When Night Falls

Chapter 5: Stained

  As we pulled into the driveway of the shared house I was greeted by many faces. Some were familiar, others were new. They all lined up for me to see, Alpha Tony was at the front. When I approached we exchanged a one-armed hug. Dallas never let go of my hand. I didn't mind.

  One by one I was introduced to each individual pack member. Standing next to Taylor was next and he said hey with a sheepish grin. I was shocked at how many of my classmates were wolves. Eli Smith, Tyler's older sibling, greeted me with Tony was Misty Sanders, his wife, mate, and the pack Luna. She gave me a motherly embrace. I could tell I would like her. Misty had short red hair that was cut in a bob. It curled delicately around her face and had subtle blonde highlights.

  Scott gave me brotherly hug and ruffled my hair. Valentine Montgomery had a tiny frame with short curly hair that had been dyed a light pink color. Her warm chocolate eyes were kind as she welcomed me to the pack. She was what you'd picture as a female Cupid.

  Catherine Chevez was a tall and slender girl with thick, curly, brown hair. She seemed very timid. "Um hi, nice to meet you", she squeaked. I beamed at her with reassurance, "It's nice to meet you too Catherine." Oh you can just call me C.C.", Catherine chimed in a slightly less nervous voice.

  Then I met the rest of the adults. Dallas's parents were the first two. They carefully took note of our joined hands. "Hi", I smiled brightly, "It's nice to meet you both." "You must Cillian, it's nice to meet you sweetheart", his mother practically sang. Her name was Rose.

  Dallas's father grinned broadly, "So your Dallas's girlfriend." He stated rather than asked. I hesitated to answer, unsure whether or not Dallas had made that claim on me. "Yes, she is", Dallas said surely and squeezed my hand. In that moment I felt more wanted than ever before in my life. "Welcome to the pack Miss Evers", his Dad responded in a proud voice. "Thank you sir", my reply was sweet and charming.

  Misty explained that there were a few other members that I would meet later on. They had been caught up in work today. The last person I met was Cyllus White. He looked to be in his early twenties. Cyllus wore a simple black T-shirt with dark-blue jeans and a sloppy grin. He shook hands with me firmly and then patted my boyfriend on the back with a wink. "Nice to meet you......" He trailed off. "Cillian, Cillian Evers", I filled in.

  I soon came to realize that the pack really was just one big family. Misty showed me my room. Everyone had one, but usually at least two people shared one. Claira and I share a room. We would use them to store clothes, and on occasions possibly even sleep in. It already felt like home to me.

  I was putting away some jeans and T-shirts in my drawers when I heard it. "Hey Cillian", Claira spoke inside my head. "Claira?" I called out also in my mind. She giggled slightly and responded, "Cool huh? It's a wolf thing. You can talk like this with anyone in the pack. We all have mind links." Soon I was bombarded by voices from everyone else all at once. It didn't take me long to figure out how to close the link.

  When I returned outside my second family was sitting at oak wood picnic tables chatting. "Oh hey Cillian", Casey waved for me to sit beside him. I took my spot and Dallas was soon seated on my other side. They all started giving me facts and tips about being a werewolf. "A lot of time it's anger that triggers us to shift", Casey informed me. I nodded and chewed on that piece of information thoughtfully. "Werewolves have bad tempers", Lance interjected. A tiny voice in my head whispered, "On the bright side, us female wolves only have our period about twice a year!" I smiled at Claira's comment.

  "Did you know we have powers of persuasion?" Cyllus spoke up. I shook my head no and then Alpha Tony cut in, "It will come naturally after a bit of practice." The yellow part of our eyes expands and sort of.... transfixes the humans. They will agree with almost anything while in this state. It's useful in emergency situations. Only use it when necessary." I nodded at him. "And only use it when necessary", Misty said, "it takes a lot out of us to it, the process will leave you weak."My brain started to connect this with things I've seen Dallas do. The day he walked home with me. The time I shifted. Memories swirled in my head. It all made more sense now.