An Unforseen Mate

A New Day

   "Rise and shine! It's time to get up, Dearie.” a cheery voice chirped as an elderly woman entered the room. Making her way to the bed, she gave a tug at the blanket. “Come on, we’re making breakfast and Luna Indigo and I want to see you downstairs to join us. We’re not eating in our room this morning.” she spoke. Receiving no response, the old woman shuffled towards the window and threw the curtains open, letting in the bright morning sun.

   Squinting at the sudden burst of harsh light, Shai groaned and rolled over, stuffing her face into her pillow and pulling the comforter tighter around herself. Not ready to give up, she gave a whine and curled up under the blanket, indicating so. Although, as soon as she felt another tug at her blanket, she gave a wave and slowly sat up, stifling a yawn. Blinking a few times, Shai looked over at the woman, not able to help but give a smile. Nona was the oldest of their pack, well respected and basically everyone’s grandma. Feeling something off, she examined the old wolf, a questioning look on her face. She wore her silver hair up in it’s typical tight bun, wore one of her usual bright floral dresses and white sandals. Nothing looked different, but something was.

   Noticing she was being eyed, Nona gave a reassuring smile. “I know you’re having a rough time right now, Dearie. But you have to get up and eat, I’m worried about you. Everyone is, we all know how rough these last few weeks have been. Here, I even got your outfit ready for you.” she informed, placing the hanger next to Shai and giving her hand a squeeze. “We’re all here if you need us.” she promised. 

   Feeling a sudden warmth in her chest, Shai moved over and gave Nona a tight hug, closing her eyes as she breathed in her scent, a mixture of wildflowers and pine. It was a calming scent to her, and always relaxed her. It was true the past few weeks were hard on her. She longed to have her parents around, see how she grew and be there for her birthday and in her life. “Thank you, Nona” she whispered, her voice hoarse and barely a whisper. Nona was the only one who had ever heard or even knew that she spoke. She didn’t feel the need to communicate with words, and rarely spoke to Nona.

   Hearing her voice, Nona beamed and patted her head softly before pulling away. “Come on, get dressed. I’ll see you downstairs.” she grinned and slowly left the room, leaving Shai alone to get ready.

   Giving another yawn, the young woman slowly slid from her bed and walked into the bathroom shared between herself and the room next door. Knowing she still had some time, Shai brushed her teeth and went for a quick shower. Once she was washed and dried, she wrapped herself in her towel and headed into her room, looking at the outfit that had been picked for her. With a loving smile, she gently ran her hand across her favorite tan knit sweater, the one that had belonged to her mother. Pulling on her undergarments, sweater and jeans, she wandered over to her hamper and tossed in the towel and her nightshirt, pausing to look at herself in the mirror.

   Her eyes were a bright and shocking green, complimented by her subtly tan skin, her lips were full and a light pink, her skin covered in freckles from head to toe, not heavily, but definitely noticeable. She had a strong jaw line and cheek bone that made her seem to stand out slightly from other women. Her brown hair lay just past her shoulders, and shone a beautiful copper color in the sun. Her body was average, she was short at 5’4” but she was proportionate. Her waist was thin, her hips curvy and slightly wide, her butt round and firm her breasts a little above average but sat nicely on her chest, yes she had a slight tummy, but she wasn’t overweight in the least. Feeling satisfied with her reflection, she stepped into her slippers and headed down to the dining room.

   Her pack was one of the largest in the country, a lot of misfits, runaways and outcasts. Although all were very loyal to their Alpha Richard and Luna Indigo. The two led their pack with equality and love, but were still strict and tough when needed. Fair was a good word for them. While large numbers usually meant safety, it also meant they were at risk for attack by anyone who thought they were a threat. After their pack had been attacked and brought down in numbers, the two quickly moved the remaining members and found a cute three story hotel they transformed into a home for their family. It was nestled in the woods just a few miles from a small tourist town run by witches, which was ideal if they needed anything. Shai frowned as she thought about the past, almost 23 years ago the High Council suddenly started to collapse, many of the Alphas and Leaders started feuding, causing many unnecessary deaths and violence to so many. No one knew why the High Council was so divided, but it didn’t seem like their peaceful way of life would be returning anytime soon.

   Stepping into the dining room, Shai noted the few she-wolves already downstairs and getting the four long tables ready. Being greeted ‘good morning’, she nodded in response and quietly helped set the tables, placing the silverware and cups around the plates and going to the dish room to grab the carts. The kitchen was huge and commercial, their dish room had large racks for dishes and several huge industrial sized dish washers, and a few carts with plastic bins for dirty dishes. It was run just like a hotel would be, but with everyone helping out and taking turns. Placing the bins against the wall, she turned to see Indigo step out of the kitchen and approach her. 

   “Good morning, Shai. We have a few things we’d like to discuss over breakfast, so sit down and relax, the food is coming out.” she smiled. Over the speakers a chiming bell was rung, indicating breakfast to the entire building. Feeling nervous she took a random seat, watching as everyone filed in, taking seats and chatting happily amongst themselves.