Fire and Rain

New Me

While Maria is laying whatever those things are out, I go into the bathroom and brush my teeth. Judging from how red my face is, I should take a cool shower. I jump in my shower, wash my hair and shave my legs since I’m not even sure when the last time I did that was. I get out, dry off, brush my hair out and put a robe on. Normally I would just throw on a sports bra and my workout pants; but something tells me that isn’t what is on Maria’s agenda. Into the lion’s den I go, which is strange because it’s my room ugh!

“Did you wash your hair?!” She asks in a rather moody tone.

“Yes, I was all sweaty and gross. I don’t want to feel like that all day!”

She looks at me with a blank stare “you know I love you, and you know I’m always cheering for you. But do you know ANYTHING about doing hair?”

“Well I kinda know how to braid it and I believe I have perfected the bun!”

“Ok we can start at the bottom, thank Mother Earth that I came early. This is going to take some time. Ok first things fi”.

I cut her off and object, “I have to be at the facility at 8am SHARP! I was late yesterday I can’t be late again, it sets a bad example. I also can’t look like a model because we may train today!”

She starts laughing rather loudly, “a model?!, I’m sorry love but I would need months to do that not a few hours. And don’t worry about the damn facility, I already talked to Jace and he has it under control. Although he did laugh when I said that I was coming over to dress you”

“This day is going to be wonderful day. I think I will skip coffee and get a Red Buck from the fridge” I say with a sarcastic tone.

I look over at my bed and see a red dress that looks like it came right out of a flower bed and some silver shoes that look likes it will fall with apart with one step. Another outfit that has denim pants that looked like someone tore them up and a black shirt that looks like the bottom got cut off. And the final outfit that is a black skirt and red button up shirt. The red shirt is nice. Maria then turns to me.

“Ok, so! This is a maxi dress, long loose on the body; I’m not so sure this design would look good around your hips. So onto the next. These destroyed denim stretch leggings are amazing on, the black shirt is a crop top, definitely fits your style. And lastly, knee length pencil skirt with a short sleeve flam red button up! Which do you want to try; don’t worry, I brought flats for every outfit.”

I probably look like a deer in headlights, “Ok so I like the red button shirt, but the skirt isn’t appealing.”

“ Hmmmm, ok well how about these denim leggings with the red shirt and these black flats?”

I put the outfit on and it feels odd, why buy something that’s already tore up? Whatever, it’s comfortable, although a tight fit on my hips. This shirt is missing some buttons at the top, other than that I like it. It could be a little loose around my boobs. These shoes aren’t bad, thank the Moon she didn’t bring heels! I walk out not comfortable but not uncomfortable.

“Oh my Mother Earth!!!!! You look AMAZING! Ok take your shirt off so we can do your hair and makeup.” She seems very proud of herself.

She grabs something that looks like a curling iron but it doesn’t snap, I’m not sure I want to her to come at me with that. She takes my hair and wraps it around what she says is a styling wand and it looks good. It’s bouncy and looks like I have more hair, I’m sure I will get instructions on what to do, and totally fail at it. Then she grabs some stuff out of the makeup bag. Uses a sponge to put stuff on my face, several different colors on my cheeks and forehead, which makes me look shiny. My eyes look AMAZING too, kind of like a dark gray but light at the same time. Lips are what she said is a natural color. Ok now for the final touches; silver necklace and bracelet.

“My masterpiece is finished! Your going to knock people out! Not just physically” she is happier than a pig in mud right now.

“Ok, let’s go downstairs and get this started, I’m sorry for holding you up. I know you have the Cafe you need to get to.”

“There is no such thing about spending too much time with my bestie! I have to get going. Here is the lipgloss, use a thin layer and you will be fine. Love you bunches and remember to wash your face before you go to bed!” She says gathering things and heading out the door.

I take a look in the mirror and see a new person. I still can’t believe my hair looks looks like this, shiny and really bouncy. Ok, just have to go downstairs eat something and head out. It really didn’t take that long to do all this. I’m not sure about doing this everyday but maybe every now and then. I walk downstairs and hope for the best.

“Morning mom!” I say in a cheerful tone!

“Good mor..” she stops mid sentence about dropping a plate. “Oh umm good morning, you look..well it’s safe to say that Maria was here.” She chuckles and sits down.

“Yes, she was here bright and early. I can’t imagine who let her in. So what do you think?” I ask wanting her approval.

“I think the black skirt would’ve looked better but I like that combo, it fits you. The more important question is how do YOU feel?”

I think for a minute not sure how to answer. “I feel good, these jeans may not be what I was looking for but I like this top and my hair, oh I love it!”

