Into the Spirit

Okay, We are Just Going to Breathe

---POV Terra----

DING! DING! DING!

“Ugh!!” I slammed my hand over my phone and the beeping finally stopped when one of my fingers tapped the right button. Another short night of restless sleep. Another night, seeing my mother disappear into the darkness. It was 8:00AM and I was not happy.

I threw the phone wherever it may lie, and stretched. The luxuries of this apartment included a land line that I have sent out to those who are important enough to have the number. Therefore, I wouldn’t miss this phone at all. It's not like I had the option to enjoy a cell throughout my childhood and I'm not much different in my adult life. To be honest, it's just another way to track me.

I opened my eyes just a bit and combed my fingers through my now tussled hair, shaking out the curls. Four hours of restless sleep is not long enough. Contrary to my manager’s belief, I’m not rechargeable. I’ve had three gigs in a row and now I have to deal with this guy.

I think this is the first time I’ve seen my comforter in two days, aside from the forty winks I got yesterday afternoon. And yes, I said comforter. I usually never even see the sheets. Who has time to unravel their bed before they sleep? This lavender comforter, long broken in, is enough for me.

I slugged out of bed and dragged myself to the aged yellow door between me and my bathroom. Pushing it open, I shimmied in between it and the sink to make it to the shower. I pulled on the handle and let the water run, waiting for the steam to remind me it’s warm enough. I decided not to watch the water boil and headed out of the bathroom. I popped the coffee maker on, threw in a couple scoops of coffee grounds, and enough water for a single serving. The black coffee started to pour from the pre-measured water, and I took a deep breath.

It immediately reminded me of a certain someone and I had to shake my head, knowing my wolf was doing this to me on purpose. I stalked back toward the bathroom, shedding my clothes along the way. I always pick them up afterwards. Living in such a cozy space pretty much requires me to be clean.

Once my worn body hit the water it felt so good. I couldn’t help but feel more relaxed, which was duly needed. I rinsed off the suds and took my time just enjoying the short amount of heat that comes from this shower head once a day. I looked down at my henna and realized it was starting to wear pretty well. It made me smile a bit as I remembered my Little Cub. I blinked for a moment and shut off the water. My Little Cub? No. I have no claim on that child. I glanced down at my hand again and realized my fingers had started to prune. It was time to hop out.

I stretched my now wrapped up body while I walked to my closet that could fit into two suitcases within minutes. Yes, I’ve counted...for many reasons. I can never be unprepared. I shimmied my curly hair a bit, realizing it was still slightly damp. It’ll dry quickly since my hair is so coarse. That was the best thing. I never needed a blow dryer. I towel dried the rest of my body, then took a deep breath.

“First thing's first. Clothes.” I pulled on a lacey pair of panties over my bum, and a bra to match, from the small plastic drawers in the corner of my closet before looking at my options again. Nothing that I could think of. I gave up for now and walked over to my coffee. I threw in one cream and two sugars before sipping away and staring out my mini window towards the parking lot. I never knew what I was looking for, but it always gave me ideas on what clothes to wear now that I no longer live with my designer friend, Mya.

She always knew what I should wear for the day. She really is a clothing genius. “I guess something semiprofessional would work?” I tapped on my coffee mug, remembering some of the crazy outfits she would come up with in my limited supply of options.

She never once complained, and vehemently welcomed the challenge. Normally she would be right on the nose. She’s twenty-five, like me, and I can’t believe she is already getting married. It's not unheard of for wolves to marry young, but it still just reminds me how much life really has passed me by.

Mason is only a year older than us, and he is more so a recluse when it comes to his family. Maybe that’s why I've never met his brother until now. He doesn’t really have animosity towards him or anything, it’s just that he doesn’t really get involved as much as you would think the second in line to the Rogue Industries Empire would.

I think he said he was the Senior VP of Technological Resources or something. It sounds like the job was made for him so he wouldn’t leave the company. Oh well. From what I can see, he is loyal to his pack and even more so to Mya, so I can’t fault the guy. I can only be happy for them. Then, it hit me. I jumped up happily and placed my cup down on the chipped particle board counter. “Ooo, wait! I know!”

I heard my wolf rustle in my mind while she stretched and yawned. “Why so early?”

I shrugged her off and ran to my closet. My feet barely touched the ground, so I didn’t wake my neighbors below. To be honest, these floors are not the strongest. “Oh, embrace it. Sleep is overrated.” Now, with coffee in my system, I can give her that kind of response. I was tired too, but at least I had a jolt of energy from my best friend, the coffee bean.

I pulled out a couple of hangers and dropped the items on my bed. I grabbed the white tank top with a sweetheart neckline and pulled up a pair of white pants that flowed almost like you were looking at a skirt if you weren’t paying attention. I tightened the white belt and pulled the fabric through the matching plastic white buckle.

I shrugged on an over-sized white blazer and flicked my hair out of the neckline, so it didn’t get stuck. I grabbed a pair of my suede beige booties and pulled them over my anklet socks. I grabbed one of my purses that matched my shoes and thanked the goddess that bargain stores were a thing so I could have variety.

