Chapter four

We were done cooking thirty minutes later. Just as we sat at the table to eat, Vira walked in. I took in her appearance. Her hair was tangled, her clothes dirty, and she reeked of another wolf’s scent. Undoubtedly the young Alpha.

Without a word, Mom stood up and led her to her room.

I ate breakfast alone. Then I did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen, stalling for time. After re-washing the same plate three times, I couldn’t take it anymore and went to her room. I stood at the door.

"Can you get me a cup of water, Rhea?" Vira asked. I would have gladly said no if Mom wasn’t giving me that pleading look. I brought her the water.

She was sitting on her bed, freshly dressed, hair clean.

"Vira, tell Rhea how it went with Aidrac," Mom said. Right. His name is Aidrac. I remember now.

"Don't tell me, please," I said quickly, just as Vira opened her mouth. That wasn’t something I needed to hear.

"Has he marked you yet?" Mom asked.

"No, not yet," Vira replied.

Usually, mates waited to build trust before marking. Some did it right away. I didn’t know. I didn't have a mate, and I shouldn’t be sitting here watching Vira glow from something I would likely never experience.

I turned to leave, but Vira said, "Wait. Before you go, I should tell you, we’re having dinner at the Alpha's cabin this evening."

"Good for the two of you, I guess," I said as I walked away.

"Rhea, he wants us all to come for a family dinner," Mom added.

I looked at her and gave a short laugh. "I'm not coming."

"Why?" Vira asked.

"Why? Because my world doesn’t revolve around you, Vira. I have other things I'd rather do," I snapped, storming out.

"Rhea!" Mom called. I ignored her.

She followed me. "Rhea, listen to me."

"I already know what you're going to say. The same thing you always say, about how Vira’s my sister and I should celebrate her accomplishments like they’re mine. One word: no."

"Rhea. Pay attention," she said, her voice low and sharp. "I better see you at Aidrac’s cabin at 6 o’clock sharp. You do not want to know what will happen if we don’t see you there."

She walked back into Vira’s room.

I slammed my bedroom door and cried for an hour. When I couldn’t bear to hear their laughter anymore, I put on my boots and jacket.

I opened the front door and saw Aidrac walking up the porch.

It was the first time I’d seen him up close in a while. He was taller, broader, tanned. His dark hair was longer. He took in my appearance and I took in his.

Finally, he smiled.

"Rhea, right? I haven’t seen you in a while."

I wasn’t in the mood for chit-chat, so I ignored him.

"Is Vira home?" he asked.

I nodded and started walking. When I looked back, he was still watching me.

Whenever Selene and I needed to vent about the injustice in our pack, we escaped to the deepest part of the woods. That’s where we were now. I was ranting about Vira and Aidrac, but Selene wasn’t getting it.

"Wait, let me get this straight. Aidrac is her mate and this bothers you because... what?"

"Because Aidrac is the next Alpha!" I said for the tenth time.

"I know that. But how is that a problem?"

Selene didn’t have a sister. Definitely not one like Vira.

Vira had set the bar impossibly high. How could I ever get a mate as strong or important as the Alpha next year? I wasn’t even sure I’d get a mate at all. And if I did, there was a ninety percent chance he’d reject me.

"Forget it," I muttered.

"I just think they’re good for each other. The Alpha and the best hunter. The moon goddess knew what she was doing. And besides, wouldn’t it be cool to be the sister of the Luna?"

"No, it wouldn’t."

The better question is: wouldn’t it be cool to be the Luna?

I was tired of being referred to as "Vira’s sister." Nobody knew my name. It was always that or the cursed omega.

I looked up. The sun was setting.

"I’m going to the border," I said. "Are you coming?"

"No, I can't. The rashes are showing now," she said, pulling up her sleeve to show me the red blotches.

Her allergies.

If I told her Dexter was waiting at the border, she’d come, rash or no rash. But I didn’t push it. I just said goodbye and left.

My pack, Grimhowl, is one of four in Craig Woods. We occupy the southern territory. Our neighboring packs are Emberfang, Dreadmoon, and Valeblood. We share a border with Valeblood, a river dividing the two lands.

Dexter was already there, standing on our side of the border. I scanned the area. We were alone.

"Where are the soldiers?" I asked.

"They took a day off. The mating ceremony had everyone drinking and celebrating last night," he said.

"You told me the border is heavily guarded."

"On regular days it is. Besides, it’s not unguarded. One soldier is on patrol today."

"Where is this soldier?"

"I... can’t find him right now."

"Oh, for god's sake," I groaned, rolling my eyes.

"Yeah, god forbid the soldiers take one day off for the first time in forever," Dexter said.

"Dexter, in my nightmare there were no soldiers. Don’t you think it’s because they took a day off?" I asked, starting to panic.

"Listen, nothing is happening. We haven’t had an attack in over a decade. The packs are at peace. Rogues aren’t even much of a threat."

"Fine. Let's go home then."

"Why are you in a hurry?"

"You wanted to show me the border. I’ve seen it. Let’s go."

"Calm down, Rhea. I know you're scared, but nothing's going to happen. Let's take a swim in the river."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because danger is coming, Dexter. I can feel it."

"How?"

"I... I don’t know."

I couldn’t explain it, but my heart was pounding and my breath was shallow. My body felt numb.

"Dexter, please..."

But he wasn't looking at me anymore. He was staring behind me, eyes wide.

I knew what it was before I turned.

In front of us were the wolves from my nightmares.