Changing Fate

ch.2

As the end of June approached, I found myself eagerly counting down the days until my birthday. I had planned a grand celebration with my family and friends, and I was excited about the prospect of spending time with them. However, my excitement was dampened when I received a call from my father informing me that he and my mother wouldn't be able to make it to celebrate with me. I was disappointed, but not surprised, as they had a habit of canceling plans at the last minute.

Trying to shake off my disappointment, I decided to sit out on my veranda and enjoy my morning tea while basking in the warm sun's rays. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, and the chirping of birds added to the tranquil atmosphere. As I gazed out at the lush greenery surrounding me, I felt a sense of peace wash over me.

Just then, I heard a knock on my door, interrupting my reverie. Curious, I got up to answer it and was surprised to find that it was the former Alpha Alfred. "Come in," I said, greeting him warmly. As he entered, I noticed a look of concern on his face. It seemed that he had something important to discuss with me.

"Dear Rhea, I deeply regret to inform you that Luna Nadine and I won't be able to celebrate your 18th birthday with you. Unfortunately, Luna's father has fallen seriously ill, and his condition is rapidly deteriorating. This may be the last time that The Luna will be able to be with him." I was familiar with Luna Nadine's father, as he used to dress up as Santa Claus during Christmas when I was a child, bringing toys and sweets to celebrate with the pack. He was a kind and generous man, loved by all. The news of his illness saddened me deeply, and I could only imagine how Luna Nadine and her family were feeling. "I understand how difficult this must be for you and Luna Nadine, Alpha Tobias. Please let Luna Nadine know that she and her father are in my prayers. If there is anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask." I hoped my words would bring some comfort to Alpha Alfred and Luna during this difficult time. He kindly smiled at me.

"Just to let you know, I have taken the initiative to seek help from our friendly neighbors at Argyle Forest Pack, who are more than willing to lend a hand with the celebration. Their involvement will surely make the event an even more memorable and joyous occasion." And with that, he exited my room.

It was around noon when,. I decided to step out of my room and explore the surroundings. I headed towards the communal area where a small group of pack members had gathered. None of my acquaintances were present, and I noticed a stranger among them. He was a towering figure, resembling the legendary Paul Bunyan himself. Standing well above the twins, I estimated his height to be around seven feet two inches. His skin was tanned and glistened under the sunlight, while his thick, shaggy hair was tied up in a man bun, revealing his sharp facial features. A wild beard adorned his face, accentuating his rugged appearance. A unique fragrance emanated from him, reminiscent of the scent of burning pine or a crackling campfire.

"Speak of the devil, here comes the soon-to-be birthday girl," said Farrah, my former friend who had been mean to me since an incident that happened last year. She was currently with Asher, and I wasn't interested in speaking with anyone. I just wanted to get out of my room and go for a run to clear my head. Before I left, I needed to let someone know where I was going. I noticed Atlas, the alpha, talking to Beta Colton on the other side of the room, and I quickly walked over to them. I approached Atlas and asked politely, "Excuse me, Alpha Atlas?" I was feeling a little nervous, so I averted my gaze to the floor. Both men looked at me, and Beta Colton, who was always friendly, greeted me with a laugh and ruffled my hair. Atlas, on the other hand, asked me plainly, "Yes, Rhea?" I took a deep breath before speaking. "I just wanted to let you know, since I was left in your care, that I'm going for my usual run for the track team." He gave an approving nod, then went back to his conversation with Beta Colton. Yes! I performed my normal pre-stretches and lunges, popped my earbuds in, and was ready to roll.

As I began my run, the pulsating beats of my usual trance and techno music filled my ears, making me feel energized and ready to take on the world. I started down the driveway, with no particular destination in mind, just wanting to run. The beats and tempo of the music perfectly synced with my steps, making me feel like I could go on forever. As I ran, the wind blew against my face, refreshing and invigorating me, while the different muscles in my legs moved in perfect unison, propelling me forward. The feeling of weightlessness and freedom that came with the motion of my body was indescribable.

The scenery around me seemed to pass by in a blur as I kept running. The houses that lined the streets, and everything else around me, faded away as I lost myself in the moment. There was a deep sense of peace and serenity in running that helped me forget all my worries and find my inner peace. It was such a liberating feeling, and I couldn't help but think that it was one of the few things in life that made me feel truly alive.

With every breath I took, my lungs and heart worked in perfect harmony, propelling me forward as my feet pounded against the pavement. Lost in my thoughts, I ran with abandon, my body moving so fast that it felt like I could outrun the past and move into a brighter future. The world around me blurred into oblivion as I ran, my focus solely on the feeling of my feet gliding across the smooth asphalt. I had no idea how far I had gone, nor did I care - all that mattered was the sensation of freedom and the exhilaration of movement.

As I started to feel my strength wane, I gradually reduced my pace to a brisk walk. It was then that I realized I had run across our pack's territory and into the land of our neighbors. I felt awkwardness in my legs as I tried to stretch them to prevent the buildup of lactic acid in my muscles. I knew I needed to drink water soon to avoid any regretful consequences later.

I found myself in the backlands, where the rolling hills of cattle farmers dotted the landscape. The fields stretched out as far as the eye could see, with grazing cattle enjoying the last rays of the setting sun. The air was filled with the sounds of nature, the rustling of leaves, and the chirping of crickets. As the sun slowly descended behind the evening sky, I realized that I needed to head back home before the darkness set in. I knew that the Alphas would not be happy if I overstayed my welcome in the neighboring land. With that thought in my mind, I turned around, and with my tired legs, I began to head back home.