Flesh and Bone

Chapter 9

We continued to pack pushing boxes towards the opening of the basement. And as I worked on taking down the books, I couldn't help but let my head wonder. And instead of holding back I turned towards Sheila, "Does anything happen to a wolf who has been rejected?" I asked. She looked towards me and frowned as I raised an eyebrow, "Don't look at me like that, I just don't want a mate." I said and turned away from her.

"Andrew isn't a bad guy Victoria. He will be able to protect you." She said and then sighed, "Nothing happens to them physically. But, mentally it's difficult. The wolf who rejected them isn't harmed. But the one who is rejected will never truly move on. They will always wonder what is wrong with them, and slowly their sanity goes, and then they do." She said and shrugged her shoulders, "But, a wolf is much stronger when they are mated."

"Stronger?" I asked her.

"The power of love." She said and chuckled, "Which also means, if you accept the bond you will also become stronger. Which means you might survive the shift. That is why Andrew, Ralph and I decided this would be best for the two of you."

"Of course the three of you did." I said and rolled my eyes, "When can I start to decide what is best for my own life?" I asked her.

"When you shift." Sheila said without any hesitation, "Until then, you will do as we say."

We worked in silence after that. I stacked the boxes up, and ignored her every time she told me to lighten up. I wanted to know about my parents, but I wondered if this is the right way to go about it. How was it only yesterday when I thought werewolves were lucky to have mates? How amazing it would be to know who your soul mates were, now I saw everything differently. I didn't want a mate, I didn't even have my own freedom yet!

When Andrew returned, it was silent. Andrew took the boxes and loaded them in a black SUV that was parked out of the house. By the time we were finished, the sun was up in the sky. And Andrew had fit everything in the SUV.

Everyone in the pack watched Sheila and Andrew when we were putting the boxes in the back of the SUV. I could feel their eyes on us, Sheila and Andrew ignored them, but I found myself looking out at the watchers. I stood on the porch as the sun fell over my body, all around us were curious wolves. Sheila and Andrew didn't seem distracted or cared to give them a look. They all glared towards me, some laughed as I started to feel self conscious. Slowly I reached at my bruises that a male wolf pointed at and laughed loudly. Every time I touched the bruises I felt the stinging pain behind the swollen skin.

Looking down I tried to hide my face, but a large shadow covered me and instantly the laughter went silent as a low growl filled the open space around the Alpha's house. I turned around expecting Sheila, but it was Andrew who stood in front of the sun. His lips pulled back as he opened his mouth showing massive canines slowly dragging out of his gums. His eyes were the brightest colors of gold and blue as he let out another growl.

The pack members quickly started to walk towards the pack house. Andrew turned towards me, my body instantly stiffening as I looked at his angered face. Those eyes were still bright, showing his wolf was still in-charge. His nose was scrunched and his mouth was still open. I let out a small gasp, and then those eyes were on me. Andrew deeply inhaled as I tried to stay as still as possible. Slowly his face relaxed as the canines rested over his bottom lip, his hand reached up to touch my face.

Earlier he went to touch me and pulled back, this time he didn't. His wolf didn't hold back as he cupped my face with both of his hands. His eyes slowly started to dim as he tilted his head, "Don't hide your face." His voice was rough and deep as he looked at me, "You are so beautiful." I snorted at his comment and looked away from him as I pulled away from his touch.