Orphan Wolf

20 Going Home*

"Hey Ryan, your dad told me to get some clothes from you and... hi Markie?!" I begin taking as I open the door only to be greeted by a friend from my pack.

"Hi Alic! What are you doing here?" She asks.

"Already sharing a room, Marker? You move quickly!" I chuckle, raising an eyebrow.

"Shut it, jerk! It's not like that. I'm just waiting for him! We have a date tonight... even if it was, we are mates and will be having our ceremony soon." She argues. Throwing a pillow at me.

"Yeah... so long as my punk cousin waits for the ceremony, I won't have to kill him." I say tossing it back on the bed.

"You threatening me, Cuz?" I turn around to see my cousin Ryan walking in. "Because you know I can take you! Bless these Alpha genes!" He begins flexing his arm.

I laugh and give him a hug. If only he knew what power I now have.

"You look like crap! What are you doing here, little cousin?" Ryan says, looking at my disheveled state.

"Thanks, love you too, man!... Your dad told me to get some clothes off you... I don't have anything here... I left... unexpectedly." I tell him.

"Well, Alic, you're in luck. I happen to have an extensive wardrobe... and you've filled out since I last saw you, so they should fit... wait! Dude, I literally saw you a few weeks ago! Are you using steroids? You know that crap can hurt you?" I didn't miss his downward gesture but chose to ignore it.

"No... absolutely not!... A lot's happened in the past couple of weeks, and honestly, I've been out of it for over a week. I just spent the day finding my way here and dealing with doctors and seers... I'm done, man. I just need some clothes and I'll let you and your mate get to it. Date night, hu? You better take care of her, Ryan. You got a great girl." I tell him smiling at Markie. I've known her forever. Ryan is lucky.

"Yeah, yeah! I know... and she's all mine!" He pulls Markie to him and kisses her neck.

"Knock it off!" She yells, pushing his head with a big smile and a chuckle. It's good to see her happy. "Here, Alic." Markie digs through Ryan's closet and gives me a couple of t-shirts, a pair of jeans, and some sleep pants.

"Giving away my stuff, little mouse?" Ryan asks with a mock hurt expression. Markie gives him a kiss.

"You have more clothes than three she wolfs put together... I think you'll be alright." She says, placing a hand on his chest.

"Glad you're here, Alic... and glad you're going! See you tomorrow, little cousin." He says, pushing me out of his room, following close behind with his mate under his arm.

I go next door, shower, and toss on the sleep pants. I stand in front of the mirror, examining the mark on my chest. King... it looks more like a brand than anything else, and it is sensitive to the touch. How did I get this?... it must be some kind of magic... we are supernatural beings, but still, most of my life seemed mundane well until now. I fall into bed and allow myself to sleep.

The next day, I wake up early and get dressed. My first stop... breakfast! This pack is like an apartment complex. Lots of buildings, each with a few homes, but what looks like a main office is actually a massive dining hall. I run in and pile a plate full. I am unbelievably hungry. I shovel it in and heap mounds of food on another plate.

"Slow down Alic you're gonna hurt yourself!" Ryan laughs as he walks up. I growl at him in response. "Sorry, dude, just joking... Anyway, we never really talked last night. What brings you here?" He asks as we sit down.

"Ti is dead." I start looking down at my plate.

"I heard... I'm sorry, man. I know you two are close... how are Ruby and Malak taking it?" He asks.