Forest Pack Community Book One (COMPLETED)

forest pack community Book 1 chapter 3

Felicia sat down away from the main group of people just watching. She had done the song and dance that was expected of her. But that was over, and she could shrink back into the background. No one knew that all this time she blamed herself. If she hadn’t asked for ice cream making them later getting home and if she hadn’t been telling jokes and laughing distracting her dad who kept looking at her in the mirror, they wouldn’t have died. They wouldn’t be gone, and she wouldn’t have to relive everything. She may have told the adults some of what happened, but they had no idea what really happened. The blood, the cracking of bones, scraping of metal, the pain of knowing the moment they died as their connection broke off. That’s why she was the one screaming no. She was the one who saw them being tossed about. Hitting the dash, the seat, then the door then hitting each other and back all over again. Over and over. It was a nightmare. Frankly, she was glad the blackness took her away for a while, because then she didn’t have to remember it. But once she had woken up in the hospital and her fears were confirmed that her parents were gone. She too had howled in pain at their loss. She just wanted to be with them. Anywhere but here. But she also knew that the goddess worked in mysterious ways. It’s what her mom always said. She had memories of before the crash. Not too many, but a handful. Little snippets of things her parents said. Her dad always told her that she was stronger than she thought. That, that strength would show itself one day and people would be in awe of her. She didn’t understand that cause she was not strong. She was small and scrawny. She didn’t see the beautiful girl that her mom and dad always said they saw. She promised herself that she would never seek to be in the spotlight and always try to stay in the shadows unnoticed. Being in the spotlight only brought pain and sorrow to those around her.

Joy looked around and saw that Felicia had originally been sitting in a chair, out of the way, like she was trying to hide. But now she was slumped over in the said chair, curled up asleep. She mind-linked Mick and said, “Babe Felicia has fallen asleep in one of the chairs. We need to get her home. What are we going to do?” Mick replied, “well we do have that extra office/ guest room we can turn into a bedroom for her, but it won’t be ready tonight. We might be able to get it together tomorrow. Why don’t we set up a cot in our room for tonight. That way she’s not alone on her first night here. We’ll let her help decorate her own room tomorrow. Maybe the two of you can do that.” Joy responded, ‘Good idea, shall I scoop her up?’

Mick replied, ‘No I’ll do it. Ask the Luna for a cot or something for her to sleep on tonight.’

At that Joy went to find Lissa who was chatting with some pack member and laughing when she noticed Joy approaching her with purpose. She excused herself and met Joy halfway. “Is there something you need my friend?”

“Yes please. We need a cot or something to put in our room for tonight. She’s fallen asleep in one of the chairs and needs to go to bed. Also, we forgot about the extra office/guest room we had. So, we’re going to turn that into her bedroom, but we won’t be able to do anything about it tonight. That’s tomorrow’s task.” She sighed.

“Of course! I’ll get one of the men to take a cot up for you and a maid to bring sheets and blankets and pajamas for her to wear. Then tomorrow the three of us will decorate her room. Make it a girl’s day of shopping. If she wants to keep things from her home that she had with her parents, she may have whatever she wants. As well as any furniture. We will talk tomorrow. For now, let’s get her all set up for bed tonight. She signaled two of the people waiting to be needed. The man she told him to get a cot for Felicia and asked the maid to find bedding and something for the little girl to wear to bed.

Just then, Joy remembered Wolfie that was left in the SUV in all of the excitement and ceremony, and when she mentioned it, Lissa herself went out and brought it in. Following Joy up to their room where the cot had been set up and the maid was just finishing making the bed. While another maid hurried in carrying a little romper saying, “My daughter is about the same size and age. It’s clean and only worn a few times”

Joy said gratefully, “Thank you so much. I’m afraid we’re not sure how to put it on her. The nurse dressed her at the hospital, and I watched how to do that but that looks much more difficult.”

“Oh, my lady, I can show you. It’s not much different than a dress.” Meanwhile Mick was still holding her just waiting to be told what to do. As he too, was not sure what to do next. The maid again said, “Beta Mick, would you please lay her down here?” He just nodded and gently laid her down stepping back as he let her go. Joy and the maid stepped up, and the maid started to explain. “First we take off her clothes and shoes leaving her in her underwear of course.” Joy continued to watch and listen. Ben pulled Mick out into the hall and let the ladies do their thing. The maid went step by step showing Joy exactly how to dress and undress the little girl. They then got her settled in bed and Lissa put her white Wolfie in her arms and they all heard a soft sigh escape her lips.

