The Wanderer

Chapter 6

The light is fast approaching, me slightly shaking in nervousness. There is a queasy feeling in my stomach, and I can feel sweat appear above my brow. I can't tell if I'm sweating because of the humidity or my nerves.

Nikolai seems to notice how I'm feeling, stopping me when we almost reach the light. "You'll be fine. Just remember, chin up and back straight. Have confidence in yourself. You didn't back down to me, even though I'm incredibly scary. That means you shouldn't back down to them."

I nod, taking a deep breath. "I'm ready."

"Perfect. Let's go." He walks forwards, out of the cave. I follow him quickly remembering how he told me not to leave his side.

My eyes adjust to the bright light, a stark difference from the inside of that cave. Head pounding slightly, I ignore it to keep up with Nikolai.

There aren't many people patrolling the borders, probably because the only way into their territory is through the cave tunnel. They nod in respect to Nikolai, and glance at me with curiosity.

I'm guessing these aren't the dangerous rogues, since they are trusted enough to guard the pack.

We pass them, my eyes lingering on the lush trees and bushes all throughout the territory. It's truly magnificent, the sun shining down, lighting a pathway for us to walk through.

Everything is so lucious and filled with life. Birds tweet and rabbits hop, living their life without a care in the world. That's how I used to be when I was wandering. Everything was so peaceful, so calm.

Maybe living here won't be too bad.

We make it out of the heart of the forest, Nikolai leading me directly towards the center of the territory, where everyone resides. I stop him, asking him the question that's on my mind. "Nikolai, do you think they will like me? I want to be a good Luna for them."

"Please, call me Niko. Nikolai is a mouth full. And I think they will come to respect you, as I already do. You don't back down, which is just what they need," Niko says making my heart flutter in my chest. He respects me?

Nodding once, I follow him as he starts walking again. All too soon, the trees become less frequently seen, more sporadic. A medium sized house is standing tall in the center of the open area. Smaller houses surround it, where I'm guessing everyone but the high ranking members live.

The commotion and bustling of the territory calms down, everyone staring at us as we pass. It seems everyone is outside on this beautiful day, enjoying the fresh air. This is a problem for me, as this means they will all see me.

Mutters and whispers arise as we pass everyone, heading straight towards the biggest house. Everyone has their head bowed in respect for Niko, but their gazes turn harsh when they fall on me.

They must not be very welcoming of outsiders.

Two people seem to be waiting on us in front of the house we are going to. I assume they are the Beta and Gamma.

The whispers end quickly when Niko looks at everyone with cold eyes, daring them to speak up. No one does, keeping silent as we walk.

The house is large and rustic, seeming to fit in perfectly with the forest surrounding us. It's two stories and has a crimson colored front door.

Arriving at the walkway to the house, the girl and boy waiting give Niko a disappointed look.

The girl is the first to speak up. "Why were you gone so long?"

He rolls his eyes, muttering, "I needed to get away from you two."

The boy looks highly offended, but the girl seems to understand. "We just want to help you run this pack and be your friends, is that too much to ask?" The boy asks, sounding frustrated.

"Yes. Yes it is." Niko takes a deep breath, walking inside. I follow him like a lost puppy, not knowing what else to do. I look back at the pack members one last time, their faces full of mean looks and disbelief.

Entering into the house, it's more modern than I thought it would be. Compared to the rustic look of the outside, the inside looked like a five star hotel.

Niko keeps walking before we arrive inside an office of sorts. "Lia, Colton, sit. We have a lot to discuss."

Sitting in the seats, they look at me curiously. They give me soft smiles, making me feel more comfortable. They don't seem so bad.

"This is my mate, Calista. I found her when I was on my way back to the territory," he informs them, not looking at me once.

Their curious looks turn to shock, not expecting his blunt confession. The girl, who I assume is Lia, says, "I knew something was up. You never let anyone but us into the main house."

Colton is bouncing in his seat, holding Lia's hand tightly. "Oh my goddess! I can't believe you found your mate! I thought you never would, with being the only one of your kind and all."

I glance at Niko, only to see his face contorted in anger. Did he really think he would never have a mate?

"Thanks for your input, Colton," Niko spits out. I place a calming hand on his shoulder, hoping it relieves the tension. He relaxes slightly, but still glares at an innocent looking Colton.

Colton looks at Lia, asking, "What'd I do?"

She rolls her eyes before face palming. "Sometimes I wonder how you are my mate."

I assumed they were mates because of the hand holding, but when she confirms it, I smile. They seem perfect together.

Colton looks taken aback, offended again. "I'll have you know that we are perfect for each other and that I'm absolutely positively loveable."

I giggle at them as Lia responds to his comment with, "Sure you are."

Everyone's heads turn to me when I laugh, bringing unwanted attention to myself.

Lia gasps, before rushing out, "Sorry, I completely forgot you were here! I'm Lia, the Beta of the Crimson Rogue Pack."

Colton gives me a lazy smile. "I'm Colton, the Gamma, and mated to the most wonderful Beta in the world. Right, babe?" He turns to Lia, trying to peck her lips. Lia wasn't having it. She puts her hand onto his face and pushes away gently.

"Yes. I am mated to the most annoying Gamma in the world. Right, babe?" She says the last word sarcastically, mocking Colton. He looks at her before trying to kiss her again.

I laugh at their silliness, before looking at Niko, who is already staring at me. I feel heat rush to my face, knowing he was staring at me for an unknown amount of time.

His eyes hold so many emotions that disappear as soon as I start to read into them. His walls are put back up, while the mated couple continue to argue.

We stare at each other, trying to read the other's emotions. We want to know what the other is thinking.

I show no emotion on my face, coming to the decision that I won't open up until he does. I want him to open up just a little bit, and maybe one day he will.

However, that day is not today.