ROWAN.
Upon entering the park, Jhenelle immediately breaks the grip we have on her hands and sends herself flying through the grass, excitement in her footsteps.
It is amazing how much she enjoys the outdoors, though one can understand.
With how well I had always kept her hidden in the settlement for fear that she would be attacked or worse, I can’t blame her constant desire to be outside.
The rest of us -I, Viktor, Andre, Lisa, Rina and Alden – follow behind her at a more sedate place.
The park is truly a beautiful green landscape. A space that is truly well taken care of.
Everything is beautiful and calm. We have the sun shining down, casting a warm glow over the vibrant grass, the tall trees standing tall and swaying gently in the breeze, providing shade and shelter to the people gathered in the park.
There are paths made of stone and brick that crisscross along the park, leading visitors to perfect spots cozy for picnics, made even more serene by the colorful flowers and blooming shrubs that line the walkways, and also filling the air with sweet fragrances and attracting bees and butterflies.
To our left, a sparkling pond with little stine figurines around it, reflects the surrounding beauty like a mirror. There is also a soothing fountain at its center that adds to the tranquility with benches and picnic tables set beside it that invites people to sit and relax.
As we all move at varying paces deeper into the pack, I hear children’s laughter, playful shouts, and a few dogs parking.
It is inevitable that they too also shared this territory with humans and it is only a few of them that are aware of the other beings that live around them.
I sight Jhenelle as she quickly makes herself at home on a nearby playground complete with swings, slides, and climbing structures for fun and adventure.
Along its paths is a concession stand that sells treats and drinks for the other picnickers.
We see a few other families, people of all ages gathered throughout the park, enjoying good food, good company, and the outdoors. Blankets and picnic mats are spread out on the grass, filled with various dishes and drinks. The atmosphere is lively yet peaceful.
It is… nice.
“Well, this is a lot,” Rina comments as we begin laying our blanket under a large tree, a good distance away from the others, while the men go ahead to drag a few benches our way.
“Hmm, how so?” I ask.
“I mean, I know this is a really populated area, I just didn’t realize how populated it actually was. Especially with humans.”
“It is almost the same with our territory,” I say.
“No, not as much. Our territory is smaller, hence, smaller groups of people. Here, I can barely hear myself think, much less smell myself.”
“Smell yourself?”
“My scent. Everything is overwhelmed by human scent.”
“Hm, you know I have actually noticed that with you,” I tell her.
“Notice what?”
“Your distaste for humans. You really don’t like them.”
“It is not that… I mean, some of them are cool. It is just… the majority of them and that includes their leader too… they are all just…very destructive. Dirty. If not for the fact some territories are controlled by we wolves, we might not even have woods anymore. I mean, what is their obsession with trying to cut down trees?”
“Hmm, fair point. And as much as I would love to debate with you the issues of climate and the destructiveness of humans, we are all here to just enjoy a good day. So shall we?”
“Fine. I guess. I will go get some drinks from the stand over there,” she says as she jogs away, leaving me with the large cooler and baskets.
I have just started setting out the foods when Lisa joins me.
“Hey, you,” I greet. “Aren’t you helping them with the benches?”
“Ehn, they are arguing with some humans about it. They can handle it. I actually wanted to discuss something with you,” she says.
“Does it have to do with the blessing Andre was talking about this morning?” I ask.
“Yeah…”
“Let me guess. You two have clearly accepted each other as mates and you would want to move into the Vale pack.”
“How… how did you know?” She asks surprised.
“It was a logical conclusion. It is the paths most wolves follow. One of them leaves their pack and joins the other and as Andre is Viktor’s Beta, he can’t leave. Hence, you.”
“True… but, it is not permanent.”
“Oh?”
“It is not. For now, I just want to get to know him and the pack. And then, well… we will see where it goes from there.”
“I understand that. I do. What I don’t get is why you think you need my permission. You don’t. I am not your alpha, or your boss. Overall, I always saw myself as your sister.”
“And you are. It is just… I just felt I should ask you, you know.”
“Well, in any case, you have my whole hearted support. I want you to be happy.”
“Thank you,” she says with a smile.
“And speaking of sisters,” I say. “Have you told your other sister what has been going on?” I ask.
“Yeah. We talked yesterday.”
“Well, how was it?”
“It was one hell of a roller coaster. She was glad, ecstatic really, then sad, then angry and then despondent. She thinks we are both leaving her.”
“Never! We are the three musketeers, remember?”
“That is what I told her. But, I guess we will have to say it a few more times for her to get it. I just hope she too finds her mate soon and won’t have to stay lonely forever.”
“Yeah, me too.”
At that moment, the men return, carrying three benches each, all of them with a proud triumphant smile on their face.
“Okay,” Andre calls out. “What is for breakfast?”