Hare Moon

Fate Has Many Branches

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"You don't need to go." Milton folds his arms in finality. As if his arms have any bearing on my argument, other than briefly distracting me with their hairy power.

"But everyone else—"

"Is there for educational purposes. You are not going. Clarice and Erin are also staying within the safety of the territory."

Should I tell him they've been sneaking out to a BDSM club in Buttbridge?

"What about when I move back? If it's too dangerous for a day trip, why are you okay with sending me there to live?"

I can't say I'm too keen on a field trip to the city in which I have spent the grand majority of my life, but I'm even less thrilled with being told I can't go.

And that panic. That little ball of nerves in my gut. I love it here, but it's claustrophobic knowing I'm still being held hostage. These werewolves brought me here and now I'm trapped. It's times like this I feel so separate from them. Like it's me against them, constantly fighting for my rights.

"Things have changed. That may not be possible for awhile. There was no threat before. Our enemies know we use the trains to travel and they may be watching for someone connected to the Alpha to leave the safety of the territory."

This is all so frustrating. I don't understand anything, the pack, the other pack, the other other pack, or the other one. I can't predict their actions or assess the risk of things or make informed decisions. I just have to trust the Alpha and my friends to have a better grasp on it all and follow their instructions. Being out of control sucks.

"You will be better off taking a field trip within the pack. You've only seen the residential sector, where the majority of the pack lives. Father has given permission to introduce you to the rest. The market, the farms, the castle."

Hold up.

"You have a castle?"

"Just a small one, in the tourist sector. Lairy owns it."

Just a small one? Any castle is big compared to our little apartment back in Buttbridge.

"It's a good source of income. There are plenty of English holiday makers who aren't satisfied with the thousands of castles and manor houses they have. So they come up here to complain about the weather and the midges."

That does sound better than Buttbridge.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow morning."

"You'll pick me up?"

"That's what I said."

"So you're...taking me to school or dropping me at the tour coach?"

"I'm—" Milton sighs. "Brown, I'm taking you on the field trip. I want to spend some time together. To repair our relationship. Whatever happens I want to be on good terms with you."

It's upsetting that I'm back to being Brown. I don't know if he'll fully forgive me any time soon, but at least he can bear to be in my presence.

As promised, he picks me up the next morning in an ancient looking four-by-four. The ride is quiet; Milton concentrates on the road like our lives depend on it, which is reassuring, because they do, but I suspect he's attempting to look busy so I don't start a conversation with him.

"Do you want me to start a conversation with you?"

"I'm driving."

My suspicions are confirmed.