The Mermaid Stole My Alpha

Chapter 11

•••Arrissa Forrest•••

No ones eyes change colors. At least not that dramatically. Mermaids are dangerous, but we've already agreed to let her stay. I hope, that it won't be for long.

For the rest of the day, Arctic has been at the pond. I've been watching her through the bushes, never seeing her tail. In fact, I don't even think I saw her as a mermaid yet. Hybrids. Always trying something. But I guess I shouldn't be the one talking. I'm pretty sure the reason why I was a pure white wolf was because of some freak accident. But who knows. I just liked to think like that when I was little.

After a while, she leaves and shifts into the red wolf. Very light on her feet, she travels fast beside the bush I was hiding at. I get up, shift, and follow. The wind flicks through my fur and I almost howl in delight. I follow her up a steep rocky edge, one I've never actually gotten to see for myself. She climbs on a ledge, I follow, still aware that she doesn't know I'm here.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" she says without looking behind. I come out behind the rocks, and walk the rest of the way up. I cannot believe my eyes. It's breath taking!

The high ledge overlooks a mass chunk of water: the Pacific Ocean. Sparkly glistening water rises and sinks on the beach, and we're actually close enough to where I can see the waves break into white crests on the shore. Seagulls swarm over head, and I can smell, and feel the ocean's salty spray. The sun sets behind, giving it an amazing feeling. And finally in the distance about a mile away from the main land-- it's so clear-- I can see a small deserted island. It would be even more perfect, if Cam were here.

"Very," I reply.

And my golden paw print necklace glows a blaze of fiery red.

•••Cameron Forrest•••

I honestly tell myself that I did nothing wrong. My past is behind me, and I have Arrissa to help me contain myself. She always says, 'Cam, I cannot change your past; but I can give you hope for the future,' or 'the pain that you experience in life shouldn't make you look down upon yourself -- or make you look backward and loose sight of tomorrow.' I always look up to her whether she knows it or not. She's so strong. I admire her for that.

But she blames herself for her mother's unexpected death. Always saying, if only I could of prevented it, if only I cared more, If only... If only I could of prevented my past...Could I even do it? Would I really care that much?

I linger on my past like humans linger for air. One breath! One is all I needed to survive that hell! Just one... It was like I was trapped underwater for hours, weeks, years. I did some things to manage my anger; my betrayals played upon undeserving others. Unforgivable, unrighteous things. Oh God, forgive me. Oh God. Forgive me? I can't even forgive myself.

***Arrissa Forrest***

We head back to the house for dinner. My golden paw lessens its glow, and eventually dimmers, and dies. I don't really know why. Guess my mom was the only one who did.

-Don't feel bad anymore. Grow stronger from the pain. Don't let it destroy you.- says my wolf.

I know I should listen. But the sound of my all too familiar grief, blocks the sound of hope.