Chapter One Hundred and Ninety Five
I wasn’t fine. I knew that.
It never did stop. The nausea and puking became an everyday routine. I leaned over the sink, spraying more water on my face. I thought I looked pale. I stared down at my stomach. Was it just me, or did it look a little bigger?
Maybe it was just me.
I walked out of the bathroom; the knock on the door gave me a pause.
Before I could give a response, the door was pulled open.
“I didn’t remember asking you to come in, Bailey” I say to the Elder. I might have to put it in mind to keep those doors locked at all times, but locks can’t restrict werewolves, so it gets a bit useless.
“So, the rumors are true; you are back.“.
“Much to your disappointment, I see.”
かす
“I should feel hurt that you didn’t come visit me I thought we were such good friends and all.‘
“Is that what you thought? I’m so sorry, I have been busy doing nothing. I couldn’t make out the time, but you are here now, and I guess I don’t have to worry about that anymore,” I say to
her with a smile.
“Oh, I must say, I did miss you. Thane was no fun with you gone. The whole pack had been waiting on your return,” she says, and that piqued my interest.
“What?”
“Of course. With you gone, Thane changed completely, and it only took a while for them to understand that he still loved you. Despite all he had said, they all hoped you would return, and I guess you are back. But what is puzzling is the fact that you haven’t even gone out there to make it official.”
“Well, no one did tell me that they had been waiting for my return.”
“Could there be more to why Thane had kept you hidden in here?”
“Always the curious one, Elder, but remember, curiosity kills the cat, even the ancient ones,” I said with a smirk, and she gave me a false smile.
“I am here now; perhaps we could go out for a walk, the pack is wide awake, we could visit the training grounds, make your presence known, except… there is a reason you don’t want anyone to know about your return.”
“As much fun as it sounds, I’d rather remain here, Bailey.”
“Oh, come on, Riley, it’s just a walk,” she cooed.
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Chapter One Hundred and Ninety Five
I could see it clearly in her eyes; she believed I was hiding something. It wasn’t exactly a bad idea to take a walk, just to prove to her that I had no reason to hide.
“Okay then, I’ll grab my jacket, and we could be on our way,” I said, and the smile on her face disappeared. She hadn’t expected me to agree to this, but she was quick to mask her emotions.
She took a seat as I disappeared into the dressing room, where Thane had also filled with clothes. But thankfully they were lesser gowns. I put on the black leather pants and a jacket over my cropped top. I took a hair ribbon and, quickly throwing my hair into a messy bun..
I was done hiding in this room; maybe it was time I met the pack… again.
I got stares–a lot of it.
But they were atleast welcoming; some even more dramatic women shed tears. I did hope it was tears of joy.
Bailey led me to the training grounds, where rows and rows of men and women stood, attentively listening to Axel’s instructions.
“You cannot be distracted while facing an opponent; you need to focus, find their weak points, and use it against them; you cannot afford to be crippled by fear; otherwise, consider yourself dead…” he trailed off when his eyes landed on me and several heads turned to see what had
taken his attention.
They were even more murmurs; I didn’t think I’d changed, but there was clearly something different in how they stared at me.
Bailey walked up to Axel.
“If you would give me a chance, Beta Axel, I would be glad to show them the practical aspect of what you’ve taught them,” she said, and Axel gave her a calculative look before nodding and stepping back. “Riley, if you would join me…”
“No.” Axel said, cutting her off.
I didn’t know exactly what Bailey was up to, but perhaps humiliating before the whole pack was a part of the plan.
“Don’t worry, Beta, I won’t go further than a nick,” she assured, her gaze finding mine.
