Chase (Chasing Tails Rewritten)

Six - Challenge

 Julie follows Andy through the town, each walking slowly and cautiously, aware that they're surrounded by pack-affiliated wolves and have nowhere to run or anyone to turn to. The two of them together stay close, both silently concerned with where Zach is and how he's doing. Being a hot head can get him into trouble and without them around, there's no telling how Zach might react to something.

"So," Julie mutters as she briefly looks into the window of a shop. "He said he had a headache?"

Andy nods. "From some smell. Want to make a bet?"

Julie glances at his grin with a frown. "No."

"Oh, come on!" Andy chuckles. "I'm sure I know what it is."

"What is it?"

"Mate."

Julie pauses. "Oh."

She forgot about mates. Or rather, she forgot about finding mates. Since losing her wolf, all that's been weighing on her mind is the safety of her family and how she's going to survive. She thought that way before losing her wolf too. She never really considered about her mate or how, without her wolf, she'll never be able to find him if he's out there. Now, it's left an unwelcoming feeling in her.

"Julie?"

Julie shakes herself off, smiling lightly at her brother. "Sorry. I just kind of forgot about mates."

With a frown, Andy sets his arm on her shoulders and kisses her head. "Don't worry. We won't let your mate anywhere near you."

Julie laughs. "Doubt he's out there."

Andy stays quiet, hesitating on breaking the news to her or not. His concern for her safety makes him stay quiet and he buries the secret at the back of his head. Before Julie can question him on his silence, a phone begins to ring from his pocket and he pulls out the cheap cell phone to see a familiar number.

"It's Rose."

"Rose?" Julie glances at the screen. "Oh."

"Answer it," Andy pushes the phone into her hands. "She's calling about you."

Julie takes it and clicks the answer icon. A second later, her older sister is screaming in her ear about how long it's taken them to return her calls.

"Hi, Rose."

"Julie!" Rose shouts in surprise. "I thought you were one of the twins! Sorry! How are you doing? Are you feeling okay?"

Julie inwardly groans, realizing her brothers have already informed Rose about James's attack. "I'm fine. How are you?"

"Good, good." Rose hurriedly replies. "I heard you had another chase the other night. What happened with that? Are you still having nightmares? I thought you said you got some good medicine."

"Mother hen," Julie teases. "I'm just not sleeping very well. The medication is helping, though. I'm sure its just stress from moving. Things will settle down soon."

Rose scoffs. "You've been waking up half-conscious and seeing your wolf spirit, Julie. I don't think that's just something that can settle down - especially when you go chasing after it and interrupt two Alphas."

"Rose, don't." Julie scolds. "What's done is done and regardless of the consequences, I can't change it. I wouldn't. I'm doing fine here. James...isn't so bad. And Andy and Zach are constantly annoying me. So really, I'm fine."

Andy stares softly down at her. "She just doesn't like this, Jul. None of us does. We'd change it if we could."

Julie shakes her head. "But you can't. So forget it. How is everyone doing, Rose?"