In Dark August

Chapter 6

It was like I was caught up in a rough tide crashing against a rocky shore. The foamy salt water rushing for me as I was plummeted into the rocks. My back cracked on the rocky face while my breath was taken away from me. Salt water filled my lungs. It was way back when the pack decided to take a trip to the Pacific Ocean. Mom had spread out a colorful blanket on the warm sand and carried ice chests and baskets. Everyone set their family post but still stayed with in Alpha's view. Little kids danced around in the water and played in the sand. I was swimming near this rocky shore in search of crawdads when the tide came in. It was so unexpected; no one was prepared for it. All I could remember was warm hands tugging at my arm that dragged me to shore and terrified screams that awaited me. Tommy got the water out of my lungs and I awakened. Naomi, Taby-Cat, Mom, Dad, Alpha, Alpha Female, and everybody else. They're eyes stared wide eyed at me.

It wasn't the tide crash that I feel now, it's the after. I was soon given a warm towel and was guided to my Mom's blanket. Mom hugged me and I cried on her shoulder. I stayed by her side after that, watching everyone else have their fun. It was after that I got to recap everything that had happened. That's why I compare that with this moment.

Everyone had they're full attention to the first place winner. I can hear Taby-Cat breath in and breath out in realization. Naomi crashed through the bush right after Liam. She skidded and stumbled to her side in defeat. People would think it was a little too dramatic, but I know what she feels. She has worked hard for a chance to show herself worthy, but of course she had to lose. But what could she do? There's no chance she could've changed this loss. She'd now have to face consequences she doesn't deserve. Alpha's rules can be a hard thing to get by.

The pack erupts into excitement. By the time Liam shifted, a crowd formed to congratulate him. A few feet away, Naomi was laid still on her side. I got myself to my feet and pushed my way through the crowd, I left Taby-Cat behind. I knelt down next to Naomi's white wolf, and brushed her dirty fur with my fingers. She shifted her head to look up. Her crisp green eyes portrayed a sad and dark gaze. She was hurting. 

Titan was by Naomi's other side shortly after. Both of us guided her to the woods to let her shift and change into some clothes - they were stored in a wooden shed. When Naomi shifted, we both found scratches and bruises on her from running through the bush. She didn't look up once.

I remember I didn't see Titan anywhere during the activity. 

"Titan, I didn't see you around. Where were you?"

He turned his gaze from Naomi, who changes into her pants, and tells me, "I was told to go into town to get a few things from the butcher. I guess Alpha didn't want me to participate."

I perked up at the mention of Alpha, "Why did Alpha not want you to participate?  I understand you have a high ranking, but Liam was in the race too. Alpha didn't want Naomi to do it either, until she wanted to proof so badly that she was worthy, it turned out that she challenged him."

His eyebrows furrowed, "Naomi challenged Alpha?"

We both turn to Naomi, who sits in the entrance of the shed. Her arms are crossed and her head is bowed.

"She wanted to be a part of it, but Alpha declined. Naomi ended up challenging him, I guess, and they both made a deal that if Naomi wins she'll be unpunished. But if she looses, Alpha gets to decide."

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Naomi stood, her hands griped the side of her shirt, in front of Alpha. Her chin was up and her determined eyes pierced his. Alpha's expression was calm, maybe even excited (to show his pack that a wolf can never challenge an Alpha, probably). Naomi's was as if she had came right out of a terrible battle, and now that her side lost, she is facing the enemy. Tears welled up, but never spilled to role down her cheek. This is what the Naomi that I know clearly.

"Naomi, do you have anything to say?" Alpha asked down to her.

Naomi never torn the glare, "That I'm weak? No, Alpha. I will never go back to that," She bit down on her jaw, "The only thing is I'm never giving up. Not again."

Her short bites of words made Alpha step back once, and that made me smile. Naomi's a beast.

Alpha's eyes glowed and that made Naomi frown, "Naomi, it's not like I'm going to chase you out of the pack. Calm down. I have known you ever since your birth, and I've known this side of you; pure determination. I am proud to say that you are a part of my pack, Naomi. You have showed me something more these past few days."

Naomi loosened her jaw and looked very confused. 

Alpha chuckled, "Naomi, you have shown me that it's not all about pack rules and customs, it's the reason they do it. You challenged me because you thought it was right, and that by doing so you can prove that you can do whatever you can set your mind to. And it's not easy to shake you, that's for sure. I would like to honor you and give you a proper place in this pack."

Naomi froze, her eyes wide in confusion and pain.

"Naomi Burrows, I would like to place you as high ranked. Your family will move as well. You have the privilege of running pack patrols, and going with me on court meetings. You deserve every right for this honor."

The pack cheered. 

Naomi never turned away from Alpha once. She tried to mumble, "B-but I wasn't first place-"

"No you weren't, " Alpha interrupted. "You weren't the only one that ranked up. Liam ranked the same as you, and he got all the privileges that you have now."

Naomi didn't know what to do with herself. She looked down at the ground and then at the crowd. Her eyes landed on Titan and I who stood with our parents. Her mouth was slightly open and her eyebrows were perked up in disbelief. Yes, Naomi, Alpha got you again.

That's when we heard the scream.

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