Winged Warrior

Chapter 12: The North Pride Pack

A few weeks had passed since the ball, and the fear that floated around the academy gradually subsided.

Many students had left the academy after the vampire intrusion. The following day, Skye had been shocked to see so few students attend the assembly. Over the next couple of days, the crowd grew even smaller.

The black wolf had laid beneath her window for a little over a week before disappearing. During that time, she often just sat, watching it.

Jesse returned to her usual self, though she continued to sleep in Skye's room.

About four feet of snow lay atop the ground outside, covering the naked trees with a sheet of white. It was nearing December and students were making plans to go home for the holidays. It had surprised Skye to learn that they shared many of the same holidays as the human realm. But, many traditions, such as Thanksgiving, first began in Anasidora. Despite the many legends of which holiday started where and when--it turns out that most of them had originated from the mystical realm.

Skye assumed she would be staying at the academy over the holidays. She had accepted that fact, having planned to catch up on her reading about werewolves and the Great War.

She was surprised when Ms. Acacia called her to her office, however.

"Though, likely, Vernon and his men were here for you, it has not been confirmed. They clearly knew they had come to collect a 'creature' but were unaware of whom they sought." Ms. Acacia continued, "Whoever sent them could not have possibly expected them to retrieve anyone. It is possible that the mastermind isn't sure you--or whoever they're seeking is here."

Skye rolled this over in her mind. She didn't tell Ms. Acacia that she had similar thoughts.

Ms. Acacia studied Skye for a moment, "We aren't sure about anything, and these are just suspicions. But I promised your Uncle that I would keep you safe."

"Thank you," Skye wanted to show her appreciation.

"This is why I would like you to go with the Northern Pride Pack for the winter break."

"Oh!" Skye was surprised. She remembered that Riftan was next in line for alpha in the N.P. Pack. "I understand why you think it best for me to go away for a few weeks... But, couldn't I see if I could go with Jesse and be with her family?"

"I've already spoken with Alpha Wallace," Acacia stated, "It's safer for you to be with those who can protect you. He is a dear friend of mine and I trust him fully."

"I understand," Skye felt that she would not be able to change Ms. Acacia's mind, "Thank you again". She dipped her head, accepting her fate.

"Now, I have convinced Alpha Wallace that you need special accommodations, and are looking to lay low." She picked up a watering can and drenched a planted pot of wild lilies, "Buses will be sent to pick up pack members, and you, after classes on Thursday."

"Perfect," Skye forced a smile, "I'll make sure to be ready."

Jesse almost begged Skye to speak to Ms. Acacia again about going home with her for the holidays, but Skye assured her that everything was finalized and there was no changing it.

During the last few days, classes tended to be either canceled or shortened due to lack of attendance. Somehow word had gotten around that Skye would be going to the North Pride Pack, and though many students didn't care, some were also very unhappy about it. Being Becca.

Classes were canceled on Thursday, so Skye spent her last day with Jesse. They packed together and Jesse shared her family's holiday traditions with Skye. Jesse buzzed around her room, packing two bags as full as she could. Jax had asked to "hang out" over the break, so she was elevated.

Skye decided to pack light, bringing only winter clothing and some makeup. She had never stayed at a place that she would be able to come back to, so leaving some of her belongings behind felt strange.

When it was time to part ways, Jesse let her emotions seep causing Skye to do the same. They had known each other for a short time but it didn't feel that way.

"I'll see you in a few weeks," Skye reassured her.

"You better!" Jesse hugged her one last time before climbing into a black SUV.

"Drive safe!" Skye waved goodbye.

She went back inside where her small, light suitcase waited. Her trench coat wasn't warm enough for this kind of weather.

As she waited, Becca slid next to her. "So, you're coming to N.P. Pack with us?" But, Becca knew the answer.

"Yeah."

"Great! That's great, Skye! You're gonna have a wonderful time!" Sadism dripped from her lips. Becca raised her hand to pat her on her back, but Skye jerked away.

