Watercolor Girl

23

Rea

Jelly was drowning. The poor girl had been underprepared for any of this and she wasn’t dumb enough not to know it. To be a part of a pack is to be a part of a mob mentality, she knew that too. The masses had spoken and she couldn’t back away from the voice. Lev, his fate and destiny would have always brought him to the head of a pack, he was born for it and that was evident. His pack would love him. His genuine and honest nature would serve him well and Evangeline’s strength had turned him into a pretty formidable powerhouse of a wolf. He’d played with that little alpha out there, toyed with it, he could have killed him at the very first strike but he didn’t. My little Jelly had been taught to hide, to seek out the shadows, she was rough around the edges and didn’t possess the social tact that Lev had been raised with. Would she be an amazing Luna, I had no doubt, but would her methods of leadership be as praised as her mate’s? I saw Jelly being more of a background player, her accomplishments and sacrifices would be known only to only those she allowed close, that number would remain small, undoubtedly.Time would have to tell. We’d get her through it.

I was excited to go out and get off the pack grounds. I enjoyed it here, but had learned to appreciate my own world too. Jelly needed a shopping spree like she didn’t even know. I’d get her into something that showed her off eventually and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. Jelly and I sat waiting for Lev to get ready. She sat on the ottoman, meticulously unlacing her new boots and lacing them with her preferred laces, lacing and knotting, tightening and loosening, lacing and knotting before cutting the excess when she had gotten them perfectly as she wanted them. The deep green matched the color of Lev’s eyes. I’m sure she’d picked up on that. She looked adorable in her tight black skinny jeans, shredded with frays of hanging fibers, tucked into her “untied” boots with her black tank top. Jelly was a warrior. She had a stout hourglass build but she was obviously built for agility and strength that many she wolves were not built for. She wasn’t dainty and petite with a fine slender bone structure, she was curvy but toned with muscular legs and arms. I admit my bias, because obviously my pup was going to be the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen, but that bias aside she was beautiful with her high cheekbones and tanned skin, her dark shining eyes. Lev had lucked out. How he controlled himself at all around her was a miracle. Not only were they fate bond mated, but she was stunning, they made a beautiful couple, complimenting each other, fitting together so precisely perfectly that only their goddess could have been the sculptress who formed them. Lev himself was handsome and astoundingly attractive. He dressed with an edge giving him a sort of bad boy appeal with his long shiny black hair and his scruffy facial hair. He looked like he should be the frontman of a rock band. The funny thing, the most attractive thing about Lev if you could imagine it being anything other then his absolutely flawless appearance, he had a softness and sensitivity about him. Jelly deserved the wolf she’d been given. She needed him and that softness. I couldn’t not love Lev, the way he made his little mate smile and the way he doted on her and fussed over her. Her eccentricities seemed endearing to him. She deserved and needed that. It was hard for her to accept right now but eventually it was his softness that would bring her out. They would be a fierce powerhouse when that day came. The alpha and his warrior Luna.

“Jelly we’re buying you a dress.”

“Ok Rea.” I clapped.

“Alpha are we ever gonna leave?! I need butts!!!”

“Jeeeez mama Rea so pushy today. I’m ready. I’m ready.” His eyes shifted to Jelly and narrowed.

“I’m here!!! Don’t be getting all sassy.” A sheepish grin crossed his face.

“Sorry, she’s just so pretty.” I couldn’t have agreed more, but I knew how those werewolves lusted.

Evie

I bent over pulling my hair into a messy bun on top of my head, leaving out the pieces to cover my face.

“Ohhh later my little one.” I smiled at him and bit my lip a little, he took an exaggerated deep breath.

“Alright let’s go before Rea hits me.”

“Rea I don’t know about this dress. It’s too tight.” I stepped out of the dressing room stall, her eyes lit up.

