Outcast
953 Words
A steady beeping gently pulled me from the darkness. My eyes fluttered open and everything rushed back. I felt adrenaline flood me. Even though my body was posed to flee, I felt paralyzed.
“Oh, thank the Goddess! You’re awake. Sara, get the Luna.” A woman ordered. I cringed as light flashed in my eyes.
“Little one, can you hear me? You’re safe now. I’m Dr. Garland. You’re at EastEnd pack.” Dr. Garland told me. The name of the place meant nothing to me.
“W-what happened?” I asked, my voice hoarse.
“We don’t know exactly. You were hurt badly. Our border patrol found you about a month ago.” Dr. Garland answered gently.
“A month?!” Hadn’t anyone come looking for me? That’s when I realized. I didn’t know who would come for me. I didn’t remember anyone. Not even my own name.
“Yes, a month. You had woken up a couple weeks ago, but you panicked and passed out. Your injuries were severe, so we’ve kept you in a coma,” she talked to me so calmly. I focused on her voice, trying to get my heart rate to slow down.
“What injuries?” I asked. I didn’t feel any pain. I moved my legs and fingers. I felt stiff, but I’m sure that was normal. My body jumped and tensed as the door swung open and a man came in.
“Dr. Garland, the Luna is currently in a meeting with Alpha Chris, but sent me to help. Oh! The mystery girl is awake. Hello, I’m Joah,” the man offered his hand to me. The motion made me jump. Suddenly, it wasn’t him in front of me. It was an older, scarred face, that was filled with hatred. Crippling fear was racing through my every muscle. The image fell away as quickly as it popped up.
“C-can you back up?” I squeaked. I felt awful as his face fell, but I needed him to back away. I couldn’t breathe.
“Joah, you know better,” the doctor chastised. Dr. Garland looked at me.
“Are you okay, little one? Joah doesn’t mean you any harm,” she promised.
“I’m okay. Dr. Garland, what happened to me? I saw-I don’t know what I remembered exactly.” I looked to the doctor for some information. She hesitated. Joah answered, his voice full of pity.
“We found you almost dead near the border of our pack’s lands. My brother was the one that found you. He shared his memories of your injuries with me via mind-link. Your body had shown evidence of surviving a Cleanse.”
My heart lurched. I may not remember who I was, but I knew what a Cleanse was. I must have been the daughter of a ranking pack member. To keep everyone in line, whomever had taken control of my pack had used me as an example of what happens to those who don’t listen. There were different parts to a Cleanse. My stomach curled. If they were right, I had been r***d. No wonder every little movement from Joah made me twitch and cringe. I might not remember, but my body could. Then I froze. Maybe my wolf knew more. I searched my conscience for her.
Wolf?? I thought frantically. I sighed in relief when I heard my wolf respond.
I’m here. I’m so tired. But, I’m here. She did sound and feel drained.
Do you remember anything? I can’t remember anything. They said we survived a Cleanse. I told my wolf. I felt her search.
No. I don’t remember anything. I know our names though. My wolf surprised me.
Oh? How do you know our names? I wondered.
“Honey, are you okay?” Dr. Garland looked at me with concern clear on her face. Joah looked guilty.
“I’m fine. I’m talking to my wolf. She’s saying she knows our names.” I tell her. Dr. Garland waited expectantly.
Well? What are our names? I asked. My wolf replied instantly.
I’m Rue. You’re Aria.
“Aria?” I asked aloud, feeling the foreign name on my tongue. I smiled, liking how it sounded.
“Aria? Oh, that’s beautiful!” Dr. Garland smiled warmly.
“Who’s Aria?” A gorgeous, powerful looking woman came into the room. Her face was so warm and friendly.
“Apparently, I am,” I squeaked, my voice not used to being used so frequently. She immediately grinned.
“Oh! That’s perfect for you! I’m the Luna here. I’m Kate. My husband is around here somewhere. I’m sure he’ll stop by soon.”
“Thank you for finding me, Luna.” I moved to sit up, to greet people properly. I frowned as I felt a slight pull on my neck, like the skin was tight there. I reached up to my neck. My stomach dropped as I felt what was in my marking spot.
“Aria, no!” Dr. Garland cried as I rushed to my feet and yanked out the IV. I pushed against Luna Kate and the doctor. I just barely made it to the mirror.
On my neck, in the spot where my soulmate was to lay claim to me, lay, not one, but three angry, deep marks. Devastation burst from my heart into my veins and spread through my body. No one would want me now. Just me being with this pack, being tended to, was an act of war. I was an outcast.
“NOOO!” I screamed so loud and high, I felt my throat strain. My knees wobbled. I felt a sob escape my throat. Dr. Garland and Luna Kate caught me. Joah sprang to action without thinking and moved to support me and take my weight off the women supporting me. My body gave up. Rue embraced me.
It’s okay. Let’s rest. Let go, Aria.
I let go.
- Writer
