DANCING WITH LYCANS

CHAPTER 5: STRANGE ENCOUNTER

I wake up to a sun filled room, the sheer curtains hide no light, and I can tell that the sun is already high in the sky.

Peeling back the thick comforter with newfound determination to conquer the next wave of disasters to come my way, I sit up on the edge of my bed and start thinking of a list of things to cross off my agenda.

Standing up, I quickly make my bed and then head for the closet to get dressed.

I settle on a chestnut colored, form-fitting rib knit top, high waisted bell bottom flare jeans with flower detailing threaded up the leg. These jeans hug me in all the right areas, giving me the confidence I need for the day. I add some dress boots to my look and put on my earrings and belt. Satisfied with my look, I start on my face and hair.

Leaving my long hair down, I brush it out and add in a few small braids throughout my hair and clip in some cute butterfly accessories.

I look kind of like a hippie and a little like what I imagine a fairy would look like as I stand in the mirror and admire my choices.

My choices. I still have the power to control some of the things in my life, and I choose to focus on what I can control. My tummy rumbles, and I march out of my room into the kitchen, where I smell bacon cooking.

Breakfast? I thought I missed that when I slept in?

As soon as I walk into the kitchen where I expect to see my mother, I am greeted by an unfamiliar face of an older woman who smiles at me and introduces herself.

"You must be the young lady of the house. I'm Sherry, a senior omega and head housekeeper in your home."

She extends a hand, and I hesitate to shake it as I have never witnessed anyone other than my mother caring for our home.

"My apologies, Ma'am!" She bows her head.

"If you do not wish to shake my hand, I understand.." "What?" I blink in surprise.

"No. No! ...I--I'm just adjusting. I just woke up not long ago." I extend my hand."I would love to shake your hand Ms.Sherry." Sherry smiles and accepts my handshake.

"It's nice to finally meet you. Your parents have been telling us how proud of you they are. They mentioned you graduated with honors." Sherry continues to smile wide with a glistening in her eye as if she is proud of me as well.

I smile and wave her off. "School was a breeze compared to....this..." I gesture being overwhelmed by my surroundings.

"I'm sorry, what is the "this" that you are referring to, Ma'am? " Sherry seems confused. Testing the story my parents gave me last night, I reply with caution.

"You know....werewolves and magic."

"Oh. What is bothering you about it? If you don't mind me asking?"

Surprised at her response, "I--it's just new to me and difficult to accept."

"Did your parents not share--" Sherry gasps and covers her mouth with her palm. "I'm so sorry, miss. I had no idea! That's why we haven't met until now. It's okay, dear. If you have anything you'd like to speak to me about, I would be more than happy to share with you. Never hesitate to find me if you need something, please, I insist." She bows her head again.

"Oh. Please, no! You don't have to bow to me, Sherry."

"But aren't you supposed to be wed to one of the alphas soon?" Sherry asks with furrowed brows.

"My parents may have mentioned that over dinner last night."

"That makes you my future luna, Ms. Angelica. You deserve respect even if the prophecy hasn't come to fruition yet."

I blink. "Very well then. I'll let you get back to whatever you are doing, Ms. Sherry. I was only coming to the kitchen to fix myself something to eat before starting my day."

"I'll prepare something for you. What are you in the mood for?"

"I was hoping I smelt bacon earlier and maybe French toast? Ooh and some coffee! Can I help you make it?"

Sherry looks at me with surprise. "It is not necessary, but you have the right to choose for yourself. I can understand that old habits are difficult to break. Maybe you can teach me how you like your coffee?" She smiles.

Ooh I like her! She doesn't press, she's kind, and she lets me make my own choices. I already feel so comfortable with her, which is a scary thought since she not long ago was a stranger in my home. I nod my head with a smile and start helping in any way that I can.

By the time it all gets finished, I ask Sherry to join me at the table. She declined and returned to her work instead.

The food was delicious though, slightly better than mother's cooking. I dare not tell Mother that she has competition. Which begs the thought, where are my parents?

I go out to the front to check and see if the cars are still parked out front before resorting to looking for them within the confinement of our home, further risking meeting yet another stranger.

Although I love my close friends and relatives, I'm not much of a socializer. Maybe it's anxiety? Maybe I'm introverted? Call it whatever you will just don't make me a participant.

It's emotionally exhausting trying to determine who's trustworthy and who's not all the time. I would rather enjoy my own company.

By the time I check the front, mother's car pulls into the drive. Ah, so they left me in the house alone with someone I haven't met yet. I roll my eyes. They better be super close with Ms.Sherry or I'm deducting their parent points. I blow air through my nose in a quick fashion, showing my disapproval.

I open the door for her. "Hi, mom." She smiles at me. "Good afternoon, sweetheart. Did you get plenty of rest?"

"I did. Thanks. Where's dad?"

Mother walks into the home and sets down her belongings. "He's the beta. He has to attend meetings with the alpha and be his right-hand man. It's a full day of work, but the alpha usually lets your dad work on call most days." She explains.

"Oh. So I take it I won't see him for a while?"

"No... is there something you wanted to ask him about?" She asks with concern etched on her face.

"I have so many questions. Tomorrow is Monday, and" I trail off with silence.

Mom smiles and wraps an arm around me in an embrace. "The meeting will be at 11 am. Dress as you would for court and just be yourself. You'll be fine, dear." She kisses my temple and gives me a comforting squeeze. "Your dad will be there every step of the way." Hearing her words, I release a breath I didn't know I was holding. "What about you, mom?"

"What about me?" She turns and looks at me. "Will you be there too?"

She laughs. "No. I occasionally have meetings with the coven, but other than that, I'll be here at home. I usually help your dad out by participating as his secretary for the non-confidential pack business."

"So you aren't allowed to participate in pack duties?"

"No. Werewolves don't care much for my kind. They stick together but hardly accept outsiders."

"I suppose if I have questions, I should ask dad when he gets home. A cell phone would sure be useful right now." I laugh annoyed at the inconvenience.

Mother nods in agreement. "Lycans and werewolves have something called a mind link. Even covens have their own version of communication through telepathy. Outside of that, there are carrier pigeons and messenger pets that aid in communication."

"Wow. That's pretty cool, actually. That sounds better than potentially getting left on read."

Mother laughs. "Haha, yes. A lot better! And you don't have to worry about having a signal or data plans and paying someone to connect you with a service. No worries, once you get your lycan and become part of the pack, you'll be able to communicate freely as well. Until then, there is paper and pens in the office. Carrier pigeons will return again in a few hours. You can mail off anything you drop in the courier basket on the front porch." Mom turns to walk off, but I stop her with another question just before she walks out of vision.

"What about heavy packages?" I laugh while trying to imagine a pigeon trying to carry a 5lb bag of flour. Mom isn't amused and rolls her eyes. "Don't be absurd, Angelica. We have a postal service run by omegas and the working class."

Confused. I arch a brow at my mother. "Why do they deliver packages and not letters?"

"Animals are more trustworthy than those of the flesh." She shrugs and walks out from my view.

Well then, I did not expect that answer. I feel like I'm taking all of this really well for someone who's been left in the dark since they've been in the womb. I shake my head and walk back to my room to pick out my attire for the next day.