Chapter 7
The room is large, the size of a classroom, with white paint on the walls and teaching posters for music displayed. The only window in the room is on the same side of the door, facing the hallway, but the room is so well-lit it doesn’t matter.
Inside sits an old upright wooden piano. I approach it, lift the lid, and play a few keys. I smile. It’s still in tune. Wandering the room, the only scents I can smell are the ones that are heavy on this floor… I assume the cleaners.
Everything is clean and dust-free, which tells me that although nobody comes down here to play, they respect the instruments enough to keep them in a clean environment. On one side of the room, hanging off pegs, are children’s guitars. At one time, I suppose guitar lessons were taught here. But what really catches my eye is the string instruments below them: a few cellos and some violins.
The violins are student ones, but I don’t care. I smile as I pick one up, placing it under my chin. Sigh. This feels better. I pluck the strings. It’s out of tune. Scanning the room, I see no electric tuner, so instead, I tune it by ear. I haven’t done that in a long while.
Placing the violin under my chin again, I play. The first song that comes to mind is Canon in D Pachelbel, and then I play Bach’s Sonata. Closing my eyes, I get lost in the music.
I remember the first time I picked up a violin. I must have been a toddler because my first memories were of Mum playing for me. One day, she had put her violin on the floor to get something, and I remember walking over to it and picking it up, attempting to put it under my chin like her. When she saw me with it, she rushed over and snatched it off me, making me cry. Mum and Dad couldn’t console me, and a few days later, they brought home a plastic toy violin for me to play with. Apparently, I hated it and had a full-on tantrum, lying on the ground kicking, screaming and hitting the floor, because it was only a toy and didn’t really play.
A little while later, I was given my own violin, a real one this time. I picked up playing it so quickly that my parents were shocked. By the time I was five, I had begun playing any and every instrument I could get my hands on, like the piano, cello, and flute. But my all-time favourite instrument, the one I kept going back to? The violin.
I’ve finished playing Smooth Criminal and am about to play Uptown Funk when I hear clapping. Turning, I see a familiar-looking man standing at the doorway, watching me. The man is an older version of my second mate, but instead of agate eyes, his are blue, and his hair is a shade darker.
“You’re very good,” the man says, walking into the room. His scent of spices and nutmeg fills the room, and he smells pleasant.
“Thanks. I’m a bit rusty,” I stutter.
“I couldn’t tell,” the man shrugs, walking in and touching one of the instruments lining the walls.
“This room doesn’t get used much. It was good to hear music coming from it. I thought it was the radio at first, so I had to come and check,” the man says, turning to look at me.
Like his son, he is very handsome. You can’t tell the ages of werewolves because we don’t age much after thirty-five, but I know this man is close to his sixties.
“I’m sorry. I should have introduced myself. I’m Henry Erstad,” the man greets, offering his hand.
“I know who you are,” I reply, shaking it. I met him once when I was little. He came to my pack to visit my father. I must have been eight or nine. That is why he’s familiar. Not only because my mate (that sounds weird) looks like him.
“And you are?”
“Evie Daniels,” I give.
“Ah. Our new recruit. But that’s not your real name, is it?” Henry asks, looking at me knowingly.
“I don’t know what you mean,” I reply. Does he remember me? From the glint in his eye, I realise he caught me out and knows I haven’t fully disclosed who I am.
“I went through the online database. Evie Daniels was only registered as a wolf about three years ago,” Henry explains.
“My, uh, parents were gypsies. They didn’t believe in paperwork; they didn’t like the idea that Big Brother could track them. So, I only got the paperwork done when I was twenty,” I lie.
“Interesting. That would have made it hard, being on the road without the correct identification.”
“It was. Which is why I did the paperwork,” I explain. Henry watches me for a moment but doesn’t say anything. I feel like he’s scrutinising my lie because it is… a lie. I stand there worrying, hoping he’ll let it go.
“How did you know Ensley was pregnant?” Henry asks, which surprises me.
“Ensley?”
“Luna Ensley.”
“Oh. I smelt it. The Luna had a different scent on her,” I admit. Of course, she had a different scent on her. She’s mated. But I could tell the difference.
