Creating Roots

Introductions

Hailie sighs as she smooths out her shirt. The buses have pulled up and the children will be entering soon. The hall is divided by each age group and Hailie cannot stop fusing with their display. Atlas laughs as she swats at Hailie’s hand before interlacing her fingers with Hailie.

“Stop it, they’ll love you.” Hailie rolls her eyes before tearing her hand out of Atlas’s. Hailie takes a deep breath as she sees kids and parents alike bee lining for their table. Hailie and Atlas greet a handful of children before a young boy purposely tugs on Hailie’s shirt.

“My, my who do we have here?” The young boy could not be more than three. He had beautifully tousled oak locks. And a devilish pair of honey eyes.

“My name is James!” Hailie bends down to greet James as she extends her hand.

“My name is Miss Hailie.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Miss Hailie. Will you be my teacher all summer?” Hailie cannot help the smile forming on her lips as James rambled on.

“I will in fact be your teacher all summer long.”

“I am so glad! That means you’ll meet my brother at the graduation! He’ll love you Miss Hailie.” Hailie laughed nervously at James before c*cking her eyebrow at James.

“Why would he love me, James? He doesn’t know me.” James sighs exasperatedly before making direct eye contact with Hailie.

“Miss Hailie you don’t get to pick love, it chooses you!” Taken aback, Hailie laughs nonchalantly.

“Yes, it sure does happen that way sometimes.” James beams up at Hailie as two adults come up and join them.

“Mom! Dad! This is Miss Hailie, my teacher.” Hailie smiles bashfully before extending her out to the two adults.

“Hello Hailie, I am Marabelle, James’s mom. This is my husband, Thomas. James is very excited about the summer camp.” Hailie ruffles James’s hair good naturedly as he stays at her side, fists full of her shirt.

“I am very excited, as well. James, have you checked out either of the activities?” James shakes his head and lets go of Hailie’s shirt.

“Mom, Dad can we go play with the water beads?” Hailie smiles down at James before addressing the parents.

“The beads are a great sensory activity. Plus, it’s a good excuse to go over colors with the kids.” With that James scoffs and stamps a foot.

“I already know all of my colors.” The adults all laugh and Hailie bends down to speak to James.

“Well then, James, you can help the rest of your friends get to know their colors. Right now, I have to greet some other friends.” James nods his head and the adults all say goodbye as Hailie turns to greet more of her class.

Hours later Hailie looks up and sees that dusk has rolled in and a majority of the kids have gone home.

“Hey Atlas, should we start packing up? I think a majority of our kids have left.” Atlas had been running between the booths helping Luna greet the parents and explain the program to families. Hailie has hardly seen her all day. Atlas sighs and flashes Hailie a smile.

“Thank you for being a trooper today. The parents and kids all loved you.” Hailie lets out a breath before reaching out to collect all the materials on the table.

“I’m so glad. I was nervous because I know a majority of the staff aren’t new.” Atlas shrugs in indifference.

“You’re a natural.” As Hailie looks back on all her conversions with the families, James’s comment comes to mind. The comment about love and his brother does not sit right with her and she wants to run it by Atlas.

“What’s a matter, Hailie? You’re about to bite your lip off.”

“Just something the little boy, James, said. Just seems odd is all.”

“Surprise me.” Hailie laughs as she continues to clean.

“He told me his brother would love me and that love choices all of us. Seems odd for a young kid to say, right? And with such conviction.” Atlas snorts as amusement fills her eyes.

“If you’re lucky his brother will be in love with you.” Laughing Hailie smacks Atlas with a stack of construction paper.

“Atlas, I'm being serious!”

“So am I. You should see him. If I wasn’t married I would be pining after him like a lost puppy.” Hailie rolls her eyes as she shoves loose pamphlets into a bag. Ignoring Atlas’s comment, Hailie heads to her room.

Later, Atlas checks to ensure Hailie is in her room before heading to Luna’s room.

“Luna?” Atlas waits for Luna’s response before heading into her room.

“Yes, Atlas?” Luna is preoccupied with papers strewn about her desk, a marker in her mouth.

“I have an update for you.” With those words, Luna wheels herself backwards to better see Atlas as she sits perched on the corner of her desk.

“Well?”

