#Chapter 53: Dinning With Wolves 1
My father continues the grilling. “For now, let’s speak of this girl. You know she cannot stay here.”
Before I can argue, Mother comes to Cynthia’s defense. “She should remain until we can release her safely. We need to understand her purpose…there is a reason the rogues seek her. We need to know why.”
“We could set a trap,” Owein suggests.
“Now wait a minute…” I yell, springing forward.
To do what, I don’t know–but even mentioning this idea makes my blood boil.
Mother lifts a hand to stop me. “It’s not our way to place anyone in danger,” she says calmly. “There are other- safer ways to get the information we need. I agree we should make an inquiry with the Malkeye. They may have also had run–ins with this rogue band. We could send Rita since she is familiar with the pack and can be… diplomatic.”
“I can be diplomatic,” I huff.
Maiyyun: “Alex, we know you are capable, but we also know you are angry and in need of reparation. We cannot risk further bloodshed until we are certain we know what we are dealing with.” Her calm eyes bore into me. “I know you understand.”
I stand there, defeated. My body slumps as my arguments drain from it. “Fine. I agree–as long as Cynthia remains here, safe, and I accompany with Rita.” I look at my father. “Tonight.”
His eyes meet mine, but he doesn’t meet my challenge. “She will depart tomorrow morning. Alone.” Seeing the anger flare in my eyes must ignite something in Father, because he adds, “At first light.”
I nod my consent. This is the best they will give me, but at least it keeps Cynthia safe.
Rita and I walk to the meeting hall for dinner. As soon as we enter the room, I’m amazed at how warm it wis. Warm as in temperature, sure, but also warm as in inviting. The earthy decorations looked like an homage to nature, and the paintings of people and animals on the walls tie in the feeling that this is a community that has been here for generations.
And there’s an overpowering scent of pine. Only no Alex.
Others are milling around the room, and there’s a large table in the center with at least 100 seats around it. I guess I didn’t realize there are that many…uh…people here.
The table is set with dishes, silverware, glasses and pitchers of drinks, and pack members begin taking seats all around it.
I looked around again for Alex, but I didn’t see him. This made me nervous. I didn’t want to be here without him… it was too overwhelming. The fact that I’m the only human is terrifying. I mean, I’m not one to want to be the center of attention under normal circumstances.
Finally, Alex and a group of what I would later understand to be the Elders, walk out of a room in the back, and the first thing I think is:
Alex looks tired.
Still, I feel immediate relief knowing he’s here.
I bite my lip at the sight of him. His shoulders are slumped, and his head is hanging low–a far cry from the confident, fun–loving hockey captain I met only months ago.
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#Chapter 53: Dinning With Wolves 1
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Will he ever be that way again, or is this his new forever? Ldon’t think I could ever get used to seeing him this way.
He sees me and lifts his head, only his smile doesn’t meet his eyes. It’s sad. I feel a little better and try to smile back, but my mind is heavy, too.
Alex pushes his way through the crowd toward me and gives me a kiss on the forehead. How I want another real. kiss…
“You’re sitting with me,” he says.
Alex grabs my hand and leads me to the far end of the table, where his parents are seated.
His mom’s eyes trail me to my seat. Once I sit, and Alex has pushed my chair forward, she smiles at me.
“So…Cynthia…tell me about yourself.”
I fumble with the napkin and place it in my lap, stalling. “Umm… wellll…I live allllone. With my mother.”
“What about your father?”
“He. Left a. Long. Time ago.” But not before he did his damage…
Mrs. Hewlett places her elbows on the table, links her hands together, and leans forward, her chin resting on her fists. “Tell me about your people.”
“My pe–eople?“.
“Your family. Where they’re from, who they are.”
I inhale deeply. “I–I don’t know. Mrssss. Hewlett.”
I’m getting nervous because of all the questions, and my stutter is getting worse. I understand she is interested in finding out about me because I’m here, but really…
Mrs. Hewlett’s lips thin. “Please–just call me Tala.” She leans back. “That is unfortunate…not to know where you come from. Makes it difficult to know where you belong.”
What does that mean, exactly? I look at Alex, who doesn’t say anything, and I’m growing more confused by the
moment.
“Ib–belong with mmmy Mom, Tala,” I finally say.
Even her eyes are smiling now. “Of course, my dear.” She reaches over to my hand resting on the table and pats it. “But for now, your place is here. I want you to feel welcome.”
“Thank you.” I reply.
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#Chapter 54: Dinning with Wolves 2
