Forest Deep

Chapter 9

Evelyn's POV

It's been a week since the whole Veronica accident. The good news is that Ethan and I are strong. Stronger when together, which is often. The bad news is that my father hasn't gotten better yet. I was worried about him. He wasn't worst but he isn't healing which makes it worse.

He was moved to the pack hospital, on the other side of the forest. It was safe on that side, so he would be safe. Getting there was risky, but it was worth it. He would be getting better there. I try not to worry. Ethan helps, but it's always in the back of my head.

It's been well in the pack but Veronica disappearances worry me. I told her to leave but was she really leaving? I was worried about it. I couldn't lose her. Although she is annoying and dumb, she's my sister. I can't lose her too.

"What are you thinking about?" I looked up. Ethan sat across from me, with a worried look on his face.

"Nothing important. I promise." I said with a reassuring smile. He smiled back and went back to eating his lunch. I moved around the food on my plate. "You know, I think I might and go visit my father today. I might bring him lunch." I said. Ethan looked up.

"Good idea. Do you want me to join you?" He asked. I shook my head.

"No, that's okay. I'll be back before dinner. Go hang out with Steward. I know the both of you have become very good friends. He nodded.

"Be safe." He kissed the side of my head before leaving the table. I got up and began cooking my father's favorite; chicken alfredo soup. I began humming like my mother did when I was young.

"La-di-da. Da-di-di. La-la-la-la. Making food is the best. For my father is isn't good. Maybe one day he will. Be better for all of us. La-di-da. Da-di-di." I sang. I laughed at my small childish song. I grabbed a picnic basket and placed the food inside. I grabbed my red hooded cape and tied the strings around my neck. I walked outside to be met with the bright sun.

The day was beautiful. Birds chirped. Sun shined bright. Skies were cloud-less. Children laughed. I smiled at the happiness that rang through the woods. Sadly, I would be missing out on it, but I have to bring my father lunch and do all of his work, soon to be my work.

I passed a bunch of the villagers and waved back or smiled at them. I found myself at the entrance of the path that led to the hospital. I began my journey and finally was deep enough in the woods that paranoia settled in. This was a risky trip to take alone, but who would mess with me? The strongest she-wolf out there. The one who will be become Alpha of one of the most respected packs on this continent.

A low whistle stopped me in the middle of my tracks. I turned and saw a rogue in human form leaning on a close by tree.  You could tell he was a rogue by the scar on his bare arm, a sign of a lone wolf. I examined my possible opponent. He was slightly taller than me, about Ethan's height. He had sun kissed hair and ocean eyes. He was built, but I think I could take him down. Once I was done, I met his eyes again.

"Well what's a pretty miss like yourself doing in the woods alone? This is sure a risky path to take." He said with the familiar southern accent.

"It's the only path to take to get to the hospital." I replied. He smirked.

"You don't seem like you're in pain." He observed.

"I'm not. I am merely taking lunch to my father." I said. He whiffed the air and I heard his stomach growl in hunger.

"Don't think you have something to spare?" He asked. I glanced back at my basket and then at he rogue. I opened half of the lid on the basket and broke a piece of bread off with my one free hand. I tossed it to him and he easily caught it with one hand.

"Pleasure meeting you, but I must getting going." I said, turning around. I could feel his presence approach me. I stopped walking. "I suggest you stop following me." I said, without turning my head. I heard his laugh rumble through the woods.

"Sweet-cheeks, I think it's best if you don't tell me what to do." He said. Anger rose in me and I turned around. He was two feet away, so close for my liking.

"What do you want?" I asked and he smirked.

"You. Well more like I want YOU to stay out of our way." He said with a menacing glare. I tilted my head in slight confusion.

"Our way?" I asked. He nodded. "I only see you. Who's the second person?" I asked.

"Me."

I turned around and the air was knocked out of me. She leaned against a tree with a smile. Her blond hair covered half her face but I recognized her easily.

"Mother?"