Cara’s POV
A few days had passed since the bonfire, and things had slowly returned to normal around the pack. Everyone was back to their usual routines, minding their own business, as if the excitement of the bonfire had faded into a distant memory. I’d been training hard with Emily and Emma, growing stronger and more confident. And, luckily for me, Alpha Alexander and I had moved past that awkwardness we once shared. We’d come to a mutual understanding, just friends, nothing more, for now!.
Alexander had promised not to say anything about my supernatural strength after he found out I wasn’t a normal werewolf. His understanding was surprising. I thought he might act differently toward me, but instead, he acted like nothing had changed. It was a relief, knowing I didn’t have to hide any more secrets and gave me fewer things to worry about.
But today, something felt off. I could sense it in my trembling Omega bones, a restlessness that I couldn’t quite shake off. My wolf had been pacing back and forth inside me, agitated and uneasy, as if she was waiting for something or someone. And then, there was that awful dream. That twisted, haunting dream of Brian finding me, pinning me down, and marking me. I woke up drenched in sweat, my heart pounding, and the feeling of his teeth against my skin refusing to fade. I had to remind myself over and over that it was just a dream. He wasn’t here. He wasn’t going to find me.
Shoving the thought aside, I forced myself to focus on training. But I struggled today. My mind kept drifting back to that dream, to the feeling of helplessness and fear. I missed a few moves, my punches lacked power, and even Emily, who was usually patient, couldn’t help but notice my distraction.
“You alright, Cara?” she asked, tilting her head. “You’re a bit off today.”
I forced a smile. “Just a little tired, that’s all.”
“Hmm, you sure?” She didn’t seem convinced, but thankfully, she let it drop.
We continued training, and I tried my best to concentrate, but my wolf was still uneasy. Emma tried to cheer me up, showing me a new move, but even then, I struggled to keep up. As we finished up, I noticed a familiar face passing by, Siden. He gave a quick wave and winked at Emma, who blushed instantly.
“Oh my, look who’s blushing!” Emily teased, nudging Emma. “Do you have a little crush on your caretaker?”
Emma’s face turned bright red, and she rolled her eyes. “Stop it, you two! He’s not my caretaker, I can take care of myself, we are just good friends.”
“Uh-huh, ‘friendly,'” I said, smirking. “That’s why you’ve been staring at him all week, especially at the bonfire.”
“I have not!” Emma protested, but she couldn’t hide her smile. ” You were not even present at the bonfire”.
“I was not present for the most part but I was there”. Emily tried to defend herself.
“And…so where did you go?, oohh I remember for the most part of the bonfire Aiden was missing” Emma said with sarcasm.
“I…I, believe me or leave it” By now, the two sisters were bickering back and fought, making me shake my head in silent laughter. seeing two of them like this always makes me wonder what it could be like to have a sister.
“Well, maybe I guess I should start looking for a hot caretaker too…” I joked, making Emma smack my arm playfully.
We all laughed, the tension from earlier fading away for a moment. It felt nice to just be normal, to joke around with friends without worrying about dreams or secrets.
As we started walking back, I couldn’t help but glance around, expecting to see Alexander coming to join us. It had become a bit of a habit now, him walking me back to my cabin after training. But today, he wasn’t anywhere in sight.
Emily noticed me looking around and chuckled. “Looking for someone?”
Heat crept up my neck. “No! I mean, yes, but not like that. Just… he usually comes around this time.”
“Well, don’t hold your breath,” she said with a shrug. “He’s been busy all day, entertaining some important guests. That’s why you haven’t seen him around lately.”
I frowned. “A guest? Who could be important enough to keep the Alpha occupied all day?”
Emily smirked, a glint of excitement in her eyes. “Well, I’m not sure exactly who it is, but I do know this, there’s going to be a small pack party tonight to welcome them. Seems like they’re someone worth celebrating.”
A party for a guest? That seemed a bit excessive. “What kind of guest would need the entire pack to gather?” I wondered aloud, the uneasy feeling creeping back up my spine.
Maybe they’re some big deal,” Emma suggested. “Who knows? You should come tonight, though. It will be fun.”
“Yeah, it could be good for you,” Emily agreed. “You’ve been looking so tense lately. It might help you relax.”
I nodded, even though my mind was still racing. “Maybe. We’ll see.”
“Guess we’ll find out tonight,” Emily said with a wink. “You should come. It’ll be fun.”
I nodded absentmindedly, but my mind was already racing, trying to piece together why this particular visitor seemed to stir so much attention. And why was my wolf agitated today, which was very unusual for her.
“As we reached my cabin, the sky had started to turn orange with the setting sun. Emma and Emily walked me up to the door, still teasing Emma about Siden and Emma making jokes about Emily having a “secret boyfriend.”
“Alright, alright, enough already!” i laughed, shoving the two of them lightly. “You two are impossible.”
“Hey, we’re just looking out for you,” Emily said with a grin. “Besides, you need someone to keep you warm at night.”
“Oh, please!” Emma rolled her eyes in disgust, but I could see the hint of a smile playing on her lips.
“Thanks for walking me back,” choosing to ignore what they said, smiling at both of them. It was nice to have friends who cared, who made me feel like I belonged here.
“No problem!” Emily replied. “Get some rest, alright? We will come to take you to the party tonight.”
“I will,” I promised. “See you both later.”
As they left, I watched them walk away, still joking and laughing, and felt a pang of longing. They made everything seem so simple, so easy. I wished I could be like that, carefree, without the weight of secrets and nightmares hanging over me. But I wasn’t like them. I had to be careful.
I sighed, pushing the door open and stepping inside. As I took off my boots and changed into my old, comfortable clothes.
Spread out on my bed are herbs and different kinds of medicines I had sneaked into my room. I have been practicing small acts of healing for a while. from the experience I got from my time working with Debbys.
my wolf stirred again, a low growl rumbling through my mind. Distracting me from my work.
Maybe she is agitated because she needs to let off some steam. I can’t remember the last time I had taken my wolf out for a run.
I sat down on my bed, trying to calm myself, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the guest, to the dream. With nothing left to do, I sat on my bed waiting for the two sisters to come back and pick me up for the party.
Though I can’t ignore that pricking feeling that something was off.