“And from that, having never met her before, you knew she was pregnant?”
“Yeah, and also there were the heartbeats…”
I step back as Henry steps towards me, confusion on his face.
“Ensley, Luna Ensley went to see the pack doctor after your visit. She’s only a couple of weeks along. How do you know there were two?”
“Two?” I ask, dumbfounded.
“Yes. You said heartbeats. Plural. Two,” Henry states, folding his arms.
“I did say two. Well… I meant two. There were four of us in that room, but I heard two extra heartbeats from Luna Ensley,” I admit.
“Two, huh?”
“Yup. One’s a fairy, and the other’s a werewolf,” I add.
“Really?” Henry asks. I nod. That was the impression I got anyway. Luna Ensley’s heart beats differently to werewolves, but I only realise that now. Her heartbeat is softer, whereas werewolves’ hearts pump faster. Like the heartbeats inside her.
“I’d like to see the results of your prediction. That would be interesting,” Henry states, granting me another look before looking at the violin I hold.
“I’ve been told you want to be one of our pack’s Deltas?” Henry then asks. I nod.
“Are you good? Can you fight?”
“Yes, but I haven’t practised in a while,” I admit.
“Hmm. I’ll see you at the training rooms at nine then, I guess,” Henry says.
“Are you the Commanding Delta?” I ask as Henry turns to leave.
“No. My son is,” Henry says proudly. He smiles at that and then turns around, leaving me. Of course, he isn’t. I knew that.
//\\///\\\//\\
Funnily enough, and I say that because it wasn’t what I expected, I woke the next morning unharmed. Yes, I was dreading nighttime. Both Pan and I felt restless as night approached, making it difficult for me to sleep. But… nothing. No pain on my body, no bruises, nothing. It’s as if Alaric, if that’s my mate’s name (I think it is, but I tried to push that information into the, please forget pile), was faithful to me.
It makes me wonder what happened with him and his… thing. Did he break up with that she-wolf for me? Ha! That would be a fantasy. A fantasy I can’t afford to dally in. But it would be nice. Alaric is cute except for the fact that he looks like his father. At least he’ll age well.
I make it down to the food court. It’s only been a few days, and although the food is good, I’d love to have my own kitchen to cook in. When I lived by myself, cooking for myself was one of the things I enjoyed. I walk to Mecca Coffee and order myself an apple cinnamon muffin, iced chocolate, and a bottle of water.
I’m under no illusion that training starts at nine. I know it starts earlier than that, but I guess the people in charge want to scope my skills before they assign me to a group. I’m looking forward to it.
When I arrive at the training rooms before nine, I notice a few people around, and as I walk past the rooms, I observe the Deltas training there.
“Come back here!” I hear a woman call out. I hear heavy footsteps, and as I turn, a girl about four or five runs up to my legs and hides between them.
“Hold her!” the woman orders. I nod and touch the girl’s head. She looks up at me and winks, grinning. Little monkey.
“Thank you! That little minx is my granddaughter, and I’m supposed to be watching her, but she wanted to see mummy,” the woman says, stopping next to me and glaring at her granddaughter with her hands on her hips. The first thing I noticed was that this woman was beautiful and also human. Unlike her granddaughter, who has light brown skin, brown eyes and dark brown hair, this woman has dark blonde hair and white skin.
“I want mummy!” the little girl says.
“Mummy is busy, and you’re not meant to be here,” the woman tells the girl.
“I think your grandma is right. This is no place for little girls,” I add.
“No fair!” the little girl stomps, folding her arms and glaring at us.
“I swear she’s stubborn like her father. Her mother was easy,” the woman says. I nod.
“I was like that,” I admit.
“Yeah? So what do you suggest I do?” the woman asks.
“Pick her up and take her to daycare. If she wants to run away, put her in a place where she can’t,” I offer. Like I know, I’m not a parent.
“I like that suggestion. I’m Tatum, by the way,” the woman greets.
“Evie,” I respond.
“Ah. The violinist,” Tatum smiles.
“Henry is my mate,” she offers when I look at her surprised.
“And this little one is Mabel,” Tatum says.
“I’m Mabel. How do you do?” Mabel says, offering me her hand. I shake it, smiling.