Somebody close by coughed, "Shrew," causing stifled laughter amongst a group of students.

Skye sighed. This is gonna be a longgg break.

Three buses, escorted by two black SUVs rolled up the gravel drive. Skye observed how many students piled onto the first two buses, so she chose the third bus. Only a few students made their way to this bus. Over half of the rest of the bus carried toppling towers of colorful luggage and suitcases.

Skye took a seat near the front of the bus and scooted toward the window. She gazed out the window at the students and watched as they piled onto the other buses. She silently prayed that nobody else would climb onto her motorcoach.

She watched as Riftan walked to the vehicles parked in front of the buses. She couldn't see everything, but somebody grabbed his bag and presumably threw it into the trunk of the SUV. He then disappeared into the back seat.

Only a handful of students rode on Skye's bus. They chattered away while Skye daydreamed out her window. She watched as snow-tipped mountains dipped into ice-covered lakes and valleys, thinking of her distant, purged village. She wondered if it remained in ruins, forgotten, or perhaps it was cleaned, or made into a cemetery for the dead to lay and rest. It was once beautiful, tucked safely between large mountains that eventually cut off into jagged, rocky cliffs. She vaguely remembered watching her mom gracefully dive off and twirl in the air. Skye had her mother's looks--so, Uncle Rad had said.

Where her mother had enchanting white feathered wings like Skye, her father had eagle-like wings that stretched far. They were decorated with endless colors of mixed browns, whites, and greys. Skye sighed. They, of course, were all things she learned from Uncle Conrad, having been too young to remember this for herself.

Skye should have expected the trip to be long, they were called the "North Pride Pack" after all. She was glad that it was relatively peaceful. When the students initially climbed on the bus, they had shot Skye some questioning glances, but she was thankful when they hadn't tried to speak to her. They mostly spoke quietly amongst themselves.

Skye didn't remember dozing off. She had admired the sun dip below the horizon while it cast its spectacular rays of colors on the shimmering snow. But, she woke from her head banging off the window next to her.

The cover of the night swallowed the outdoors, leaving the dull outlines of trees and mounds of dirt or rocks. The buses jostled and rocked while they made their way on a barely visible road. They crawled up a steep slope before peaking at the top, lights speckled the earth below as they neared.

Finally, they arrived.

The N.P. Pack was large. Larger than Skye had anticipated. However, this was only the first pack she'd seen. The buses weaved through bending roads as they descended towards the center. Large gates opened when they crept up to them and she watched as the buses pulled up and around a mansion.

One by one, students piled off the buses. Some tall men opened the back door to the bus Skye had traveled on and began unloading the mound of suitcases. She retrieved her bag, and stood close to a group of peers, awaiting instructions.

A group of students erupted in laughter before a girl that Skye knew to be associated with Becca, came sauntering out. "Skye, right?"

Skye fought the urge to roll her eyes. This girl knew who she was. "Yes."

"I'll be taking you to your sleeping quarters for the duration of your stay."

"Okay," Skye was hesitant, "Thanks."

Skye caught the girl smirk towards her friends but allowed her to lead the way anyway. "Sure, sure! It's no problem. Riftan personally made sure to have this room prepared for you."

Skye remained silent and followed.

The girl led Skye inside the grand building, decorated with lavish wooden furniture, and far from the main entrance. After walking down some steep stairs, and rounding a few corners, the girl stopped at an open door with a dim light illuminating the small room. Two cots were pressed tightly against either side of the small room's walls, leaving a narrow walkway in the center. The cot to the left was clearly taken but lay empty.

"Here we are!" The girl announced.

Skye was confused about whether this was a joke. The space seemed rather comfortable, even if it was a little small. Maybe, she really was just paranoid.

"Thank you," Skye allowed gratitude to show on her quick smile.

"Sure," The girl gave Skye a quizzical look and hitched her breath, "No problem. Enjoy your stay."

