“Whatever you say. I smile back at her.
It doesn’t take long for us to get to the front of the line. “They split us up, how dare they?” Sierra lets out mock indignation. “At least I don’t have to ge up in the middle Of the night. You have fun with that.”
“You act like I don’t do that already. I have to report at 4 which is my usual time to get up, the only problem is I will miss morning training.”
“I’m sure that was by design, based on the last couple of days with the guys. Don’t thinkany of this has gone unnoticed by all your parents. I think the:
are hoping the separation will be beneficial for you all to at least concentrate on what you are supposed to be doing. I don’t know if you noticed, but none of us are in your group time.
I had noticed and unfortunately I felt a surge of excitement to do something without them, followed by a sense of sadness followed by guilt at not
being disappointed. I didn’t say any of that though. “Let’s go to the Beta house, so you can give your not boyfriend some attention.
We start walking. “Not home?” She asks cautiously.
“No, it’s never been home, it’s the Beta’s house, which is currently my father and then will be my brother and his family. The woods are my home, even the room Luna Ava gave me at the packhouse is more home than what I grew up in. It just doesn’t feel right to go to the packhouse right now. I need that separation. I have to figure out what to do with myself when all six of you leave this summer anyway, might as well get used to it now.”
“So this might get me in trouble, but what about the dance this weekend?” She cringes at me.
“What about it?”
“You’re still coming right? You promised to go with me since it will be my first and probably my last. But I wasn’t sure how you felt now that things are also strained.. She trailed off, but I understand what she is asking me.
“I will go with you and for you. You have been an amazing friend to me and don’t deserve all the crap you’ve been thrown in the middle of. I will be on my best behavior with the guys and I promise to not start any fights with them. I will not hesitate to finish a fight or leave if they start sh*t though. I giggle at her, and just to make her day I add, “I will even let you do whatever you want with my hair and makeup.”
“YES! This is why I love you!
We made it to my father’s house in record time and headed towards the back after checking thoroughly that the guys weren’t lingering. Once I was safely inside I waved Sierra off to go meet up with Sam at the packhouse.
I did all my usual things, homework, shower, read and then lay on my bed and stared at the ceiling. Not being able to train alone was awful.
Sometime after the sun went down, there was a knock on my door. As usual, I didn’t answer.
“Skylar? Sky, I have food out here. I know you didn’t eat lunch and I have no idea if you’ve eaten today or not. I have to go run my patrol shift. I guess I’ll see you at school tomorrow when you’re done with yours. I love you. I hope you know that.” I heard Mateo sigh then retreating footsteps.