“Hailie is getting curious, don’t you think it would be better to clue her in sooner rather than later?” Luna closes her eyes and rubs the back of her neck with her hand.

“What could possibly have happened already?” Atlas laughs, “The Conolie’s little boy told Hailie that his brother is going to love her.” Luna rolls her eyes as she glances back at her paperwork.

“That’s all?” Atlas feels Luna’s interest fading and sucks in a breath as her mind reels to get her point across.

“He then made a comment that love chooses us, Hailie is already concerned about it. Besides, what if it’s true? She is one of us. What if someone mates with her? The poor thing will be god awfully confused.”

“Well then we will be lucky if it’s the Conolie boy.” Frustrated Atlas slams her fist on the table. Papers scatter as Atlas’s eyes glow.

“You’re not the only Luna here, Alice. You’re making a mistake, I know it. You’re ignoring your duty.” Atlas’s voice is firm and confident. As the words leave Atlas’s mouth Luna abruptly stands up from her chair, straightening to her full height.

“You’re right, Luna. Though I am the Luna here. What I say is final.” Alice’s own eyes glower to match Atlas’s. As Alice confronts Atlas, Atlas reveals her neck to Alice.

“No disrespect, Luna. I am just warning you.” With the final words Atlas pops off the desk and leaves silently.

The next morning Atlas and Hailie eat breakfast together as they set up copies of an activity for the kids.

“How are you feeling?” Haile lets a genuine smile slip past her lips.

“I forgot how much I love kids. Don’t get me wrong, I love photography, and it pays well. But… This is where I feel I belong. I haven’t felt like this in so long.” Hailie’s voice cracks and Atlas puts a comforting hand over Hailie’s.

“I’m glad you feel welcome here.”

“Me too.” Soon a bell rings and everyone scatters to their own classrooms. It is the official first day of summer camp. Hailie and Atlas spend the morning getting to know the kids and let them create decorations for their cubbies. Before both women know it, it is time for the kids to attend gymnastics and karate. Both women take a seat in the bleachers as they cheer the kids on.

“I wish I could do that.” Atlas quirks an eyebrow at Hailie.

“You never took gymnastics or karate?” Hailie shrugs her shoulders as she sips on her water.

“My mom did as a kid. She meant to sign me up but being a single parent is difficult. Classes are expensive and it’s a lot of time to shuttle me back and forth.” Atlas looks at Hailie with a hint of sadness.

“It’s fine, really. I’ve had plenty of great opportunities.”

“Oh, I’m sure. But would you like to learn? I could teach you.” Hailie perks up at the offer and nods her head enthusiastically.

“I would love to.” The women decide Hailie will start training after dinner as the bell singles the end of their session.

At the end of the night, Hailie happily bounces up to her Aunt and gives her a giant hug. Even though Hailie’s and Atlas’s kids go home around 3:00PM, all the counselors get together at the end of day for dinner with the overnight campers. Luna laughs and hugs Hailie back.

“I feel like I haven’t seen you in days.”

“We’ve been busy bees.” Together Hailie, Atlas and Luna go up to the buffet. Hailie quiets as she feels the tension between Luna and Atlas. Hailie looks at them apprehensively before carrying the conversation.

“I’m so glad you thought to invite me, Aunt Luna.” Luna casually throws an arm over Hailie’s shoulder and kisses her head.

“I’m glad you came.”

“Me too, I really love the kids. Plus Atlas is going to teach me karate and gymnastics!” The optimism in Hailie’s voice appears and stalls as she notices the tension crackle between Atlas and Luna.

“Don’t you think that’s great Aunt Luna?” Luna turns her head as she feels her eye’s glow portray her. Clearing her throat, Luna turns to Hailie.

“That’s fabulous Hailie. Thank you, Atlas.” Atlas nods absentmindedly as they all settle at their table.

“I think it’ll be great for the summer graduation. Maybe we can put on a little show for the parents.” Luna nods and picks at her food.

“The parents will love that.” Nervous, Hailie wrings her hands. She keeps trying to single to Atlas for any clue what the f*ck her aunt’s mood is about. Though Atlas has done nothing but ignore her the whole evening.

“I’m full. Aunt Luna. Atlas. I’ll see you tomorrow. With those words Hailie gets up to clear her tray. Once Hailie is a couple tables away, she is spun around as Atlas grabs her arm.

