3

~Lindsey~

I woke up in a panic, not knowing where I was. Then it all came rushing back. Crossing the border at 3am, meeting a Beta friend of Uncle Rob’s, watching as Dad joined a new pack through the blood covenant, getting assigned a warrior for the rest of the night, settling into a new house in a new place with only new faces. Sadly that wasn’t a nightmare.

I check the time, seeing that it’s 10am. I haven’t slept this long in ages. I’m usually one of the first wolves at 7am training, and I love watching the sun rise every morning from my window as I get ready for the day.

I get out of bed and go to the bathroom. This house is much smaller than my old one. Dad has already laid out everything I need for my morning ritual, from a toothbrush to fresh towels. I turn on the shower and hop in. Last night I cried myself to sleep after I finally let myself feel. Now all those emotions threaten to resurface.

I’ve got to find a way to overcome this. I hope Dad has a new phone for me. I don’t want anything fancy; just a way to reach out to my friends and family back home. I miss Jessie and Hunter most. We have been inseparable our entire lives. Now I live two hours away and will soon belong to another pack when I get my wolf in July on my birthday.

A part of me feels guilty, like part of this is my fault. I’m not the only one who left it all behind; Dad was born and raised in the pack. He delivered most of the kids that are my age and younger. Everyone felt safe with him. Not only was he the second son of the former beta, but his calm, friendly demeanor could break down the strongest walls. He had friends, too. People he had grown up with. People he trusted and loved.

I let the tears fall silently. When I walk out of this bathroom, I’ll act like I’m fine. That I miss my friends but that I’m excited for a fresh start. I won’t let anyone know how much I’m hurting on the inside.

I finish getting ready for the day, feeling exhausted after last night. After getting dressed, I brush my teeth and my long, brown hair before getting a diffuser to dry my curls. When I open the door, I am greeted by the smell of bacon and butter, which means my dad’s famous pancakes.

I walk through the small living room and enter the kitchen where I hear Dad humming an old jazz song. I wonder how he’s so happy; maybe he’s pretending just as much as me.

“Good morning my beautiful girl!” he says, turning around to place the last of the pancakes on the table.

“You’re in a good mood this morning. Especially considering you probably didn’t sleep a wink.” I notice the bags under his eyes.

“Not my first sleepless night. You forget you’re talking to the best doctor in the…”

Dad makes a brief pause, clearing his throat. I knew what he was going to say. Every time I would scold him for taking on extra shifts, he would always say the same thing. Don’t forget you’re talking to the best doctor in the White Fang pack.

“In the entire world of course!” He recovers quickly, flashing a huge smile.

“Dad I’m sorry we had to move because of me. Maybe if we go back I could just…”

“Linds. Stop right there. None of this is your fault. Don’t ever think that. I love you more than anyone on this earth, and I will always put your safety and wellbeing first. Never doubt that.”

I see the tears welling up in his eyes. I run into his arms as the tears threaten to spill over again.

“I love you, Dad. We’re gonna make it through this. Together.”

“You know it kiddo. Now let’s eat before it gets cold. I’ve got OJ in the fridge. I’ll grab some cups if you grab it.”