Once Ben and Mick were out in the hall, Ben said, “so where’s this room you’re going to change?”

“Well, it’s actually down the hall.”

“Mick, may I make a suggestion?” Mick nodded. Ben continued. “Why don’t you turn this room into her room and make the room down there the office. We can put two desks in there if Joy wants one and make that the office. I think it will be better for the time being if she’s closer to you guys.” We can get the major moving done tomorrow. Getting this room cleared out. We’ll get a bunch of men to help. We can ask for volunteers. I also know that the ladies plan on letting Felicia have any furniture she wants from her old house including photos up to her bed if she wants. Then they will buy the rest that is needed. May I ask where you found her asleep?”

“First, thank you, Alpha” with the look that Ben gave him Mick corrected himself. “I mean Ben. Thank you, Ben. You are a good friend. We did not think of that, and I agree this room would be better. If its ok with you maybe we can start early? All that lifting will be a good warm-up and exercise so it should be ok if the volunteers miss practice tomorrow. I want her to come-in here so she can hopefully imagine the possibilities. I want her to know that we want her and are welcoming her into our lives. As far as where I found her…she was in a chair, slumped over. The chair was practically in the corner out of the way like she was hiding. She could still see the room and the caskets. But…” Mick trailed off.

Ben seeing where his friend was going said, “Mick, it’s ok. We are all here for her.” We’ll start early I’ll go down get volunteers for tomorrow I’ll meet you in her new room at six?”

“Can we start at five? Then it’ll be clear and once they decide what to bring over, we can start that. I’m worried about her.”

“I know my friend. I’ll see you at five am. We can move all the furniture out and start rearranging the office. Try to get some sleep.” Ben said as Lissa walked out of the bedroom and the two of them left. Ben turned to his mate and spoke. You go on up. I’ll be there in a few minutes I need to get some volunteers to help move furniture tomorrow. Mick wants to start at five am so that when Felicia walks in she walks into an empty room and hopefully sees possibilities and to show her that they love and do want her in their lives.”

“Oh, my love that is a wonderful idea. If we decide to leave Forestville I want to take a couple female warriors with us. I promised a girl’s day.”

“Ok. You know me well. If you leave, you can take the SUV, warriors in the front, you three in the back so you can do your girly thing.” He said with a smile as he rolled his eyes. Lissa playfully smacked his arm with a smile. They then parted ways.

When Ben got downstairs to the main room almost everyone had gone home. But there were a good number left. Two warriors stood next to the caskets as if standing guard without being asked. Ben knew these were men that his friend had worked and trained with. He tipped his head towards them, acknowledging their service. They put their fists to their heart and bowed slightly showing their respect. He walked over to a group of men that he thought might help who weren’t on border patrol the next day and asked, “The Beta needs help moving things to ready the room for Felicia. I need a few volunteers to help us. We will be starting at five am.”

Five men in front of him raised their hands. Another one ran up and said, “Alpha please let me help. He has been my best friend these last few years. He made me feel welcome in this pack when I joined because I had found my mate here as well. Just like him.”

Ben looked at him in surprise. Of course, Jonah. Meet me and Beta at five am in the Beta’s suite. Also, tomorrow you are all excused from training as we will be moving a lot of furniture and things. Get a good night’s rest and I will see you all in the morning. Thank you all for volunteering. We couldn’t do this without you.” At that Ben turned and went up to his own bed and so did everyone else. Except the two men who were guarding the bodies in respect and honor.

That night Felicia once again sat up and screamed with tears streaming down her face. Joy woke up immediately and Mick was next. Joy ran over sitting down next to her holding her and rocking her at the same time. Saying, “Shush, it’s ok. Aunt Joy is here. You’re safe sweetheart. You’re safe. Sush.” Meanwhile Felicia clung to her aunt saying over and over without realizing it, the blood, the blood, mommy! Daddy! Joy just looked at Mick and continued to rock her. Mick also had tears in his eyes. Adding more pieces to the puzzle of what she had told them in the car. He too went over and hugged her. The three of them sat there like that for what seemed like ages. Finally, Felicia calmed down a bit and was just sniffling and softly crying.

