Heart Of The Storm

-Chapter 5- Familiar Faces-

Aella

I'm not sure if I regret telling Apollo those things about me. On one hand, it brings him closer to me, which isn't good for his safety. On the other, it feels natural, like telling him is instinct. The inner conflict is starting to impact my judgement and make me forget my purpose in avoiding him. I'm already starting to forget why I have to leave this place as soon as the weather permits.

The fight to stay away has become...difficult. I catch myself either staring at him when he's in the room, and looking for him when he isn't. Almost out of habit, I'll go to his door instead of mine, barely catching myself before opening it. I'm starting to lose the battle, and the only thing that worries me more than that is the fact that occasionally I wonder why I'm fighting it in the first place.

Like right now.

Staring at the open door to the Alphas office, I've been watching him work for the past hour. He and the Beta, Coran I believe his name is, have been going over paperwork while the Alpha is answering phone calls, and from what I've overheard they are prepping for a meeting with another pack leader.

I already figured out Apollo is practically Gamma of this pack when I met him, and his ceremony will be soon. The subtle way the other wolves seemed to follow his orders, the authority in his voice the night I met him, not to mention the fact that occasionally some of the wolves treat me like I hold rank.

I don't know why I'm standing here, watching him. At least, hiding from him anyway. That in itself is pointless- he knows I'm here just like I know that he's tired and ready to call it a night. So the only answer I can come up with is that I don't want to admit that I'm watching him... again.

The sound of new voices echoing downstairs catches my attention, and out of habit I leave the Alpha floor and head towards my room...or as I have been doing lately, Apollo's room. I quickly redirect myself to my room, making sure to close it behind me. I don't know the wolves coming over now, and it's best if it stays that way.

I don't really have much to do to pass the time, but I've noticed movement outside the window. Small kids, or pups as the pack calls them. About a dozen of them are playing in the snow, their parents watching over as they throw snowballs and play fight. I can't help but smile as I watch, my eyes drawn to two boys in particular, both looking very similar to Apollo in both complexion and features. They must be siblings, they look far too similar not to be family.

Suddenly, the two boys start heading inside, followed by a couple that have to be their parents. Following them inside the house, I watch them disappear from sight. I haven't seen Apollo's parents much, outside of my first day awake and right now, so I don't really know them personally. There's a surprisingly strong urge to meet them though...along with the boys who are no doubt Apollo's brothers.

Sighing, I lean against the wall and slide down until I'm sitting on the floor, crossing my legs and closing my eyes as I listen intently to the sound of the pups laughing and playing outside. I don't really notice the slow descent into sleep, my mind drifting into old memories I haven't thought of in a long time.

~~~~~~

"Aella, what are you doing darling?"

I turn around for a moment before quickly turning back to my drawing, wanting to finish it before she sees it. I know it's kind of pointless, she always seems to know everything, even before I think of doing it.