Chapter 2 - Celia

I made it home, changed into clothes for school and was in the kitchen when Dad opened the side door. "Hey Dad."

"Good morning my Celly Bug."

I put his plate of eggs, sausage and toast on the table. I started pouring coffee for my Dad as he walked into the kitchen.

"Thanks Bug! You take such good care of me." He said as he took the mug and sipped his coffee. I poured myself a glass of orange juice and mixed in some cranberry juice, it was my favorite drink.

I sat down at the table, and waited for Dad to start eating before I spoke. "Dad, I need to tell you that I went out running this morning in the forest. I took the trail to the lake and while I was at the lake, a man jumped in the lake. I took off running and got about 2 miles from the lake, when I ran into two warriors. I told them about the guy at the lake and they told me to head home while they went to the lake to try to get the man." I said it fast, hoping it would be less painful.

Dad grimaced, took a bite of his sausage and chewed slowly. I waited.

"How often do you run to the lake?"

"Every morning."

My Dad raised his eyebrow. "Every morning....well you must be fast to make it there and back and still cook me breakfast every morning."

"Uhm, I guess I am fast. I enjoy running and swimming."

"Swimming?" My Dad's tone shifted to a more serious tone. "What do you mean swimming?"

"I run to the lake, it's about five miles then I swim 50 laps and then run five miles home. It's peaceful at the lake."

Dad took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. He grunted, "Celly Bug...you shouldn't be doing that alone."

"I've been doing it for over 3 years. No one has ever seen me at the lake or on my run. It's not near the border and it calms me. Plus, I get a nice workout before school." My voice trailed off as I met my Dad's fierce gaze.

"Celia, I know I don't usually bring work home so you don't know, but the pack is having some issues. In the last few months, we have had several humans breech our borders and make it quite far. I want you to promise me you won't go to the lake alone until I give you permission." I wanted to protest, but the look on Dad's face was resolute and he didn't call me Celly Bug. I knew I wouldn't win. "Have a friend or two go with you. Get some group exercise." He added.

As if it were that easy, I didn't really have a lot of friends. I have a grand total of two friends; Ang and Jax. Ang is a spitfire. She has a million questions and no filter. She is smart enough that she skipped a grade and will graduate at 17. Jax is a massive guy, thanks to having his wolf. Ang does not do exertion, so there is no way she will run to the lake. Jax is a warrior now, his wolf appeared 3 months ago, so he has training and patrols. He doesn't have time to run to the lake with me. Besides, going to the lake and swimming is my solo thing. Its peaceful and quiet. I don't think going with someone would feel the same.

Unlike most pack members, I am not outgoing. I like quiet time, solitary places and books. Not exactly the kinds of things most rambunctious teens are into and definitely not what teen wolves are into. "I promise I won't go alone." I said and meant I won't go at all. Dad smiled at me and said, "Thank you Celly Bug. We can't risk losing you. We don't know what these humans want or if they are dangerous, so please be careful until I say otherwise."

I returned my Dad's smile and answered, "I'll be extra careful just for you Dad. Don't worry about me."

I finished my breakfast, grabbed my bookbag and headed for the door. "Bye Dad. See you after school." Dad waved and said, "Remember tonight we eat at the packhouse with your Mom, Rog and Kyle." His eyes lit up as he mentioned Mom. I smiled and said, "I know it's Wednesday. I'll be home and ready to go."