“No Jell it’s tight in all the right places, look at yourself.” She dragged me to the mirrors. I felt ridiculous. “That’s the one. That’s it. It’s perfect. We’ll pick up some accessories and it’ll be to die for. You wait.” I sighed, but she was impossible to disagree with. Lev had taken Rea’s phone and wandered off to do whatever he needed to do there. Rea had used the opportunity to put me 8000 different dresses, all of the ones I liked she said looked like a potato sack. I did have a very plain sense of style. Lev had made the mistake of leaving the credit card with Rea. She was in charge of this craziness and was loving it.

“Where my ladies at?” I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Store at the end. We’re just about done, we can meet you somewhere.”

“By the doors, unless there’s anything else you need?”

“No we’ll be there shortly.”

“Lev’s done. Said he’ll meet us by the doors, and please let me take the bags, Rea.” She handed them to me and I followed her as she bounced along happily towards Lev.

“Sorry to cut it short. Needed back home.”

“Is everything ok?”

“Talk about it in the truck.” He said taking my bags from me and planting a kiss on my cheek.

“Rea, am I broke now?”

“Not yet but I’m getting you there.”

•••••••••••••••••••

“One of the patrol wolves got caught in a trap. Prognosis guarded. In addition Alpha Rose and his Luna are already here.”

“Oh well that’s a lot.”

“Here, Evie.” He handed me a small box, I opened it an in it sat a phone.

“It’s activated and everything you just have to turn it on.”

“Do you know the number for it?”

“Yeah I already put it in my phone. There’s a case for it in one of the bags too.”

“Thank you love.”

“Memorize your number I assure Lyssa is going to ask you for it.” Rea dug through a bag handing me the case which she helped me put on it before putting her own number in it for me. I’d figure it out later. Right now I was unconcerned and slid it into my back pocket.

“Is their room ready?”

“Yes. Patrick confirmed it was set earlier.”

“We need a beta, Lev.”

“I know little one.”

“It’s ok, Jelly. You’re fine.” Rea put her hand on my thigh. “It’s overwhelming now, but it’ll settle.”

“I know. It’ll be fine.” When we pulled up, Rea took the bags up to room, Lev went immediately to his office to meet with Alpha Rose, Luna Lyssa had gone to their room to settle for a little bit. I went to the patrol house.

“Patrick! Tell me what going on.”

“We had the increased patrols out, Stacy was running just inside the woodline of the northwest quad and he sprung a trap, it got him good.”

“Wolfsbane?”

“No, Luna, he was able to shift and free himself. But the worry is how close it is. It got him working 15 feet of the wood line. Whoever is setting these is getting bold.”

“Why is his prognosis guarded?”

“Well, Luna, the damn thing nearly severed his leg from the calf. He lost a lot of blood.”

“He lost the bottom half of his leg.”

“That’s right.”

“Can you take me to where it happened.”

“Of course, Luna.”

“Ok, let me shift and we can run out there.” I wasn’t really sure how to go about shifting. The patrol house at one point had been a barn when the pack raised their own beef, I went into one of the stalls making sure not to lock it, undresses, and shifted, leaving my clothes neatly in a folded pile sitting on top of my boots. When I walked out Patrick and another wolf had shifted, they were small compared to my wolf, and I could feel the confusion radiating off of them.

“Are we going?”

“Ah, yes, Luna, we weren’t sure we could link you.” He was already moving before he finished the statement. I followed easily, loping along behind them as they led. I could smell the blood far before we got to the spot. There was so much blood.