“Good, I’m glad you are comfortable in your skin. Also glad you were able to get the blood out of your hair”

We finish up breakfast and I grab my bag of my training clothes and head off to the training facility. I am running only a little behind, I asked mom if she was still going to pack my stuff. She said she would and will take it to the guest house/my house. I just have to be sure that I stop at the store on the way home. I pull of to the facility and sit in the truck for a minute, very thankful that I blacked out the windows when I first got it. Here we go, now or never! I walk into the conference room for our meeting.

“What the f**k!” Jace exclaimed.

“Well I decided that I need to grow up a bit. Once I take over as Alpha of Aspen, I can’t go around biker shorts and a tore up shirt.”

“You look, like a girl! How can I train with you now if you scream “I broke a nail”” he’s talking through his laughter.

“Ugh, just sit down and shut up. The guys will be in here soon and I’m already worried enough”

Soon after Jace pushes my buttons, the crew rolls in. As we sit down to talk, I see all yes on me. Like on me, on me. I continue looking over my notes as if it were a normal day. Shortly after everyone is seated(I apparently already have their attention) I stand and start the meeting.

“As I’m sure you have noticed, we are meeting at the warrior training facility. This is just temporary, our building is being remodeled and we will be back there next week. Now in the meantime, we need to set an official name for ourselves. I also want you to train while we are here. That way when we get back we will know how to se our trainings at our facility”

“First let’s get an official name for us. I don’t believe you gentlemen have been given that prior to” Jace says looking serious; but again, he has practiced this all morning.

“Aspen Wolf pack or AWP” one man suggested.

“City watchers aka CW” shouted another.

“Aspen wolf watchers or AWW” said another.

Ok perhaps I need to regroup here. We break for lunch. I’m sitting outside thinking, this was supposed to be an easy task. If we can’t get picking a name right, building strength should be a blast. I take in a deep breath, I smell something. It’s like a sweet yet burnt smell. Honestly it kind of reminded me of a burnt marshmallow. THATS IT! I rush back in and grab a pen!

“ Ok all! While on break I pieced a name together! Aspen Boarder Watchers or ABW. Any objections to this name?” Everyone looked at each other and actually like it. “Great! Now that we know who WE are WE also need to link. Complete trust is what this is about. If we don’t trust each other then we have nothing. Pack your bags gents! We are going camping this weekend.”

I get changed into my training clothes really fast and we go to the field for training. Thank the Moon because my feet are killing me. I miss my tennis shoes but I wouldn’t mind these flats again. I rush outside to join the guys and I’m hit hard with the burnt marshmallow scent, it’s so good yet bad at the same time. Whatever, I have to train I’m know better than them.

I get to where we are training and I take a look at the crew. The guys are not strong, built or have the stamina I’m looking for but; they DO have the desire to succeed and grow that’s all I need. We can grow from that and move forward. Going camping for the weekend is more so Ridley can see this crew in wolf form, I’m curious as well.

After a long day of training, the guys are wore out. Jace and I are used to this so keeping up with us is rather hard. I grab them some water and we all set along the field. In the corner, I see my Dad; of course watching his little pup work. I stand in front of them to dismiss them;

“Alrighty gents! You all put in the work, now we just need to find out how to perfect it. On the camping trip, I want us to work on our link. We will be in wolf form the majority of the time. Ridley will show you where the boarder begins and where they end. The more we are around each other, the stronger we become. That alone should warn off any outsider. Go home and get some sleep. We leave at noon for the woods, have a good night!” I see the guys off and then greet my Dad who has now moved to a bench on the field.

“Look at you little wolf, soon I can retire and enjoy time with Your mother again.” I see a touch of sorrow in his eyes.

“I know you miss spending time together, how about you tell me what’s REALLY going on since moms not around. I like the idea of the Elders wanting me to do something like this, but that’s not the case is it?”

Dad looks at me and sighs, “I told your mother this wouldn’t work. The truth is, the elders want to replace you because you haven’t found a mate and your predominantly a warrior, while that is a good thing in my eyes, they want to see leadership skills. All the times I’ve gone in early has been to figure out how to replace them. They have tried to silence your mother but since she kept the Alpha, they can’t put her in the Luna spot”

“So basically, they have tried to push Mom around for years and you don’t want that to happen to me?”

“Unfortunately yes. I want to do everything in my power to avoid that. I’m not a young wild wolf anymore, I can’t do this with strength. So of course you know your mother; putting you in charge of a major concern of the pack. Therefore showing your leadership skills.” He tells me making me at ease.

However his efforts to keep me calm have failed. “What do you mean? I’m the first and only born child of two Alphas, they can’t challenge me. It’s stupid to even have these idiots in the position they are in.” It’s a rather harsh tone. Now I know why all of the odd silence at dinner was all about!

