP0x0

I quickly stripped my clothes and begun my change. No matter what happened, if by chance my mother wasn't the one that returned first I wanted to be at my strongest. I would be ready. I would be waiting.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vuWrGlcdm

It was a mousy woman with long free flowing curly black hair that unlocked and step in next seemingly hours later. She carried a tray with a succulent heavy steak and veggies on a platter. When she saw me she jumped, dropping the tray, in surprise. It may have been my hiss, but I can't be too sure. The door immediately closed. I eyed the food, all those sweet, hot juices soaking into the wood floor slowly. The scent of fresh meat curled around my nose, enticing me but my stubborn will refused to give in. Eating it felt too much like defeat, giving in.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNjhsOEjEX

Suddenly the door flew open.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡtriFqGwLKB

Mr. Alpha filled the doorway. His growl shook the floor. He spoke,copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrDnTayJC7

"Female. Change back now."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr0WFFAhBH

I shook my head violently. I rumbled low for my mother. The sounds that shook my chest felt strange. She wiggled by the man and appear beside me to take my giant head in her arms. She scattered kisses over my ear, tickling the sensitive hairs there.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hWZ0t7oiO

"She is deaf in this form as well?"copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIvl9rSFyI

I only presume my mother told him because he nodded.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡbubiOxe3Ol

"Change."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1MF1hMpCN

I huffed. My eyes roll to my mother when she begins speaking.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPqjxhZsNE

"She very rarely changes, Alpha. It is very hard for her still."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G367PSUxk

"Why?"copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcLmznxppy

"She only made her first change a little over a year ago and she refuses to change because it's harder still for her to communicate in this form."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUFfV8M6lq

He looks to me, "Then why is she this way now?"copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDfVPDK2CO

I lift a paw and unsheathed my claws. Hissing I point them at him.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡdj2sKAa1iL

You wolf, are the reason. You I don't like.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYCdZNqL4O

He cocked his head.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95yIvUBpRb

He turns away from me and to my mother.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡcILLfQeRDf

"We are agreed then. I couldn't do that to you in good conscience but teach your pup some manners and respect. If she scares one the young again she'll be declawed."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQKi1yQAfw

I reared back and blinked surprised.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfPjaSplIK

He looked shortly at me, eyes cold.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9TlE5b5mf

I leaned forward and bared my teeth then snapped them.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1usCu7BfZ

No translation needed.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OBnlfi36E

His lips thinned and he closed the door but not before turning his back on me.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlb30ULtNT

I shook with annoyance. Asshole.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLWhFa5In1

Gretchen showed up maybe an hour later. She worked as a human nurse in the maternity ward of the local hospital. She took classes to specialize in children, infants and maternity. Or something like that. I only caught part of what she said as she took us out of the prison room and back to the ground floor. She gave us a short tour of the main pack rooms including the expansive kitchen complete with joyful faces and bright eyes as women fed their young and people shuffled about. They smiled happily at us, waving and introducing themselves. I was well aware that none of them knew I was deaf and mother did not tell them. The common area with couches, tables and a section fenced off for the children to play in. It was filled with bright colors and child like figures and kids games.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWlKZFz8kt

We were shown a classroom. The walls were lined with bookcases filled with what I assume to be textbooks. In the classroom a couple of girls a few years younger than me played music from a radio. I felt the vibration with them and stuffed down the yearning for hearing. With it brought my urge to paint and I refused that all together. Mom began to tear up as she brushed her fingers on the child-like drawings done by toddler by the door. It was her joy at the sight that had her squeezing my hand. Gretchen said that the pups we're taught here before she breezed through and swept us out of the room.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO5QdnDtsk

"The other main entertainment room is this way. For the most part the older stay in the first room and the younger pups spend their time here." She motioned us after her as she stepped through the open doorway. As far as we've come there's been no doors. Every threshold was open keeping the whole of the ground floor airy and free moving.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaR3LmJEaS

I could feel the pause of movement as we entered. There was several people here, all roughly my age. Four females and three males. The youngest seemed to be maybe thirteen, a female and the oldest no more than nineteen, a male.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt3hW68Onp

Two males stood around a worn pool table, racking the balls to begin a new game, with them a girl hung around watching and chattering. The youngest female, a short freckled red head, sat on a plush green couch with a book and by the look of it she was almost done.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM4lfv3xBz

The others had pulled several couches together and had been laughing and talking animatedly with each other. That was until we entered.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6HWH6jTX6

"Hello," Gretchen beamed at my peers, "These are the new pack members, say hello to Nicole and her daughter Julianna."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N6nr5qx6e

Several mouths mumbled back at us and my mother smiled, waving shortly. I eyed all these people, searching them and gauging their responses. I saw one of the boys elbow the other and nods to me, murmuring in a way I couldn't read his lips.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡBInvd7GZji

My mother took my hand and when I looked back Gretchen was leading us out of the room and back the way we came. I followed her lead but not before glancing back. They watched me with much the same gauging response. I watch the two boys giving me a curling smile.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdmwBQ8pML

When we were farther away, enough I assume the boys couldn't hear mom spoke to me,copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡ059Ao4aNfq

"Stay away from the boys, Julianna. I don't like how they looked at you."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0E7jQKLpg

She didn't have to tell me twice. No way was I looking for any way to further weave myself into this pack's fold. In fact I plan on doing everything I can to separate myself from it. I just nodded and when my mother looked at Gretchen so did I.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfV6zLHulV

"The pups here are good, smart. They are just excited to see a new person their age. I imagine it can be hard for them to stay on the ground so much."114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLUwnylFRe
"What do you mean?" Mom asked with a frown.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKHpAH3ODA

"We teach all ages here. Sebastian insists that all children, no matter the age, be home-schooled. It's safer for our and human children alike. We have several teachers here that divide the school subjects between them."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCSUiBsmL3

Mom looked at me and I was too busy trying not to choke. I'd live here and stay here. I'd never have a reason to leave. I swallowed back bile and the feeling of suffocating. Maybe it wouldn't be as bad as the last pack. We weren't allowed to communicate with the outside world when dad had been alive but at least here we're educated.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVitFCVQ4B

"Learning a human's education is to put ourselves on their level. They are ignorant. They are stupid. They are sheep. We are predators. We are nature. We learn to hunt. We learn to kill. We do as our ancestors have always done and that is the way of things. Nothing more."copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJMvNDdnE7

That's what our crazed old Alpha used to decree and from that we lived a dark life. We could not think for ourselves. We could not question. No freedom. No light.copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk7xYxoqku

Were we walking out of one prison into another?copyright protection110ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQ6QUOZhtN