Chapter 2:Selena's dilemma
678 Words
Derek leans against the door frame and inquires, "Is there anything important I should be aware of?"
Bianca, always helpful, chimes in, "Nora's just feeling a bit under the weather," using my nickname, which most in the pack use except for my mother, who insists on Brenda-nora.
My father gave up on that battle long ago. My brother dubbed me "Brenda Bear" because he claims I used to be quite irritable when awakened from a deep sleep. Since then, I've been Brenda Bear, a bear among wolves.
Derek nods, a touch of restlessness evident. He's yet to feel the calling, though everyone knows he's eager for his destined mate. References to partners and ceremonies don't sit well with him.
Ever since he and his best friend Gabriel turned twenty-four without finding a partner, they've been on edge during every full moon, hoping their wolves would awaken and find their true love.
I've never been able to evade my brother's scrutinizing gaze. He has a knack for reading me like no one else. It's intriguing how humans form lasting bonds. There's comfort in knowing your partner appreciates your personality.
Derek pushes away from the frame and joins me. I wait for his words because I know they will be encouraging.
He murmurs, "You've always been a romantic," and plants a kiss on my temple, his strong arms enveloping me in a double embrace.
In a hushed tone, I confess, "I feel awful. You're here waiting for the love of your life, and I'm already criticizing the Moon Goddess for her rules before I've even met mine."
"Don't worry, Brenda Bear. Once you lay eyes on your partner, you'll realize the romance was there all along," my brother reassures, wrapping my arms around him.
My best friend interrupts, "Where should I put these?" I glance up from my cluttered desk, covered in sketches for the pack's latest construction project. I see Selena, a tall brunette, holding several files.
With a sigh, I motion for her to find a spot in the chaos.
"Just find a space," I say, rubbing my eyes.
"Is it that bad?" Selena asks as she settles into the visitor's chair.
Glancing at the designs, she furrows her brow, "So, which natural wonder are we depleting this time due to Alpha's quest for wealth?" she quips.
I roll my eyes, weary of her stance against our architectural endeavors. She insists on working at the architect's office despite her environmentalist beliefs.
The Alpha appointed her as my assistant, as no one else could handle her.
Ignoring my exasperation, Selena stretches back in the chair, feet on the desk. "I'd be bored at home. Besides, I'd rather bring you coffee than anyone else, so at least we can chat!" she declares.
"Imagine being Grumpy Gamma's assistant. Tessa must be incredibly patient," Selena adds.
"She's his partner, she can handle him," I reply, chuckling.
"It's absurd how the Alpha seems bent on urbanizing half the nation. Where will he target next?" Selena growls, glaring toward the open door.
The phone buzzes, and I answer professionally.
It's our Gamma inquiring about the Denver project.
After the call, I gather the papers and head to the Gamma's office.
Afterward, I return to find Selena lounging in the visitor's chair, flipping through a fashion magazine.
"Aren't you working?" I ask, taking a file from her.
"Maybe," she replies nonchalantly.
"Move, please. Why are you even here?" I press, retrieving another file.
She grins, "You know how the Alpha wants us to maintain business connections? This is our way of bonding. I'm just team building."
I chuckle, recalling how we became friends when she climbed into my backyard treehouse at three years old. We don't need to strengthen our bond, as far as I can tell, she's more attached to me than to her partner, Dexter.
"How are you really, buttercup?" I ask, concerned.
Selena twirls her hair but keeps her eyes on the magazine, not really reading.
"You know me, always with a face like a slapped ass," she quips, forcing a laugh.
- Writer
