A Ripple in the forest

Chapter nine

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30th June, 2017
Alpha Gabriel's territory

I all but ran when he showed me his predatory white fangs. I'd rather continue on with countless of eyes staring at me when entering a room, the situations that make me so very uncomfortable seem like a sanctuary compared to the automatic sensation I have when around Gabriel. My stomach fluctuated and for a moment I was actually going to smile back, but then reality hit. He is a stranger. A stranger who does impulsive actions when the circumstances aren't in his favour. Fern followed close behind. I'm sure she could sense my inner turmoil because she ended my tour short and began to lead me to my new appointed room. We began to converse again, which I am grateful for as I would welcome any distraction right now.

"Dinner will start in a couple of hours, and if you would like, a bath could be prepared for you," Fern says.

I take my eyes away from the renaissance styled palace and focus back onto Fern.

"A bath would be great, but what does dinner entail?" I ask.

"The pack eats together, there is a large dining hall dedicated to food times. It goes for about two hours, but I promise the food is great," she explains.

"Do I have to attend?" I ask, unsure about the customs here.

"No, of course not. But I think it's better if you slowly integrate yourself within the pack, giving you time to adjust to our way of life," she responds.

I ponder over her plan of action for a moment. The way she said that made the whole situation seem so final... so absolute. The very implication being that I must conform to their societal norms and although that might be beneficial for them, I have never been one to obey that easily. But with her way of thinking, my possibilities are endless. If I gain their trust, then they will slowly give me freedom back and with that my escape. I can use the time prior to create a plan of my own.

"Actually, I think I will go to dinner," I reply.

Fern's face lights up with triumph when I succumb. I'm sure she wasn't expecting me to do what she said, especially so easily. She doesn't respond but her face says it all. 

"You told me that you are a healer, is that a position of power in the pack or simply a profession?" I ask, still very curious about the hierarchy of packs.

"I would say that healers are somewhere in the middle when it comes to authority, but that being said anyone who is blessed with gifts from the Goddess is treated with the utmost respect," Fern then continues, "my other position is very high within the society though as I am the Beta Female."

My eyes widen slightly when I put two and two together. So, the mate she was talking about before was Huxley. He did mention being the beta. I voice my thoughts and Fern snorts loudly. Her eyes widen with embarrassment and she quickly apologies.

"Huxley isn't my mate, he's my brother. As he hasn't found his mate yet, I have had to step into the role. Of course, once he does, she will inherit the position and by the power of the Goddess, I hope it is soon. Don't get me wrong, the opportunity gives me great pride, but I am a healer at heart, not the Luna's beta."

"What's the role of the Beta Female?" I ask.

"It is essentially the same role as the beta, but your superior is the Luna, not the Alpha. Much like a mate, a bond is formed when you meet them, but instead of it being romantic it is a sibling love, I guess. The beta couple is always bonded to the alpha couple and when Huxley meets his mate you will feel very protective over her, a strong sense of trust will fall onto her as well. She will be devoted to you and will always have your best interest at heart. A soul sister if you will," Fern tries to explain to me, but I can tell the feeling is foreign to her.