The Wolf Girl

Chapter 12

Toryn wanted me living in his home as soon as possible, but I told him that I intended on spending that last night at Milo's apartment packing up what little amount of things I owned. Igi would be by in the morning to grab her things. She promptly explained to me that she would stay the night with Ren. With a wink from Ren, I gagged, told her to be responsible and use protection, and bid them goodnight. Toryn slid me a last glance that said he wondered why I was acting so weird about joining packs. I hadn't told him anything about Milo. In fact, I had blocked Milo from my mind for the evening as I wanted to talk to him face to face.

"I'm home!" I called as I shut the apartment door behind me. Milo came out of nowhere, quickly gathering me in his arms and letting out a breath of relief. "Where the hell have you been? Where's Igi?" he murmured anxiously, his green eyes clouded with worry. His accent became stronger, the less he was in control of his emotions.  I chuckled and gently brushed him off. "Oh you know where I've been" I grinned. "Making up with Toryn remember?"

His eyes hardened significantly and he nodded. "And Igi?" he insisted. I shook my head and smiled. "Don't worry. She's safe and she'll be here tomorrow morning" I vowed, but my smile faded.

"We need to talk" I told him blatantly. He didn't look surprised, he looked stressed. There were shadows under his eyes that hadn't been there this morning. "How about we go for a run" I added. Running always tended to make us feel better. He seemed to relax a little at my suggestion. "Yeah...alright" he sighed and followed me out the door and into the woods.

Once we were wolves, and had sprinted a good few miles into the woods, I mustered up the courage to tell him. Milo...Igi and I are going to join Toryn's pack...and I think you should join us. Toryn hadn't exactly extended an invitation out to Milo, but he did express his want for our packs to unite...and Milo was a part of my pack. Without warning, Milo came to a sliding halt. I had to dig my claws until the earth, my paws skidding, to come to a complete stop. When I looked back at him in concern, I could see that his eyes were blazing.

No, he growled, slightly baring his teeth. I swallowed. Milo, wha- He seemed to grow taller, and a low rumbling rolled in his chest. No, no, no! he shouted. I'm never going to join his pack, Lavine. Never. And neither should you, he growled and the malice in his voice made me whine in surprise. He shook his great furry head in obvious dissapointmant. Don't you remember what he did? Just a week ago he threatened to kill you? He may be your mate, but this morning he nearly broke your heart, he tried to explain, though his thoughts were clouded with anger.

I frowned. Milo, he's changed! You weren't there, earlier! He promised to protect me! I countered, loosing hold on my calm facade. I attempted to show him the memory of Toryn opening his heart to me in the glowing forest. His apology and his promise to never let the hunters hurt me again. The place where the bullets had pierced my flesh began to throb. Milo wasn't having any of it. The hell he did Lavine! It's just a game! Your crawling right into his trap. Your parents probably killed his...do you think he is going to overlook that so easily? he hissed. He's dangerous and I don't want you going anywhere near him, Milo demanded. For some reason, his authoritative voice just pissed me off.

I scowled. You didn't see him, I spoke darkly and deliberatly. I believe him! I shouted into his face. And you have no power over me Milo! I'm a Luna!

Something flashed in his eyes, hurt and jealousy. Milo was jealous. He's not good enough for you, he murmured, confirming the jealousy in his eyes. I narrowed my eyes. He's my mate, I defended. If not him then who else?

Me, he whispered desperatley. I know your feelings have probably faded over the years but mine haven't. I- I love you, Lavine. His proclamation gripped my heart, but my wolf howled, torn. She wanted Toryn. She knew that we were meant to be with him. I slowly approached Milo so that we stood face to face.

You said we always have a choice, I murmured softly, meeting his green eyes. They searched my face, looking for my resolve. I choose Toryn. He bowed his head, looking the most defeated I've ever seen him. My eyes filled with tears and they quickly overflowed, leaving silent trails down my silvery fur face.

As you wish, he murmured, his voice thick, but then he raised his head. He gazed at me, and the finality in his expression made the tears flow faster. But I can't watch you do this, he added. I winced and nodded.

I'm going to go fine my mate, he told me gently. And I won't be back until I've found her, he promised. I realized that this was the last time I was going to see him. His golden brown coat, and emerald eyes. Strong and capable. Suddenly his thoughts became less tense, taking on an almost content quality and his eyes lightened. You and Igi be careful, he told me, and winked.

It was so like him that I let out a laugh that was more of a sob and watched solemnly as he whirled around and dissapeared into the maze of trees. It wasn't much later when I heard his distant howl, and as he split from the pack, his thoughts faded with him.

I love you too, I quiety admitted to the surrounding forest. I let out a shaky cry and turned around, heading back to Milo's apartment. I decided to leave that night. It was no use staying. Milo wouldn't be back to get his things until well after I had gone.

It was quiet, too quiet, without his thoughts accompaning mine. I packed as slowly as I could, thinking of all the times Milo and I had spent together, the memories blurring together. I finally zipped my bag closed. Swinging my duffle bag over my shoulder I started for the door, but found myself wandering amelessly around the apartment until I ended up in his room. My best friend. I would miss him.

I picked up the picture frame on his bedside table. Taken years ago, not long after I had turned into my wolf form for the first time. That was a hard time in my life, and I found it remarkable that I was genuinely smiling in this picture, where Milo was playfully holding me. With a sentimental smile, I tucked it into my bag and left the apartment.

The wind had picked up, and it whipped against me as I made my way to the parkinglot, bringing the scents of the night, including one that left me suddenly terrified and cowering out in the open. Alone.

They were here.

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