Chapter 5

• Life went on with me in the pack as I continued to recover from my injuries.
• I stayed at the Rivermoon Pack and although I was a complete stranger to the rogue camp, I never felt so accepted. The people here were all warm and welcoming as if I was really part of their small community. I couldn’t help but compare this place to Red Moon.
• When I had fully recovered from my injuries, I mustered the courage to approach Lexie, the first person I met in this camp. My heart raced as I went to the infirmary where she was present often.
• “Hi, Lexie,” I greeted when I approached her.
• Lexie’s face lit up upon seeing me. “Hi, Rina. How are you? Are you feeling better now?”
• “Uhm, yeah. Thank you for asking,” I responded. An awkward silence hovered above us until eventually, I decided to tell her what I came there for. “Listen, I need your help with something," I admitted, my heart pounding with fear of judgment.
• Lexie's kind eyes met mine, her voice filled with encouragement. "Of course, Rina. I would be glad to help. So, what about it?”
• My fingers fidgeted as I confessed, "Uhmm…Well…Now that I had fully recovered and was staying here for a while now, I wanted to be useful. I really want to contribute to this community. Do you think you can assign me work, anything that I could help Rivermoon with?
• “That would be easy,” she exclaimed. “So, what type of things are you good at?”
• “Well…uhm…I don’t know. I am not a strong warrior as I am still learning how to control my white wolf powers. Maybe…I can help with cooking or I can be your assistant in the meantime.”
• “Oh, okay,” she said. “I'll gladly help you with that. Tomorrow, you can join us in our daily meeting so we can discuss what task we can give to you. "
• Relief washed over me as I thanked her. “Really? Thanks!”
• “Don’t mention it!” she responded. “Oh, and since you will have a a task, might as well enjoy your remaining time. Why not walk around the camp? It will help you familirize the place.”
• “Sure,” I responded as I head out of the infirmary and followed her bidding.
• As I wandered the camp's unfamiliar paths, my curiosity led me to the gentle sound of rippling water. Intrigued, I followed the soothing melody.
• I kept my pace slowly and further walked along the clearing. I could smell something moist and fresh. Slowly, I could hear the faint sound of rustling waters getting louder. I furrowed my forehead and kept on walking.
• Curiosity led my steps until I reached a picturesque scene that took my breath away. I saw a river, like that of a fairytale. It had a crystal-clear waters that sparkled like a gem in the fading sunlight. A small waterfall cascaded gently and added to its charm.
• “Wow…This place is like a dream,” I uttered to myself.
• For some reason, I felt the water was inviting me for a swim. I glanced around and made sure no one was nearby. The quietness of the surrounding reassured me, and with the sun dipping lower in the horizon, I decided to go for it.
• I slipped off my clothes and left them in a pile on the riverbank. Without hesitation, I stepped into the water with a relieved sigh. The coolness prickled my skin, but it felt good. I took a deep breath and dove under, letting the water close over me.
• The river was deeper than I expected. I kicked my legs and pushed myself back to the surface. Gasping for air, I felt relieved. I never experienced such freedom back in Red Moon Pack. I was really enjoying my new life now as a free she-wolf.
• I took another dive. This time, I let myself swim for a couple of seconds before breaking through the surface again. But to my astonishment, my eyes met those of a man squatting by the water's edge. His ocean-blue eyes locked onto mine. And then, I realized I was naked and instinctively covered myself. My heart was pounding in my chest.
• "Ahh! Pervert!" I shrieked, my face burning as I realized my situation. My arms shot up to cover myself, but the man crouching by the riverbank didn’t even flinch. His striking blue eyes stayed locked onto me. He was completely unfazed.
• "Ever heard of manners?" I snapped as my embarrassment twisting into anger.
• Without a hint of concern, he simply pointed to a nearby sign. "This area is restricted. No one is allowed to bathe here. We're protecting the water because it's our source of food and drinking."
• I blinked. "Oh."
• For a second, his words distracted me from my irritation. But then it hit me again because I realized I was still naked. My cheeks burned hotter as I scowled at him. "Well, turn around then!"
• He hesitated, then sighed and did as I asked. I wasted no time swimming toward the riverbank and grabbed my clothes. I didn’t even care that they’d get soaked. I just needed to cover myself and get out of this place soon.
• Once dressed I stormed past him. I looked at him dangerously before muttering, "Pervert. You're no gentleman."
• To my annoyance, he chuckled. I stomped my feet as his blue eyes twinkled with amusement.
• I shot him one last glare before walking away, but something about him nagged at me. There was a strange familiarity in those eyes. Had I seen him before?
• I shook off the thought. It didn’t matter, anyway. I just hoped I’d never see him again.
• ****
• I woke to the sound of voices and movement outside my tent. The usual quiet hum of the camp had been replaced by excitement. People were talking in hushed, eager tones, and the clatter of preparation filled the air.
• I rubbed my eyes and pushed aside the tent flap. Everyone was busy. Their faces were lit with anticipation. Something big was happening.
• Curious, I approached a group deep in conversation. “Hey, what’s going on?”
• One of them turned to me with a grin. “Mateo called for a meeting. It’s a big deal whenever he gathers everyone like this. It’s been a while since the last one.”
• My heart skipped a beat. I’d heard plenty about Mateo from Lexie and the others, but I’d never met him. He was the leader of the camp and apparently, the one who had saved us during the rogue attack.
• I owed him my life.
• Determined, I joined the others, making my way to the kitchen to help prepare. As I worked, I couldn’t help but wonder what Mateo was like. From how everyone described him, I imagined an older, experienced Alpha. For sure, he was exuding a commanding, serious, and maybe a little intimidating presence. Well, it was expected of him being the leader of this wonderful camp.
• When the time for the meeting arrived, we finished setting up long tables and laying out food. The camp dwellers gathered. Everyone chatted and greeted each other like long-lost friends.
• Excitement buzzed in the air. It felt like a celebration. I had heard that whenever Mateo called for a gathering, it was as festive as a holiday feast. It was evident that he was well-loved by his people, all the more that I was excited to meet him.
• My anticipation built as the chatter quieted. Lexie stepped forward and gestured toward the man of the hour.
• Then he stepped into view.
• My smile froze. My breath hitched as I saw the same smug blue eyes and the same unreadable expression.
• Heat rushed to my face, not from excitement but from sheer mortification.
• Oh, shoot!
• Mateo Romano wasn’t just some mysterious camp leader. He was him.
• And judging by the way his lips curled ever so slightly in amusement, he recognized me too.
• The world around me dulled as a cold wave of realization crashed over me.
• The man I had been so excited to meet and imagined as a noble, wise leader of Rivermoon was none other than the infuriating pervert from the river!