CH. 2 - Just Another Day (Part 1)

Tori’s POV

~8 years later~

“Tori, sweetheart, hurry up. You’re going to be late to the party” chimes the voice of my mother, Layla, her warm, rich amber eyes now watching as her child slowly makes an appearance before her.

“Do I have to go mom? All the other kids make fun of me” I whine, my own amber eyes now locked with hers as we silently watch one another. My short auburn hair neatly brushed upon my head.

“Yes sweetie, you must go. You're the future Gamma of this pack. It’s important for you. Today’s the day that Jake, Zak and Alex each get their wolves as they each turn 14 today” replies Layla to her son.

Sighing, I know better than to argue with my mother. For while I might only be 8 years old, the fact that Jake, Zak and Alex have been nothing but kind to me since the day I was born was considered a blessing. Something I would never understand until I was someday older.

“Okay mom, if you say so” I finally mutter, agreeing to attend the big, huge party for the future Alpha, Beta and Delta of our pack. A piece of me wishing that I too was getting my wolf but knew I wouldn’t as I still had another 6 years to go and for an 8-year-old boy that was still a long time to wait.

“Sweetheart, I know it’s not easy for you right now. Being scentless was not part of the plan but I promise you, your father and I love you very, very much and nothing you say or do will ever change that.”

“I know mom” I say, not wanting to worry her with all my problems. Problems that were mine to bare and bare alone.

“Tori...” tries my mother again only to stop when I move to walk away from her.

“I’m going to be late mom. I’ll just see you later okay” is all I manage to say before I move to grab each of my presents for Jake, Zak and Alex. Small homemade gifts that I took the time to make. A gift that was similar to what I wore around my own wrist. A homemade bracelet with beautiful crystals woven into each band.

I really do hope that they like these, I think before leaving our home, knowing that my father would be present as he was Alpha Dawson’s Gamma. Alpha Chase Dawson, who was the current Alpha of our pack until Jake could someday take over for him.

A smile making its way across my face as Jake, Zak and Alex became the only three boys to ever make me feel special to them. To make me feel wanted and never a burden. Almost like I was being seen for the first time in all my life.

Shaking my head, I choose to ignore all my random thoughts of them. My 8-year-old self too little to comprehend the deeper meaning of their actions or at least for now anyways. But maybe when I was older, I would gradually understand everything that was going on around me.