When The Wolves Come Out

Chapter 20

Ethan and I walk through the front door holding hands. He guides me into the kitchen where his dad is sat at the table, lost in thought. His mum hurries over to his side after glancing at me and Ethan, whispering something into his ear. His father looks at me, his expression unreadable.

He takes a deep breath. "Sit down, Ashlyn."

I do as I'm told, taking a seat opposite to him. Ethan stands behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders.

"Do you know the order of class in a pack of wolves?"

"No," I reply, unsure of what this was going to lead to.

"It's an order of importance. There's the common people of the pack, and then the betas, who are just below the alpha, which is at the very top."

I nod, signalling for him to go on.

"I am the alpha of this pack. I lead everyone in it, and the role passes down through blood. So, can you guess who the next alpha will be when I resign?"

"Grayson?" I guess. He was the oldest, after all.

"No."

"Lacey?"

Alpha shakes his head. "No."

"Ethan?" I answer slowly.

"Correct. It is the son who takes on the lead of Alpha."

I peer up at Ethan, who is trying to avoid my gaze. He knew something and wasn't telling me. He begins rubbing circles on my shoulders as though it'll lower my suspicions.

"But what about Grayson? I thought he was the oldest."

"It is usually the oldest that takes the role, but Grayson is... Different. Uncontrollable. Lacking in leadership skills, if you understand me."

"So what does this have to do with me?" I ask, trying to cover up my nerves.

"An Alpha always needs a Luna by his side. You will be Ethan's Luna, seeing as you and him are mates."

"A-A Luna? Like, a sidekick?"

"In some ways, yes. You will help to run the pack alongside the Alpha. I know it's a lot to take in, but we thought it was important you find out sooner."

I inhale a sharp breath. Lead a pack? I was still at school, for goodness' sake!

"I'll let you two discuss." Alpha flicks his wrist, standing up and leaving, with Ethan's mum following closely behind.

I get up to face Ethan. He takes my hands in his, lacing our fingers together.

"You're going to be Alpha?" I say, searching his eyes for any form of emotion.

"I know it's a big deal, but you have to understand that it's what's right."

"I understand. It's just..." I pause, "I can't run a pack."

"I'll be right by your side doing the dirty work, okay? I'm not leaving you. That's a promise."

I hug him tightly before pulling away. His warm hands remain on my body and I run my hands over his broad shoulders. "Is Grayson okay with this?"

"He says he didn't want to be Alpha anyway, but I don't believe him. It's Dad's choice, I guess."

I nod and can't help but stare into his eyes.

"I miss the colours," I whisper.

He removes his hands from my hips, sighing and leaving me in my thoughts.

~~

After dinner that night, I take a long, hot shower, letting what Alpha said sink in. Once I feel completely clean, I step out of the bathroom and wrap myself in a short towel seeing as I knew the rest of the pack were out hunting. Maybe I was wrong.

"Nice body, Ashlyn. Does Ethan know that's what you look like?"

I jump, seeing Grayson leaning against the doorframe. I turn so my back is facing him and his laughter rings out through the bedroom.

"Oh, c'mon. It's just me! You don't have to hide anything..." he says in a mocking voice.

"Go away, Grayson."

"But why would I want to when there's such a good view?"

"Aren't you supposed to be out hunting with the rest of the pack?"

"They rejected me as their Alpha, so why should I do what they say?"

"They didn't reject you, your dad just had a different opinion..."

"Just save it. If you want to feel sorry for me, then fine, but it won't do me any good."

My short hair drips down my back and I'm desperate to find some clothes.

"Please go, Grayson. I want to put some clothes on."

"Whatever you say, Luna." He scoffs and I hear the door close behind me.

I finally turn around, putting on one of Ethan's t-shirts.

I climb into bed and reach to turn the light off, falling into a deep sleep.

It's around midnight when I feel a dip in the bed beside me and instantly know that it's Ethan. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me close to his bare chest.

"Sorry I'm late," he whispers.

"It's okay," I whisper back.

"What happened whilst I was out?"

"What do you mean? Nothing happened."

"You sent me another accidental mind link. Looks like you needed me for something."

"Oh." I debate on telling him what happened with Grayson but try my best to lie. "Just an accident. Nothing bad."

"Don't lie to me, Ash."

"I'm not."

"Just tell me. I won't get mad, I promise."

Yeah, right.

"I just had a small encounter with Grayson," I mumble.

"What did he do?" I feel Ethan tense, clearly trying to hide his anger.

I tell him the story in a quick rush, hoping that most of it sounded inaudible.

"That son of a bitch," he growls, getting out of bed and leaving me in the cold.

"Ethan, stop," I say, yawning. "It's not worth it at this time of night."

"He needs to know that you're mine."

"Get back into bed, Eth."

Ethan grumbles before climbing back under the covers and holding me so tightly that I can hardly breathe.

"I know you're in a rage right now, but could you possibly loosen hit grip just a little bit?" I laugh nervously.

"Sorry." His arms relax a bit and he snuggles his head into the crook of my neck before falling peacefully asleep.