TESSA’S POV
The travel going to the camp site near the East Coast took more than half of the day. It was the first time I’d ever traveled, and so I did not feel bored sitting down at my seat as I gazed out the window to admire the view from the outside. It was the other way around.
The Steinfields used to travel a lot every year. I recalled that whenever one of them celebrated a birthday, they would prepare to travel to nearby cities or countries. I, being the unwanted and outcast in the family, would always be left alone to guard the house and keep it clean.
Chesca would always tell me how unlucky I was for not being able to experience traveling, and as a child who was deprived of so many things, I would end up envying her for having been given everything.
Who would have thought that I’d get to experience travel?
It felt surreal to me. The excitement whirled around my core, and I was looking forward to seeing the camp site with my own eyes. Mikhaela and Julie both mentioned that the camp site was a great place to have fun. It was like a safe haven where werewolves could interact with each other; there were no wars or conflict. Those things were set aside for a great purpose, and that was to build alliances with other stronger packs.
It was already midnight when we arrived at the camp site. I kept craning my neck in the parking lot, curious about the number of buses that arrived before us. There were hundreds, if I was not mistaken. I wondered how vast the camp site was to accommodate such a large number of people for a couple of days.
After minutes of lining up to the entrance, we were able to enter the site. The pathway going to where we would stay was only lighted by torches on both sides. My eyes roamed around, and I was overwhelmed by the other pack walking with us.
There were packs with some sun tats on their backs, some on their arms that looked like a band or something that might have signified importance to their packs. While there were others who differed in skin color, even hair color, and actual physiques.
“It looks like there are a lot of hot male werewolves joining this year,” Mikhaela whispered in glee as she looked around while we followed our professors leading the way.
“May I remind you that you already have a mate, Mik.” Julie chuckled next to me.
I laughed too. Seconds later, I thought about Atlas.
He was here too. I wondered if I could get to speak with him tonight or push it to tomorrow.
The camp site was really vast, more than I expected. There were tents for each pack, and each tent could only have three people in it. The three of us stayed in the same tent.
There were beds, side tables, cabinets, and even bathrooms that we could use. The noises from outside could be heard as the blockage was only thick curtains, but it didn’t make our little place in the camp site less appealing.
“The Elders will meet us tomorrow. They will officially announce some activities too,” Julie informed us. “We’re going to meet new people here. Are you excited, Tess?”
“I am!” I exclaimed as I sat on the edge of my bed. Deep down, I was looking forward to seeing Atlas. “I just hope Aunt Alice will not kill me after this.”
Both of them chuckled. These accomplices of mine, really…
“Don’t worry. Alice might only ask you how things go here. Mom told me she will keep your aunt relaxed while we are gone.”
“Please say thanks to your mom for helping me, Mik,” I said sincerely.
***
The next day, I woke up to my excitement of seeing the place during the daylight. After doing my morning routine and making sure I wore a presentable clothes-a black loose long sleeve, a faded denim short, and black flat sandals.
The earthy, cold forest air blew against my long hair as I went out of the tent, and I was greeted by the fresh sunlight coming from the east.
I smiled, my hand covering my eyes as the sun was blindingly beautiful.
The noises outside were loud, even if it was only past eight o’clock. Despite the fact that we had arrived here almost five hours ago, the werewolves roaming around seemingly did not feel any exhaustion at all.
Mikhaela was right that all of the werewolves around our age looked forward to this event, and based on the stories I had heard from my friends, I was sure that the Elders would not disappoint the young ones in making this camp a wonderful experience for everyone.
A few minutes later, Mikhaela and Julie went out of our tent too, both looking excited as their eyes feasted on the new people walking around here. We were greeted by some of the shifters from the other packs, and I would say that was a good start to this event…
“We welcome you to this year’s werewolf camp,” announced by one of the Elders who intoned his speech on the stage in the main center-where all of the packs were called to be formally welcomed by these thirteen elders, who, according to Mikhaela, were former Alphas too.
I was seriously listening to the old man and could feel the excitement given by this special inclusivity. I was well aware that the former Alpha and Luna did not like me when I came into the Crimson Shadows Pack, but here my body could relax, and I could breathe at ease knowing that no one would judge me for who I am and where I came from.
“This year’s werewolf camp is very important, not only because we, the Elders prepared so many activities that will hone your physical abilities as the future of this generation, but also because we have a newly appointed Alpha from our fellow pack who came here to join us today,” the Elder added.
My heart raced so fast the moment I heard his statement.
I wouldn’t want to assume anything, but I only knew one male werewolf who got appointed as a new Alpha recently. As I waited for the Elder’s next speech, my body tensed in anticipation.
“This new Alpha is someone I know personally, and I can say that he will be able to lead his pack well, given that he’s born and trained to succeed in the position. “I’d like to call on this stage,” he said, pausing and turning to the left side of the stage, where he had entered earlier. “Crimson Shadows Pack’s newly appointed Alpha, Alpha Atlas Edevane!”
People, especially the members of our pack around my area, cheered for Atlas. Their happiness was so evident as they started to chant his name, like he was some sort of hero that they had been waiting to see.
I smiled, and clapped my hands along with the others as I bit my lower lip.
Seconds later, a God-like male werewolf walked onto the stage, wearing a simple black v-neck shirt, jeans, and shoes. He walked like a super hot model, running his fingers through his golden brown hair while he looked at the crowd happily, giving them a wave of his hand to let them know that he appreciated the chants and support.
He was all smiles as he approached the Elder, shook hands with him as he bowed his head to pay his respect.
My heart was moved while I watched him getting all the support he needed, and I have to admit that my cheeks flushed red seeing him all over again after his hectic schedule. Even if I was here, far away from him and kept hidden by the crowd, my smile would not fade away.
“I am Alpha Atlas of the Crimson Shadows Pack,” he said, introducing himself with such an entrancing deep voice.
The crowd, mostly she-wolves, cheered in giddiness for him.
“What a head-turner, Alpha, woo-hoo!” someone from the other pack shouted, which made the entire crowd, including Atlas, laugh.
“I’m happy to see everyone enjoying the event,” Atlas added, “Brace yourselves for the activities the Elders prepared for you guys. Thank you.”
His speech was simple, yet I didn’t know why it literally made my day. He waved to the crowd once more before he walked back behind the stage.
The crowd seemed to not get over him as they still cheered for him even though he already went away. I craned my neck as my eyes wanted to follow where he went, but a figure of a man blocked my sight.
When I stared up at the man, my eyes widened, realizing it was none other than Cohen, who was smiling brightly, with his eyes radiating happiness.
“Cohen!” I gasped and then shook my head. “I-I mean Beta Cohen!”
He laughed as if I had just thrown out a really nice joke. “Come on, Tess. Just Cohen.”
“But you’re already the Beta of the pack,” I said and offered him a confused smile.
“It’s not like we need to follow the formalities.” He narrowed his eyes as he stared at me.
I was caught off guard when he pulled me into a hug. My mouth parted, totally in a daze.
Mikhaela and Julie noticed Cohen hugging me and began staring at us with such obvious mischief painted on their faces. I cleared my throat, and Cohen immediately pulled back.
“I apologize,” he said, smiling and holding his nape like he had just realized what he had actually did. “I didn’t mean to be that… touchy. I just missed you. It’s been rough for the past few days.”
I breathed out and nodded, indicating that I understood him.
“I get it, Cohen, and it’s fine.” I shrugged a bit. “I-I mean, it’s just a hug.”
He smiled. The relief washed over his face.
My eyes turned to the stage again. Deep down, I couldn’t help but feel a bit down that I wasn’t able to see where Atlas was heading to.