Joy offered, “Honey do you want me to sleep with you tonight? Or do you just want Wolfie?” Then she handed her the white wolf that had fallen on the floor. Felicia sniffled and looked up at her aunt and quietly said, “Will you sleep with me?”

Joy responded, “Of course dear.” Mick then said something that surprised Joy. “Would you like to join us in our bed. You can still sleep in Aunt Joys arms, but I’ll be there too and keep you both safe. How does that sound?” Felicia just stared at him and silently nodded. This was not something she expected. So, the three of them went and laid down in the big bed with Joy in the middle and her arms around the little girl and Mick’s big arm over the both of them so that Felicia knew that both her aunt and uncle were there for her and weren’t going to leave her.

After that, the rest of the night passed by quietly and 5 am came too quickly for Mick. But he had made a promise to his new little girl. The one he promised to love like his own. He quietly got up and went and put some clothes on and slipped out of the room. Meeting everyone in the room that was to be Felicia’s new room. The six men had boxes for the small things which they all packed up carefully and then carried down to the new office space. Two men stayed behind to dismantle and take out the bed in there which the leaned up against the end of the hall till something could be figured out. Next came the furniture. By 7 most of the furniture had been moved and only a few things were left. They were staging things at the end of the hallway till they knew where things were going in that room. But by breakfast time at eight am the room was empty and everyone in the Beta suite went down to breakfast. One of the maids had brought up a new outfit for Felicia to wear. Felicia carried her white wolf with her. The eleven of them sat at the head table, including the volunteers as they needed to hear what decisions were being made.

After everyone had food. Mick said, “Felicia, we guys worked on clearing your new room. You may decorate it anyway you want. If you want it painted, we will paint it in whatever color you choose. The same goes for if you want wallpaper. There were a few soft groans and Ben shot them a look. Then you and Aunt Lissa and Aunt Joy will go to your old house, and you can pick out anything in your bedroom you want, pictures…just remember it has to fit in your room. So, we’ll go see that first after breakfast. Ok?”

Felicia’s face lit up for the first time since arriving. “Really?!?! Can I look in my parent’s room to see if there’s anything in there?”

“Of course, my dear.” Joy responded with a look at Mick. “We may have to think about a house Mick. Depending on how much she wants.” Joy laughed.

Ben laughed and said, “That can be arranged if need be.” Then they all laughed. Except maybe the volunteers as this was turning out to be more work than they originally thought it was going to be if there was going to be a house involved. But they were going to keep to their word.

After breakfast they all went up to the empty room and watched as Felicia twirled around looking at the space around her. This one had her own bathroom; the carpet was a deep golden cream that was so soft. As she twirled, she thought about what her walls should look like. She wanted a color that went with the carpet, not too bland. So, she asked, “I want a color that will go with the carpet. I love the color and how it feels on my feet it’s so soft.”

Joy asked, “well what is your favorite color? If we get that color in a pastel, it will keep the room light and airy. If you want suggestions, pale purple will look pretty. Or sky blue, mint green, you could almost do anything here. You could do cream with one wall being a separate pastel color.”

Felicia thought for a moment. Trying to picture all the walls the same color or having all the walls match the soft carpet, and one wall having a different color. But then she thought, what if I had two walls the same but across from each other…with the second leading to the next room. As she walked across the soft carpet to the bathroom, she envisioned what it would look like should she bring the same colors in here, the creamy gold and the accent walls? That’s when she had her own Aha moment. She spun around and ran into her bedroom. I want a purple on that wall pointing to the one across the bathroom. Then she spun to face the bathroom, and that wall was purple as well. Letting the purple seep into the bathroom, covering the walls. And to match the floor. So, she said, “I want purple on that wall and the wall leading into the bathroom. We will transition into the same purple in the bedroom. To make the bathroom match this room, we can use the creamy gold as the accent color in the bathroom. As she laid out all her thoughts, the adults all looked at her in wonder. That’s when Joy said, “I think I see what you want.” Lissa agreed. Joy said, “Let’s stop at your house and see what we can find that will match what you envision, ok?” Felicia nodded excitedly. Realizing that she had a say in what she wanted, and maybe it wasn’t going to be so bad after all.