Among The Wolves

POWs

Three Etas stood by the double doors. They protracted the Vakusian girls from grudge-holding wolfbloods and also protected us from any girl's revengeful anger.

I had just come from a short conversation from Alpha M'est'r where he granted me permission to talk with Esmedeed Fantlmon. Provided she was still alive since I last saw her.

I was just so nerve-wreaked and I did not know why. Technically the people I was about to see were "my people".

I had learned though, through all this, that just because origins were shared, it did not mean values were. Perhaps that is why I was fearful of going in. I KNEW that I no longer shared the like-mindedness of the Vakusians and that made me an outlier. Going into the building could mean rejection... Could I handle it?

With a final mental cheer, I began to make my way past the lined up trucks and to the door. I stopped in front of the Etas. "Alpha M'est'r said-"

"We are aware." The guard interrupted and stepped aside, opening the door for me.

I smiled, "Thank you kindly."

Stepping in, a cool rush of air blew my hair about. Brushing the strains aside I looked down the bleak hallway. It was the same as when I had come down. Cells lined the walls and then at the end of the hallway the corner turned right to more cells. There were also some stationed Etas every now and then.

The difference was the quiet clambering of many females. I tried to keep my breathing normal as I began the small steps toward the cells.

As soon as I was seen the voices died down completely. Eyes turned and fixated on me, and it was noticeable that each of them were quizzled or holding their breath. I could see through the bars that there were about four girls per cell. That gave each girl ample personal space without being too crowded.

The condition of each female was similar. Thin, plain, dirty or chaffed skin. Thankfully none of them looked hungry. The color in their cheeks and the brightness of their eyes showed that within the last week or so they had had good food to eat.

The entire building became eerily still for having so many people in it. I continued to peer into each room, looking for that black haired recruit. A worry, however, made a knot in my head, the possibility that she was dead. The last I saw her she was so thin and frail. It seemed that it would not take much to push her over the edge, into the afterlife.

I was now nearing the end of the hallway and my fears were growing.

"Kejyta?"

I turned around, two cells back, Esmedeed was there, pressed against the bars to see me. I had missed her and walked right past. Excitedly, I retraced my steps and stood in front of her. I placed my hands over hers. "You're okay." I breathed mostly to myself.

Esmedeed smiled for a half a second. "What's going to happen to us? Kejyta, what... what are they going to do?"

Before words could come from my lips an accusatory voice spoke up behind me. "Who's she?"

I turned around, nearly every girl and woman were lined up next to the bars to investigate.

"She and I came over at the same time." Esmedeed clarified.

"Well, why isn't locked up like the rest of us?" The culprit of the accusation was a shorter, brunette who had her arms folded defensively. Her eyes were a sharp brown that meant business.

I looked back at Esmedeed who was looking expectantly at me. She did not know the answer to that question. I took a second to gauge whether I should engage and relate the roller-coaster of a story that I had but decided against it. I, instead, returned to Esmedeed's first question. "You all are going home. Just hang tight for a couple more hours, they are going to send all of you back to Vakusi."

While Esmedeed's eyes brightened with hope, yet the voice behind me retorted with disdain. "We've already heard that lie. We know they are trying to fatten us for a banquet or something."

I nearly rolled my eyes at the ridiculousness of that theory. "Rest assured, that is not going to happen. A battle has been fought, your freedom has been bought. All of you are going home."

The brunette's frown drowned all of the excited smiles that my statement rendered. "Why should we trust someone who is not locked up like us? I bet you were paid a bribe to betray us."

By now I had learned this girl was not worth my time or my emotions. I ignored her and turned to Esmedeed, placing my hands in hers again.
Speaking softly I said, "It's almost over. Before you know it you will be home."

A tear escaped her eyelids. "Thank you."

As I turned away, a voice came through the mindlink that Ty'Bin and I shared. "Hey, where are you?"

I am with the Vakusian women.

"Oh ok, I was heading that way. They are prepping the vehicles for them and I have a personal request. But take your time and just let me know when you are done."

I'm finishing up, I'll be right out.

I closed up the mindlink with Ty'Bin and focused again on Esmedeed. "I um... I don't know if I will see you again." I kept my voice quiet so the gal behind me could not hear what I was saying. So far, she was a pain in the glutus maximus. Although, I was sure that whatever she went through made the suspicion understandable.

Esmedeed's relief turned into concern. "Are they keeping you here?"

"It's a long story, but I am staying on my own accord."

Esmedeed paused, "Will you be happy?"

This question brought an easy smile. "Very much so."

There was a moment before she smiled and nodded. "Then I wish you all the best."

We hugged to the best of our abilities then I pulled away. I began the hike down the hallway, only looking back once when I reached the doors. This was huge, massively huge. These gals were getting their freedom and their happy endings. Who could not rejoice about that?

A happy tear escaped my eyes and I let it trail down my cheek, it seemed to be that it deserved its place.

I pushed the door open and stepped into the sunlight.

Ty'Bin was there conversing with the Etas. They appeared to be in the middle of a humorous jab as their faces were all lifted up in amusement. I stood aside and admired my mate. His dark hair, his brilliant eyes, the way he moved his hands when he talked. While it was somewhat a mystery how we ended up with each other I felt so blessed that he found me and considered me. His gentlemanlyness, his patience, and thoughtful consideration in every aspect of his life. He was not perfect, no, but he aimed for selflessness and that is the role-model I hoped for. If he wasn't talking to the guards right now I would be giving him a big ol' kiss on the lips.

The he-wolves finished their banter and I took Ty'Bin's elbow as we walked away.
"How are you doing?" Ty'Bin asked.

I looked up at him, "Very well, thank you. How about you?"

"Couldn't be better."

"What was the request?"

"Yes, so it is about Intefunis."

Ah, Intefunis. I had not forgotten about him. He was the last individual in my mind that I could try to offer to help. Just a young kid that was miles and miles away from any form of familiarity. I knew it had to be a lie but I still deeply wanted to know the reason behind his claim that Ty'Bin was his father.

Without hesitation and with determination I nodded, "What do you need help with?"