The Reincarnated Wolf

Oh the lies we weave

[REN POV]

I was going around and around to remember my story. Softly thumping my head against the wall behind me, I was interrupted by the sound of the mystery door unlocking. I was standing before the door opened.

“Oh, someone’s here.” A skinny lady stepped into the room. She adjusted her curly updo nervously. The smile on her face felt odd.

“Uh. Yeah…I…” I started reminding myself to talk lower. My voice was still raspy from all the seawater. You’re a boy. You’re a boy. I chanted in my head like a mantra.

“You are so handsome.” She admitted suddenly. I was taken aback.

“I…” I tried to speak again.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to just say that.” She let out a nervous laugh and adjusted her dress.

The lady approached me. The clicking of her heels in tandem with the ticking of the clock. She leaned in slightly sniffing. Her face looked confused.

“You don’t smell like a wolf.” She sniffed again. “You don’t really have a scent.” She said.

“I get that a lot.” It was the only excuse I managed to come up with.

“Really? Are you a wolf?” she asked, continuing to observe me. Her eyes were full of curious excitement and something else.

“Yes. I…” I started before she interrupted me again.

“You must be young.” She sounded reluctant. She even pouted slightly.

“I’m sorry,” I said confused.

“When you grow up you will be much bigger, I am sure.” She smiled.

It was then that I realized what seemed off about this encounter. She’s interested in me. When I told her I was a wolf, she realized that would mean I had to be too young for her. Mostly because adult male wolves, even unranked wolves, are massive. They are taller and broader. With my current body, I would have to be a young teenager if not younger.

“You will be such a heart throb, I’m sure.” She assured me before taking my arm. I felt slightly uncomfortable by her comment. She directed me through the door.

The scene behind the door was nothing like the previous room. There was a long hallway with office doors on each side. The floor was the same freshly waxed wood. However, a luxurious burgundy-colored rug ran the length of the hall. The walls weren’t the blank white color of the entry room. The wallpaper that covered the wall was navy with some sort of elegant design. The design even had a raised texture to it.

There were portraits on the walls of different officials in the Royal Pack. I looked at the eyes of each portrait as they seemed to follow us down the hall. The lady was still pulling me along. She was excitedly chatting beside me, but I hadn’t paid attention to a word she had said since we came through that door.

“Where are we going?” I interrupted her rambling. I managed to keep my voice calm and not hint that I was subtly annoyed.

“Men never listen.” She said in a light, teasing voice. She giggled and pointed towards one of the doors ahead.

“Is it an office?” I guessed.

“Yes, an office. You really weren’t listening. You will have to go through an initial screening before you can make a request.” She said in that teasing tone.

“A request?” I asked. This made her let out another round of giggles.

“Yes, a request. You’re here for something, right?” she asked.

“Oh, yes, I am here for something.” I nodded.

It was like I'd forgotten how to interact with people. Maybe it is because I am putting on this act. I am also really nervous, so that probably doesn’t help. And this lady makes me slightly uncomfortable.

“Just go in and have a seat. Someone will be right with you,” the woman instructed as she opened the door.

The office was a good size. The desk was large and elegant. The woman behind the desk looked even more elegant. Her petite figure was framed by an expensive leather chair. She was in a suit and her hair was neatly tied up. She didn’t look up as I hesitantly sat in the chair in front of the desk. The door closed, and I was alone with this new person.

“Name?” her voice was stern. She was looking down at some documents.

“Ren,” I said confidently.

“You’re a wolf?” She asked, looking up at me with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes,” I answered. She tilted her head slightly, then continued writing.

“I’ve read in some places that pups don’t gain their scent until they shift. Some sort of protective evolution.” She explained while her pen continued to glide across the form. I wasn’t sure if she was testing me or something, so I remained quiet and waited for her next question.

“Pack?” she asked.

“I don’t know.” I answered confidently.

Her eyebrows rose once again. Her pen stopped moving. She sat back in her chair and looked at me.

“Orphan?” She asked and I nodded. “How did you get here?” she asked.

“I’ve been working with different tradesmen for years. Recently, I was placed on a fishing vessel. They weren’t happy with my performance. Turns out I am not cut out for fishing.” I let myself smile innocently. I didn’t want to keep rambling. Too much information at once could make it seem like I am lying.

“What continent are you from?” She leaned forward as she asked.

“Era.” I answered. A look of understanding passed over her face. I wanted to let out a sigh of relief, but I needed to focus.

“I’m sorry. You must’ve lost your pack pretty young then,” she said sincerely. I only nodded.

Her attention went back to the documents she was filling out. She looked so focused. I admired her professionalism at least.

“Are you looking for work, shelter, or something else?” She asked, keeping her eyes on her documents.

“I wanted to join the warrior academy,” I said shyly.

“A boy with big aspirations,” She said as she looked up at me again.

“I haven’t had stability in my life for as long as I remember. I’ve been passed around by so many kinds of people. I’d like to find a place with my own kind,” I explained. I wanted to sound genuine and childlike.

“Do you have any experience with fighting?” she asked, maintaining eye contact. I shook my head.

“Not like formal training. I’ve gotten into squabbles before,” I said.

“Like most young wolves,” she said with a warm smile.

“You will have to talk to the recruiter next, but I will tell you the academy has a beginner program for wolves like you. Ones that come from backgrounds with little to no formal training in combat. If you’re earnest about it, maybe they will consider you,” she explained.

The rest of the screening went by easily. I did my best to sell my fabricated background. The interviewer didn’t seem to pry much after suggesting the academy to me. Soon I was shuffled to a different office to meet with the recruiter.

The recruiter was the biggest werewolf I’ve ever seen. He almost filled the entire small office. His smooth skin, a deep rich color that made his honey-colored eyes shine in contrast. I didn’t need to see his rich amber eyes to know he was an alpha-ranked wolf. He was massive and radiated power. His muscles seemed to have muscles that tempted the fabric of his button up. It was difficult not to be mesmerized by him.

He's part of the royal pack. The royal pack murdered my family. I reminded myself.