“Hey, what about training?” Hailie was not sure if the offer was still on the table after dinner. Nonetheless, Hailie’s body hummed with anticipation.

“Yeah, let’s go.” With that Atlas led Hailie back to the gym. Once inside, Atlas slipped a key into a door directly across from the gymnasium. Pushing, Atlas revealed a padded room with mirrored walls. Miscellaneous weights and equipment littered the room. To the back hung a couple punching bags. Hailie’s eyes grew as she took in the sight. Hailie had not even noticed Atlas starting to wrap her hands.

“Come on, let me help you.” Snapping back to reality, Hailie held her hands out to Atlas. Atlas began wrapping Hailie’s hands as Hailie kept looking around the room.

“Let’s go and start with the punching bag.”

“Okay.” Hailie followed Atlas and was taken aback by the noise the chain made as Atlas striked the bag. The sound reverberated throughout the room and shook the mirrors.

“Jesus, who are you mad at?” Atlas laughed before backing up and pointing to the bag.

“Your turn.” Atlas wrapped her arms around the bag before smacking the center with her hand.

“Come on, show me how you hit.” Squaring up to the bag, Hailie c*cked her arm back and swung. The bag barely bugged and Hailie thought she did more damage to her hand than the bag.

“Again.” Hailie repeats her actions. She can see the amusement dancing behind Atlas’s eyes and steps back from the bag. Rubbing her wrist, Hailie rolls her eyes at Atlas.

“I’m glad I amuse you.”

“Hey, hey. None of that now. Let me show you something.” Atlas comes behind Hailie and repositions her by the bag. Diagonal from the bag, Atlas kicks Hailie’s feet hip width apart.

“First off, hold your hands like this.” Atlas displays the traditional fighting stance and waits for Hailie to follow.

“Pretty good, here.” Atlas reprositions Hailie so her right fist is up by her eye while her left fist blocks her jaw.

“Keep your thumb out from under your fingers. Keep it flat.” Atlas appraises Hailie’s form and nods approvingly.

“Now when you hit the bag, hit with all your weight. Lean your weight into your right leg before you swing. Then use all your momentum to move that weight forward.” Hailie nods her head, takes a deep breath and wails on the bag. The sound it makes is satisfying and Hailie smiles despite herself.

“Again!” Loving the sound the bag made, Hailie throws her weight back. Again the sound reverberates around the room. Smiling, Hailie’s confidence only grows as she sees Atlas’s own in the mirror. After twenty minutes, sweat is dripping down Hailie’s brow and her arms feel weak.

“Now you stretch.”

Hailie nods and finds a spot on the floor as Atlas pummels into the bag. Another twenty minutes passes by before Atlas throws herself by Atlas.

“Feels good, huh?” Hailie nods and lays down beside Atlas.

“I’m going to be sore tomorrow.”

“You’ll get used to it. Anyway, let’s get back to the hall.”

Back in the hall Hailie jumps into the shower. Hailie sighs contentedly as the warm water hits her sore muscles. Hailie rests against the wall and closes her eyes. She has not been this content in a while. Though she deeply misses her walks in the woods. Turning the water off, Hailie quickly dries her hair and goes to find a suitable outfit. She decides on a pair of jeans, a white T-shirt, bomber jacket and a pair of tennis shoes. There are a couple sets of trails on the property and Hailie plans on walking a while before bed. Grabbing her phone and a book, Hailie heads towards the trails.

Hailie takes a deep breath and smiles. The fresh air feels good. Hailie walks until she comes upon a set of rocks laid out in a circle. The older kids use them during the day, though now Hailie settles down and opens her book. All goes well for a couple chapters until Hailie hears rustling off the trail. The hairs on her arm stand up. Unnerved, Hailie puts her book down and looks around. Seeing nothing, Hailie shakes her head and gets back to her book. She is simply being paranoid. Yet again she hears a snap, closer now. Snapping her book closed, Hailie looks around again. Her eyes widen as she sees two yellow eyes staring at her only a stone throw away. Though Hailie wants to scream, should scream, nothing comes out. She sits there silent, staring back at the pair of eyes. Though Hailie knows she should be frightened, she is not. The eyes do not appear menacing. They almost appear human. Putting her arms up Hailie begins her descent off the rock.