“Hi, Mabel. Was wanting to see your mum the real reason you’re here?” I ask, leaning over to her level.
“Yes… no…” Mabel admits. I laugh.
“Do you want grandma to show you to fight?” I ask. I assume, being Henry Erstad’s mate, that she can fight.
“Grandma? Please?” Mabel asks, smiling.
“Fine. Just don’t tell your mum. Or your dad,” Tatum adds. Mabel squeals and gives her grandma a hug, almost bowling her over.
“And they say looking after grandchildren is supposed to make you younger,” Tatum complains. I laugh.
“Hold on… before we go, is that what you’re wearing?” Tatum asks me, scanning my clothes. I’m still wearing the jeans and black shirt I was given almost a week ago. I’ve washed my underwear in the bathroom sink and went commando for a day, but other than that… Tatum rolls her eyes when I don’t reply.
“Come on, Mabel, let’s get Evie some clothes first, huh?”
“Shopping?” Mabel asks excitedly.
“Yes, shopping,” Tatum agrees.
“Oh no, you don’t have to… I have to meet the Delta Commander at nine anyway, so I’m good,” I explain. Tatum smirks before whistling. A few Deltas run into the hallway, one approaching her.
“Tell my son Evie is with me,” Tatum says.
“Yes, Tate,” the Delta replies, bowing his head quickly.
“I’m human. Can’t link like you lot,” Tatum smiles.
“I’m hooman too!” Mabel grins. I smile.
“Come on,” Tatum orders in a no-fuss voice.
“Okay,” I reply, walking out the hall with her.
I listen as Mabel chatters away to her grandmother, enjoying their conversation between each other. Mabel talks happily about getting a chino from the coffee shop, and I wonder where Tatum is taking me when she heads towards the exit instead of the food court in the pack house.
“Where are we going?” I finally ask when I see the outside. I haven’t been outside the pack house in over a week. I didn’t know I could leave, so I’m feeling apprehensive.
“Shopping. There is stuff we could get here, but I want to take you to the mall in Little Vallis. Make a day of it,” Tatum explains, turning with a smile.
“It’s okay, I don’t need much…” I say, wavering. Tatum shakes her head and takes my hand.
“I know what we did to you and how you got here. This pack is not like that at all. Please, let me do this,” Tatum begs. I shake my head.
“It’s okay. I’m fine,” I state, taking a step backwards.
“Pwease come with us! Pwease!” Mabel begs, wrapping her arms around my leg.
“Oh… alright then,” I agree, looking into Mabel’s brown eyes.
“Yes!” Mabel shrieks, making me cover my ears.
“She’s a werewolf remember. Sensitive hearing,” Tatum tells Mabel.
“Sowwy Evie.”
“That’s okay,” I tell her.
“Up! Pick me up!” Mabel then tells me. I look over at Tatum, who nods, before getting down on my haunches.
“Piggyback?”
“Yes! Yes!” Mabel cries, jumping on my back and placing her arms around my neck. I hold her legs and follow Tatum into the car park.
I’m quiet as we sit in the car and drive away from the pack house.
“This town is called Silver Forest,” Tatum tells me when she notices me looking out the window.
“All pack members live here?”
“Some. Some live in Little Vallis as well. The pack owns businesses and property there,” Tatum explains. I nod and watch as we begin to drive through the forest.
“The entire town is surrounded by Forest, but they’ve started expanding over the past ten years,” Tatum says.
“Cool. Is it a big pack?”
“I guess. I’m not sure what makes a pack big anymore. We have about two thousand members? But that includes fairies and witches. There’s a coven in Little Vallis as well. Silva Luporum pack also has a pack house in Little Rock, which is the next town over.”
“Oh? Because of the war?” I ask. The war happened over twenty years ago. My parents met just before the war.
“Partly. It was also Alpha Jed’s inheritance. His mother was the Alpha of Little Rock Pack.”
“Oh,” I reply. We learnt about the history of the war in high school. It was an elective for Werewolves, and Little Rock Pack was mentioned, as was Tatum’s mate, General Henrik Erstad. The war touched every pack, and no one was left unscathed.
