Those In The Forest

Part 66: Reagan

I was riding on Ivy's back.

          I don't know where we are going exactly, but I know we've been on the move for about fifteen minutes.

          During that entire fifteen minutes, we've all heard Avah snarling and growling at Lennox, who was lugging around the cart full of the meats and other things they are supposed to supply for this full moon festival.

          Karina and Celia led in the front, and Lennox and Avah were behind us. We were a united group, ready for anything. At last, that's what Iris said this formation was for. Elders are meant to lead in travel, while Alphas watch our backs.

          There is a lot more strategy in this werewolf stuff than I thought there was. I'm honestly kind of impressed.

          Avah snapped her teeth at Lennox, who just seemed to be taking it. They must be talking through their bond, and Avah is getting riled up.

           I felt Ivy's body tense under my legs. They were all tense. I understood that this was a scary situation, but I trusted them. Was I wrong to do that? Do they not trust that they can protect me and themselves?

          "I thought to just be silent during this, but I honestly, to god, think you four are going to give yourselves heart attacks. You're entirely too tense. Relax." I said through the bond, patting Ivy's side to see if I could comfort her.

          They all snuffed at me.

          "Our kind can't have heart attacks," Rose responded.

          "That is a human illness. We are entirely too fit for that to happen to us." Ivy added.

          My mouth shot open. I couldn't help but be offended.

           I scoffed. "You four seem always to find some way to talk shit about me," I complained.

          "Not you, just your kind. Compared to us, you are incredibly weak on all fronts." Iris argued.

          If my mouth could open wider, it would. "Exactly. I am human, so by talking shit about them, you are talking about me."

           I could feel a wave of regret hit all of them. I didn't think they would feel bad so quickly.

          "You're right. We didn't even realize we were doing that. You are so strong and brave that it's hard to believe you are only human. Sometimes, it's easy to forget that. We'll do better. Promise." Hazel said, looking over at me before looking ahead.

          Strangely, I believe them.

          "I know we are all excited about being able to celebrate, but I can't help but notice everyone is on edge. Are you all still nervous about Alan? Or are you nervous about me being around dozens of other werewolves?" I asked, shifting comfortably on Ivy's back.

          "Both," Iris answered. "The packs that will be there are good people, but it's a full moon. Anything could happen. Things are usually very unpredictable during these things." she responded nervously.

          Avah snapped her teeth at Lennox again and walked up a few feet in front of her so they weren't right beside each other.

          I chuckled to myself. "What do you think is happening there?"

          "Avah is still pissed that Lennox's old fuck buddy is going to be there. Mated werewolves are extremely possessive and territorial. With this full moon, things are heightened. I'm almost positive Avah will challenge the woman when we arrive." Rose answered.