Artemis

Chapter Six

By the next day my arm was just stiff, so I decided to go buy myself some proper clothes.

After swallowing a slice of toast in record time, I briskly walked to the door, ready to breath air that wasn't saturated with Zeus's scent.

Dez was stationed at the door.

"Where too, Luna?" He chirped with a lazy smile.

"A store. With Clothes. Please," I said in one breath, relieved I could finally have human communication.

"Oh I know just that place! How has the past couple days been?" Dez asked. I know he knows about Gabriel because clearly Zeus caused some harm.

"You know," I said.

Dez gave me a glance that suggested he would pry no more, and changed the topic, "So what do you think of this place?"

"It's GREAT. Lots of friendly people and fun things to do," I reply dripping with sarcastic annoyance.

"I should've known. Don't worry, they're not that bad. They don't like outsiders. Nobody around here really does. But I have sense and realized you meant no harm. For Goddesses sake, you were forced here. They'll realize this too, and you'll feel like you live amongst normal people again. Just be patient," he told me.

"Dez, I appreciate your kindness, more than anything, but be patient? I was forced to live with a bunch of evil people. And why don't you guys like outsiders? Usually, unless it's a rogue, outsiders are celebrated," I replied.

"I understand. But we aren't evil. And we just don't," Dez ended the conversation as we conveniently arrived at a little boutique in the hub. I glanced up at the doors and saw the store was called Bella. It looked promising.

As we entered I saw clothes that caught my eye everywhere. I immediately forgot the conversation and wandered from Dez as I built a small wardrobe.

Two hours later and a lot of grumbles from Dez, I had a full closet at home. With clothes that fit me. I asked how I was supposed to pay, but Dez explained everything in this pack was work based.

"You'll have to work it off. Like watching pups and cleaning up after pack dinners. Or doing border runs. Which I doubt you're allowed."

"How big is your border, anyway?" I inquired.

"Our territory is the entirety of the United States west of the Rockies. Most of the wolves congregate here. The acreage is for running and resources."

"How many wolves do you have?" I let my curiosity continue to take over.

"Three thousand-ish. Zeus knows the exact number. It varies as elders die and pups are born obviously," Dez tells.

I suck a breath in. Three thousand isn't just a lot. It's insane. I know the second biggest pack in the world is in Ireland and only has just under a thousand. Most packs have three to five hundred. The size didn't shock me, everybody knew their territory was extensive. But three thousand wolves is outrageous.

"Oh, my. Well thank you for everything Dez. You can stay inside if you want. I can make lunch," I say.

"Oh no, Zeus contacted me about ten minutes ago saying he was on his way. I will leave once he arrives."

Great.

•
•

The past hour has been me wondering the house trying to curb boredom.

Zeus arrived and nodded at me. And then descended to his evil lair. Or his study. I'm not sure if there is a difference.

This house is very extensive. Bedrooms are everywhere. And bathrooms. My favorite room is a loft on the very upper level. It has skylights and is perfect for painting. Only if I had my stuff from home.