Valiant(Editing)

Chapter 23; Dakota

Stubborn. That's what Akela was. I was irritated at her for not laying down to rest. I could've made myself one and besides, my wound wasn't as bad as Akela's.

I trailed along with her as we went to find some tree vines to make a bandage. We both stayed silent as we walked. I was angry with her and she looked angry with me.

I was still worried about Akela. Worried that Alpha and his pack will find us and kill Akela in front of me, then me next.

I wished Akela wasn't so stubborn sometimes. I didn't mean to make her mad, I just wanted to protect her from Alpha and the pack.

I didn't want them to find her while she was looking for tree vines to make me a bandage. She should've just stayed and rested. But of course, she wouldn't listen to me.

I grew more scarred than angry at every moment, each sound I heard, every step I took made me afraid. Anxiety grew inside of me.

I was frightened that Alpha and his pack might jump out at any moment.

As we walked, my heart would beat faster. I all the sudden heard a twig snap, and I jumped back. I froze.

Akela looked at me confused and I looked down to see that I stepped on a twig. Get ahold of yourself. I let out a sigh and took a deep breath. I felt embarrassed for being scarred of myself stepping on a twig.

Akela gave me a suspicious look, and turned back around. I started to follow her again, but at every sound I heard, I would jump back a little.

I wished I was at the shelter area. I felt much  safer at the shelter area.

After jumping back at every sound I heard, Akela stopped and said, "Here's some vines."

I nodded okay and helped her take some vines off the tree. I stayed cautious as we took the vines off the tree. I would stop at times to take a deep breath and calm myself down.

When we were done taking all the vines off, Aleka started putting them together to make a bandage. I sat beside her, still trying to calm myself down.

I would try to distract myself by watching Akela put the vines together, but it never worked.

I still had that urge to jump back. I looked to the ground and took another deep breath.

"There."

I sprang up and paused. I was so caught up in my worries that even Akela's voice scarred me for a second.

Akela said with concern, "Is everything okay? You've been jumping back ever since we've left the shelter."

I sighed and closed my eyes. I didn't want to tell her I was scarred and afraid.

"I'm fine. I've just been a little jumpy today, that's all." I lied.

I wasn't fine. I was becoming paranoid. Ever since I had that nightmare, I've been more worried and frightened.

Akela didn't look like she believed me, but she said slowly, "Okay, if you say so."

I knew she didn't believe me. I didn't sound that convincing.

Akela paused and said, "Here, let me put this around your ankle."

I nodded and held out my wounded ankle to her. She started to wrap it around my ankle.

I flinched a little in some pain. She kept wrapping it until she finished wrapping the bandage with a 'Sorry.'

I was still scarred at that point and looked around me.

My voice shook, "T-thanks."

"You're welcome." She smiled a little to me, but I didn't smile back.

I was overly afraid of every sound around me. Akela looked like she was curious about what was bothering me, but she never asked.

I helped her stand up and she helped me up. We started back to the shelter area.

I watched all around me and jolted back when I heard something. I had to get ahold of myself.