The Alpha's Beta

Chapter 15

Okay, guys. I promise this is the last time I'm changing on you. I'm really, really, really sorry for not updating on time! And since I apparently can't handle updating every Friday, I'm just going to update when I can. Sorry! 

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I turned to Lucas with a glare. "You said it wouldn't hurt!"

Lucas looked confused. "Because it didn't for me. The only reason it would hurt is if the bond was being used during the Marking. Was it?"

"Um, I think so, maybe?"

"Equals yes. Do you know who it was?" 

"No, all they said was that I should know who he was. And that you guys are using me."

"Raven, why would we use you? And what would we use you for?" Dr. Price told me. 

Rita had put her stuff away, and walked up to us. "Congratulations on becoming part of the Flock. Now, have a nice day."

Lora called from behind the counter, "Nice day. Yes, nice day, nice night. Bye bye." 

We took that as a hint to take our conversation elsewhere, so we walked over to the door. Apparently, Lora wasn't done talking. She ran over to us and grabbed my wrist, the Marked one. It didn't hurt, but was uncomfortable. 

"You stay. Yes. You must stay. Friends go. You stay."

"We'll wait in the hall." Lucas said, realizing that she wouldn't let me go anytime soon. I nodded, and they went.

"Rita go, too." So, Rita went into the back room. "You listen. Rick didn't. He is dead now. You listen."

"Okay, I'm listening."

"Leave. Take friend and leave. Find your Pack. Rick didn't leave. They killed him. He is dead. You must leave!" With that creepy statement, Lora let go and walked away, looking like nothing happened. I walked towards the door again. But right before I opened the door, Lora whispered. "No tell. Doctors are bad. Tell friend. He keep secret safe."

"Well? What'd she want?" 

"She just wanted to tell me that I look like Rick. Again. Geez, she's crazy!" 

Dr. Price nodded, accepting the answer, and led us down the hall. I turned to Lucas and mouthed, She told me to leave.

Why? He mouthed back.

They'd kill me.

Who?

I shrugged. You have to come with me.

Um.

We have to find my Pack, apparently.

Lucas looked at me.

They killed Rick. She told him to leave, and he didn't. 

"This is where all the rooms are. This one is yours, Raven. Lucas' is right across the hall if you need anything. I'm sure you're exhausted after the day you've had. Clothes are in the dresser already, and they should fit. Lucas will wake you at 9 o'clock.  Won't you?" He nodded. "Good. Sleep well. Oh, one more thing. Food will be brought up in a half hour."

Dr. Price walked off, leaving Lucas and I to stare at each other. I turned to look at my door. It had the number 3027 on it, with a glowing blue thing on it. 

"You put your hand under it." 

I hesitantly brought my right hand underneath the thingy. It shined some blue lines on it and glowed a green. The door clicked open.

"Cool." I walked in. "You coming?"

Lucas scurried in, closing the door behind him. There was a white canopy bed directly in front of me, next to which an antique nightstand with a fancy lamp and an alarm clock stood.  To my right, in the back corner, was an open door, which probably led to the bathroom. A dresser was to my left, with some t-shirts and jeans and sweatshirts in it. They looked my size. That's a little unnerving.

I gestured to the clothes. "What's up with these?"

"They caught what types of clothes you like and your size while we were in the sim. Don't ask how, because I have no clue."

"Okay. So what are we gonna do?"

Lucas rubbed his face. "I don't know. You said Lora told you to leave?"

"Yeah. She said to leave 'with friend.' I'd assume she means you. And she said she told Rick to leave, but he didn't and that's why he was killed, I guess."

"Why didn't you tell Dr. Price about this?"

"Lora told me not to. She said the doctors are bad." I said simply.

"And yet, you're telling me, an almost complete stranger?"

"Apparently. Who else would I tell? I don't know anybody else!"

"That's very true."

"So, are you going to help me?"

"Sure. You are my Flock. And my charge."

"Charge?" 

"My apprentice. I have to train you and whatnot. The simulations determine who becomes the fledglings' mentor. You're stuck with me now."

"Okayyy. How old are you, then?"

"17 since about a week ago."

"I'm 15, but my birthday is coming soon. It's November 16th, sooo," I dragged it out, using mental math, "5 days from now. And happy belated birthday!"

"Thanks." Lucas said, "Be ready by 8am sharp. With clothes and whatever else you'd need."

"Uh, okay." As he turned to leave, I called, "Wait! You're going to leave? Just like that?"

"Just like that." He confirmed. And with that, he left.

"Well, that was interesting." I told the empty room.

I grabbed some pajamas and headed into the bathroom. Wow. There was pure white tile with a pure white sink and a pure white shower with pure white - Yeah, everything is pure white in here. How on Earth does anyone keep this bathroom this clean?!

I pulled aside the curtain to start the shower. It took me about ten minutes to figure out what half the buttons and knobs did! I just picked one, got undressed, and got in.

After my scalding hot shower, - Note to self: don't pick that knob! - I put on my pj's and climbed into the super soft bed.

What do you guys think?

Whisper, as always, was the first to respond. I believe you have made a good decision.

I agree with the Wolf. Taking the advice of the Wise One was a smart idea. Anita told me.

Nila said nothing, but I felt her approval. 

I'm glad you all like what I'm doing. Sometimes I forget you're hanging out, along for the ride.

It's hard to get used to. But you will, in time. Anita said.

I hope so. Good night.

My Wolf, Eagle, and Fox responded in like, then faded back into my mind.

I closed my eyes, and promptly fell asleep.