Seeking The Past

Chapter 3 - The Elite

I took Declan’s hand and he gave me a firm hand shake.

“You seem tense.” He said keeping my eye contact.

“Oh um, I’m sorry but I’m not entirely sure how to respond to high breeds.” After the words left my lips, my eyes grew wide and I covered my mouth. To my surprise everyone around us just erupted into laughter.

“High breeds! I’ve never been called that before!” Declan continued to laugh while others repeated what I said. I felt so embarrassed for the second time that day. “I’m sorry Hannah, I don’t mean to upset you. I’ve noticed you as one of the best trainees and your grades are impeccable. I felt we should get to know each other, especially if you’re going to be on our team of elites at the college next year!” It started to make sense now. Why he stared at me and why he invited me out. Betas were the ones that lead the elite warriors. He figured I was continuing on to the college with my grades and marks in training. I gave them a warm smile.

“Of course! I should’ve introduced myself sooner. I apologize.” Just then Madison hugged me and whispered something about us being sisters. It was very off putting, I wasn’t much for getting close to many people and I wasn’t use to anyone being so bubbly. It almost made me feel sick how chipper she was. The bell rang releasing me from Madison’s grasp and she darted into Declan who took her hand. He looked over his shoulder as they walked.

“Tonight at 7pm. We meet at Charlie’s Diner!” He smiled at Madison who was staring at him almost starry eyed. They walked off and I went back to put my books in my bag and head off to my next class. My mom was going to be elated that I was invited to hang with the the Alpha’s kids and the highbreeds. She was going to be praying to the goddess that I just loved being around them so much that I changed my plans to leave.

After school I walked home wondering if I should even go. If I didn’t, I ruin my chances of being in good standings with the Beta and joining the team of elites if I did go to the college. I sighed, I knew I would feel obligated to go. My mom probably telepathically knew already somehow. I walked in the door to the loud sounds of crying pups and children chattering. We were a family of eight including my parents. We had recently taken in twin orphaned pups because their mother passed in childbirth and their father couldn’t live with out her. He passed shortly after. The mate bond was so strong in our pack that other packs referred to us as the “Love bird” pack. Only Alphas were ever able to live on and find second chance mates. The other children my parents had taken in were all from similar situation. A couple were pups from unwanted non mated pregnancies. One was a half breed that the human rejected the mother once he learned of her supernatural abilities. She couldn’t stand the rejection and looking at her pup became unbearable. I walked up giving the twins a kiss and they quieted down quickly.

“How do you do that?” My dad looked at me trying hard to feed the pups. He was covered in baby food and I couldn’t help but snicker at the sight of him. I walked over and kissed his forehead as well.

“I’m just special I guess!” I said gleefully and walked up to my mom who was getting dinner started. We always ate very early so the little ones could go to sleep early. She stopped and looked at me.

“You seem happy…” She trailed off sounding suspicious of my attitude.

“Well I thought you would be happy. I made some friends I guess and we’re going out tonight.” She stared at me.

“Yeah right! You’re not going anywhere young lady I don’t-“ I cut her off,

“It’s the alpha crowd. They invited me out with them because I’m soooo elite!” I mocked giving her a sarcastic tone. Her eyes grew wide and she squealed with joy. Just like I had heard Madison do earlier.

“JOHN JOHHHNNNN!” My mom called out to my dad and ran into the next room to tell him the good news. I looked into the pot of soon to be stew. I looked so plain. My black hair and green eyes stared back at me. My eyes were the only thing I liked about myself. I pulled my hair up into a ponytail and turn to leave when my mom rushed back in and put a twenty in my hand.

“What’s this?” I looked at her unsure if this was a reward or a bribe.

“For dinner of course. Don’t they eat before they run?” My mom said looking at me like I was the crazy one.

“Run?” All Declan said was that we were meeting at the diner. He didn’t say we were going for a run!

“When we were younger, the tradition was that every Friday the alpha squad would meet up at Charlie’s and go for a run in wolf form. It was some kind of alpha bonding experience with his closest elite group.” My mom said looking off as she recalled her youth.

“I’m not going.” No wonder Madison said we were sisters! We were about to get fully naked and I was very shy of people seeing my naked human form. I had yet to become comfortable with them! I was about to see their naked human forms? That was something they taught in advanced training. Most highschool pups were nervous with people seeing their naked human form.

“Hannah! It’s just a run! You’ll be fine! Just tie your clothes to your leg or something.” My mom was never going to let me refuse. She would drive me to the diner herself if she had to. I just shook my head and crumpled the twenty into my pocket. I walked off up the stairs to my room. I laid in my bed and set a alarm for 6pm. I let myself drift off to sleep, trying not to worry. I wanted to get in a nap before tonight’s run if that’s what it was.