I terminate the call, gratified that circumstances are finally improving for me. A framed image of Laura and me, captured just after our wedding, rests on my desk. I grasp it in my hands, gazing at my lovely partner smiling as I kiss her cheek.
“I shall return you home shortly, Tiny,” I whisper.
WARNING: The subsequent chapter includes a depiction of self-harm and abuse. Reader discretion is suggested.
Jadi sudut pandang
What is causing your anxiety? Jimmy murmurs as we approach the main pack house, my legs struggling to carry me to our objective. We require this training! What is the use of our gift if we cannot utilise it?
I acknowledge his correctness, yet it does not alleviate the trepidation churning inside me. My father consistently asserted my weakness. What if my abilities are indeed feeble and insignificant? Then what?
Then we learn to combat like any other wretched canine! Jimmy growls in irritation.
Ricky and Melina trail silently behind me, both equally apprehensive about our inaugural day in our new roles. Bray seems to be the sole individual enthusiastic about visiting the River Moon wolves.
To maintain her composure, Melina cradles her butterfly in her palm, the exquisite insect traversing her finger and flapping its wings. She has housed it in her room since our arrival in River Moon, and it appears to provide her solace. I must express my gratitude to Rowan once more for his present to her.
Ricky manipulates the sack lunch I made for her this morning, crumpling the paper bag with her fingers. To my astonishment, she accepted the food cheerfully, and my heart soared further upon observing that she was still adorned with the gold bracelet I gifted her.
I hope she remains amenable towards me after reading my note today.
Cease your concerns. We were seamless, Jimmy smiles.
We finally arrive at the pack house, where Aliana awaits us, holding her little pup in her arms.
“Accompany me, Melina,” she said, smiling kindly at her before addressing Ricky and myself. “Josie awaits you in the entertainment room.”
Ricky and I share apprehensive looks and proceed to the entertainment room, where we discover Josie seated on the floor with her eyes shut, while Mark gently combs her hair as if it were silk. Andrew occupies the couch, observing the pair with a mix of camaraderie and disdain, while Muppet reclines languidly at his feet.
Mark comes up to his companion and kisses her temples, whispering comforting things in her ears. The Queen appears entirely at ease on his lap as he starts to delicately braid her hair into a single long French braid, her breaths quiet and steady.
Observing such an intimate moment between two affectionate partners evokes a pang of sorrow in my heart.
Will Ricky ever trust me sufficiently to allow me to care for her like the King did for his Queen?
The Muppet leaps to welcome Bray, and they engage in fun rolling on the floor.
“Please take a seat,” Josie states, her eyes opening as Mark secures the braid. Bray pauses his activity briefly, and we lower our heads in deference to the modest Queen. “My sister will arrive shortly for you, Ricky.” Please remain here while I escort Jadi to the training grounds. Bray may remain at the nursery or stay here with Aliana and Melina. The decision rests with you and your level of comfort.
“Here,” Ricky responds almost instantly. “H-here, please.”
The Queen beams at her as she stands with Mark’s assistance. “Thus, it shall be.”
Mark retrieves his coat and car keys from the couch table and readies himself to depart.
“Exercise caution,” Mark whispers as he kisses his Queen on the cheek before directing a fierce stare at me. “If you harm her, I will end you.” Comprehend?”He menaces, his voice a deep growl.”
I nod submissively, suppressing the lump in my throat.
Josie dismisses her partner with an eye roll and soothes him with a kiss. “No, you will not,” she laughs.
“You cannot achieve healing independently,” he contends. “If he inflicts pain upon you during training-”
“I will heal her,” a woman’s voice asserts from behind us. “So go elsewhere to huff and puff, and allow my sister to train in peace.”
We all turn to the source of the voice and discover a petite woman like Queen Josie at the entrance. The sole distinction between them seems to be their eyes; this woman’s eyes are silvery grey, whilst Josie’s are a golden honey hue.
Josie swiftly approaches the woman and envelops her in a firm embrace.
“You see each other every single day,” Andrew exclaims, while Mark rolls his eyes at the gamma wolf.
The little woman raises her middle finger at Andrew, while Josie laughs uncontrollably.
Ricky, therefore. “This is my twin, Celina,” she states as she withdraws from the embrace.
“Satan’s progeny is more appropriate,” Andrew murmurs, while Celina protrudes her tongue at him.
