What About Now?

Chapter 3 - Protect Her

I gently call out to mom, trying to wake her. She responds to my soothing attempt by swiftly jumping to a defensive position and looking around startlingly. She appears confused, squinting her eyes against the sunlight.

"Why didn't you wake me for my shift?" The anger lacing her voice makes me wish that I did wake her, but I guess that's what I get for being a good person.

"You looked tired, I just thought you would want some sleep," I say, hoping that she wouldn't be too angry.

She stares at me in irritation. "Great! Now we can't have breakfast because there isn't any time. Just stick to the schedule Kai! Stop trying to be smart," she says while running her hands through her hair, pulling out the protruding leaves.

I nod my head and rub my tired eyes. I dust the dirt off my jeans and tank top, which gives me a good reason to avert my eyes from her angry ones. However, I refuse to cry; I need to prove to her that I've become stronger; that I am stronger.

As I finish recollecting myself I turn to gaze at the familiar cold look in her eyes. "We may actually be able to get to dad tomorrow, but we have to go through pack territory." Her voice sounds determined as she curls her hands up into fists. I glance down at her hands perplexedly. She seems resolute in her decision, but not me. This isn't my decision. 

Fear swiftly creeps into my body, my hands visibly shaking at the mere thought of going through an alpha's territory unannounced.

The last time I breached a pack's territory I almost gave into my power's urges. The reflex to fight swiftly kicked in, urging me to kill if it meant saving myself. It was difficult, not only having an internal battle with myself but with the man playfully dodging my attacks.

If it wasn't for my mothers swift interference I would have been easily killed. It was my fault that she was injured that day, and I'll never be able to forgive myself for the huge scar running across her back as she bravely fought against the man I later learned was an alpha, to save my life.

"Mom you know we can't - I can't. Remember what happened last time?" I remind her.

She nods her head, but the glimmer of hope in her eyes tells me that she isn't going to change her mind.

"Yes Kai, but that was an accident. It's not your fault Merrick is the most egotistical alpha on this planet. It's completely unacceptable on his part, especially as an alpha. To claim a sixteen-year-old girl on the premise, rogue or not. The law states that rogues your age should be questioned before deciding their fate. This time we'll ask for permission.

I nod my head in defeat as mom starts removing her clothes to shift. "Besides that was a year ago, its time to move on," she says throwing her clothes towards me. I wrap it around my back and watch her shift into her wolf.

****

"Kailani Everly Haines." I flinch from mom's harsh tone. When she's really angry she prefers to use my full name.

I was finding it difficult to stay alert for any predators as I fought to keep my eyes from fluttering shut. The lack of sleep was finally catching up to me, and I guess she began to sense my slowing heartbeat with each tap across the dirty terrain, creating a slow rhythm, or in my case a soft lullaby.

"You're no help like this, get some sleep. I'll mind link you when we get closer to the pack's territory," she mutters in a disbelieving tone.

I nod my head and close my eyes.

************

I can hear angry growls reverberating loudly throughout the forest, causing goose bumps to rise up my arms. I open my eyes and notice three wolves surrounding us.