Ordinary

Welcome to the Pack

All of my children have something 'more important' to do... than go check on their sisters' new living arrangements. I, for one, thought it sounded a little 'cultish'...so there was no way I wasn't going to go for a weekend and check it out myself.

I couldn't locate the town online. So there were no hotels to lodge in. No restaurants or activities to plan. I guess I was just going for a quick visit, to see with my own eyes that my daughter wasn't in over her head. That she hadn't gotten herself into any danger by marrying Jim Jones or David Kuresh. God help us, Charles Manson.

"Stop it," I chided myself. Draven was much too handsome and well-mannered for such accusations. *What exactly do you think cult leaders do? They aren't sociopaths with excess charisma?* My inner voice teased.

"Shut up" i grumbled. A cheeky laugh echoed through my head. Sometimes, I swear. I'm absolutely certifiable.

Rolling my eyes at my inner monologue... I zip up my bag and head for the door.

I sent Roger a quick text, letting him know I was on the road... then I set the alarm.

A sense of excitement swells in my chest. This was going to be fun.

3 hours, a tank of gas and 2 hot lemon teas later... I arrived at wrought iron gates protected by guards. I couldn't see any weapons, but that didn't mean they didn't have any pointed at me. I rolled my eyes again. My overactive imagination. Too many daytime soaps or prime-time dramas. *Trust your instincts.*My inner personality chimed in.

One of the officers waved down my car. He leaned inside, flashing a wolfish smile, resembling Draven." Yesh, was everyone in this cult so good-looking?" I panted. 'Down girl,' I cautioned myself, this young man was probably not much older than Adam.

"Hello," he greeted, flashing me that disarming smile. If possible, it gets more effective. I didn't miss the way his eyes never stopped looking around the interior of my SUV, then the dark orbs settled on me with an intensity that crawled up my spine.

"Hi. I'm here to see Serenity Blackwolf. I think. I mean, I hope I'm in the right place. I couldn't find any directions to Wrenhaven and I just followed what she told me. But it wasn't very easy to get here. I don't think I've seen another car or person in more than an hour." My mouth erupted with verbal diarrhea... every time I'm nervous.

I bite my lip... trying to staunch the flow of unnecessary information.

His eyes alight with mischief, actually appearing to sparkle... then, as if he's getting a message, he pauses. Earpieces, obviously.

What has my daughter gotten herself into?

"You should park here, Mrs. Rector. Lun...Serentiy & the Alph... Ugh, Draven will be here shortly. May I help you with your bag?" he queries as he motions for them to open the gate.

And I drive into Wrenhaven. Not understanding or knowing my life would never be the same.

"Kalix," the guard said, sticking out his hand. "I'm Draven's brother," he stuck out his chest proudly.

Relief washed over me, "Ah. Kalix. Nice to meet you. I swam past his hand, pulling him into a hug:" *What were they feeding these kids out here? This kid was solid muscle." I flushed at my informality. I didn't know this kid, and he didn't know me... "Sorry," I said. "I'm more of a hugger."

Kalix laughed, scratching the back of his neck good-naturedly. "Don't worry about it. We're family, right?" he said, lifting my suitcase as if it weighed nothing.

My eyes bucked. I had no less than everything Serenity had left at my house. She should have all her things, since she was on her own now. Kalix headed up the winding gravel road, stopping short just as Draven and Serenity appeared up ahead at the vanishing point.

Draven jogged forward. Wrapping me in a quick hug. "You came. I'm happy you're here," he kissed my cheek quickly. "Welcome to Wrenhaven." He grabbed my bag from Kalix, then winked at Serenity as she arrived and walked right into my arms.

"Mom," she said, snuggling into my hold. "I'm glad you're here. Let's get you to the house," she said, pulling me along behind her as she followed Draven. Kalix returned to the gates as they dragged me off into the indiscriminate woods.

The sacrifice had arrived.