7

~Lindsey~

After shopping we take a quick grocery run to pick up some fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat. There were basic essentials and shelf stable items already in the house, but Dad believes in cooking healthy meals. Probably the doctor in him feels a little hypocritical telling others to do the same if he doesn’t.

We decide to take the scenic route home to scout out where everything is. I know Dad can mindlink anyone in the pack if he needs something, so I know it’s mostly for my benefit. The radio plays in the background as we check out shops, neighborhoods, and restaurants.

I get the oddest sensation when we pass the school and the pack gym, which are barely a mile apart. It almost feels like I’ve been wrapped in a warm hug. I look back at Dad, but he’s deep in thought. It happens again when we pass the pack house. I can’t help but wonder why; maybe once Dad became part of the pack, I started to feel more at home.

“Lindsey, I’m sorry, but I have mandatory training at 5 today. Our new gamma just mindlinked me to make sure I report. They take training very seriously in this pack.”

“You’re gonna get your butt kicked then. I hope you have plenty of first aid at home, Doc,” I joke. Dad maybe trained once or twice a week. Too busy picking up extra shifts.

“Any chance they’ll let a bratty teenage girl join?” I ask, probably with a little too much hope in my voice. Honestly I’m a little nervous about him leaving me so soon. I was one of the best teen female fighters in my old pack, but I’m still not as strong as an adult obviously.

“No. Not in the afternoon training. Shifters only. Your training will be in the mornings. You’ll start going on Thursday when you start school.”

“Ah man. I was hoping to play hookie for at least the whole week!” I flash Dad a mischievous grin before I look back out the windshield.

Dad rolls his eyes and smirks. “I will have my phone on me. It’s also not too far so if anything happens just yell. Ace hears better than me anyway.”

Dad’s wolf Ace has always been super protective of me. It only got worse after the rogue attack that killed Mom. Knowing he will be able to hear me roughly a mile away sets me at ease. I let out a small sigh, grateful that I’ll still be safe.

“You want me to cook dinner?” I offer. Cooking brings me peace and probably will keep my mind off being alone in a strange place.

“Sure kiddo! What’s on the menu?”

I give it some thought. Nothing too complicated. “Chicken broccoli pasta sound good?”

“Sounds great. As long as you don’t burn it,” Dad says with a wink.

I roll my eyes. “Haha very funny. Geez. I burn dinner one time, and you hold it over my head forever. You ever gonna let it go?”

“Not as long as I live.”

Dad reached over to rustle my hair like I’m five, and I try to dodge his hand. He knows I hate my hair messed up but still loves messing with me. He ends up putting his hand around the back of my head rest, while I try to fix my hair.

We get home and find Mr. Matt packing up his truck.

“Got everything set up and ready to go for ya, John!” he shouts to Dad.

“Matt, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you working us in and getting everything done so quickly,” Dad extends a hand to Mr. Matt, which he shakes.

“No problem. Anything for our newest pack members. Happy to help. Instructions for how to set it up are on the kitchen table. I locked the door already. Didn’t know what time you would be back.”

“Thanks. Glad we got to see you and thank you before you headed out,” Dad replies.

“See you at training later. Don’t be late. Alpha doesn’t believe in tardiness.”

“Thanks for the tip. See ya!”

Mr. Matt goes to leave but turns around when he gets to his truck. “Oh, Lindsey! In case I don’t see you, I hope you have a good first day on Thursday! I’ll tell Callie to be on the lookout for you!”

I shout my thanks and wave as he pulls out of the driveway. Then, Dad and I get busy unloading the car. By the time everything has been put in its place, we’re both worn out and crash on the couch. I check my new phone: it’s already 3. We watch a little TV before Dad goes to pack a bag for training. At a quarter til 5, he walks out the door and shifts. I give Ace a scratch behind the ear and hand him his bag before he heads out.

Once he’s gone, I lock the door and head to the kitchen. I quickly find the instructions for how to view the security cameras from my phone and d******d the app. After I get everything pulled up, I start dinner, jumping every time I hear the house creak or any other random sound.