When The Wolves Come Out

Chapter 27

"I, uh, I think I need some air," I say quickly, standing up from the table and walking outside. I shiver and rub my bare arms when I hear someone come up behind me.

"Ash, what's up?" Ethan comes next to me and we sit on the doorstep together. He wraps an arm around my shoulders and squeezes them.

"Nothing, I just felt a bit... Faint," I mutter, struggling to lie to him.

"You know I'm always here for you, right? Whatever it is, you can tell me."

I let out a deep breath, frustrated that he knew I was lying. "It's hard to explain..."

"I'd understand."

Well clearly he's not going to give up.

"Thank you, Ethan, but it really isn't a big deal."

"Uh huh," he says sarcastically. "Now tell me the truth."

I gulp. "Umm... W-Well, I don't know where to start."

I see Grayson out of the corner of my eye, standing a few feet away from the door. His eyes flick down to Ethan's arm around my shoulders, and his gaze hints anger before going back to expressionless. Ethan doesn't see him.

My breath catches in my throat and my words seem to stick. I can't get them out, but I don't want them to either. Deep down I knew it wasn't the right moment, and that's what was keeping me.

"Now's not the time," I say, avoiding Ethan's eyes. "I'm sorry."

He seems disappointed but covers it up with a smile. "That's okay. I can wait a little longer, although you will tell me in the future," he says, the last part sounding more like a demand.

Guilt stabs me in the chest as I get up to leave.

"Excuse me," I say to Grayson as I pass him in the doorway.

He grabs my wrist. "You can't lie forever," he whispers, so quietly that I can barely hear.

~~

I wake up in Ethan's arms the next morning. He has a tight grip around me and wakes up when I struggle out of it. He chuckles, pulling me even closer.

"Morning, babe," he says in a raspy voice.

"Good morning, Ethan," I say sarcastically. "Let me go!"

"Why?" He frowns, smiling slightly. "I kind of like this position."

"Uh, no." I elbow him from behind and scramble out of bed, running down the stairs. I hear footsteps chasing me and turn to see shirtless Ethan following me.

"Come back here!" he yells, amusement in his voice.

"Catch me!" I squeal like a little child, running into the kitchen when I bump into something hard.

Or rather, someone hard.

I step away, shocked and embarrassed.

"Alpha! I'm so sorry..."

And just on time, Ethan grabs my waist from behind. "Gotcha!" he says before slowly looking up to see Alpha with an unamused expression. "Dad."

"There's no time for messing around." Alpha grunts. "Ashlyn, go and get dressed. You have Luna practice today."

"Luna practice?" I echo. What the fuck was that?

"You will learn leadership skills and other things," he says in a 'duh' tone. "Ethan, you're going on a pack hunt. You two are dismissed."

We both walk away, biting back our laughs until Alpha is definitely out of sight.

~~

"And this, uh, pack can be g-great because..." I stutter, sighing in frustration. "Sandra, this is hopeless."

Ethan's mum had been making me practice a speech in front of a bunch of stuffed animals as 'Luna practice'. I'd been here for two hours, trying and failing to get a single speech right.

"Come on, Ashlyn!" Sandra says. "Remember what we practiced: take a deep breath, straighten your shoulders and pretend no one is there!"

"I've been doing that for the past two hours, Sandra. I'm hopeless!"

"Honey, don't say that."

"It's true." I sigh. "I'm sorry, I need a break from this."

"Ashlyn—"

"I might be back."

I run out of the living room and head upstairs, tears threatening to spill. I bump into Grayson in the hallway. He holds me still by the shoulders, searching my eyes with a pitiful look.

"Ashlyn... What happened?" he asks, genuine concern laced into his voice.

"I c-can't do it. I'll be t-the worst l-Luna..." I choke out.

"Hey, it's okay." He pulls me into a tight hug and I cry into his shoulder. "You'll be amazing, it just needs time. You can't give up now, Ashlyn, that's not like you."

"B-But-"

"You can do it, just let it out."

I cry for what seems like hours until I finally pull away and Grayson wipes away my tears with his thumbs.

"Sorry I got your shirt all wet..."

"I don't mind, love. What are secret mates for?" He chuckles.

I manage a weak laugh before going back downstairs where Sandra is staring at me with wide eyes, giving me lots of space. I take my place in front of the stuffed toys.

"Where was I?" I begin my speech and try to convince myself that I might be okay.