Silver Scars

Ready

They returned. Just as they said. The mystery bearers of bad news, who I learned work for the Elders. The three days are up.

I am ready.

After hearing apologies and thanks from the other girls these three days, I have confirmed what I am doing is right.

I am ready.

The men are waiting outside the pack house. I am in the entry way with my parents and my uncle. We haven't said much to eachother. What is there to say?

I am ready.

My uncle hugs me, "be strong, but maybe not too strong". I hug my parents, they are still unable to speak. I don't blame them. What words could help this moment? What words could make this better?

I am ready.

I turn and leave. There's nothing more I can do or say. Nothing more anyone can. One man asks me if I am ready to go...

I am ready.

———————

It's an 6 hour drive, the one man told me. It felt like seconds and years all at the same time. When we reached the Elder's lands, a large neo-classical mansion appeared.

"We're pulling in now", the man says on the phone.

Fuck. I'm definitely not ready.

——————-

Once inside, I see no one. Good, maybe we can all forget this and go home.

Then, a door opens. A older man, maybe late 50's, comes out. "Good. You're here. You're the last one. C'mon in!" He said it with such enthusiasm. Like I was late for a party.

One hell of party this is.

I walk into a room of probably 40 females, and maybe 6, what I assume to be Elders. I take a seat at the back. I want to observe everyone.

"Great, now that it seems everyone is here. We can begin", a female elder states.

Why is everyone acting like this is an event we just couldn't miss? Believe me, I would miss it for anything.

They began to do roll call. Name, age and pack. Turns out, there are 36 of us. One from each continental U.S. pack. Of the 36, I'd say most are 20-25. 9 or 10 are under 20.

Once we are "checked in" like it's fucking cheer camp, we are shown to our rooms. I am roomed with a woman who looks to be 25. A warrior by the way she carries herself.

We are told to "freshen up" and then come down for dinner at 6. So far, I have not heard a single word from any of the females, other than the check in. Like we're all pretending this a dream we'll wake up from.

The silence continues at dinner. So quiet you could hear a damn Kleenex drop.

We are "allowed" to relax in the recreation room after dinner.

We all begin to look at eachother. Wondering. Questioning things we already know but our brains can't process. What's happening? Why are we here?

Three women stand out. They start chatting. I assume they know eachother based on how eager they are to talk.

"They wanted to be here. They volunteered. They want to be his Luna", my roommate suddenly says to me.

"The fuck?", is all I can respond with. Who the fuck signs up for this? No Luna title is worth this.

Another girl chimes in, "yeah, it's all they could talk about before".

Well, I'm officially naming them the Twisted Trio. Because yeah let's sign up to get tortured so we can be "chosen" mates to a random, lonely, bitter twat. Logical.

"That's peachy. I'm Lenora, Len, really."

"Kate", my roommate says.

"Leah" says the other girl. She can't be more than 18.

"How old are you?" I ask.

"17. I was chosen. Out of a hat. Literally." Leah responds dryly.

"Jesus. I'm sorry."

"Does anyone actually know anything about this Alpha Xavier?" Kate says.

"YOU DON'T KNOW WHO ALPHA XAVIER IS?!" screeches on of the psycho sisters.

"If I did, I probably wouldn't have asked", Kate snaps back.

"He is so handsome"

"So hot"

"So powerful. So rich"

"Anyone would be so lucky to have him."

"It's going to be me. I am the strongest. I'm meant to be his Luna".

Good Goddess.

"How old is he?" Leah asks.

"Like 30, not very old. He's been alpha for almost 10 years now. Poor guy has never found his mate" one of the trio states.

I've already decided to not learn who is who between them.

Leah quietly says "oh".

Silence fills the room. It was suffocating feeling all the questions and thoughts running through everyone's minds.

No one spoke after. We headed upstairs and to bed.

Not knowing what the next day would bring us.