His Territory

Chapter 7

Hi everyone!

I hope you are enjoying! The photo above is the outfit that I am describing Aspen wearing...

Emily x

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Aspen's POV

The evening celebrations started to calm down as the sun fell, and people went their separate ways to sleep. This was something I probably should have thought about sooner.

"Night Asp."

I turned to see River smiling at me.

"Night River."

He nodded at me, then followed Sage under one of the trees.

It was funny how bipolar he could be. It was like the moment we left the territory he was this angry, aggressive asshole, but one he was back to being him.

I watched him settle in next to Sage. I didn't even know they were friends. I shook the thought out my head, I had more important things to be worrying about. I walked over to Cole and Levi who were standing next to the remaining burning embers, and called for Sierra and Enzo to join us. Once they were all here I got ready to navigate our next problem.

"So," I said clasping my hands together, "sleeping arrangements."

"A lot of us sleep as wolves," Sierra interjected, "but it doesn't really matter which you choose."

I nodded in agreement.

The men exchanged glances.

"You don't have a choice, Lorenzo," Sierra laughed, her eyes glinting.

I wasn't the only one who raised their eyebrows at them.

Didn't take you long, S.

Enzo sighed in defeat, chuckling, and followed Sierra into the trees.

I looked back to Levi and Cole. I knew there was no way I would get them to sleep as wolves, let alone manage another shift.

"The alpha's have a tent just outside the clearing," I approached. "I can show you."

Cole simply nodded flatly.

"Don't worry about me," Levi stated, "I'd like to stay here for a bit."

"Up to you," I said, turning to walk towards towards out limited 'human quarters'.

Through the trees I began to see eight or so erected teepees of varying sizes. There were about four medium, sized ones for those who chose to stay human, or those with young children who couldn't shift yet. A smaller tent lay alone, away from the others. The healing tent. No one went there unless they had to. On the left in an area cleared of trees stood three more. I knew the one to the right was mine. Checking Cole was still following, I tentatively pushed through the entrance and stepped inside.

It had been years since I'd come here.

There were carvings from my father, and my blankets I had weaved as a child. Everything was the same. Except one thing.

"Wow," I heard Cole say.

I couldn't disagree. Slowly I moved closer to the wall where something was hanging.

I was my outfit. My coming of age outfit.

I had forgotten. It was tradition. Like all our celebrations but so much more.