The Lone Wolf

Morning Light

Isa blinked awake, disoriented by the soft morning light filtering through her curtains. She shifted under the covers, a warmth spreading through her as she realized she was back in her bed, though she had no memory of how she got there. The events of the previous night came rushing back—the way Kane had listened to every word, holding her as she relived her painful past, whispering reassurances that still echoed in her mind.

A faint ache lingered in her chest, and she sat up slowly, gathering her thoughts. The painful memories she had shared with Kane, memories she had buried deep for years, were now fresh and raw, like a wound torn open. She could still see her father’s silhouette, hear her mother’s final words, and feel the cold water dragging her under. But this time, it felt different—like a burden she no longer had to carry alone.

Glancing around her room, Isa noticed that her shoes were placed neatly beside her bed, her robe hung over the chair by her bed. Kane must have carried her here, slipping away quietly in the night. The thought brought a soft, fluttering warmth to her heart, a warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time. Her fingers grazed the spot on the pillow beside her, as if hoping to find some trace of him there, as if somehow feeling that this was supposed to be his place, next to her.

Memories of Kane’s touch lingered, gentle and reassuring, and as they resurfaced, Isa felt her cheeks warm. She smiled, though a bit shyly, realizing how vulnerable she had been with him, sharing everything she had kept hidden. He had held her so close, so protectively, and something about that memory made her stomach do a strange flip. She couldn’t quite understand it—these new, confusing emotions, but all she knew was that being around him made her feel safe, grounded, in a way that went beyond words.

Isa ran a hand through her hair, taking a slow breath as her thoughts continued to wander to Kane. There was something about him that went beyond simple trust. He’d looked at her as though she were precious, a rare thing to be guarded and protected. His presence brought a strange calm, and even now, the thought of him softened the edges of her memories.

A knock on the door brought her back to reality, and she quickly sat up, wiping the remnants of sleep from her eyes.

“Good morning, Isa!” Alice’s warm voice came from the other side as she entered with a bright smile, Dora following close behind, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Isa smiled, feeling a rush of gratitude. She was still getting used to the warmth and support that Kane’s pack had shown her—a warmth she’d long ago stopped expecting from others.

“We thought we’d give you a proper day out!” Alice said, her smile widening as she glanced at Dora, who could barely contain her excitement. “Kane left early this morning to seek answers from a local coven about the revenants, and we thought we’d take the chance to spend the day with you. How does a girls’ day sound?”

Dora beamed. “Shopping, hair, nails—the works! You know, all the things you’ve missed out on.” She winked. “It’s time to spoil you a little, Isa.”

Isa’s heart warmed at the sight of their kind, eager expressions. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d done something as simple as cutting her hair. It had been a ritual with her maman—just the two of them, spending the day chatting away. The thought now felt foreign, yet it brought her a sense of comfort. With a shy smile, she nodded back and slipped out of bed, ready to follow them downstairs.

Isa was taken aback by how beautiful the village looked in the morning light. The streets were lined with quaint little shops, each with its own charm and character. Alice guided them through the village with ease, and Isa found herself captivated by the bustling energy of the town. It was peaceful, alive, and so different from the places she had hidden in over the years.

Their first stop was a salon. Isa hesitated as they entered, unsure of what to expect, but Dora and Alice seemed right at home. As she sat down in the chair, the stylist ran her hands through Isa’s long, thick hair, her face lighting up with ideas. Isa watched, transfixed, as her hair was washed, trimmed, and styled with a care she hadn’t experienced in years.

“Your hair is gorgeous,” the stylist commented, her eyes shining with admiration. “It’s like it was made to frame your face.”

Isa blushed, unused to compliments, and glanced over at Alice and Dora, who nodded approvingly. For the first time in a long time, she felt a sense of pride—a feeling of belonging.

They moved from the salon to a nail salon next door. Dora insisted on picking colors for Isa, her enthusiasm contagious. Isa watched in awe as her nails were shaped and painted, her hands transformed with gentle care. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness, wishing her mother could see her now. This was a part of life she’d never known, something she’d never had the chance to experience.

