We stood around for a while, I chatted with a few members I formerly knew. It was nice, and I felt completely comfortable there. Safe.
But I could also tell everyone was choosing their words carefully.
Little wolf pups were playing all around us and I couldn't help but just watch with a smile. Some of the mothers were in their wolf forms, some were just in regular clothes.
I liked the way the pack worked, it was a family unit and it made me proud as their Luna.
I felt like there was something missing, and I knew exactly what it was, but if my parents were here I would have found them by now.
It started to get dark out and Jake could tell I was far from wanting to leave, but we had to go back before night hit. I said my goodbyes and we headed back down the dirt path.
"Kai?" He had stopped and was looking down with a sorrowful expression.
"What is it?" I took a few steps towards him and he met his eyes with mine, "I. . Left out a part of my talk earlier. Every four decades or so, a hybrid is born. Conceived from two parts of a whole." His words trailed off as I looked intently for answers in his face.
"The reason why. . .Nathan wants you is because he wants a strong female by his side; that particular hybrid I mentioned earlier in fact. You posses both parts vampire and werewolf."
Nothing at that point could surprise me, but it was still news to me.
I let out and deep breath and held onto him for a moment, "Why are you telling me this now?" My voice was slightly muffled against his jacket as I spoke.
"I'm not entirely sure," he rubbed the small of my back and I pulled away, walking alongside him.
I didn't want him to think that I was bothered by it, but I couldn't help but think that somehow this could have all been stopped if I sacrificed my happiness.
I felt him stiffen as he tugged on my hand, "Hey."
I didn't turn but I kept my eyes on the pink and purple rays of sun that slowly dissipated at the roof of the building ahead.
"None of this, was your fault. Don't ever think that any of this was your fault. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't found you. . It's something I hope you never remember."
His voice was low and husky, and I savored everything in between. "You won't tell me either?"
I didn't want to pry, I still felt bad for doing it earlier. So I just took his hand without a reply from him and led us back to base.
I didn't know what was waiting for us when we got back, maybe nothing at all, but we were gone all day.
Before I got the chance to push my key card in Mark opened the door and stood with his arms crossed, "What did I say."
It was far from a question.
"She knows more than she did this morning. It was healthier for her to see them."
He let his arms fall to his side, fists balled. "You deliberately disobeyed me-", I cut him off and stepped forward,"You didn't want me to see them, why? I have every right to see them." I could feel the anger building up inside me.
"He put you in danger today, did you want another run-in with Nathan? Taking you today was a mistake and it's not going to happen again. Not until I say it's OK." His voice rose and he hovered over me, but I stood my ground.
"Do not, talk down to Jake. And you will not tell me when I can or cannot see my pack." A growl erupted slowly from my throat and I cracked my neck. Jake reached out slowly to touch my arm, "Babes' calm do-"
"Don't touch me." My skin felt hot and I thought steam might erupt from my pores.
"Bring it." Mark furrowed his brows and puffed out his chest.
Fine. I'll give it to you.
I felt my bones crack and re-break into an entirely different bone structure. It didn't hurt as bad as it sounded.
I felt myself becoming more and more dormant, and something else was taking over; but not entirely.
Don't kill him, I will restrain you if you get out of control.
I soon got tired of waiting and I charged, headbutting him in the stomach and clamping my teeth into his leg. The metallic taste filled my mouth and I stepped back.
He limped backwards, his blood seeped through the navy blue pants leg.
"Change back."
Nope.
"Kai, change back. Now."
I growled defensively but cowered immediately at Jake's stern voice, "Listen to him. Come here."
I padded over to him and sat down. He crouched down and spoke softly, "Think of what you look like when you're human," He started taking off his jacket.
I closed my eyes and thought of myself and soon enough my bones started cracking again.
I shivered and realized I was full on nude. I felt incredibly embarrassed but Jake's body hid me from Mark and he helped me into the jacket, it fell at my knees and I wasn't as concerned.
My legs gave out when I tried to stand, Jake caught me and wrapped my arm around his waist for support as we walked past Mark, who was standing firm next to the door.
Zahalu was sitting in the corner of the room observing the whole situation, a hint of pride flowed through him and I felt comforted at the feeling.
On our way back to my room I got to thinking, everyday I learn something new about my past and each time I'm more impressed by the life I've lived thus far.
I plan on living it to the fullest.
i
