Trapped between two lifes

Chapter 4

''It's time to meet the rest of the pack.''

These are the first words Ethen spoke to me since last night.

Until that time I was absorbed by the thoughts of my parents.

Vincent had also come earlier to give me food, but I barely ate because of my grief.

''Fine.'', I said almost in a whispering tone.

While we were heading out the door Ethen looked at me and asked:

''Are you feeling any better today?''

For a moment I got lost in his black eyes and then I answered him:

''Not really, but thanks for asking.''

''I know how you feel. Even though my parents are alive, I haven't seen them in many years. I miss them so much.''

''The pain I'm feeling right now cannot be compared with yours.'', I said and continued walking decisively.

I entered the living room, where the pack was waiting for me.

''Let me introduce to Layla. Isla turned her into a vampire and she's our guest until a new peace treaty is signed.'', said Ethen.

''Is that how we call the prisoners now? Guests?'', I said and I immediately felt the awkward atmosphere in the room.

Kate was the next to talk:

''They let you long enough in that small room. It's time you participate in the chores of the house. But first let me introduce the rest of the members to you.''

''Emma is my little sister, Ronan is Ethen's little brother and that's Cora over there.''

''I don't need to make acquaintances with a vampire.'', said Cora and grimly looked at me.

Ethen growled towards her and she obeyed immediately, looking slightly embarrassed.

The first thing I noticed was a big scar that started at the height of the ear lobe and ended at the base of the neck. While she looked young, the scar made her seem like she's older and it gave her a toughness. She was runty, had short straight black hair and hateful black eyes.

On the contrary, Ronan and Emma welcomed me heartily and smiled at me, despite their hesitation at first.

Emma was a pretty girl, probably 16 years old and she had long auburn hair and brown eyes. She had a round face and was very sweet, reminding me of her sister, who was as kind as she was.

Ronan on the other hand did not remind me of Ethen at all.

He had short brown hair, brown lively eyes. He must have the same age as Emma. He looked quite playful, since he was teasing Emma by making funny hand gestures throughout the whole time.

''Enough with the introductions! Let's become useful again.'', Vincent said, while clapping his hands to get everyones' attention. He was standing beside Kate, who was the next to speak:

''Girls let's go to the kitchen to cook lunch, while the boys go get some wood.''

''I'll go with them'', said Cora and left, without hearing Kate's remark.

We headed towards the kitchen, sat on the table and started cutting the vegetables we'll need.

''I apologize for her behavior. In our last conflict a vampire attacked her and wounded her, causing the scar you saw. He almost ripped her throat out and that's why she cannot trust any vampire. She'll get over it though eventually.'', apologized Kate.

''I don't blame her. Either way most people hate me right now.'', I said.

''I like you.'', said Emma happily.

''I like you too. And I don't think I'm the only one.''

''Why? Who else doesn't hate me?''

''Ethen may not be showing it with words, but I can see in his eyes that he very much likes you.''

''Are we talking about the same Ethen? The moody, wild, sullen Ethen?''

''Don't misjudge him. He's been through a lot these last years. He lost his best friend, who was our previous leader, in a battle against vampires. Afterwards he had to take the leadership and the responsibilities that come with it and he also had to take decisions on how to handle the pack. We used to be a large pack, but we were decimated, due to an ambush Isla's group set on us and Ethen and he can't forgive himself for that. It's been killing him inside since then. He even left his parents because he had so many responsibilities and so that he can protect them from the enemies he had as a leader.''

The discussion ended abruptly, when Ronan entered the kitchen, holding wood.

''Is our lunch ready? I'm so hungry!''

''Really? Are you hungry AGAIN? If you keep eating like that, we'll have to call you hefty Ronan.'', Emma answered him.

''I'm trying to reach your weight.'', he said sticking his tongue out and they started chasing each other in the house.

Ethen walked in and broke them apart.

''Stop acting like children! When are you finally going to grow up Ronan?''

''What for? So that I can become as grumpy as you are? Never!'', he told him and left. Emma followed him outside.

''Lunch is ready. Wash yourselves and come sit on the table.'', I said and got up, so that I can return to my room.

Kate stopped me:

''Where are you going? Aren't you going to keep us company?''

''I don't want to be a burden.''

''You can come sit with us on the table.'', said Ethen seriously.

Without thinking twice about it, I took a seat.

It was the first time I felt warmth and acceptance from the people around me after such a long time, even if that feeling comes from the wrong group.