Talia's POV
But it's hard. So dmn hard. And as much as I try to convince myself that I don't care what they think, a part of me does. A part of me wants to be accepted. A part of me wants to have what they have - a place in the Pack, a sense of purpose, and, most of all, a wolf to call my own. But that's not my reality. Eventually, I force myself to get up, brushing the dirt from my jeans. I can't stay out here forever, much as I'd like to. The day is only just beginning, and there are still preparations for tonight - a gathering I'd much rather avoid but one I know I have no choice but to attend. With one last look at the trees, I head back toward the pack, straight to the grocery store, pick some and go back home. On my return, I see the house is already busy with activity. My mother is in full-on preparation mode, flitting about the kitchen as she oversees the final touches for tonight's feast. My father is polishing his boots by the fireplace, while Jackson lays out on the couch, scrolling through his phone with the kind of boredom only a teenager can comprehend. "Talia, there you are!" Mom exclaims, spotting me as I walk through the door. "I was starting to worry you'd decided to skip tonight." "Tempting," I mutter, but I manage a smile as I walk into the kitchen. "I'm here, aren't I?" She gives me a sympathetic look, pausing mid-stare over a stew pot. "I know these gatherings aren't your favourite, sweetie, but the pack needs to see you there." "Yeah, I wouldn't want to deprive them of their favourite punching bag," I say with a wry grin, but the humour feels hollow, even to me. Mom frowns, she sets the spoon down and wipes her hands on her apron. "That's not true, Talia. Whether they realise it or not, you're part of this pack," "I don't feel like it most days," I admit, resting on the counter. I can see the concern on her face and the way her eyes soften when she looks at me. Dad clears his throat, setting his boots aside and standing up. "Your mother's right. Tonight is about more than just the feast. It's about showing the neighbouring Packs that we're strong and united. And that includes you, Talia." I look between them, they do have their way of calming my nerves, and here they are at it again. They want me to be strong, to show the pack that I belong, but how can I do that when I don't even believe it myself? "I'll be there," I say finally. "But I'm not making any promises about enjoying it." Jackson snickers from the couch. "Who enjoys these things, anyway? It's all just an excuse for everyone to show off." "Watch it, Jackson," Dad warns, though he has a smile on his face. "This is important, and we're all going to put on our best faces tonight. Understood?" Jackson rolls his eyes but nods, returning to his phone with a sigh. "Yeah, yeah, I got it." The gathering is just hours away, and the thoughts of facing the entire pack, of standing there with their eyes on me, fill me with a sense of fear that's hard to stop. Mom must sense it, too, because she steps closer, touching my shoulder. "You'll be okay, Talia. Just be yourself. You've got more strength in you than you realise." I nod, not trusting myself to speak. I'm expected to be comforted by her words, but it only makes me more aware of the gap between who I am and who I'm supposed to be. I help Mum with the final preparations, chopping vegetables and setting the table while trying to keep my mind from the worst scenarios I experience daily. The hours slip by too quickly; before I know it, "Time to get ready," Dad announces, looking at the clock. I sigh aloud and return to my room. The dress I've picked for tonight hangs on the back of my door, a simple black gown that I hope will help me blend in rather than stand out. I change quickly, avoiding the mirror as much as possible, I don't want to dwell on how the fabric clings to my curves or how out of place it looks. I'll look odd among the other girls, with their athletic bodies and perfect hair as always. As I finish getting dressed, there's a knock on my door. I turn to see Jackson resting on the door frame, his usual smirk replaced by a serious look. "Hey," he says, "You okay?" "Yeah," I reply, forcing a smile. "Just, you know... nervous." He nods, stepping into the room and shoving his hands into his pocket. "Look, I know I give teases too, but...trust me, you'll be fine, Talia. Just ignore those idiots. They don't know what they're talking about." I'm surprised at his words, and I feel a warmth spread through my chest. This is a rare moment of connection between us. "Thanks, Jackson. That means a lot." He shrugs, trying to play it off as no big deal. "Yeah, well, don't get used to it. I've got a reputation to maintain." I laugh, easing my tension a bit. "Of course." But as he turns to leave, a thought hits me, Jackson, wait." I called He pauses, looking back at me with a raised eyebrow. "What is it?" I swallow hard; I'm unsure what I want his answers to be. "How do I look?" Jackson's expression changes, and he looks genuinely uncomfortable. "No," he says slowly, avoiding my gaze. No, you don't wanna hear my opinion. But Talia... what will be will be okay?" he says before turning to leave. My heart beats loudly, Before he can take a step, a voice from downstairs rings. "Talia, Jackson! Time to go!" Jackson gives me one last look. "You'll be fine..., okay?" he says before turning and heading down the stairs, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