Skye made herself comfortable and prepared her cot with the fresh linens that sat atop it. She slid her suitcase beneath and readied herself for bed, sliding into pajamas, and concealing herself under the loose clothing. She tried to wait for her roommate to return so that she could introduce herself but fell asleep with the dim light on.

Skye awoke to an alarm clock and rolled over to see her roommate pick herself lazily out of bed. "Good morning, newbie."

"Hi," Skye yawned, "It's nice to meet you,"

"Likewise," The girl replied, "I'm Evie."

"Skye."

Evie appeared older than Skye, possibly in her mid-to-late thirties.

"I guess I'll show you the ropes. Would have been nice if they told me you were coming." She complained.

"Oh, I appreciate it," Skye stood to make her bed, "Sorry about the inconvenience."

"No--no inconvenience. We need the help."

Skye hid her confusion, "Okay, I'll try my best."

The girl flashed her a sympathetic smile, "No wolf?"

"No, I'm human." Skye lied.

"That's too bad. But, don't worry, there's a few of us like that here."

"Oh..." What?

"Today, just tail me, and we'll get through it together."

"Sure, no problem."

The girls prepared themselves for the day. Evie had advised Skye to wear a sweater because the "pack house" was drafty--Skye was thankful for this, having pulled on an oversized hoodie. She slipped the ends of her wings into her mom-jeans waistband and allowed the brown hoodie to perfectly cloak her wings.

Evie led Skye to a gorgeous kitchen, where many people hurriedly scurried about. Fresh vegetables were splayed across the countertops, and plants of herbs, spices, garlic, and onions hung above from some beams.

Delicious aromas filled Skye's nostrils causing her mouth to water. She craved the freshly brewed coffee that sat in the dispenser on a table that she spotted through a doorway.

"We eat after," Evie caught her drooling, "There's usually plenty left."

"Okay," Skye buried her disappointment.

Skye lost herself in the breakfast rush as she washed and dried dishes. She cleaned and wiped down counters while she worked around the cooks. Somebody dropped a mug causing it to shatter, so Skye hurriedly swept up the mess, cautioning people. She had never experienced an atmosphere where she felt like she was contributing to a team. She liked it.

She listened while she worked as folks around her gossiped about a missing girl. They spoke about possibilities and offered theories as to where she could have disappeared and murmured phrases such as, "That's too bad" or, "I'm sure she'll turn up."

When the time came to clear the dining area, Skye followed Evie. They stacked dished together while pack members excused themselves. A hand landed on Skye's shoulder and she spun, "Heyyy!" It was Becca.

The girl who had shown Skye to her room the night before, stood with her, "You're doing so great! So, how are you liking it here?" Becca batted her eyes innocently.

Skye squinted, suspicious, "It's good."

"Skye."

She spun to the deep voice who spoke her name. Riftan.

"Yes?" Not exactly the person she wanted to see.

"What are you doing? People have been searching for you." He glanced at the dishes she carried.

Skye was beginning to realize that she didn't belong. She was the "missing girl".

"Oh," She glanced at Becca and the girl. They suddenly acted concerned. "There must have been some confusion upon my arrival."

"That's awful!" Becca fanned innocuousness.

"Sorry to worry everyone," Skye should have known. "But, I didn't mind working."

"Spoken like a true Omega." A young lady Skye had never seen before emerged between the two snickering girls.

Riftan ignored her though and looked towards Evie. "Please move her to a guest room."

"Of course, young alpha," Evie dipped her head, briefly baring her neck in submission. Skye didn't like that.

Skye followed Evie to collect her belongings, swallowing her slight embarrassment.

"Those girls have always been trouble around here," Evie must have felt somewhat sorry for her, "Did they take you to the servants' quarters?"

Skye slipped a nervous laugh, "Yeah, Becca and her friends like to pick on those smaller than her."

"If it's any consolation, you were doing great."

Skye smiled, "I meant it when I said I didn't mind the work."

At least there were some friendly faces here.