Winters Pride - Book 1 of Australian Wolfblood Chronicles

Chapter 15

It had been a week since Danielle moved temporarily into the Caocola household and most of the nights Abygael had snuck into her room to seek comfort while her parents fought. Danielle had been declared healthy enough to move out and about outside the house. She was watching Abygael for the day and smiled as she watched the young girl playing with a few of her friends.

"Danielle!" She turned her head and smiled when she saw Silver approaching.

"Hey!" Silver pulled her into a hug which had become part of the norm over the past week. "How are you?"

"I should be asking you that." Silver replied as they both stood and watched Abygael.

"I'm fine Silver. Healed up pretty well and the only thing I have that proves I was hurt is the scar running across my shoulders."

"I can't imagine what you went through."

"Silver, I don't want to hear pity. I went through a rough patch, I survived. I'm still here." They fell into silence before Silver smiled. "I know that smile... Nothing good comes from it."

"Every year, everyone in the pack gets together to dance and talk and such. You should come. Everyone will be there." Danielle was hesitant about going; she didn't want to face Sarge anytime soon.

"Silver-"

"I won't take no for an answer. It's Masquerade anyway; he won't know it's you."

"Silver have you looked at all the women in your pack recently? I'm the tallest one of you lot! He would be able to spot me from a mile off." Silver just shrugs like it's no big deal and Danielle sighs. "Fine, I'll go, but just so you know, I won't be friendly with him."

"I don't expect you to be. You've had a rough time; just consider this a chance to loosen up a little bit." Danielle knew that Silver was right. She had been tense and needed to unwind.

"Alright, text me the details and I guess I'll see you there." Silver squealed excitedly and hugged Danielle once more before walking away, leaving Danielle to her thoughts.

Sarge had only come by the house once during the past week and he wasn't there to see Danielle, he was there to see Raphael. She didn't mind that, but she still felt wary around him. Most nights she dreamt about what happened and would normally wake up to Abygael holding a cold, soaking wet cloth to her forehead. Since moving in with the Caocola's Danielle and Abygael had become inseparable, they were like sisters and where one was, the other would never be very far behind.

"Dani!" Abygael calls out, pulling Danielle from her trance-like state. Abygael was the only person she had ever allowed to call her Dani and she was keeping it that way. Danielle looked towards the young girl only see that she had been surrounded by a few older kids who were much taller than her.

Danielle walked over, towering over the other kids and cleared her throat, but before she could say something another voice cut in. "What are you kids doing?" All the kids suddenly tensed, although Danielle knew it wasn't because of her presence. She had caught the scent and turned her gaze to see Sarge standing a few feet away. The kids surrounding Abygael quickly dispersed and Abygael ran to Danielle and hugged her side as Danielle held an arm protectively around her. Sarge then walked over and stopped within a few steps of Danielle.

"Thanks." Danielle says, keeping her gaze on Sarge, who appeared to be doing the same to her. Abygael turned her head and looked at the Alpha with a small smile which he returned before crouching to be more to the young girl's height.

"Are you alright?" Danielle was shocked at how a man who she saw as dangerous and unpredictable could sound so caring and concerned. Abygael nodded against Danielle's side, still holding on tightly. Sarge smiled kindly to the small girl before standing to his full height and regarding Danielle. "Danielle."