Wandering Wolves

21. Hesitant

Kate's plan is absolutely insane. After a few arguments from everyone, some of them from me, we all actually agreed with the idea. Besides the insane plan we also had to deal with the outcome of our pyramid raid. 

Some of the guards that Kate knocked out must have recognized her as Pharaoh Hamet sent a lot of his guards out into the city that night. We had to stay hidden as guards even stopped at Knightly's place to investigate Kate Oliver's whereabouts. Some of the guards rattled Knightly about becoming Pharaoh. He stayed firm until he finally kicked them out. 

"When you become Pharaoh please whip them into shape." Worm crawled out of his hiding place as did the rest of us.

"No whips." stated Knightly "My first rule, burn the whips. They should never be used in the first place."

"Unfortunately Worm here prefers whips" Stella sat down "Suppose you could burn him if he doesn't give them up."

Worm rolled his eyes "Very funny Stel, I however don't use my whips for slavery."

"You still sure you want to be Pharaoh, kid?" Julian asked as Flora messed with his hair.

"I've never changed my mind nor will I start now." Knightly sat down next to Stella. He took hold of her hand "I want to make this city better for everyone. An actual place for anyone to come and go or stay."

He looked at Stella for that last part to which she glanced away. I saw both Donner and Worm look at each and knew that they were about to tease her. Beda however placed his hands on their heads, pushing them down to face the floor. The girls they rescued earlier giggled at their misfortune. 

Reebok brushed passed me "If you're Pharaoh will you share medicine?"

Knightly nodded over at Reebok "I promise without a doubt that everyone will get the medical treatment they need. I will not harbor anything from anyone. Your sister suffered and I will never let that happen to anyone again."

He held out his hand. Reebok wiped the tears from his eyes before shaking Knightly's hand.

"That settles it then" Kate muffled Reebok's hair as she walked passed "It's time to get to work. Alex, I need you on guard duty. Make sure no one is watching right now and alert if someone approaches."

He nodded then disappeared out a window. To be honest I didn't even realize he was in the room to begin with. That guy is way too quiet sometimes. 

"Oh and Stella, a word?" She gestured for Stella to follow her out of the room while the rest of us got to work on the plan.

                                                                   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You seemed troubled in there?" Kate leaned against the wall.

"Was I that obvious?" Stella shook her head and looked up at the night sky. "I can't just stay here in Maganti and besides I've only just met Knightly."

"But you do like him?"

Stella sighed "I don't actually know. It's obvious he likes me but he has no idea what I've been through. I can't just tell him all that. I promised to help you anyway but..."

Kate walked up beside her "Stel, it's not like you have to make this decision right now. Knightly likes you, that much is clear, but we do have to get through tomorrow to make any decisions at all."

Stella gripped her arms then looked at Kate "Did you ever fall in love with someone?"

"You're bringing this up again?"

"Please Kate? It would really help me out right now."

Kate bit her own lip then looked up at the sky "Yes, yes I did."

"Did they love you too?"

"I never told them." She glanced away "I kept it a secret because well I am a werewolf. It sort of complicates things not too mention dangerous. I know I'll regret it someday but for right now I am happy and I know they are too."

Stella paused "Do you think it's best for me to stay in Maganti with Knightly?"

"You do what you feel is best for you, I have no say in that." Kate lightly squeezed Stella's arm then headed for the door.

"For what it's worth Kate, I think someone will love you even if they know you're a werewolf."

Kate smiled then left through the walkway.

                                          ~~~~~~~~~~~ Matt~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Why does it have to be so hot?" 

Morning of the final race and I'm wiping sweat from every part of my body. With the guards posted everywhere searching for Kate and her crew we have to once again wear face coverings. 

Stella shoved me "If you keep bringing up how hot it is, it makes it worse."

Knightly walked out wearing the same Fleckal scale outfit Stella made him. Stella handed him the helmet she stayed up all night making. He placed it on his head and it covered his entire head except a flap that could be removed to reveal his mouth.

"Got to hand it to you this is amazing."

"What's amazing is what you're about to do, be careful ok?"

"The same to you"

They shared a hug and Knightly nodded to me. Knightly placed the flap over his mouth concealing his face, Stella wrapped her arm around his as they headed to the arena. I grabbed my things and headed for the stands.

                                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Stella ~~~~~~~~~

Knightly seated himself in the new and improved sled that the crew tirelessly worked on all night.

"You sure about this?" Stella asked. Knightly looked up and nodded. A crowd of people approached them. Stella noticed that some of them seemed to be high end reporters for the Pharaoh. Knightly didn't answer anything he just remained focused on the sled as they asked questions.

"That your girlfriend? How about a kiss for good luck?" One of them shouted causing the rest to repeat it as well. Stella and Knightly stared at each other before Stella spoke "He doesn't need a kiss, he has the best luck in the world."

The reporters weren't okay with that excuse, they kept pressing the matter. Obviously wanting a good picture for the report. Knightly's hand took hold of Stella's to get her attention. He pointed to the flap on his mouth and she understood. Removing her head covering from just her mouth Stella leaned in, hesitant at first but kissed where his lips should be under the flap.

"See?" She didn't look away "Doesn't need any luck."

The whistled sounded signaling that the race was about to start. The reporters scattered in a hurry to claim the best spot for the race. Stella hopped off the sled and pet one of the Fleckals.

 "Do your best okay?"

Without looking back at Knightly Stella took off to find Matt in the stands.