Jolene
I was in my room at the pack house catching up with Elena and Alex. The three of us were lying on my bed talking. After listening to latest gossip at our pack, I finally got a chance to ask about my family.
“So how are mom and dad doing?”
“I haven’t really talked to them in two months. They were climbing the Everest a week ago, though. They sent me pictures.” Alex sat down and scrolled through the gallery of his phone. He showed me a picture of our parents, smiling happily in the climbing getup. They look so happy.
Since our parents stepped down from their positions in the pack they have been travelling and exploring the world. At first they called every two days, but the intervals between calls have been extending. The last time I talked to them was two months ago and they were on a Caribbean cruise.
“I am glad they are enjoying themselves,” I said. “Elena, where is Aiden?”
The smile on Elena’s face disappeared and she looked at Alex for support. She knew that whatever she was going to say would not amuse me. “Oh. He received an invitation to go train with another pack. He left almost a week ago,” she said.
“In which pack he is training now?” Aiden enjoys trying out many different training methods. So, since he began shifting, I have allowed him to train from time to time with other packs.
“He said a friend he met during Summer invited him to his pack, but he did not mention the name.” She chuckled to ease the tension. When she saw my blank face, she went quiet and looked away.
“You are so not ready to be a parent.” I sighed. I pulled out my cellphone and called Aiden. He did not pick up.
“He is just training. Don’t worry,” said Alex.
I kept calling him over and over but he did not pick up. I sat straight on the bed. “You give him to much freedom Alex! I trusted you would keep him in check. You were the one who said that you had everything under control, and that I should come here. What if something happens to my kid?”
Alex sat up. “First, he is not a child anymore. Second, he will be just fine. He is stronger than most of our warriors already. There is a reason you have allowed him to train with other packs.”
“Yes. But, those were close packs where I had many friends to look after him.”
Alex rolled his eyes. “Just call him and if he uses the code word, we go get him.”
“What do you think I am doing?” I decided to send him a text message: ‘Aiden. Please call me when you read this.’
Alex kept talking, while Elena stayed quiet. She knows better than jump into an argument between Alex and I. “You are always so overprotective of him. The poor boy did not ever leave the house, besides going to school and training, when you were there.”
“That was his own choice. He is a quiet person and dislikes crowds. If someone hurts even a hair from his head, I swear-”
“Don’t you finish that sentence. Nothing will happen to him.” Alex growled at me.
I scoffed. “Abusing your power as always.”
“I could never win an argument with you otherwise. I will take responsibility if something happens. But, everything will be alright, so stop fighting.”
I exhaled loudly as I gave up trying to reason with stubborn Alexander. “Okay. He will call me soon. I know it.”
“See? You can be positive.”
“I am still mad at you for not consulting me.”
Alex stood up. “I am his Alpha!”
I stood in front of him, with my hands on my hips, not caring that it does not matter what, I will never look imposing to him. “And I am his mother!” Alex could not really stand seeing me angry though. I have always been his soft spot. “Sorry. I did not think you would get mad.”
Elena finally sat at the edge of the bed and talked: “I told you that she-.” But, Alex glared at her.
She frowned and crossed her arms on her chest. “I am not lying to my best friend because of you.”
“Now, I know my place in your list of priorities,” said Alex.
“Aiden left five days ago. Alex told me after he had already left, otherwise I would have not let him go. I wanted to call you but I knew you would freak out so I decided to tell you in person.”
I smiled sarcastically at Alex. “Oh, Moon Goddess. You are so insensitive!”
My phone began ringing and every set of eyes in the room darted to the small device on the bed. The caller ID showed Aiden’s name. I picked up.
‘Hi mom! I was training. Alex and Elena should have told you already. I am sorry. I came here to get a book that could be helpful to you. How are you?’
‘I am good. Why didn’t you tell me about the book? I could have gotten it from them.’
‘I want to help you like you helped me once. Alpha James is asking for me. I am not allowed to use my phone often but everyone is nice here. So, do not worry. I will go back to our pack soon. Bye, mom. Love you.’
He hung up. I shook my head slightly and sighed. I wish he would not do this for me, but I guess it is my fault. As soon as Aiden shifted, his biggest desire was to find his parent’s killers. But, Alex would not let him do it. He said that revenge would not do any good and that venturing into rogue territory would mean taking unnecessary risks. Aiden was so desperate. So, I secretly tracked down the killers and captured them for him. He killed them. We kept this a secret from everyone else, even my brother. Since he learned my story, he insisted in training to protect me and to help me get revenge. I am not seeking revenge, but Aiden insists that I should at least find out what happened. I hope he is not risking too much this time.
“There are about twelve packs with Alphas called James,” I said. “A last name would have been helpful. None of them raised any red flag to me, and Aiden did not use our code words. What do you think?”
“He would let us know if something was wrong,” said Alex.
“Next time talk to Jolene before deciding things like this” said Elena. “Anyway! The reason we are here is to give you this.” She pulled out a small box from her pocket and gave it to me.
I opened the box and found a small charm.
Alex smiled and began explaining. “This kanji means strength. Congratulations for another three months without screwing everything up.” He pulled me into a tight hug. When he pulled away Elena did the same. She then helped me remove the charm bracelet and added the new charm.
Alex asked her to give him the bracelet and he put it back around my wrist. “I am so proud of you, little sister.” He patted my head.
“For how long are you staying?” I asked.
“Sorry, sis. We have to travel tomorrow to have everything ready for Thanksgiving, and to celebrate with the pack. But, you could come with us. Thanksgiving break begins this Wednesday, doesn’t it?”
I shifted my weight uncomfortably. I had completely forgotten about Thanksgiving break. I already told Lancelot that we could hang out this weekend. Also, I could see him for longer these days if there is no class. I looked around the room thinking about what to say.
Elena caught up with my internal dilemma and smirked. “How can you ask her to be away from her mate for so long? Do you want her to fall into depression?”
“Oh. Sorry. I guess it makes sense… My sister, the corrupter of minors.” Alex snickered.
“I do not-” I sighed and brushed my hair with my hands. “Oh, thank you for your support. You sure make this easier for me.”
“The lawyers are still waiting for the call, so do not worry.” Alex winked.