“Easy kid, don’t blow a gasket over them. I tried to talk your mother into not having elders when we merged. They are part of her pack and they have always hated a female Alpha. Therefore, they have been plotting this since the day we found out your mother was pregnant. It isn’t directed towards you, more of towards us.” He puts his head down as if to say sorry I brought you into this.

I stare off into the distance; “Go home Pops, stop working all these long nights and spend sometime with Mom, she misses you and I know you miss her too. If they want leadership skills, they will get it. I’m just not sure they will enjoy their time in the pack after you retire.” A dark smile comes across my face and my dad knows Ridley is wanting to do something stupid.

“Keep your temper in check Jocelyn, for once I’m going to say something and sound like Beth. Actions and fighting won’t solve this. You have leadership skills and it’s time that you use them. I know I’m not one to walk away from a fight; but in this case Beth is correct, words, not actions.”

Everything he is saying I’ve speculated for awhile. Mom used to have a voice and was able to make decisions with my Dad. As time went on, she stopped being able to be at the forefront. I think it was her choice, but the elders always tried to put her in a Luna’s position and she never agreed to it. Now both of my parents talk about everything at home between the two at dinner, well I guess three, I’m at dinners too. That’s why I’ve always been wary of them and try to not socialize with them. I had no idea that they want me out of the picture!

After what seems like forever, Dad clears his throat; “if I lay off of this, they will take advantage of the situation. You have to be prepared for them watching you like a hawk.”

“Dad, I was born to do this. Let them come”

Dad gets up and kisses me goodbye and tells me that mom moved my clothes over and stocked the kitchen for me. So I could just go in and sleep. I hear him but I’m not fully listening. I’m thinking of a million ways to tear apart the elders, but like Dad said going to have to do things Moms way. I lay on the field and I hear footsteps and then a bottled cherry soda thrown at me. Jace can be such a d**k.

“The f**k do you want?”

“I don’t know, how about think talk about how we are going to bring out your leadership skills” he says in a serious tone.

“I don’t know where to start, I just know that I can’t keep on with this. Lying to myself, telling myself it will work out. I have all these eyes on me but they aren’t wanting me to succeed but wanting me to fail.”

Without missing a beat; “you have leadership skills. You don’t need all the jewelry, fancy hair or odd clothes. You need to be you, I’ve known you my whole life; I know what your capable of. Not just physically.”

“You want to be my Beta, time to train. Set up a meeting, you, me and them. They need to learn their place in the pack. Even if I do have to be nice about it”

“I will call first thing in the morning. Do you want your parents there? I think they should be aware” he says in a stern voice.

“I agree. Jace, I know the answer to this, but I need to know that you are on my side.”

“Ride or die, that’s what I’ve always told you. Your parents may not have retired just yet, but we need to prepare for when they do. Transition isn’t going to be smooth.”

We fist bump and talk about his upcoming ceremony and how he hates it but he loves her so he will do it. I feel a bit more at ease now, we’ve always been able to do that for each other. We stand up and brush ourselves off and say goodbye. Of course he spins off in his flashy car, while climbing into mine, I smell marshmallows again! It has to be something around the field.

I set off to the house, well guest house but for now my house. I pull up and Ridley decided it was time to put in her two cents.

“Are we really going to take this laying down? I’m stronger than all of them! Ripping their throat out is much more time efficient.”

“I am aware of that. I’m going to shirt so I can hear you better.” I shift and we begin our run and continue our conversation.

“Thank the Moon you have me around to keep things real. So are we murdering them tomorrow?”

“Ridley! Bloodshed isn’t the right thing to do, although I do like the idea. I have to find an outfit to make it appear as though I’m not aware of the treachery they are planning.”

“Fine, but do keep me updated.”

We ran for about two hours and she was done. I was thankful for a short run. A lot has happened today and I’m ready for bed. I walk in the house and find an outfit that is very authoritative looking, something my mother would wear to important meetings. I walk over and look at the note sitting on it

“Hello my Love! Jace told me that you would need a kick a** outfit. So here you are, I already looked at all your clothes. This is your size and I made sure it had a dash of red for affect! Jace said something about a meeting at noon and he will pick you up? I will be over to teach you some more tricks with your hair. Love you and see you soon”

-Maria

Of course she would do everything in a short while. I’m surprised my parents haven’t called to yell at me. Oh well. I must say that this suit is a bit smaller than all the other suits the guys wear. Whatever I guess we will find out more in the morning. I lay my head down and my dream instantly begins. This man is walking around, he sees me and comes closer. He smells of burnt marshmallows but looks like he is chiseled from stone. He looks over at a field that’s on fire and I can finally see what these dots are. Bodies, thousands of them; young, old, and they all look like they are from different time eras. I look at the man and now he is covered in blood. None of this makes sense to me but I manage to ask a simple question

“What is your name?”

“Jocelyn wake up!!” Is all I hear.