“Hold here guys. I can find it from here.” They held as they’d been asked. I sniffed at the ground and air, moving in shrinking circles around the trap which sat shining with pools of blood coagulating on it. As I moved in closer, I started to pick up something familiar. I could smell Stacy, but this was something else. I closed my circle a bit, straining to pick up a stronger scent, straining to place it. So faint but so familiar, my ear shot back and I picked up the slightly whisper of a sound just a bit further into the wood, I sniffed at the air and found nothing, but I know something is there. Just one tiny misstep, I know what I’d heard. I crouched, moving slowly and silently towards the sounds. The wind shifted just slightly and the scent struck me again. Stronger, I was getting closer, slowly, silently, stronger. I placed my feet expertly, patiently. The scent was stronger still. And then it was in front of me. If it was a wolf he wasn’t in his form, he was large, standing as still as a statue, so still you wouldn’t believe he was alive, that it was possible for a person to be so still. I receded, letting Nox lead. Whispering patience when she sprung like a rocket towards the figure. He spun away from her, but not quick enough her teeth found the base of his skull rather then the back of his neck, a sickening crunch resounded, the figure dropped. She started to drag it cautiously toward the wood line. When she felt she was close enough for the others to be safe upon entrance she receded.

“Patrick get in here. Just a few steps. I’m not sure if he’s alive or dead, but I have someone here.” Within 10 seconds they were beside me. I could taste blood and smell blood but nothing else. Patrick stepped back several feet, shifted and pulled on shorts he’d tied around his ankle. I kept my jaws firm, as Patrick reached for the figure’s arm it lashed at him, I released the back of his skull and snapped at the shoulder, throwing him hard into the ground. His scent hit home and I knew who he was.

“Get another patrol out here Patrick. Tell them to bring restraints. I’ll hold him until they arrive. Do not call the other patrols off. Make sure they include Snow Claw.”

“Luna.” He spoke his confirmation and within 30 minutes 3 more of our wolves and 2 of Snow Claw’s we’re with us. They restrained him and collar locked him dragging him from the ground to his feet. He struggled against them it took 3 to control him. “Patrick I have to go shift and get dressed. Bring him straight to the prison. As out of the public eye as possible. I’ll have the clinic send someone out for him. He isn’t to be left alone for even a minute, and do not underestimate this one.”

“Luna.” He began dragging his prisoner away, I sprinted as fast as my legs would move, shifted before the stall and dressed quickly. Something was wrong. All of this felt too easy. I ran to the pack house. Mind spinning, trying to place it, trying to put it together. It couldn’t be this easy.

I knocked but didn’t wait for an answer before falling into Lev’s office, he jumped a mile out of his chair, as did Alpha Rose.

“Lev.” I was out of breathe from the sprint.

“Evie what the hell.”

“Stev. Patrick’s got him in the prison.” Lev’s eyes went wide and a shade of color drained from his already fair skin.

“You’re sure it’s, Stev?”

“I spat down at the floor, red blood obvious in the foam.”

“I can still taste him, Lev.” Alpha Rose looked absolutely horrified. And also not at all how I’d pictured him. He was young, for some reason I’d thought he’d be older. At the oldest maybe in his 30s. Why did he speak to Lev like he was a child? Lev paused for a second, looking away and I could only assume that he was linking Patrick and the patrol. He looked back jumping up.

“Alpha you’ll have to pardon this abrupt and most likely confusing situation. There’s an emergency at the prison and my attendance there is very much required. But I implore, this is my Luna, Evangeline. She can fill you in as much as you need.” Lev moved to bound from the room, but only before he kissed my cheek and thanked me.

“Don’t tell him who I am Lev.” But he was off, the sound of his truck starting and speeding away. Alpha Rose turned and looked at me with a confused expression, I smiled as best I could and moved to sit down in Lev’s chair. “I’m so sorry for the abrupt intrusion, Alpha. Please forgive me.”

“Oh no, Luna, you have much to tend to on your own without a designated beta yet. No need to apologize.”

“Can I answer any questions you might have right now?”

“Yes, actually, what is a Stev?” I smiled and sighed.

“A Stev would be my Alpha’s oldest brother.” Alpha Rose contemplated for a moment.

“You know what, Luna, why don’t we call on Lyssa and Xandrea and we can find the kitchen. I think the conversation of Stev would best be had with the alpha and you both present, don’t you?”

“Yes, alpha, I think that’s a good plan. I’ll summon the lunas if you’ll show me to your kitchen?” I nodded, leading to the door, and towards the kitchen. “Are your accommodations acceptable?”

