Twisted Fate

Chapter 30

Astrid

"So, do they range from different age groups?" I continued to question Arlo about this place. I loved seeing the brightness in his eyes as he talked about the hard work he and his brother put into their job. My shoulders relaxed, and I'd felt as if I were floating on clouds at the low rumble of his voice. I found myself feeling like that a lot when he was around. God, this man was seriously affecting me without even trying.

"We have some teenagers, but most of them are under the age of fifteen," Arlo told me as he led the way to one of the homes. From what I could hear, there were a lot of children inside waiting for his presence. "This group is my favorite. You'll love them," Arlo said, joyfully reaching for the door. We hadn't fully made it through the doors before a high-pitched squeal almost busted my eardrums. A little brunette-haired girl darted from her seat and came running with open arms. Arlo playfully lifted her and sat her on his hip.

"I missed you so much, my little nugget," Arlo cooed at the girl as she clutched onto him as if afraid he'd disappear. I stood back and watched their moment in awe. She was a beautiful little girl with the biggest eyes to make anyone fall in love with her cuteness. Upon studying her face, I caught her strawberry mixture scent. She wasn't a human child but a young pup...and something else. As I stepped closer, she finally looked past Arlo and locked eyes with mine. The little one tilted her head to the side.

"Who's she?" She pointed at me, eager to learn my name. Arlo carried her to me, smiling between the two of us.

Arlo named the little girl and gestured towards me, "Rosie this is, Astrid Collins, the alpha of the River Ash pack. Astrid, this is Rosie."

"You're an alpha," Rosie asked, astonished. Her eyes twinkled with admiration. Being a female alpha was probably the coolest thing she'd ever heard of. Because naturally, that title didn't belong to anyone categorized in the female population. Women were too incompetent to handle such authority. Well, I grabbed that harsh prejudgment by the balls and dragged it across my needled feminism. For myself and little girls like Rosie, daring to be anything but acquiescent.

"The first woman in my family, to be precise," I proclaimed, giving her my best smile. She returned the expression and extended her hand. Her small fingers gently brushed through my hair. I was taken back but flattered by her charming gesture.

"You're pretty," Rosie told me sheepishly. Arlo shook his head in disagreement. 

"Pretty is an understatement, Rosie," Arlo said more to himself, staring at me with those intense silver eyes. Great, now I was blushing. Pleased with my reaction, he smirked and brushed our shoulders as he walked by.

"Astrid, come have a tea party with me!" Rosie exclaimed. Who was I to deny this little angel? I gladly put on the flower hat she offered me and sat in the small chair next to a bear named Mr. snuggles.

After I got to play with Rosie, Kane and Arlo introduced me to the rest of the children. I understood quickly why Arlo said this was his favorite group. They were different from normal society, like inhuman characteristics different. I got to know all about their powers and capabilities. Rosie and three other girls were the only pups out of the whole bunch.

Rosie stuck to Arlo like glue as he showed me around the recreation rooms. They held casual conversation throughout my tour while I walked behind them at a distance, careful not to interrupt their bonding. Rosie acted very maturely and smart for her age. She never ran out of things to talk about. Although I could see Arlo cared for all the children, no one had the power to make him feel happy like Rosie. It was clear as day that she is his favorite.

The trio of pups were showing me some of their favorite toys when I caught a she-wolf walking inside the recreation room from my peripheral. "Hey, you," She chirped, throwing flirtatious looks.