8

This is Real Life

“Then don’t.”

I don’t know how I did it but it must have been because of those two words and because I was so hooked with not letting anyone down. I had gotten my wolf and named her Eliza – me and mom had picked the name – and during the initiation when mom said, “You have made all of us proud.” I had felt like the best person in the world.

And now they are gone. The only two people who matter in the world, who made me feel like I am the best even when I was clearly filled with flaws are gone.

We trudge back to the pack house and I enter my room then lock it behind me. My head aches but I don’t go to sleep. Instead I pull out my blanket from my wardrobe and head to my parents’ room.

I flop onto the bed and close my eyes. Their presence is still very heavy in the room and for a moment, I can pretend that they are not dead. I tell myself that they have gone on a vacation and will be back soon once they come, I will see that they are alive and well.

The sleep comes slowly, pulling me into its embrace till it has swallowed me entirely. For the first time in more than a month, I have a dreamless sleep.

When I open my eyes again, I see the face of the beta staring down at me and a frown is perched there. I frown and rub the sleep off my eyes, noticing how light my body is.

It has been so long since I get so rejuvenated after a good night’s sleep. I am surprised that I am not breaking out in sweats first thing in the morning. I glanced at the beta who has given me space and raise a brow.

“I am just checking up on you.” He says coldly but his face betrayed the worry which he is undoubtedly feeling.

“Why?” I ask and push myself out of the bed.

He raises a brow. “You don’t know long you have been sleeping? Crystal, you have been sleeping for the past three days.”

My eyes open wide and I stare at him. “What? Three days?” is that really real? I jump to my bedside and grab my phone. The date which stares back at me says the beta is right.

Perhaps that is why my body is so light and the headache – I touch my head – it’s gone. Is this their gift to me? Or maybe now that they were gone, I would stop having the visions.

“I would have left you to continue sleeping, because you look like you needed it...”

Or because you did not care if I live or die. I want to say but decide against it. There is no use arguing with the beta this early in the morning. I frown and check my phone. It’s not morning.

“… but we are going to be hosting distinguished guests in the pack house and it is very importance that you are in attendance.”

I raise a brow. I was not aware that we were receiving visitors. Usually, a pack who just lost their Alpha must mourn for six months and in that six months, we are to receive no guest unless it concerns something very important.

“Beta… are we supposed to be receiving guests?” I ask. “Our Alpha and Luna just died.”

He shrugs dismissively. “This is very important for the pack. You father wanted this and I am sure he would have continued with his plans had death not taken him away so soon.” He turns to the door. “So, get ready and make sure you are down by dinner time. They are a few people I’d like you to meet.”

He leaves immediately and I nearly collapse into the chair as my knees buckle. What must be so important that would cause him to disrespect my parents like this? There is no way on earth that I would let this happen but what powers did I have?

In the light of my parents’ death, I was to mourn for six months and in those six months the beta was to take up the Alpha duties till I was ready. At least, that is what I always read in the books.

I sigh. Since the beta want to jump all the way to this phase then I have no choice too. We are not receiving any guests till the next six months. I stand up abruptly and hurry into the bathroom – I am always in the habit of making myself look presentable always – and wash my face and decide to just have a bath all together.

The cold water feels good against my skin but I don’t waste one moment. Once I am done, I hold my wet hair in a braid, pick a dress from my mother’s walk-in closet and storm out of the room with long purposeful strides.

The beta’s office on the fourteenth floor which is directly below the top floor but when I get there, I don’t see him. Instead, I see Luth Strong, he is not a member of our pack but if one was looking for a beta, they’d pick him since he came from a long line of beta werewolves.

“Luth Strong.” I greet. I also don’t fail to notice that he is seated on the beta’s seat.

He grins at me and I frown. I have never liked the man and I cannot tell why. Something about him gives me the creeps whether it’s the fact that he looks more like a fox than a wolf or maybe because he is completely irresponsible and never thinks before he acts.

“Ahh… Crystal Flynn.” He rises from his seat and bows to his waist. “I would have come to give you my condolences as soon as I arrived but Wayne said not to disturb your sleep. Now that you are here – “he bows again. “– Please accept my deepest condolences. Alpha Aaron and Luna Letitia are now in a better place.”