Chapter 7: The bigger picture
1209 Words
Emery’s POV
I decided not to put on my clothes right away when I found them where I had left them since I would be taking a shower anyway when I got to the cabin. I instead started looking for Lacy. She was no longer in the spot where I had seen her before so I decided to wait at the spot we had agreed to meet at before the run.
I stood alone and watched the last few wolves come into the clearing. I was so caught up in people-watching that I didn’t see Cameron until she barrelled into me. I lost my footing a bit but managed to remain upright.
“Emery!” Cameron said giggling. “I met someone!”
I looked at her strangely. This was her second time at the festival, so why would she be so excited about meeting someone.
“Congratulations I guess,” I said trying to sound enthusiastic.
“You don’t understand, it’s my first time meeting someone my wolf liked,” Cameron replied.
“Oh, I thought it was easy to meet someone during the run.”
Like I had. I had run into Rodney when Í wasn't even looking for him.
“It’s not. As the Beta Female said, wolves are really picky.” She then looped her arm in mine. “I think he might be the one.” She was glowing, I could see how happy she was. I needed to not be so sour and genuinely cheer her on.
“I’m happy for you.”
“If things go well I’ll invite you to our mating ceremony,” Cameron said smiling. I was really happy for her. “Did you meet anyone?”
“Yeah, but I don’t think it’s gonna lead anywhere,” I said to her.
She nodded understandingly. I guess that wasn't so strange here. “Have you seen Lacy?”
“I did, but I don’t think she saw me,” I said. “I think she may have gone back to the cabin.”
Cameron looked around before pointing behind us excitedly. “There she is!”
I turned to look in Lacy’s direction and she was already running towards us. I waved at her and this time she waved back at me excitedly.
“Let’s go back to the cabin.” She said as she approached us.
“I saw you earlier and I waved at you but you didn’t wave back, is everything alright?” I asked her.
“Everything is fine, I’m just tired from the run is all,” Lacy replied.
So she saw me but didn’t wave back. Okay, that wasn't weird at all.
“Okay, then let’s go back to the cabin quickly so that you can sleep,” I said to her.
She linked arms with me on my other side and the three of us started making our way back to our cabin. As soon as we arrived Lacy immediately went to sleep on her bed, while I got ready to go out to take a shower. Cameron decided to call her family back home. They were about 2 hours behind us so it wasn’t too late for them.
Since I love water I took a long time in the shower and by the time I was done Cameron was also asleep. I sent my mom a text telling her about what happened during the day but making sure to leave out anything to do with Rodney. I still had my doubts about him and I didn’t want my mom to get her hopes up.
Tomorrow’s activity was painting and I went to sleep wondering if Rodney would show up.
***
I was the last person in the cabin to wake up. Cameron and Lacy were quietly chatting on Lacy’s bed and I just stared at them waiting for them to notice I had woken up. Even though I doubt they had washed up, they were bright-eyed and their smiles looked genuine as they shared a joke.
It reminded me of myself before I was rejected. I used to carry a bright smile and I didn’t have a worry in the world. I wondered to myself if that Emery would ever make an appearance again.
“Look who’s up,” Lacy said looking at me. Cameron turned her head to look at me as well.
“Good morning,” I said with a raspy voice.
Cameron smiled. “Morning sleepy head.”
“I guess we can start getting ready for the day now,” Lacy said. I nodded my head.
“I have painting at 11,” I said to her excitedly.
Sin’s POV
I was excited. It was nearly 11 meaning that any minute now, Emery would walk through those doors.
Although I had just seen her yesterday, my wolf couldn’t wait to see those gorgeous green eyes again.
“Rodney.” I heard from in front of me but I didn't pay it any mind. “Rodney!” The person standing in front of me said again. “You are gonna get caught for sure.”
I looked up and saw Claire’s face come into view. “What are you doing here?”
Claire had asked me to explain my behaviour yesterday after Emery left. I told her everything.
Although we had met because she was mated to my best friend, as of late Claire and I shared a closer friendship than I did with Michael. So it was easy telling about my situation with Emery but with Michael, I couldn't. Our friendship was strained lately because of all the stress he had been under.
He had to take care of all of the preparations for the festival, which he did a good job with, while I was taking of the security problems at the border. We also had a ton of new construction taking place on our lands which he was also handling. I knew he wasn’t happy about being away from his mate so much especially since she was pregnant but he didn’t complain since he put pack business first. Instead, he was beginning to shut me out which hurt because he was my closest friend but I wasn't sure if there was anything I could do to stop it.
“I came to supervise. You know I can’t supervise the physical activities so I am doing these ones instead, although the smell of paint is making me a bit nauseous.” She replied. “Plus you need someone here who won’t blow your cover but I don’t think I’ll be of much help since you can’t even remember your cover name.”
I looked at her suspiciously. Although Claire was trustworthy, we treated each other like siblings and siblings never helped each other without getting something in return. “What do you plan to get out of this?”
“I’m looking at the bigger picture. If things work out with this girl, I’ll have more time for myself.” She said honestly.
“Ah, so you want things to work out so you can slack off,” I said to her teasingly.
She laughed a little before turning towards the doors. “She’s here.”
- Writer
