A new home

*Amber*

 Hope stands in the center of the dimly lit room, her grip firm around the cold metal of the gun, ready for whatever lurks beyond the door. Clay sits on the couch, his silence so profound that for a moment, I wonder if he’s succumbed to sleep. I remain in the armchair, straining to catch even the faintest sound. My heart thuds in my chest, echoing the primal instinct that has been ingrained in me… always listen for danger, always be prepared. 

 Then, I hear it… footsteps on the stairs. Just as Hope pivots, gun raised, a rush of relief washes over me when I see Kattie and KC burst through the door. Despite her cool demeanor, I notice the subtle relaxation in Hope’s posture, the way her shoulders ease as she lowers the weapon. 

 “Put it down,” Kattie says, her authoritative tone brooking no argument. She glances at Clay, who shifts slightly on the couch, his expression a mixture of irritation and concern. “I’m heading to the police station right away. Tjeck has agreed to let Amber stay at his place until Adis is back on the streets.”

 “So he thinks we can’t protect her?” Clay’s voice is sharp, a hint of offense creeping in. I can see the glimmer of wolf-like protectiveness in his eyes; it’s part of our nature to defend what is ours.

 Kattie meets his gaze with unwavering resolve. “You can barely see, and your movements are limited. KC and I are already stretched thin, doing the work of four people, and Hope…” she gestures toward the youngest among us, “… is still just a kid in training. Honestly? I don’t think we can keep her safe.”

 “I’m not a kid,” Hope retorts, her voice steady. There’s nothing childish about her; she speaks with the conviction of someone who has tasted the sharp edge of responsibility. “Let me help. I can handle tasks alongside my training.”

 “Laundry is your current limit,” Kattie replies, her tone firm yet not unkind. “I won’t risk you out on the streets just yet. Tomorrow, you can assist KC with inventory.” She turns to me, her expression softening. “KC will drive you to Tjeck’s place right away. You’ll be safe there.”

 It isn’t until I’m halfway down the stairs, my feet sliding into Kattie’s oversized shoes, that I realize they expect me to climb on the back of KC’s motorbike. Kattie has already revved the engine of her own bike, the sound a low growl that resonates with something deep within me.

 “Come on, Amber,” KC calls, his voice tinged with impatience as he pats the seat behind him. “I promise, I’m really good at this.”

 “You might be, but I’m not,” I mumble, a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. I’ve never ridden a motorbike before, and the thought terrifies me. The roar of the engine seems to echo the wildness in the air, the innate urge to flee, to run, to hide.

 “You’ll have to learn eventually,” Kattie insists, her tone firm. “Trust me, when your training is over, you’ll be itching to ride on your own.”

 “I highly doubt that,” I reply, closing my eyes and inhaling deeply to steady my racing heart. “I’d rather just run.” With a resigned sigh, I swing my leg over the bike and wrap my arms around KC’s waist, clinging to him as if he were a lifeline.

 “Hold on tight,” he instructs, and I can practically hear the amusement in his voice. He twists the throttle, and we surge forward, the world blurring around us.

 Deep down, I know we’re not going as fast as it feels. Yet, the rush of wind and the roar of the engine send adrenaline coursing through my veins, amplifying my fear. I try to tell myself it is like letting my wolf run free. I bury my head against KC's back, focusing on the rhythm of his muscles as he expertly maneuvers the heavy machine through the streets. I concentrate on my own breathing, terrified that if I let my mind wander, I might succumb to the urge to scream.

 “You need to learn how to relax,” KC says with a sigh when we finally come to a stop. He has to pry me off him, and I realize just how rigid I’ve been, my body a tense coil of fear. “It’s a lot easier to ride when the passenger isn’t stiff as a board, choking the life out of you.”

 “Well, excuse me for nearly shitting myself in fear of dying,” I snap back, attempting to regain some composure as I dismount. KC grabs my elbow to steady me, and I hadn’t realized how dizzy I was until I almost stumble into him.

 “Oh, first time I’ve heard sarcasm from you,” he grins, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Maybe we can actually turn you into someone usable.” He winks at me, and for a fleeting moment, I feel a spark of camaraderie… something more than just the bond of being thrown together.

*****

 Tjeck's pack house, a repurposed relic of an old abandoned school, exudes a unique charm that speaks of its storied past. Its high walls loom around the property, a silent sentinel standing guard against the outside world, with only a single, sturdy gate offering passage. As we step through that gate, the two guards stationed there nod respectfully to KC, their presence a reminder of the pack's vigilance.

 “Chark, Tjeck’s predecessor, understood the importance of fortifying his territory,” KC explains, his voice steady and filled with pride as we traverse the worn playground, remnants of laughter and play echoing faintly in the air. “The Eagles have the best pack house, no doubt about it. You’re going to love it here.” 

 I nod, but a flicker of unease stirs within me. There’s one glaring absence that shadows my excitement… Adis. He isn't here, just as he isn't at the apartment. The thought lingers like a ghost, haunting my anticipation.

 Curiosity piqued, I glance sideways at KC. “So, where did you find Kattie?” I ask, wondering if Clay is right about the chemistry crackling between her and Tjeck. I’ve observed the subtle touches, the lingering glances that seem to pass between them like an unspoken language.

 “She was training,” KC replies, his tone shifting slightly, a hint of finality in his words that suggests I should tread carefully. I sense there’s more to the story, but I respect his boundaries.

 As we reach the entrance, Tjeck awaits us, leaning casually against the doorframe. Two more guards allow us entry with a nod, their presence a constant reminder of the safety that this pack house promises. KC bids farewell almost immediately, leaving me alone with Tjeck. Though I’ve met him a few times, the familiarity is still tinged with the uncertainty of being left alone with someone who embodies both strength and authority.

 “It’s getting late, so we’ll hold off on the tour until tomorrow,” Tjeck states politely, leading me down a long, dimly lit hallway. His casual attire… a simple white undershirt and loose-fitting pants… hints at his earlier plans for the night, but I can’t help but notice the way his muscles ripple beneath his skin, defining his long, lean frame. The sight is both intimidating and strangely captivating.

 “Because it’s you, I’m going to give you my room for the duration of your stay,” he continues, his tone warm yet laced with a hint of mischief. “The girls in the sleeping hall can be a bit much in the long run.” He opens the door to his room, revealing a spacious sanctuary. A king-sized bed dominates the space, flanked by two sturdy bunk beds along the wall, a testament to the pack’s communal spirit. “You can sleep wherever you want.”

 “There’s room enough for both of us in here,” I mumble, feeling an unwelcome heat rise to my cheeks. My intentions are honorable; I don’t want to impose on his space, but the offer feels both generous and slightly charged.

 Tjeck chuckles softly, his smile disarming. “Without a doubt, but Adis would most likely kill me if I let that happen. There’s a toilet and bath just across the hall, and if you need anything, there’s always someone at the office.the last door on the left. If I’m not here, I’ll be in Drew’s room next door.” He gestures toward the adjoining room, a playful wink accompanying his words. “He has plenty of space too, and no one gets their knickers in a twist about me sharing a room with him.”

 The air between us is loaded with an unspoken understanding, we are bound by a code, one that transcends mere words. As I step into Tjeck’s room, I can’t shake the feeling that this place… this pack… holds secrets and adventures waiting to unfold, and perhaps, just perhaps, a sense of belonging that I’ve been yearning for.