Her Human

Five

After the extensive process of getting myself clean, with the help of the two women, I'd never felt more bare in my life. I just felt naked, even though I was fully clothed. My beige complexion was actually visible and I could run a hand through my dark tamed hair without it catching on any knots. I hardly recognized myself and couldn't stop touching my newly soft hair. Uselessly, I make a quick note to myself to try and not let is get so unruly in the future. The type of pain I went through isn't something anyone should experience, it still makes me nauseous.

"There ya go darlin', all clean! Can't believe you were hiding such a pretty face under all that muck 'n grime!" The woman's deep southern twang was pleasantly endearing as she gave a hearty laugh, and I didn't even mind her complete lack of tact at this point.

The younger blonde lady, who's name I've recently discovered is Rachel, spoke up. "Sorry, 'bout her. She can be as frank as she is stingy at times. Ya get used to it." She shrugs.

I decide to speak to them for the second time that day. "Thank you for the extra clothes and for letting me get cleaned up. I should head back though." My voice is gruff and tired, I don't use it too often so it's kind of weird to speak, especially to humans. Back in the pack we didn't talk all that much, verbally or telepathically. We had a routine, a very standard and robotic way of living, words were seldom needed. I don't miss the look they exchange.

"Pish-pash! It's too dark out outside. I s'pose you're not from 'round here though. We gotta a lot 'em disgustin' raggedy wolves. I heard ol' Noreen Baseeker was got by one of 'em ferocious beasts the other night while takin' a stroll in the woods," she pauses and her expression scrunches up in to something resembling repulsion before continuing. "She's gettin' along okay. Can't say the same for Charlie though. Doubt he'll ever let her go out into the forest again, ha! Anyway, I already had Rachel prepare a room for ya, so you just go on over there and sleep. We'll fix ya breakfast and drive you to where you're staying tomorrow mornin'." She gives me a grin before leading me to said room, Rachel in tow.

I can't refuse her at this point. I fear it'll only raise their obvious suspicion of me. Besides, I have nothing to go back to. Those rogues had already destroyed most, if not all of my belongings. Now that I think about it, they could've been the same ones to attack the woman Mrs. Magdalen was talking about. The increase in rogues so close to the town wasn't a good sign and I almost find myself longing to be safe within the confines of my pack. My mate's face flashes across my mind and the thought is gone as soon as it had appeared.

My mouth goes dry at the thought of my mate. I hope he's alright. My insides tighten at the thought of him all alone in his cabin, rogues wandering about. If those mutts catch his scent, I don't know what I'll do.

Then, a disturbing thought hits me. Am I a rogue now? I'm without a pack, so I guess technically, I am. Unsure of how to feel about this, I compliantly climb in to the comfortable bed and sink into the mattress.

I'd forgotten what a luxury beds can be. My pack rarely stayed in an actual home, my father thought constantly moving around was much easier with tents rather than physical bedrooms. And he was right.

I leave the dim lamp on next to me and try to relax, anxiety and worry still coursing through me.

I'm wide awake and alert when a couple of hours later, someone lightly knocks on the door and strides in. It's Rachel. I don't know why, but I just couldn't bring myself to hate her. I half expected myself to be seething with rage at the mere thought of her, but she and the older woman had been nothing but hospitable to me. I wanted to hate her, for being so close to my mate. But I couldn't. I had no valid reason to. So I decided I'd return the friendliness offered and be as civil as possible with the pair.