Emerald led Ava to the woods, chatting all the way. She was such a chatterbox, and though sometimes, she said things without thinking, Ava was starting to see that she actually had a good heart. She wasn’t sure how she got to that conclusion in just a few minutes of staying with her, but she was now very sure about it.
“There they are,” Emerald gushed as she pointed towards the distance.
Ava used one hand to shield her eyes from the sun, as she peered into the distance, towards the direction that Emerald had pointed. Truly, there were a few gangly youths resting their backs on the trees. She couldn’t make out how many they were or how they looked.
“I can see them, though I don’t know if it’s right to go up to them like this. I mean, I’m not sure they would be expecting a third wheel,” She pointed out smartly.
Emerald rolled her eyes once more. “Stop whining already. I already informed them through the link that you were coming, so there isn’t anything to worry about. Now, let’s go,” She said authoritatively.
Ava sighed, but said nothing. She was too far into the chicken now. Plus, if she did, it would leave a wrong impression on all of them, and she couldn’t afford to do that. She took a step closer to Emerald as they walked over to the youths. Fifteen steps in, she noted that they were seven in numbers. Five boys and three girls!
With each step, her heart felt like it might burst out of nervousness. She looked at Emerald who had a cheeky grin. The girl had easily known that she was new in this place, and what she had come for. Surely, her friends knew too, and would make a point of making life specifically hellish for her.
“What’s popping, guys?” Emerald asked as a form of greeting.
The youths howled as one, stunning Ava to a stop. What the hell? They were in human form, how the fuck were they howling like wolves? She looked at Emerald, expecting her to be alert, only for her to look so laidback. Ava stretched her hand to pull her backwards in a bid to protect her. Her hand barely grazed her arm, when Emerald’s hand shook as she howled back. Ava snapped her hand away from hers in fright.
She watched transfixed as Emerald raced over to her friends at the speed of light. They hugged and pecked each other like they haven’t seen each other in years. The murmurings were low, making it a bit difficult to understand what was being said. But, still, it was such a wonder watching it all unfold.
‘I never had this,’ Ava thought to herself.
Her life in the White-Moon pack never went close to this. She was always the bad one out. Oh! Moon Goddess! Why was she already talking like these people had accepted her in their circle? For all she knew, they might not even acknowledge her presence.
“Why are you standing there? Come over here. Don’t be a stranger,” Emerald shouted from where she stood.
Ava made her way to them. She took each step carefully, so she wouldn’t trip and make a fool of herself. And, most especially, she didn’t want to rush without thinking of how to act. She finally got to them, and they were looking at her with open curiosity, making her feel like a lab-rat once again. She turned her gaze to Emerald, who was smiling as usual.
“I’m glad I brought you over,” She said heartily. “These are my friends. From the left, that is, Nita, Vince, Damian, Omar, Kelvin, Harry, Janet and Ashen. They are the Alpha’s war slaves. They were specifically turned for that purpose,” She said with a wink.
Ava nodded slowly. “It’s nice to meet you all,” Ava managed.
They smiled softly, but it looked a bit off. “Same here! You’re the Alpha’s slut,” Janet said easily, wringing her wrists repeatedly.
Ava frowned. The girl’s ponytail seemed to be sticking out in odd places, and she had an insane urge to make it much worse.
“Ok, guys, what did I tell you? Beauty doesn’t like being associated with that. Treat her-”
The ground rumbled, stalling every other word that Emerald wanted to say. To her surprise, the war slaves, bowed their heads downwards. She looked at Emerald and noted that her attire had changed. She was in pure black now, her eyes a shimmering gold.
Ava’s head snapped to the side, and her nostrils flared up. Mate! Alpha Jax was on his way here. Fuck! The man always found a way to mess with all her plans. She hadn’t even bonded well with any of them, and now, she was forced to listen to the Alpha’s nonsense when he got here. Within minutes, he was in front of them.
“You’re quite stupid. Actually, you’re more stupid than I gave you credit for,” He snapped condescendingly.
Ava looked from one to the other, at a loss if the Alpha was actually referring to her, because she hadn’t done anything to him now. The others were looking at her curiously, which meant it was she that he had been talking to.
“Em, what did I do?” She asked calmly.
He took a step towards her, his gaze menacing. “If I didn’t know better, I would assume I had bought you for a few changes as a wolf. Fuck! You’re the dumbest bitch in history.” He snapped coldly.
Ava felt her cheeks heat up in rage. “Why are you talking to me this way? What have I done wrong?”
He growled slowly. “If you had any brain, you’d know that you never bring my war slaves out to the woods.” He drew closer to her, obviously not satisfied with the insults. “And, if you talk to me in that tone ever again, I’d cut your tongue and throw it in a burning fire,” He said dangerously.
Ava swallowed hard. “But, I didn’t bring anyone here. We-”
“Shut up! A slut has no excuse where I stand. Now, get lost!”He said with a snare.