COURTING PHOEBE

COURTING PHOEBE

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NARRATORS POV

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It wasn’t easy for Balthazar to win over Phoebe's heart, but it was worth all his time and effort when he did it. 

As they started dating, they noticed they both didnt share much in common. Balthazar loved the outdoor activities, he loved to shift in the early hours of the morning for his usual morning run in the woods. An activity he picked up when he first shifted at the age of 13, he was among the first among his peers to shift and he found great peace when he ran wild in the forest soaking in the fresh air, an activity he continued to enjoy alone before his beta joined him as soon as he could shift too.

When he fell in love with phoebe he wanted her to enjoy the wild with him, their pack was just a mile and a half apart from each other, they both planned to meet at an old oak tree a few kilometers to the forest.

They planned on doing this at least twice a week but after the first week phoebe knew this was not for her but didnt know how to break the news to Balthazar. 

On the first day of the second week when they met again at the oak tree, balthazar was excited and ready but he noticed that phoebe was reluctant and hesitant.

“Are you okay,” he asked worriedly

“Yes, I'm fine.”

Balthazar wondered if she had encountered some rogue wolves on her way, he hadn’t stopped to think of the possibility before now. 

Holding her hands he led her to the oak tree. It was still dark but their wolf vision made it possible for them to see. “Did you hurt yourself on your way here?”

“No, im okay. Im just tired thats all.”

“We would rest here for a while then.”

The cool night air felt nice on their shin. Phoebe loved the serenity and calm. She also loved gazing at the night sky, to her it was better than running in the forest. 

She would just enjoy the serenity for now. “Do you know that each star accounts for every of our departed ancestors.” phoebe said

“I didnt know that.” he smiled at her “tell me more.” 

Phoebe went into details about the stars and how each star represented a dead wolf. The ones that showed brightest were the stars of good alphas that we’re able to bring good tidings to their pack.

“Where do the evil-doers go to,” he asked curiously, 

“My father said they don’t turn into stars, their remains turn to dust.”

“Thats sad.”

“Not really, the earth is where things grow you know. Take this oak tree for instance. It’s grown from the soil.”

“What if it’s the remains of a wicked alpha that killed thousands and caused bloodshed is exactly here under the oak tree. What if he still terrorizes the land.”

Just the bats on the trees started flapping their wings, the noise they made phoebe quiver with fear. 

“Stop that Balthazar.’

Laughing he drew her closer to his body and she rested her head on his chest.

They stayed in that position making small talks listening to the croaking of the frogs and the chirping of crickets. 

“We didn't run today, and it’s almost dawn.” Balthazar said.

Phoebe stood and dusted her almost faded blue jeans trouser. She loved it even though it was almost worn out.

“Though I enjoyed our little chit chat.”

“Yeah, it was fun until you turned it into a horror story.

Balthazar laughed heartily then became serious again, he was an expert at changing his mood fast and sudden.

“I want us to go on a proper date tonight. Are you up for it?”

“Sure,  dress up or casual.”

“I will leave that to you,”

“Casual then.” she pouted

“I have to go now, I have two hours before I resume work.” working as fast as her leg could carry her she made her way towards her pack and home.

Balthazar checked his time, he still had an hour to himself, making his way to the forest he removed his clothes and shifted with a loud long howl, he sped off towards the mountains then back to the level ground. He didn't spend as much time as he wanted but it was satisfying and refreshing. 

On his way back home he met his friend and beta Demetrius.

“Where have you been balthazar.”

“My morning walk what else.”

“You didn't come to get me this is the third time you are doing this. What’s going on.”

“Nothing “ he shrugged

“If you say so,” Demetrius replied, but he knew something was fishy and he intended to find

 out what exactly.

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Demetrius observed his friend’s movement, he watched him for days from his room since his room had a view of the gate. He can see anyone as they came and went.

He was almost dozing off when he heard the crick of the gate and hurried footsteps. With practiced speed, he followed his friend. When he saw him stop beside an oak tree, he hid beside some bushes, crouching to avoid being seen. He waited, some minutes later a young maiden joined him. As they sat under the tree holding hands and talking, he observed that they giggled more often than necessary. 

“So Balthazar dissed our daily runs for a woman.” Demetrius mused angry at being sidelined.

He stayed for some minutes watching them, bored he made to leave, suddenly they both started removing their clothes, surprised he watched them from afar his eyes narrowed as they shifted and sped off into the forest.

Demetrius was so furious, his wolf mocked him.” your best friend has found another bestie.”

“Keep quiet you scum” he growled

“I always knew he was a good for nothing”

Demetrius ignored his wolf, battering with it would only make him angry, he would surely make Balthazar pay for this. It doesn’t matter how long it takes him to do that.