WILDFLOWER AND WOLF

CHAPTER 2/ AKIRA'S RULES

I watched as the pack trained in the clearing, their movements graceful.

I longed to join them, to feel the rush of wind in my fur and the thrill of the hunt.

But Akira's words echoed in my mind: "You're not ready, Lily. You're still too human."

I approached Akira, who stood at the edge of the clearing, his eyes fixed on the training session. "Akira, please," I said with a pleading look, my voice low and urgent. "I want to learn. I want to be part of the pack."

Akira turned to me, his expression firm but his eyes softening. "you're not ready. You need to learn control, discipline. You need to learn to trust your instincts."

I felt a surge of frustration. "I can learn! I can do it!"

Akira's voice was gentle but firm. "I know you can, Lily. But not yet. For now, you need to follow my rules. For your own safety, and for the good of the pack."

I felt a pang of disappointment, but I knew Akira was right.

even still I wouldn't just give up.

"then how would I prove to the rest of the elders that I can fit in?" I asked with tearful eyes.

"you don't need to prove anything, if I say you stay, you stay. there's no need proving anything to anyone" he replied.

"you said I belong to the pack then why do you keep treating me like I don't belong here?" I asked.

"it's for your own safety Lily, don't make it look like I'm the bad person here. it's far too dangerous out there than you think, they're other night creatures out there other than the werewolves and other packs out there" he explained.

"I get it" I finally said.

"no matter how I try, I'm still a human girl and no matter how I try to fit in, I'm not one of the pack, just a little kid who should have died years back" I added.

"Nice try Lily, you can say all you want to but I will not compromise on your safety, I can't...... the pack can't loose you to a mistake" he replied with a stern look on his face.

I looked away, my eyes pricking with tears, I felt a lump in my throat as I slowly nodded.

I turned back to leave but hesitated,

"Akira, I'll prove myself to you and the other elders, I'll show you I'm worth of being one of the pack" I said.

"I'm looking forward to it" he replied.

with that, I turned and walked away from the training ground.