The Lycan's Prey

Chapter 5

I wake up in my bed. No headache in sight because of my wolf regeneration. I freshen up and head downstairs to see Caroline looking chipper.

"Someone had fun last night." Cara says as she appears from behind me. It would have startled me if I hadn't heard her from afar. I offer her a sheepish smile recalling the conversation with Carter.

"Yeah, it was quite the night." Caroline grins at my response her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Half Away knows how to throw a good party. It's in our town's DNA." Cara chuckles and I'm surprised those words came from such a sweet looking woman. Seeing my strange look she continues, "I was young once."

"You make it sound like you're old Aunt Cara." Caroline replies grabbing her bag from the nearby booth. "Well I'm taking Alaina to shop for a phone. Like could you believe she doesn't have one?"

I sigh, knowing the real reason why I don't have a phone. It was and easy way to track me down when I first went on the run. I feel a tug as Caroline leads me out the door.

"Be careful girls, Their setting up for the wood chopping competition tonight." Cara calls.

"How could I forget." Caroline slams her truck door and hurried through the streets until she stops in traffic. More vehicles than before seemed to be on the road and I believed it to be the visitors that come to Half- Away for the festivities.

Infront of all the vehicles I see men in suspenders and coats hauling massive wooden logs in a trailer. Caroline glances at me with an excited grin.

"You're in for a treat, Alaina. The wood chopping competition is one of the highlights of our town's festivities. It gets pretty intense. And anyone can join."

"Even women?" I find myself asking. Knowing that my wolf strength would put me on par with some of the strongest human males, I get excited to show off a bit. Then, I think hard about how that would revealing my identity and think twice about joining.

"Yup, my mother once held the title of wood chopping champion in the women's division." She says with a sad smile. I assumed talking about her mother might be a touchy subject so I don't press on any further.

As we finally make it through the traffic, Caroline speeds through towards the mall.

"So any preferences?" Caroline asks as we make out way through the parking lot. I consider her question, unsure of whether or not it was really a good idea to get a phone.

"Something durable and with a good battery life." I find myself replying.

Caroline grins at my response, steering the truck into a parking space. "Got it. We'll find you a phone that can withstand whatever you throw at it. And trust me, our town might be quaint, but the phones here are built to survive."

We make our way into the mall, a charming mix of local stores and community spirit. As we step into the electronics store, I notice the familiar hum of fluorescent lights and the scent of new gadgets. It's a stark contrast to the wilderness and the events of the night before.

The store clerk, recognizing Caroline, greets us with a warm smile. "Back for another phone, Caroline?"

Caroline chuckles. "Not for me this time, Andy. Alaina here is in need of a reliable one. Something sturdy, with a battery that won't quit on her. Oh and preferably android."

Andy shows us a glass casing filled phones, tablets and airpods and I remember the days when I would use my own airpods when I would go on jogs. And goes on to tell me about the newest model and I make my choice. I can't shake off the thought of how much of a bad idea this was going to be but do it anyways.