“So, Isa, how are you liking the day so far?” Alice asked, her eyes warm as they waited for Isa’s nails to dry.

Isa hesitated, a little unsure of how to express herself. “It’s… it’s nice. I didn’t know things like this could be so fun.”

Alice smiled knowingly. “You deserve a little pampering. Sometimes, we need to be reminded that we’re more than just fighters.”

Isa nodded, absorbing her words. This experience felt like a gift, something she would hold close, a memory she could treasure.

As the afternoon wore on, they wandered through the village, visiting shops and trying on clothes. Dora was quick to pull out dresses and jackets for Isa to try, her excitement infectious. Isa found herself laughing, a sound that felt unfamiliar but strangely freeing.

Finally, as they headed back to the pack house, Isa’s heart felt lighter. The weight of her memories had eased, replaced by new, joyful moments she could hold on to. But as they walked into the house, the warmth of the day dimmed slightly when she noticed a figure in the hall—the girl she’d fought during training, standing with her arms crossed and an unwelcoming glare in her eyes.

Her gaze flickered over Isa, her expression smug. “Well, well,” she said, her voice laced with mockery. “Looks like our pack has adopted a new pet. A rogue, no less.”

Isa’s chest tightened, her jaw clenched, but before she could respond, Alice’s voice cut through the tension, firm and unyielding.

“Enough, Lacy,” Alice said, her tone icy. “Isa is part of this pack now, and you will show her respect. We don’t tolerate that kind of attitude here.”

Lacy’s smug expression faltered, but she held her ground, casting Isa one last disdainful look before turning on her heel and walking away. Isa let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, her heart pounding with a mixture of anger and confusion.

Dora squeezed Isa’s hand, her expression reassuring. “Don’t mind her. Let’s head upstairs.”

Once they reached Isa’s room, Dora flopped onto the bed, patting the spot beside her. “You should know,” she began, “that Lacy and Kane used to be… well, a thing. They dated for a couple of years when they were around seventeen.”

Isa felt a strange tightness in her chest, her hands resting in her lap as she absorbed this new information. “They… they did?”

Dora nodded. “Yeah, but it ended a while back. Three years ago, actually. Lacy hasn’t exactly let it go, though. Now that Kane’s the Alpha, she’s probably still clinging to the idea that she could somehow become the next Luna.”

Isa’s heart felt heavy with a strange sensation clung to her chest that she couldn’t name. The idea of Lacy being close to Kane, having shared something with him, unsettled her deeply. But she couldn’t understand why; it was confusing, and it left her feeling more vulnerable than she wanted to admit.

Dora must have sensed her discomfort, because she reached over and gave Isa’s shoulder a comforting squeeze. “You don’t have to worry about her. Kane’s made it pretty clear where his heart lies now.”

Isa glanced down, her thoughts still tangled. She didn’t know exactly what she felt for Kane, or even if she understood it fully. But the idea of someone else being close to him—someone like Lacy—stirred an unsettling anger that she couldn’t quite shake.

Dora grinned, leaning back on the bed. “You know, Isa, you mean a lot more to him than I think you realize. I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you.”

Isa’s cheeks warmed, and she shifted uncomfortably, unsure of how to respond. Kane’s presence brought her comfort, a sense of safety that was rare and precious to her. But now, there was something else—a pull, a quiet, unfamiliar longing that made her heart race in ways she didn’t fully understand.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Isa found herself thinking of him, hoping he was safe on his journey. She would be here when he returned, and somehow, she knew he would bring her answers, just as he had promised.

For now, she settled back, letting her mind drift over the memories of the day, the laughter and warmth she had shared with Alice and Dora. They felt like family, in a way she hadn’t experienced in years, and as she closed her eyes, she clung to that feeling.

Someday, she thought, I’ll understand these feelings, but for now… I’ll hold on to the moments that make me feel like I’m home.