“Good puppy, now. I’m just going to go home, okay? The space is all yours.” At that moment the wolf wines and steps forward. The wolf is massive. At least two-hundred pounds of muscle. Certainly nothing like the wolves back east.

Hailie’s nerves begin to set in and she feels her arms start to tremble. Taking a deep breath Hailie makes eye contact with the wolf. Her stare is intentional, authoritative.

“You stay right there.” Hailie is shocked by the intensity in her voice. Though she rolls with it. Not leaving eye contact, Hailie picks up her book and continues to back up.

“Good job. Now I’m going home.” Hailie watches stunned, as the wolf seems to bow to her. Bewildered Haile wastes no time and begins sprinting down the path back to the hall. A pain in her chest resonates as the wolf lets out a cry.

Busting the hall’s door open Hailie makes a bee line for her Aunt Luna’s suite.

“Aunt Luna! Aunt Luna!” Though to her surprise her Aunt is speed walking her way. Her Aunt quickly registers her and grabs hold of her.

“Yes, child?”

“There was a …” Hailie’s voice trails off as Atlas comes out of her room.

“Did you hear that, Luna?”

“The wolf.” As the whisper leaves Hailie’s mouth the two women whip their heads to look at her.

“I was on the trail reading and this wolf approached me. But Aunt Luna, it was massive! What about the kids, will they be safe to come to camp?” Atlas looks like she is about to laugh while her Aunt looks miles away.

“Atlas, will you take security and check the grounds please?” Atlas simply nods her head before stalking off. With that Luna rests her hands on top of Hailie’s shoulders.

“There’s no reason to worry, Hailie. We have protocols in place for this. Everything will be alright.” Hailie chews her lip nervously before nodding.

“Okay.”

“Now, go rest. I have to check in with security.” Numb, Hailie stumbled off as her Aunt rushed to her office.

Luna opened the door to casually find Atlas fiddling with a pen.

“Was it a threat?” Atlas shook her head and began laughing.

“It was Conolie. He was training and stumbled too far into our territory.” Luna groaned and rubbed her face.

“Call Thomas, please.” With a flick of her wrist Atlas rang Alpha Conolie and put him on speaker.

“Luna Alice, how may I help you?”

“Alpha Thomas, I’m afraid my niece had a run in with your son, Zander.”

“And? She’s Alpha Micheal’s kid, no?” With the mention of her brother, Alice feels winded and takes a moment to respond.

“Yes, yes. Though she was raised a civilian. She was given quite the fright I must say.” Both are silent a beat before Thomas answers.

“I remember. Though may I remind you of our agreement? The land is to be shared between us for training during the summer.”

“I am not backing out of our agreement, Thomas. I understand the summer is crucial to getting our younger members trained. Though would it be too much to ask Zander, and his trainees, to stray away from the trails behind the hall?” Thomas sighs over the phone.

“I’ll put the order in Alice. Though I would believe it would be in your best interest to catch that girl up to speed.” With those words Atlas laughs.

“Don’t worry Alpha Thomas, I’m working on it.”

“Well, I’m glad someone is.” With those parting words the line goes dead.

As the call ends Alice glares at Alice.

“Was that really necessary?” Atlas shrugs her shoulders before a half smile appears on her face.

“She deserves to know Luna.” Luna’s shoulders slump as she uses the wall to steady herself.

“I know.” Luna’s voice is soft and immediately Atlas pulls Luna into a hug.

“You don’t have to do this alone. She’s catching on quickly, you should see her at the punching bag. Besides, she's a natural with the kids. They already hang on to every word she says.” Luna laughs bitterly before untangling herself from Atlas.

“Of course they do. The pups recognize alpha blood subconsciously. Atlas, thank you. You may take your leave now.” Atlas throws her hands up but does not protest. Luna takes a seat at her desk and lets the tears pour down her face. Luna was just trying to protect her only niece, the only family she had left. Looking back, she was worried she had made a mistake. She should have convinced Janice to introduce Hailie to their world. Though she could not blame Janice for taking Hailie away. The attack had rattled them all. Without the help of Alpha Thomas they certainly would have all perished.

If Alice did not become the soul leader of the Crescent Moon pack she would have fled, too. The death of a mate was unbearable.