“Quite Luna Evangeline. Thank you. We were quite impressed by them.”

“Have you seen Rea, yet? I know she was excited to see you.”

“I have not, although I think Lyssa has. I could hear the squeals from miles away. Xandrea is an interesting little woman isn’t she? We miss her very much at the main pack.”

“I can imagine why, Alpha. They will never be anyone else in the world quite like Rea.”

“Are you a meat or a salad kind of guy?” He chuckled. Walking to the kitchen.

“Myself I am a meat and protein kind of guy, but Lyssa insists on balanced meals. Keeps the heart healthy she says.”

“The protein options are there,” I said pointing, “and pre made salads and vegetable can be found there,” I pointed again. “Do you drink coffee, Alpha? Because if I don’t get a cup I’m probably going to die.” He chuckled again.

“I would absolutely love a cup of coffee.”

“Well then let me show you to the magic room.” He followed to the room of black bitter magical beans. I poured myself a cup of coffee throwing ice cubes in and just a pinch of sugar. He made his, dark with cream, heavy sugar. Hot

“I knew I’d find you in here!” Rea’s voice sounded, we both turned with the same giant smile to look at her.

“Rose!! Lookit you all grown up!” Alpha Rose flushed.

“Xandrea. You haven’t aged a day, not a single day.”

“And you must be Luna Evangeline!” A sweet voice that sounded like pixie feet on water sounded, the person attached to it was even more beautiful than the voice. She was slim and tall. Taller then I was with shock white hair, her skin was fair, almost transparent. It was shoulder length and cut to frame her dainty face and slight features. She was probably one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever seen.

“Luna Lyssa, Im sorry, welcome, to Storm Solstice.” I stuttered out embarrassed and again, underprepared.

“Lyssa, Evangeline. We are peers, there’s no need for formalities.”

“Thank you. I see Rea found you.” I smiled, struggling to pull my eyes away from her and her stunning glow.

“Yes! It’s been wonderful catching up! We’ve missed her! But she’s made it clear to us that her place is with her pup!”

“I’m not exactly sorry about her decisions.” Lyssa laughed, a sweet sing song laugh.

“Well come on kids let’s eat I’m starving!” I chose a salad, instead of my usual burgers. I felt like a mutt amongst royalty.

Lev

I wanted to think there had been a mistake, that Evie had misheard or misinterpreted, but she would know if she’d seen him. I hoped she hadn’t hurt him too badly. What a first impression.

I jumped out of my truck barely slamming it into park and jogging to the prison entrance. Patrick was waiting for me.

“Alpha.”

“Fill me in.”

“Luna came to the patrol house, inquiring about Stacy and the occurrences pertaining to his injury. She requested we go out so she could inspect the scene. She halted us just outside the wood line, where the trap sits it’s only 15 feet inside the line. She was in the woods roughly 25 minutes before she linked us to call another patrol group to the area, along with 2 Snow Claws. She was dragging him out by the back of his head, Alpha. I shifted to check if he was dead, when I reached to check for a pulse, he attacked, Luna locked on to his shoulder and restrained him until the others arrived with restraints. She ordered we not allow this one out of our sight. A clinician was sent by Luna to check on him. He’s been cleared medically but they suspect he may have a minor skull fracture, but nothing he won’t heal.”

“She went in alone?”

“We had no reason to believe there would be any danger. There were no scents or sounds, the trap had done its job so close to the pack. We couldn’t imagine anyone would come back. The area was thoroughly searched after Stacy was moved to the clinic and stabilized.”

“Has he said anything?”

“No, Alpha. Nothing.”

“Where is he?”

“The two Snow claws and Ridley are with him in interrogation room 3.”

“Thank you Patrick.” I walked to IR3, steeling myself before opening the door, and there he sat, glaring and massive, his lip curled into a sneer when he saw me.

“Brother.” His voice had remained the same.