The Legendary Red Wolf

Chapter 38

"Oh my god!" Mum exclaims, horror evident on her face.

I look down in shame, I hate that I have these nightmares, that my traumatised brain conjures up these scenarios to torment me further.

"I don't know what to say, why do you dream those things?" Seraphina voices from the grass a few feet away.

"Because I've been through similar situations. When someone has been in a traumatising situation they will have nightmares about it or something similar to what they went through because even though they may no longer be in that situation the memories, fear and pain stay with them forever and so there mind will stay active and conjure up scenarios when they are asleep and some things can trigger memories during the day. I will forever be subjected to nightmares and triggered by things, some days I have even sat in a corner with my knees drawn to my chest crying and screaming for hours" I say, deciding to inform them of how my past affects me to this day and for many more to come, so they understand a little more about what I have to deal with, what I am trying to overcome.

"I-I, Is there anything we can do to help?" Seraphina asks softly, concern showing in her voice and facial expression.

"Be patient with me, try not to be too overbearing on me and Rowan, be comforting but try not to pity us or act as if we are fragile, at least not with me. Treat us as equals and not people who have been through what we have" I advise calmly. "Just try and understand us."

"Okay" Seraphina says and mum nods her head, the others already knew this.

I smile wearily, I'm tired, having not fully healed and regained strength nor had a proper sleep, I'm exhausted but it's now morning the sun rose a few hours ago and the pack require my presence. I push myself off the step, Rowan stands with me and looks concerned.

"I'm gonna go shower and get dressed then I need to get some stuff done" I tell them, going to turn around and walk in but Rowan grasps my arm loosely making me look back at him.

"Ruby, you're shattered, you need to sleep. The pack can wait another day" Rowan orders firmly, I can feel he's thrown his Luka voice in.

I contemplate arguing but I know he's right. Still the pack needs to be addressed but I guess that can wait another day, I want to be the one to speak to them. All that really needs doing is the gammas trained although I guess they should have the day off, they deserve it. Then the borders need tightening up.

"Alright, then you are in charge, all you need to do today is double the patrols and keep the pack calm. I will call a meeting tomorrow and explain the situation to everyone."

"Okay baby, let's get you showered and in bed" Rowan says softly.

A yawn escapes my lips causing everyone to chuckle lightly, I throw them a playful glare before padding inside. Rowan follows me as I jog up the stairs and round the corner to our room, I go to get some leggings and a shirt but Rowan blocks my path and gently pushes me to the bathroom. I raise my brow at him but he just gives me a cheeky grin. I step into the bathroom and Rowan quickly closes the door, I breath out a laugh as I turn to the shower. I look between the shower and the bath, contemplating which one I want.

I haven't had a bath in ages, a decade in fact. The need to submerge myself in hot water as my muscles relax and my mind clears and releases its walls fills me and makes my decision easy.

I turn the taps until the water coming out is the perfect temperature and get a towel out of the towel cabinet placing it on top of it. Just as I pull my leggings off Rowan comes into the room, I snap my gaze to his as his eyes scour my legs before a deep growl leaves his snarling mouth, his eyes glued to the top of my left thigh where there is a black scar running across it. I never showed him it but he knows where I got it and who gave it to me.