I looked over to my laptop bag and dug around for the card Bryce gave me last night. When I found the fancy paper, I rolled my eyes and placed it into a slot on the inside of my purse. My only purse. I was a humble spender, so if I had to disappear, I had the money to do so at any time.

I hurriedly created a nude make-up look with a soft brown and gold color on the eyes, and a soft peach gloss on the lips to heighten the red tint they already had. I clasped a small necklace with a white rose pendant around my neck and headed for the door, grabbing my purse along the way. I decided to leave my hair where it may lie since that is usually what I do with it in the first place. I’m trying to look appropriate when I go to this building of his, but I’m not trying to impress him in any way.

“Someone’s trying today. New Gig?” My wolf was chuckling in my mind, and I started laughing with her a bit sarcastically. As if she didn’t know.

“I don’t know what this meeting is going to be. I just like to be prepared.” I reminded her before closing and locking my door. It was the truth too. This meeting was up to anyone’s imagination. I climbed down the six flights of stairs, enjoying the light exercise I get every time I leave my abode.

I walked up to my small little commuter, and climbed into the driver’s side. I pulled the card out of my bag, typed the card information into my phone, and put both into my cupholder. I pulled my purse off my shoulder and placed it in the passenger seat before cranking the engine, pulling out of the parking lot, and heading off to the city.

Driving through the traffic didn’t get better as I went along. It was progressively getting worse. I glanced over at my car’s thermostat just to make sure she wasn’t going to putt out on me. I winced a bit, noticing the dial leaning toward the heat icon. I took a deep breath as if that would cool off my engine and kept creeping along.

I was overjoyed to hear my phone instruct me to exit off this heinous freeway until I actually made it to the exit. There were more people on the surface roads than on the highway. I started to growl, and grip hold of the steering wheel. “Stupid morning traffic.” I said through gritted teeth.

My…emotions on the road were not the best. My car and I continued the arduous journey until I finally found a parking structure and just wheeled my now slightly wheezing car into the covered sanctuary. Away from the traffic.

I slammed the door on my aging beauty and refilled the coolant before checking the engine oil. Traffic was not good for my baby. Thankfully, it just needed a top off and I was good to go. I glanced down at my white outfit and sighed in relief that nothing got on it. Wiping my hands on the rag I kept stowed away with my car’s essentials, I then walked through the parking structure toward the street. Since they didn’t have much guest parking at RI, I decided it was best to give myself a walk in the morning and an escape after the meeting's over. Also, it’s nice to get a stretch this early in the morning.

I enjoyed the fresh air and ignored the honking that ensued on the road next to me. Even my wolf seemed happy after she ignored me last night. Everything seemed to fit as I walked to my impending doom. "Oh come on Terra. Dramatic much?" My wolf groaned and I did my best to ignore her this time. It may be dramatic for some, but aside from Mya and her family, I wasn't one to make lasting relationships.

My heels clicked against the concrete, until I stumbled upon the monstrosity. Three glass towers, shooting toward the sky. I looked up and almost hurt my neck to see the top. I thought about the contents of the card again. Of course, it would be their corporate headquarters. I just wasn’t prepared for this thing to block half the city’s skyline. “This is insane.”

Towards the top was a large sign drilled into the concrete peeking through the glass. ‘RI’ was all it said and all that was needed. Who wouldn’t know what the multibillion-dollar company’s acronym was? They have been around for generations and their wealth has helped thousands of packs in many of the different regions. Real philanthropists.

>>Phone vibrates

I glanced down at the screen and noticed the name ‘Sis’ pop up. I smirked and tapped the screen while I walked over to the side, away from the main foot traffic. “Sorry, sorry, SORRY!”

I tilted my head and this time a giggle actually came out. Why is she always panicking? “Okay…why and what for?” I asked quickly.

She responded in seconds and that was not a good thing. “Well…Lily wouldn’t stop crying after you left, and I knew something was up with you so I accidentally said it would be fine for you to meet with the Alpha today. I should have asked about your schedule too. Ugh. I’m a terrible sister and best friend. I’m sorry.” Word vomit would be putting it mildly.

I waited to see if she was going to add anything else and realized it was already 9:50AM. I should start heading in. “Don’t worry about it. Bryce beat you to it. I’m already here.” I'm glad he did. If I relied on her, I would never have been on time. I really wanted to add my opinion on this meeting in the first place, but I decided against it.

She sighed heavily into the speaker, and I pulled the phone away from my ear until she calmed down. “Oh good, well best of luck and be nice!” She called and then hung up the phone.

I rolled my eyes at her sudden cut off. That's Mya for yah. I turned off my screen right after throwing the phone into my favorite mode: silent. Then, I decided I'd procrastinated long enough. I looked up at the buildings in front of me again and adjusted my jacket. I held my head high and walked through the large glass automatic doors. No pressure. No worries. Let’s just get this over with. Let's just breathe.