Loyal to the Pack

07 Not a date

Sarah

"So, you've never been back?" He's been putting off asking it, and my heart breaks again, knowing he has to ask. He should know. He should've recognized that I was missing.

"No. In the first few years, I asked my mums if I should visit them for the summer, but they got scared and said I shouldn't. I missed them. I understand that I was only their adopted daughter, but I don't remember my biological parents. Black River was the only home I knew." There goes my unemotional approach. I feel a lump forming in my throat, making me uncomfortable.

He senses my sadness but still presses further. "Did they say you must leave because you don't have a wolf?"

"Not really, but I never asked. It was already too painful that they didn't want to see me. So, I just assumed."

I stretch the muscles in my body and take a deep breath, steadying my heart and swallowing my emotions. "They found me wandering in the woods when I was six, so back then, they had no idea if I was a werewolf. First, they assumed that I was a rogue and alone after my parents got killed or something like that. But I turned 12 and then 13 without a wolf, so we figured it would not happen. I am still human. No wolf in my head." I smile at him, reassuring him that I am not a rogue or any threat to the pack.

He looks curious. "It must have been hard. It is a huge change to move from our town to a human one."

That's what he thinks was hard? Geez, he is as spoiled as I thought he was.

This starts to feel like an interrogation. I wipe my sweaty palms on my skirt. How could I shut down this conversation quickly?

"It was bizarre at first. The family who took me in are humans, but the mother has some werewolf blood. She understood my situation and helped me adapt to the human world. By the time school started in September, I was completely adjusted. Not to mention that I had a fresh start. No one knew anything about me. I had a chance to become someone I wanted to become. So, it was nice," I shrug, pretending it was that easy. Obviously, it wasn't. But I'm ready to lie and move on since I realized this is not a romantic date, and he represents The Black River Pack looking for information on my life. At least, I hope that is the easiest way out of it.

"You seem to like it. Being human." His smile eases me briefly before I'm sure his next question will flip me again. This rollercoaster of a date is not what I expected.

"Oh yeah. Much easier. No wolf drama, no hierarchy to live by. No one tells me what to do or not do. I hated how people talked to me because they were of higher rank. That life is not for me. Every person deserves the same respect." He smiles at my unfaltering approach to pack life. "What?" I ask.

"I agree. That's it." He puts down his empty bottle to reach for a full one on the table.

"Yeah, right. Growing up as the Alpha's son, you had the same experience as me." I say sarcastically and continue because I don't know when to shut up. "You relished in the fame, as I remember."

His face falls, and I instantly regret my bitchy attitude. Looking away, he slumps back in his chair. I don't understand why he seems like my opinion matters to him. What does this whole thing mean?

"That is not entirely true," he replies with furrowed eyebrows. "Obviously, everyone treated me as the Alpha's son, which has its advantages but could be suffocating. I had rigorous parents who reminded me daily that my brother would be Alpha, and I had to behave as per that. My father was not happy when Gabriel went against tradition and chose me as his Beta instead of the former Beta's son, Mark," he explains, and although none of what he said shows he isn't entitled or privileged, I kind of feel for him.

"Ugh, that Mark guy was horrible. I hated him so much." I jump on the slightly different topic.

The memories gush out from a part of my brain that I thought I had sealed closed years ago.

"He was aggressive. They never had a good relationship with Gabriel," he explains, and I'm happy that an asshole like him isn't in charge of anyone.

"He always acted like he wanted to become the Alpha. What's happened to him?"

"He left the pack when Gabriel told him he would never be his Beta. We haven't heard from him since."

Brittany interrupts our conversation by poking her face through the door. "We have to go, or we'll be late," she says.

I look at my phone. "Oh s**t, yes, I have to go. Sorry. It was nice seeing you." I say, standing up.

"Yes, it was great seeing you too. Do you want to have dinner tomorrow?" he asks without missing a beat.

I look up at him with my eyebrows pulled together as I try to figure out his endgame. Hadn't he asked enough questions? What else is there to discuss? Maybe Gabriel asked him to find out if I had told anyone about the pack and werewolves.

I decide it is easier to settle things quickly. I'd rather not have them show up at work again. "Dinner sounds great. I'll give you my phone number to discuss where and when tomorrow."

"Perfect," he replies with a beaming smile.

The only perfect thing is your face with that smile on it. I almost sigh contentedly. But then I remember how bad this situation is, and a part of my soul dies again.

He puts my number in his phone while we return to the bar. I walk to Bobby and reach for my purse to pay for the drinks.

"Oh, no, I got it." Nate cuts in, but he is late. I had already handed the money to Bobby.

"It's ok." I need to keep a hem of my dignity here.

"Ok, tomorrow is on me," he says.

Brit loops her arm through mine to pull me out the door, and I wave goodbye as we leave. My heart is heavy with emotions, and my brain is whirling with questions. I hope some work-out can help me deduct the pent-up tension in me.

I look back and see him standing there, watching us through the windows, till a wall blocks him. I grab Brit's hand to ground myself as I'm breathing heavily.