Despite my failed attempt to escape 2 weeks ago, I still had the same freedom as before, if not more. Steven was now even allowed to go out with me and I was allowed to move about on my own in the pack house. The pack members still didn't like me as a human, but they got used to me. However, the question remained as to why I am here.
Temperatures were slowly but surely rising. I was also able to walk again without crutches and splints. Despite this, I haven't been able to put 100% weight on my leg yet, but the doctor also said it could take a few more months for it to heal completely.
I haven't seen the Alpha since that morning. He avoided me like I avoided him. It was probably better that way. Steven always took me for short walks, through the woods, around the pack house. We weren't allowed to go far because there was a great danger that rogues would appear.
Yes, I knew what rogues were. Steven had enlightened me after their attack.
Nothing else happened between Steven and me. I really appreciate that he gives me time to think about us.
"Do you think it's going to be a boy or a girl?" Steven asked me on one of our daily walks. The news that Savanna was pregnant spread pretty quickly and the pack split as a result, making the alpha the father of the child it's assumed that Savanna will soon become a Luna. Many members of the pack would love to finally have a Luna, but the other half don't want Savanna to be a Luna. I'm happy to go with the second party, but I'm just an insignificant person.
"I don't know it. Maybe a girl." I hoped so, because I couldn't get the Alpha's words out of my head.
"If it's a boy, then of course I'll do my duty as an alpha. But that doesn't apply if it's a girl. Then you're on your own!" I didn't know what exactly he meant by that, but whatever.
I also called the Alpha Alpha now. Steven had explained to me that you can only call him by his name if you are close to him. Means if you are the beta, the luna or a buddy. Since I wasn't, I found it better to address him as Alpha as well. In addition, it drew a line between us and he no longer seemed so accessible to me. It definitely made it easier not to think about him.
"Personally, I'm hoping for a boy. Then at least the successor would be secured," Steven said while walking alongside me on another of our walks.
"Well I still kind of hope Savanna won't be our Luna. She's just not made for it." Inala intervened.
Inala was Beta's wife. I met her at my second breakfast in the dining room. She came right up to me and was the first wolf here that didn't hate me for being human. She too was beautiful, like all werewolves. She had long auburn hair and her eyes were something really special. They were sandstone in color, yet felt warm and inviting. In all the time I've known her, she's become a good friend, even though she was 23.
"Why not? Savanna is super nice and not at all aloof." Steven contradicted in an ironic tone.
The three of us started to grin. Joking about Savanna has been the only thing that has brought a smile to my face lately. Because that way I was sure that I wasn't the only one who had something against her.
I didn't want to be here. I wanted to move on with my life outside of this circus. Of course without my dad. And yet I had to serve out my days here without understanding the meaning behind it.
"Steven? Inala?" I started and stopped.
"Yes," both said at the same time and stopped as well.
"You have to help me get out of here. I can't stay here forever and I can only escape with your help." I hope they understood me. I just didn't belong here because I wasn't one of them and never will be.
Inala put on an understanding smile and Steven seemed to consider.
"If you go, I'll come with you!" he said finally.
"I can't ask that of you. After all, this is your pack. Your home. I get it we-"
"I will go with you. You always wanted that. Go far away with me."
"Yeah, but now I know why you never wanted that and..."
"Aurelia, I don't want to be anywhere but near you." He walked towards me and wrapped his arms around me tightly.
"If you two really want to leave, then I will help you." Inala began. "I could provide a distraction so you have enough time to get away from here."
I broke away from Steven and looked gratefully at Inala. "Thanks, but I'm afraid that won't be necessary. Anyway, the alpha doesn't care what I do with whom."
"I'll try anyway. Better safe than sorry. But at least promise me you two will come to the Spring Ball."
"Spring Ball?" I asked.
"I almost forgot about that. The Spring Ball always takes place on the first full moon of spring." Steven answered my question.
"I didn't know werewolves had balls like that." I started to grin and suddenly the image of a wolf in a pink ball gown came to mind.
“In fact, we have 4 balls a year. Always in summer, autumn, winter and spring on the first full moon of the season. Wolves from other packs also appear at these balls in the hope of finding her or his mate. That is also the real reason why the balls are held. At these balls, the wolves are allowed to travel around the world, to each pack for the night, and then hopefully return with him or her," Inala said dreamily.
"That sounds really romantic. Is that how you met Costa?"
"Yes. However, it was my first ball. Costa didn't have to look long and he found me. I was only 16 at the time and he was 18. He tagged me that same night. Actually, I know it went too fast for most people, but it was a full moon and he was the right one."
"Okaaay now I have more questions." Her last two sentences piqued my curiosity and I just couldn't resist.
"Then feel free to ask."
"1. What is mark? And 2. What does the full moon have to do with it?"
As I spat out these questions, Steven was suddenly choking next to me.
What was the matter now?