The Trial She Faces

Chapter 18

Eve had to wake earlier than usual the morning that they left. The walk down the mountain had woken her up though as the frigid air infiltrated her lungs.

She was glad to jump inside the car and crank up the heater and rub her hands together trying to get rid of the numbness that had engulfed them. As the tires turned over and the outside world flew past rapidly, Eve curled her legs up onto the seat underneath herself.

'You haven't really asked me any questions.' Curtiss voice filled the air.

'Questions about what?' Eve said turning her head form the passenger window to face him as he drove down the road.

'Questions about why my father wants to see me. Questions about who I am and why I live up on that mountain without a pack.' Curtis said glancing over to Eve who was trying to keep her face free of any emotions despite the fact that she was surprised by this conversation.

'Would you answer me if had asked you?' She replied.

'Not at first I suppose. But now... I think it is more than fair that you know a little about me considering everything that I know about you. Plus I trust you - mostly.' Curtis said keeping his eyes forward.

'Mostly. Well then - why are we going to see your dad?' Eve said giving in.

'Well, if I had to guess - I would say that he probably wants he to get me to take over his position.' Curtis said.

'Position? Care to be a little more descriptive.' Eve said with a small smile.

'That's fair. He has a seat on the Council. It has been passed through our family for a few generations.' Curtis replied.

'Council? As in the governing council - leaders of the whole werewolf community? That Council you mean?' Eve sat up in shock.

'Yeah, that's the one. Dad has been pestering me for a few years to take over - but I have never been ready I suppose.' Curtis said with a quick glance over to Eve trying to judge her reaction.

'Right then. That is going to take a moment for me to wrap my head around. So why do you live up there all by yourself. I have struggled even having your company, it is like my soul is calling out for a pack. How can you feel that and continue to stay isolated for such a long time?' Eve questioned him.

'When the Moon Goddess decided to make the Council, she feared that individuals would take advantage of their position and power to benefit some packs over others. But she wanted equality. So, she fundamentally changed the wolf of every individual who was or ever would be on the council. Changed them so that they were less dependent and less loyal to their pack.' Curtis said.

'What does that mean for you? Do you wish it wasn't like that?' Eve said curiously.

'Well, it means I live up in the mountains by myself - at least until you came along. When I become a Council member it will be expected that I integrate myself back into society a bit I suppose. I'll do what every council member does I'd reckon. Live in a pack territory - not in the pack really though - and then move on after a couple of years. Do that until I can pass off the title and I can go back to the mountains. I don't think it really matters what I want, because that is how my life will go.' Curtis said with a slight shrug.

'That sounds lonely to me. How would you have a family?' Eve wondered aloud, not really meaning to let the words come out.

'I guess that's why most people who are council members don't tend to stay with their mates. Too hard - the isolation that is.' Curtis said with a shrug.

Eve couldn't help but let the shock show on her face.

'Yeah, it isn't a thing most people like to talk about, I guess. Everyone seems to have that kind of reaction.' Curtis said.

'I'm sorry I didn't mean to...' Eve said.

'It's alright. Don't worry about it. It's not like Council members don't lead fulfilling lives and such. My dad for example. He met his mate, it didn't work out. Then he met my mum, had a couple of kids including myself, and have been together for 27 years. I think he has done pretty good for himself all things considered.' Curtis said.

'Wow. It just didn't work out huh.' Eve said.

'Well, I'm sure it was a little more complicated than that. Not a thing you would want to discuss too often though I suppose.' Curtis said once again glancing at Eve's curled up form.

'Why are you telling me this?' Eve said quirking her eyebrow up.

'Maybe to prepare for meeting my parents when we arrive. Maybe to let you know, that even though it did not work out with your mate, it doesn't mean your chances at finding love are not zero. Who knows?' Curtis said with a shrug.

'Thank you then.' Eve said genuinely.

'You look tired. You should have a sleep; we have a long few days ahead of us and you will need to be well rested.' Curtis said effectively ending the conversation, Eve only having more questions now than she did before.

Did Curtis think that him and his mate would follow the same path as his dad? In fact, she actually had no idea what Curtis thought about having a mate. Not that it was any of her business Eve reminded herself.

'Alright. Wake me up when we get to wherever I suppose.' Eve said before closing her eyes.