Among The Wolves

Preparations

“Well, if it isn't the slave driver and the sticky bun thief." I folded my arms and smirked when I finally found Wey’Don in the kitchen pantry.

He froze around the mid-bite of a sticky bun. With slow and cautious movements he turned to see who had caught him stealing sweets. His eyes widened when he saw me and he quickly set his plate down. “Nu Vae'Lee, you're alive.”

I was saddened to see all the bandages around his arms, and around his neck. He also had fading marks of two black eyes. His movements and he moved toward me were choppy and not like the graceful, agile instructor I knew.

I stepped forward and hugged him gently and he returned the hug. As I began to pull away he wrapped a sore arm around my head and gave me a noogy.

“You haven't gotten rid of this unkempt student yet.” I sneered when I wriggled free from his grasp. With all jokes aside I changed my tone. “I was so worried about you.”

Wey’Don scoffed, “I'm the last one to worry about. What are you doing here… I mean, I am so surprised that you're back. What- what happened?”

“She beat the bad guy and escaped!” Duo’Lae stepped forward and grabbed the sticky bun off Wey’Don's plate.

He raised an eyebrow and easily snatched his sticky bun back as Duo’Lae attempted to take a bite. “Is that true?”

I rolled my eyes, “Hardly. The rogue or whatever thought I was human and that I could not shift. I just took advantage of that.”

“Well, aren't you human?” He asked, lifting the sticky bun to eat it. Duo’Lae jumped up to get it but Wey’Don bested her and stuffed it in his mouth.

I tilted my head to ponder his question, I ran into this dilemma many times and still did not have an answer. Eventually, I shrugged. “No saying what I truly am."

“You're my mama.” Duo’Lae said simply.

“And my sister.” Vae'En grabbed my hand and looked up at me.

Wey’Don swallowed the rest of his bun and put a hand on my shoulder. “And my friend.”

I smiled softly, the moment was truly touching my heart… that is until Wey’Don moved his hand down my arm, wiping his sticky bun fingers on my sleeve. I frowned, insulted. “Wey’Don!”

He and the girls stifled a giggle.

“What in the knotted fur?!” All of us turned around and found the Pi glaring at us. “At a time like this it is not time to be sifting through the rations! Now get!”

We quickly ambled out of the pantry but Wey’Don, the last to leave, got caught by the ear by the cook.

“I know that you're off-duty but if I catch you in there again I will tell the Alpha that you get no food for a week!”

Wey’Don was only amused. “Yes nor.” He faked an exaggerated bow before strutting after us out of the kitchen area.

The girls laughed and we all walked through the dining area.

“You want to tell me what happened?” Wey’Don asked.

I shook my head, only if you tell me what happened with you.”

Wey’Don shrugged, “Not much to say. The Beta realized he was no match for my skills and decided to be a coward and pick on someone else smaller than him. After he took you I managed to mindlink for help. For myself and for the girls. We never could find you though. We lost your trail at the river and not long after that we lost the Beta's trail. We were all so certain that you were gone. Ty'Bin couldn't feel the matebond so we assumed the worst.”