Fated Destiny:The Wolf, The Witch, The Demon

3. Hindsight

HINDSIGHT

Zara

“You did WHAT? Are you insane? Zara, you have to go back home and apologize! Tell your father you didn’t mean any of what you said!”

My best friend, Melody, yells at me. I squint and pull my cell phone away from my ear. Melody has been my best friend since we were in middle school, when her family moved from another pack to join ours. She struggled to fit in as a new student and I took it upon myself to help her feel more comfortable. It was sort of my responsibility as the Alpha’s daughter to welcome the children of new pack members and help them get acquainted with school and other activities. Melody stuck on me. She is so outspoken and honest while also being humble and respectful. Unlike me, Melody knows how to say things in a diplomatic way that does not rub anyone the wrong way. She never loses her temper, unlike me. And she thinks things through thoroughly, unlike moi.

“I’m not going back and I’m not taking what I said back either, Mel. I know it was impulsive but you should have heard the words he said and the way he looked at me. There’s no need for me to stay here any longer. My father does not trust me to even care for myself. He’ll never trust me to care for and lead this pack. I need to establish a life somewhere else. You understand right?”

My question is met with silence.

“Why did you have to turn away from the entire pack, Za? You are now considered a rogue and if you don’t find a new pack to settle with soon enough your wolf will become feral and you’ll go insane. What about your ceremony this evening? What about me?”

Melody’s sad tone makes my heart sink. I hate that my choices are having such hard effects on the people I love. If I was not so hot headed I could have planned a different exit. Maybe my father is right. Maybe I am not mature and responsible enough to be The One and the future Alpha. I am just turning 17 and yet so much is expected of me. I’m held to a much higher standard than most and I admittedly rebel against it every chance I get.

“Za, are you still there? Say something.”

Melody snaps me out of my self reflection.

“Yeah, I’m here Mel. I am so sorry. I don’t plan on disappearing off the face of the earth and I’m always going to be your best friend. I’ll be one call or text away. I promise you. I love you for life girl! Don’t give up on me yet.”

I try to sound optimistic and confident but deep down I am scared sh*tless.

“I’ll never give up on you Zara. I know what you’re capable of. I believe in you. Please just be safe and make sure you keep in touch. I want to come see you as soon as you find someplace to get settled. Don’t make me search for you! I’m one of the best trackers in this pack so you know I can do it!”

I start laughing at Melody’s words. She actually is one of the best trackers besides her father and she never misses an opportunity to point it out. I love that about her. She knows who she is and I truly admire that. I feel tears forming in my eyes and Xena whines sadly in my head. Melody is one of just a few people my antisocial wolf really adores and enjoys me spending time with. This separation will be just as hard on her as me.

Boarding for Bus 270 has begun. All ticket holders should head to Terminal B.

“I have to go Mellie Mel. My bus is beginning to board and I want to get a decent seat. I’ll make sure to call you once I reach the city and get into my hotel room. I love you. Talk soon. Bye.”

I quickly get off the phone and stand while grabbing my bags. Heading towards Terminal B my spidey…well, actually wolfey senses, start to tingle. I feel as though I’m being watched. I take a quick look around the area but do not see anything or anyone that stands out as unusual. I don’t put it past my parents to have sent spies to keep an eye on me. I shrug. As long as no one tries to stop me then I have no issue.

“These scents are not familiar to me. I do not feel good about this.” Xena says. She’s pacing anxiously.

“We will be okay. It’s been a very crazy morning and we’re both tired and anxious. Once we get to our hotel and are able to lay down, our senses will be more clear.”

I try to soothe Xena and she reluctantly stops pacing but still stands at attention. Always the protector. I smirk as I settle into a seat and get comfortable. I look out the window and wonder what really lies ahead of me. Have I made the biggest mistake of my life by leaving my home and severing all ties? It would be a shame to come back with my tail tucked between my legs. I have to prove my father wrong and more importantly, prove to myself what I’m really capable of achieving. My eyes grow heavy as I lean my head against the window of the bus and allow my mind and body to drift off into a sound sleep. That last thing I hear is Xena’s disapproving sigh as she continues to stand watch.

***********************

After a two and a half hour bus ride, I am so happy to check into my hotel room (thank you fake I.D!). I take a long, hot shower and throw on some comfortable lounging clothes. I sent Melody a quick text letting her know I made it safely. I also texted my mother and aunt to let them know I’m still alive and well for the time being. They both immediately text me back pleading for me to return home or at least call and speak to my father. I respectfully decline both requests. I need to make a game plan. I don’t have much money so I won’t be able to stay in this hotel for long. I need a job and I need a permanent residence. Pulling my laptop out of my backpack I sit criss cross on the bed and start searching for jobs that I am qualified for. The pickings are slim, unless I can find some place in need of a wolf/witch hybrid that can do pretty awesome magic AND also rip someone’s throat out if attacked. Yeah, so the pickings are slim. I submit applications to some entry level positions at retail stores and even some admin positions. I know how to type well and I can answer phones. That’s something right?

“You’ve never had a real job. I’m not sure how useful your skills are outside the pack.”

I scoff at Xena’s comment. She’s right but she doesn’t have to say it. I throw myself back on the bed and stare at the ceiling. I rub a hand over my stomach as it rumbles loudly. I need to eat…expeditiously. There is a bar and restaurant downstairs so I grab my wallet, room key and phone and head down on the elevator. I breathe a sigh of relief that the restaurant is pretty much empty. I wait patiently for the hostess to show me to a small table near a large window that faces the busy street outside the hotel. I love it. I get to eat in peace and quiet while “people watching”. Being in the city is so different from being in my little town. So many more people. I place my order and continue looking outside at the hustle and bustle taking place. Xena and I suddenly both perk up as I catch a whiff of a familiar scent. I turn to the entrance of the restaurant and see a young man talking to the hostess. He flashes a charming smile at her as she makes googly eyes at him flirtatiously. The hostesses face drops in disappointment as the young man lifts his chin in my direction and starts walking towards me. That elicits an eye roll from me.

“Hello, my little luv.”

My uninvited guest greets me warmly.

“Hello, Manuel. I figured you’d show up sooner or later.”