When we get to the mall, I help Mabel out of her car seat and hold her hand. I’m feeling nervous. I didn’t have money for shopping when I arrived at the pack.
“Are you okay?” Tatum asks when she notices me hesitate before Franklins, a big department store.
“Yeah. I just don’t have any money. I can’t do this; I’m sorry,” I say, turning around to head in the other direction. Tatum holds my arm, stopping me.
“Hey,” Tatum soothes as I wipe a tear from my face. This woman, who has known me for less than a few hours, hugs me.
“We can go back and get your things if you need them. Whatever you want. But as for payment… look, I’ve been there, working in a low-paying job and living off noodles if I could afford it. You are part of my pack; this is what we do for each other. If you feel the need to pay us back, you can do so as well. But I doubt Henry or Jed would let you,” Tatum smiles.
“I lived in Little City for a little while. I had an apartment there… but I left it months ago… I think they’d have thrown everything out by now,” I admit.
“Oh. Maybe they didn’t… I could get Declan to find out for you… he’s our Gamma…” Tatum offers, but I shake my head.
“I had nothing of any value there. The furniture wasn’t even mine,” I tell her.
“Well, let’s consider this a new start then, okay?” Tatum says, smiling. I nod and follow her and Mabel, who takes my hand, into the store.
“That is two dollars?” I ask after the server delivers our drinks and food to our table. After buying me another three sets of clothes, including workout clothes and shoes, we walked to a coffee shop at Mabel’s insistence.
“Yup,” Tatum nods.
“But it’s the size of a shot glass!” I exclaim.
“I know.”
“Wow,” I comment, watching Mabel greedily drink her babycino.
“Another one!” Mabel declares, froth on her nose.
“Let Evie and I eat first, okay, cheeky chops?”
“Kay,” Mabel says, picking up her frog tart, which is a pink cupcake-looking thing with green icing. While Mabel ate, Tatum asked me about my interests, and we talked about my violin playing. I didn’t want to lie to her, but I tried to keep my answers brief.
“Thanks for taking me out. Spending money on me,” I say when Tatum stops the car back at the pack house.
“No problem. It was my pleasure,” Tatum grins.
“If there is anything I can do to make it up to you…” I begin. Tatum has just gotten Mabel out of the car, catching her just in time as she’s about to take off.
“Oh, you shouldn’t have told me that,” Tatum laughs. I smile.
“There should be some laundry bags in your room. Put your clothes in them, and they’ll be laundered overnight,” Tatum tells me.
“Thanks again,” I say.
“You’re welcome. Oh, and Evie?” Tatum adds.
“My son is a good man. Give him a chance,” she says, with a wink.
“Okay,” I stutter, not realising that she knows.
“Come on, we’ll help you take these to your room,” Tatum grins, taking some bags off me.
I decide to spend the rest of the afternoon in my room, calling for room service instead of having to go downstairs to the food court to eat dinner. The longing to cook my own meals rears its head, but I squash it down. From what I can smell, the rooms here are for guests, with humans and wolves coming and going. There have been changes in scents since I’ve been here, which makes me think this is the hotel part of the pack house. Which makes me wonder, where do the Delta wolves stay? Do they have rooms or barracks like my pack does for them, or do they live off-site?
I’ve left all but the underwear and gym wear in their bags, having not bothered to find those laundry bags Tatum told me about. I hand-washed my new underwear and gym wear in the sink and set out to dry them in the bathroom. It’ll be nice to have clean clothes again, I’m sure I smell in the clothes I’ve been wearing.
I also headed for the book nook by Alpha Jed’s office and took a few books to pass my time. The pack house also has a library, but I’m wary and don’t feel comfortable enough yet to go there. I spent the rest of the evening lost in a book about a couple who agreed to a fake marriage to support the woman’s diner and help the man run for sheriff. It’s a hate-love relationship, but really, he’s in love with her and always has been, and she’s falling hard, too. I like those books. Predictable. Happily ever after. Who doesn’t want that?
There’s a knock on my door, and I jump up to answer it without thinking.
“Hello?” I ask as I open the door. Standing there is my mate, all six foot plus inches of him.
“Hi. Can we talk?” Alaric asks.
