No one will fight your battles

"How did you know I was standing there?"

I went ahead still confused and took a seat next to the strange girl.

I was surprised, she did not turn around and yet noticed my presence. She could not have listened to my footsteps with all this noise around her.

Werewolves had a super hearing but something was not adding up.

She gave me a side look, there was a smirk playing on her lips, "You don't need eyes to see everything."

I frowned at hearing this.

"What do you mean?"

She laughed in response.

"It is a good day to be outside."

I smiled while looking around, letting my eyes wander around the serene scenery. Flora was right, water, birds, trees, everything was perfect here.

All the doubts left my head. It was the right decision to be here.

But what about Alpha Orion?

What was happening with him and Chelsea? Was Bernadette right about them?

"What are you thinking about?"

I did not turn towards Flora but knew she was looking at me.

"My life."

There was a pause, she was still staring at me but was not saying anything.

"You are running away from your life."

It was not a question.

I moved my eyes to the ground and focused on the green blade of grass as though it was the most interesting piece of art I had ever seen.

"Why do you think I am always running from something?"

"Aren't you?" I did not have to look at her to know she was smiling.

"You do not understand."

"I don't have to," I finally looked at her. She lifted her shoulders lightly. "No one will fight your battles for you."

I stared at Flora speechlessly.

She had her eyes closed and face lifted slightly to feel the rays of the sun falling directly at her.

Only if I could do that.

It was not easy, I was not a fighter. I could not fight anyone. I did not have a chance in front of these wolves, they would rip me apart in minutes....and no one would be there to save me. I had to learn this from a young age...I was alone... I learned to hide instead of defending myself...I learned to keep everything inside...I learned to be invisible.

"I do not need anyone to fight my battles because there is no battle."

"You have given up already?" there was a shock laced in her words. 

"You know nothing about my life," I argued. 

"Then tell me."

I turned to find Flora staring at me with her full attention, her eyes were glued to my face waiting for me to say something. There was patience in her eyes, the soft wind blew some of her hair but she did not move and kept her gaze on me.

It was new...someone was interested in listening to what I had to say.

"I do not belong here," I whispered.

I could not believe I was telling someone this. I kept the words hidden from Eleanor as well.

"Did you try to make a place for yourself here?"

I did not respond this time. How could I tell her there was no place for me in this pack?

"It is not that easy."

"Nothing is easy," she said in her soft voice, "you can't just sit and blame your destiny all the time."

I pressed my lips in a thin line not looking at Flora anymore. 

I had done this all my life but was she right?

The image of Alpha Orion flashed in front of my eyes, he was my soulmate...my destiny but he had someone else in his life. I was supposed to accept it, but then why were Flora's words making me question everything?

"What are you doing here alone?" I decided to change the topic. 

Flora lifted her shoulders, "I like the quiet and peace."

"You said this place is off limits but here you are?"

She let out a laugh covering her mouth with her delicate fingers, "It is not off limits for everyone. If you can sneak here, can't I do the same?"

"What if the Alpha found you here?" 

"He will never find me here," she shrugged casually, "but you should get back before you get in trouble."

My eyes widened upon hearing this. I completely forgot about leaving. 

I stood up in a hurry and started wiping my clothes with my hands while walking away from Flora, "Thank you for reminding me, I should head back."

But I paused.

How did she know I would get in trouble, I never told her anything.

I turned around to ask her the question but to my surprise, the girl was once again gone.

I scanned the area but could not see her anywhere, I wanted to search for her but knew I should return to the mansion before it gets too late.

I did not stop until I entered the building, I made sure no one noticed when I snuck inside which was not too difficult. 

For some reason, the few people which were present in the mansion were busy chatting and running here and there.

I wanted to ask the reason but could not find anyone.

A girl made her way towards the stairs carrying what seemed like three different gowns. 

Another werewolf entered the house with huge boxes in his hands, he completely ignored me looking at him and went straight to a random room.

What was happening here?

"You seem lost," a voice entered.

I turned to find Aria staring at me with a smile. 

I smiled at her, now I could get some answers.

"Yes...no... I mean can you tell me what is happening here?"

She stared at me with wide eyes, a look which she seemed to give me a lot, "What do you mean? You live here and you do not know what is going on here?"

I was about to respond but she started speaking once again.

"That can not be right...maybe you are new that's why," she was once again questioning and answering herself.

"Aria?" 

She looked at me with confusion before solving my riddle.

"They are getting ready for Alpha Orion and Chelsea's wedding."