You're Not Leaving Us
828 Words
"You are our mate. That's why our wolves know your identity," Hayes responded to my unvoiced question. But why had it taken them so long to confront me? I wanted to ask, but my lips were sealed.
"Our wolves were unsure at first because Ria refused to share any information, but we eventually figured it out by sensing your aura. Why didn't you tell us?" Zylon inquired.
"As I said, it's none of your business," I retorted.
"It is our business! Do you understand the potential danger you're in? You should have informed us so we could take measures to protect you," Hayes snapped.
I understood all too well the dangers that came with being a chosen warrior. My father had often shared stories about the challenges faced by being a chosen warrior wolf. For me, the burden felt even heavier as a female chosen warrior—the first in a century. I carried the weight of a tragic legacy, as women like me had suffered terribly in the past—enslaved by witches, exploited for their special magical talents, and preyed upon by power-hungry supernatural beings. This painful history was why my father had chosen to keep my identity a secret, even from the advisory council. I could sense that it was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain this ruse, especially as my fighting skills flourished and the essence of my wolf began to seep through the carefully crafted walls I had built around myself.
"Have you manifested your magical talent yet?" Zylon asked gently, his concern evident in his soft tone. I shook my head, feeling a mix of anxiety wash over me.
"Our father concealed Ria's aura right after we uncovered her true identity on her eighteenth birthday during the full moon," Tate explained, his voice steady yet protective. "He hoped she wouldn't manifest a talent because that would give away who she truly is." Nevertheless, I could feel a stirring within me, my talent just waiting to manifest. The silence that enveloped us was thick.
I couldn't hold back my worry any longer. Through our mind link, I reached out to Tate. 'Do the council know? I've noticed them watching me train.'
"No, Rue. They don't know," Tate reassured me, yet I could sense the tension behind his words. "They've suspected because you're our father's daughter and hoped you might be a chosen warrior too. But don't worry; Hayes and Zylon have been looking out for you since they recently discovered you're a chosen warrior wolf."
"Good," I whispered, relief washing over me for a moment. The thought of more people knowing about my identity was terrifying. I could feel their gazes upon me, and I held Zylon's gaze, searching for the calm that usually enveloped him.
"When will my transfer be ready? You promised that if I trained hard enough, you'd allow it to happen," I pressed, filling the silence. And I was yearning for the chance to take control of my own fate.
But suddenly, the energy in the room shifted, and I could feel an ominous tension as two powerful auras filled the space.
"Ruby, you're not leaving this pack," Hayes said firmly, his voice low.
"It's my choice to leave. You can't keep me here!" I replied.
"For the last time, you're not leaving this pack, you're not leaving us, so you need to understand that!" he growled, making me flinch.
"Brother," Zylon warned, shaking his head no.
"She's been infuriatingly stubborn. She can't leave this pack. She needs our protection," Hayes hissed back.
"I don't need your protection! I don't want it! I can take care of myself—if not, Henry and Kyle will!" I shot back.
Hayes let out a derisive snort, his eyes sharp with fury at the mere mention of those names. My brother edged closer.
"Henry Vale," he stated coldly.
"Yes, he's my friend," I declared, lifting my chin defiantly.
"You're not leaving, Ruby. You're part of this pack, and you will step into your father's role," Zylon demanded firmly.
"I refuse to take over his position. I've had no training for it,"
"Then you'll have to stay and fill in until we find a capable replacement. Those are the pack's rules," Shane interjected, finally breaking his silence. I glared at him, but he remained unfazed. I turned to my two mates, determination igniting within me.
"I'll leave without your permission," I declared with conviction.
"Then tell your precious Henry to prepare for war," Hayes glowered, a glint of challenge in his eyes. My heart raced as I processed his words, and I glanced at Tate, who merely sighed in resignation.
"Argh, to hell with you! I hate you!" I shouted, throwing open the office door and storming out, my shoulder brushing roughly against Shane as I went.
I needed to be far away, away from Hayes and Zylon. I mind-linked my friends, asking if we could get away for the day, and they agreed.
- Writer
