an Everlasting Pursuit

sixty two

I couldn't fall back asleep despite my best efforts and with a groaning grunt of displeasure, I forced myself to shower. I had slowly understood the more advance workings of wolf-world, finding the greatest pleasure in one of the multiple shower heads. The current was hard enough to massage my shoulders yet soft enough to not leave my skin feeling raw and itchy.

Soapy and clean, I was dried and dressed by nine in the morning. I was already halfway to the kitchen before I realised I had left the room by myself. I was so frustrated with my lack of sleep it didn't even occur to me I did it so willingly. Stepping into the elevator, I felt the annoyed haze lift from my shoulders at my minor accomplishment.

The death box stopped earlier than normal and I felt my heart leap in my throat. The odds of it being someone I was friendly with were slim. Mya and Eve usually ate breakfast before eight, since they often had to work. Piper was a possibility, but come on, how many times lucky am I going to get?

I held my breath as the doors slowly opened, revealing an enormous mass of wolf stood waiting. Everett stepped through, his face stoic much like his Alpha's. His brown eyes were firm and emotionless, his black hair neatly styled short on his head. He stepped into the elevator, his hulking figure taking up the space of two of me.

"Luna." He nodded.

I cleared my throat, awkwardly nodding in return. I wasn't a fan of being in such a small space with a male, especially alone. He stood opposing me, his eyes burning into the side of my head. I could feel them crawl through my skin, a feeling of being stripped bare for scrutiny shaming me.

The elevator lurched again, the doors since closed from Everett's arrival.

"You should level your gaze with those who are below you." He stated as the elevator slowed.

I flinched as he took a step forward, and I stepped further into the wall. Everett noticed, and from the corner of my gaze I saw him cock his head and flare his nostrils. Wolves were all so alike.

"You are nervous. You do not need to be, Luna." He muttered.

I swallowed nervously, keeping my eyes locked on the doors. They were going to ding any time now...

"I apologise if I have offended you."

At that, I couldn't help but look at him as guilt coursed through me.

"You have not." I mumbled, hesitating my next response. "I am just uncomfortable when I'm around men alone."

The doors slid opened, a grateful sigh escaping me as soon as a gap was wide enough for me to run through. I didn't give him another chance to corner me, speeding my way towards the kitchen. I ignored the self-forced guilt eating away at my insides and calmed myself down before entering the room.

My palm pressed against the hardwood, swinging the doors open and stepping into the room. It was fairly dead, most wolves with jobs already left for the day. I still knew little about the town, so after downing a coffee and some toast, I made my way out of the front door and onto the porch.

The poor, boring porch.

An idea struck me.

One that involved some trouble and would gain me a mark on the Ailia versus Asra game.

But first, I needed a vehicle and a driver.

But who?

Piper wasn't busy, but the girl was such a social butterfly I wasn't sure where she was most of the times. It was Thursday, which meant she most likely was in the spa or gym...

My eyes caught sight of brown hair. Her dark blue eyes were concentrating on the ground as she walked, lips moving softly as she mumbled to herself. I often found Eliza was one to talk to herself, whether she even realised, but I found it rather cute.