Fated or Mated

Hard Goodbyes

Adrianna:

I rummage through my room all afternoon and try to collect everything I would need. I've never been away from home, except for that one time we I stayed with my aunt for a week in another pack when mom and dad both had the flu. It will be like that, right? It's now 8:30 and I think I have all I need. One suitcase is full of work clothes, my boots and a pair of tennis shoes. One duffle bag filled with my toiletries and hair dryer. Last but not least, one backpack full of all my farming books and journals, and a few books for leisure. There it is. My whole life summed up in just 3 bags. My thoughts are interrupted by my stomach rumbling. I head down the stairs to the kitchen to warm some leftovers mom had packed for me. Since it's just me, I take my plate to the picnic table on the deck to enjoy my last supper here for a while. Twilight has crept in and the sky is washed in a somber navy, while the crops head glow amber under the bright moon. I mindlessly nibble as the only think to hear is the nightly tune of crickets chirping in the distance. This will forever be my home, but I will have to say goodbye, if only for a little while.

After I finish, I clean up and head for bed. Tomorrow will be a new day.

"Adrianna! What is the meaning of this?!" I quickly jolt up in bed and open my eyes. My mother and father are at the door of my room with there arms crossed.

"What?" I question, having no clue what is going on.

"What?? What do you mean what?!" my mother asked in a panic. "We come home and rush up to greet you to find your bags packed?! Where do you think you are going?! Where do you think you are going?! What is going on Adrianna?!"

"Oh, that..." I mutter, "did you guys not get the pack announcement?..."

"What announcement Adrianna?" my dad asked, trying to remain calm.

"Yesterday, the Alpha announced they are looking for our pack members to help rebuild the neighboring pack." I start. Both are listening intently, so I continue. " Well, they need a farmer, so I thought..."

"You thought what Adrianna?! You are just going to up and leave?! There is others that can go, not you Adrianna!"

"Mom, please listen. I thought long and hard last night. You are dad are needed here. The other farm hands have wives and children, you can't ask them to leave them, or to uproot whole families. I am old enough mom, I have been helping since I could walk. It has to be me..."

"She's right," dad replies. "She is old enough, and if she wants to go, we can't stop her. She wants to do what's right, and she gets that from you," he says, passing my mom a melancholy smile. "I am so proud of you, Adrianna, for wanting to help, and if you are certain you want to help, you should go, but that door is always open to welcome you home, too, my love." He walks over to give me a hug, as my mom slowly releases her first tear.

"Why is your father always right?..." she says, giving me a heart broken half smile. "How long do we have?" She asks.

"The first group leaves today at 5."

"Well I better go to the kitchen then! I have to make breakfast, and pack you some things for the road, or goodness!" Mom turns around and heads downstairs to start her mission.

"Oh, Adrianna, my love. How I miss I could keep you small forever, but you have grown so much and are destined for such great things." she states and gives me a peck on the forehead. "Now get dresses and get downstairs so we can help!"

"Yes, dad! I love you!"

"I love you too, kiddo!"

Quickly, I jump up and shower. I decide on a baby blue sun dress, and my boots, ofcourse. Mom makes me a grand buffet of all my favorite breakfast foods before I have to ride into town.

11:30 and I know I have to get my application approved to be on the list for this afternoon. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous to go back there after yesterday. I pull my car into an empty spot and hesitate, for only a minute before getting out. I enter the front doors and wait in line to be interviewed.

"Do you have your application?" the lady checking us in asked.

"Yes ma'am! Right here."

She glances at it for a second. "Great! The second door to the end is free! Head back please!"

"Thank you!" I say nervously.

The halls seem longer than the other day, I go to knock, but the door wasn't closed all the way and swings open.

"I'm so sorry! I was trying to..."

"No worries! Please come in!" He booms while turning around. My stomach drops. Why, of all people, must it be him! Ashton is standing in the far corner of his office, just as immaculately dresses as always. His sleeves are rolled up halfway exposing his muscular arms as you fumbles though paperwork in his hands. His first two buttons of his shirt are undone. His hair is more disheveled that befor. As he cast his gaze to me and I look at him a second longer I notice he is paler than yesterday, also, his bright eyes are a little duller, circled with dark rings and bags, as if he hasn't slept.

"Alpha...." I call out as look down to the floor.

"Adrianna..." he breathes while rushing to close the door. He leans back against the door while lightly gasping my arm. "What are you doing here?...."

"Ummm, well, I have turn it this...." I reply as I hand him my application. "I would like to go help rebuild."

He look over the paper while returning to his seat. What color was left in his face drains.

"No...."

"No?"

"No, Alpha, what do you mean no? I..."

"Adrianna, I forbid you to leave the pack."

I am left stunned.

"Alpha"

"Ashton, my name is Ashton." he replied.

"Ashton, I want to help."

"We need you here."

"No, my parents are here, we have plenty of able bodied farmhelps with wives and families here. No one needs me here."

He is staring at the my papers before him with his jaw ticking.

"Fine."

My heart starts racing.

"It's an 8 week work assignment. The pack their will arrange lodging and you will help train there members and return to this pack in 8 weeks. No questions. Got it?" He quickly signed a document and passes it to me. It is the contract. My hands are shakey, but I get it signed.

"It is settled, then. Meet at the western gates at 4:45. Sharp. We will dismiss at 5. Their pack will receive you at their gates and give you all a tour. This is all."

He grabs the contact and gives me my copy.

"Take this. You will need it."

"Thank you, Alpha." He flinchs and spins to face out to window.

“Go.”