Chapter 7

• Emily
• I listened from the back of the open meeting area. Every member of the Rivermoon Pack had gathered in a large clearing for the assembly. The sky was clear and blue, and the ground was soft with moss and fallen leaves.
• Around me, wolves were busy setting out food. Older wolves carefully sorted baskets of fruit and meat, while younger ones carried smaller portions to those in need. The mood was busy yet serious, as everyone had come together for this important meeting.
• In the middle of the clearing, Mateo stood on a wooden platform. His deep, steady voice carried easily through the open space.
• “Fellow wolves,” he began. His eyes moved over the crowd with pride and strength, “our territory grows stronger every day. Our northern patrols have kept our borders safe, and our scouts have made new friends with neighboring packs. We have faced hard times, even suffering losses in our recent fights, but our unity has turned these challenges into wins.”
• I could see many wolves nodding in agreement. Some paused from their work while others couldn’t help but clap. Mateo’s words brought everyone together. By the looks of it, everyone treated him as a beacon of light in this small community.
• He continued, “We must keep patrolling our lands, protect our sacred grounds, and support one another. Our training sessions, our hunts, and our nightly watches are not just tasks. Rather, they are the ties that bind us. We are Rivermoon, and we will rise above any threat.”
• Everyone shouted in unison as they agreed to everything he said.
• As his words echoed around me, I felt a stirring inside. I had seen Mateo as nothing more than the pervert I once believed him to be and the wolf I had insulted by the river because of my own recklessness. But now, listening to him speak with such clarity and care, I began to see him in a different light. His tone was firm yet kind, and his vision for our future was filled with promise. I could see how much the pack trusted him. The way everyone listened and their eyes shining with respect and love, told me they believed in his leadership completely.
• For a moment, I felt something changed inside me. I realized that Mateo had earned his place in this community, not through force, but by addressing everyone’s needs to the best of his abilities. The old feeling of irritation I once felt seemed small compared to the strength and compassion he now showed. Yet, even as I admired him, a bitter memory began to haunt me still. It was the day when I first saw him by the river where instead of admitting my mistake, I had lashed out and called him a pervert.
• So, what should I expect from him? Of course, he had every right to reject me as one of their own.
• I quietly slipped away from the meeting with that painful thought burning inside me. I began to pack my few belongings once I reached my room,
• “What are you doing?” Clementine asked inside my head.
• “Isn’t it obvious? We’re leaving,” I answered as I continued packing. “I offended their Alpha so I wasn’t expecting any kindness from him at this point.”
• Suddenly, the door burst wide open.
• "There you are, Rina!" Lexie exclaimed. She clutched a tray of food and quickly walked over. "I've been looking all over for you!”
• Then, she glanced at the bag I had been packing and asked, “Why are you packing things?”.
• "I think it's time for me to go," I said softly. "I've been a nuisance here for too long.”
• Lexie paused as her eyes widened as she looked at me. “Nuisance? What are you saying?” She stepped closer and lowered the tray onto a nearby wooden table. “Rina, you don't have to leave. We care about you. I still didn’t pay you for saving my life. Why are you thinking like that?”
• I felt a heavy ache in my chest as I looked at her. Perhaps, if I tell her how I disrespected her brother, it would change the way she saw me. Everything in this place made me feel at home. However, I felt only regret and loneliness whenever I think about Mateo.
• Taking one more deep breath, I shook my head slightly. "I appreciate it, Lexie. But I really have to go," I said as I resumed packing my few belongings.
• “But why?” Lexie asked as she sat down and stared at me. “No one is forcing you to leave. You’re welcome to stay as long as you want. Why leave now?”
• “Because I’ve been too much of a burden here. You helped me so much, and I can’t keep taking advantage of this pack’s kindness,” I answered sincerely.
• Lexie tried to protest, “But you’re not—”
• “Please, Lexie. I need to do this,” I interrupted softly.
• The truth was, I loved it here. The Rivermoon Pack had made me feel more at home than the Red Moon Pack ever did. The wolves were kind and welcoming, and Lexie had become like a sister during my short stay. But I was still an outsider. I couldn’t call this place home, so I decided to leave before I grew too attached.
• “Thank you for everything. I will never forget the kindness you and your pack have shown me. The Rivermoon Pack is proof that there are still good wolves in this world,” I said.
• “Oh, Rina! I’m going to miss you,” Lexie exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around me. “Isn’t there anything I can do to make you stay?”
• “Perhaps, I can do something.”
• Another voice spoke up from the doorway. I turned to see Mateo leaning casually against the frame. His hands were tucked in his pockets as he watched us with calm eyes. “What do you think, Rina? Would you like to remain here with us and call Rivermoon your new home?”
• His words surprised me. I had always thought Mateo would force me out. But now, here he was, offering me a place among them. My heart pounded in my chest as I struggled to believe it.
• “But, why? Didn’t I call you a p—”
• “Those are just silly words. I don’t get offended that easily,” Mateo interrupted me with a small smile. “After you saved my sister and when I heard that you had no place to go, I knew that the best way for me to repay you was to invite you to become a part of our community. Think of this as a token of appreciation from a brother to his sister’s savior. So, what do you say?”
• Lexie squeezed my hands as she stepped closer with a warm smile. “Come on, Rina! Our Alpha is waiting for your reply. Will you accept our invitation to become a part of the Rivermoon Pack?” Her eyes shone with hope, and in that moment, the world around me seemed to slow down.
• I felt tears stream down my face as I looked between Lexie’s hopeful eyes and Mateo’s steady gaze.
• “Sure, I gladly accept,” I said with gratitude. In that moment, I felt that maybe, I had found a way to heal and start anew.