My inner wolf whimpered as the metallic odor appeared caught in my nostrils as I emerged from the woods behind our manor and changed back into a human.
"Dad!Running through the patio door, I cried, "Dad?"
Honey, in the office.
I gasped, "Hey, dad," and said it.
"Hey there, child."
I was racing home when I noticed a strange fragrance about a mile into the woods.
"What sort of odor? You'll have to get used to having more acute senses," he stated, continuing to work.
It smelled strongly of metal and resembled old dirt, um.
Metal and dusty dirt?"
"Yeah. It was a scent I had never experienced before.
Anyone else?"
"Yeah, it had an old meat smell. similar to how long a steak is left to sit on the counter.
After kissing my forehead, he stood and sprinted out the patio door.
"Dad?"
"Honey, don't worry about it. Just a patrol is being sent into the woods. Be at home.
Okay, I see.
Weird.
What happened to your father?Mom enquired as she left the kitchen.
"To determine the strange smell I detected."
"Oh, right. Everything all right?"
I shook my head and said, "I dunno. Maybe? He is sending a patrol into the woods to investigate.
"Wow, that's odd. He'll understand it, I have no doubt.
Following a cheek kiss, I left for my room.
I suppose I ought to let them know I'm going.
I shook my head and put my backpack on the floor of my bedroom before searching my closet for my suitcases.
"What do you pack for a month-long trip away from home?""I thought to myself.
I looked around and saw how much I depended on my possessions.
I suppose I'm packing whatever I can.
My hasty packing was halted by a knock on the door.
"Who's that?" I exclaimed.
"Mom is here,"
What's up, mom? I tucked my bags beneath my bed and unlocked my bedroom door."
Dinner is prepared.
"Great. I'm famished.
Alex is present.
"Nevermind. I'm not starving.
"Elanor, you can't keep avoiding them forever."
Yes, I can. Observe me.
You're going to have to accept this, she said with a heavy sigh.
I shook my head and said, "I don't think so."
Come eat dinner, then.
"Nope. I'm not starving.
The answer is "Yes, you are."
"Nope. My appetite has suddenly disappeared.
If you get hungry later, I'll have Henry put a plate in the refrigerator for you.
"Whatever."
My stomach growled at the notion of whatever Henry made; his cuisine was always amazing. I closed and locked the door behind her, taking my baggage out once more.
I once more dug through my closet and chose a variety of garments, from more casual and dinner party attire to more outdoor and hiking attire.
"You never know what you'll end up doing, I guess."
My doorknob swung back and forth as if someone were attempting to enter, so I put the suitcases in my closet and slept in bed staring out my window as I watched the sun set.
"Leave now."
Open the door, please.
"No. Leave now.
"Open the fucking door," Alex muttered in his angry low growl.
"I informed you no. Go. Away."
"Ellie, talk to me."
"You don't have permission to call me that! My only buddies do. My friend, you are not. Go. Away."
"Elanor, I'm tired of your attitude."
Is something wrong?I could make out my father's hushed speech.
"Nah, Beta. Just trying to communicate with your stubborn daughter.
"Are you sure that's a wise move at this time?"
"What's her issue?"Alex enquired.
"Seriously? You want to know what her issue is."
"Yeah. What is the issue?"
Let's give this some thought for a minute. If you want to lead our pack as the alpha one day, you need to be able to think critically. How long did you date Ellie?"
"I'm not sure,"
Alex, four years. Ellie and you dated for four years. Then all of a sudden, in front of her, you marked her sister.
"And?"
"Think critically. How would you react if you saw someone mark her in your presence?"
But she doesn't have a partner?"
That cut me to the core and wounded.
"She is. Simply said, she hasn't met him yet. He's going to be 10000 times more of a man than you have shown everyone you are, knowing my daughter and how precious she is.
That is inappropriate, Beta.
Furthermore, it is inappropriate for you to shout at my daughter in my home while standing outside her door. She is not your partner. I would appreciate it if you stayed with Harmony in her room or left the area altogether.
I couldn't help but smile when I heard Alex growl lowly once more.
Dad, you are loved.
Hey honey, could you open the door for your elderly father?"
"Hello, dad," I sprang up and opened the door.
He said, "Hello, daughter," and gave me a kiss on the forehead.
I said with a smile as I encircled him. "You're the best," I said.
"Oh, I'm fine,"
Has the patrol left?"
"Yeah. I came up here specifically to look for you for that.
What was that?"
"Well, it was odd. A dead deer was discovered.
It smelled like a dead deer."
"That's the strange part. Deer didn't do that. You noticed a metallic odor right away. It was the remaining blood.
"The remaining blood?"
"Yes, it was all drained from the poor beast. It's very peculiar. That is something I have never seen before.
"What might harm a deer in the forest in that way?" I inquired.
"We're uncertain. After being called to the scene, Dr. Lyndon is performing a necropsy to learn more about what killed the animal.
My arms were crossed in front of me as I pursed my lips.
Was this what Artemis was referencing?
Share your opinions?Dad enquired.
"Hmm? Oh, I'm just curious about what the woods may hold. That's it.
"Me too."
My mouth started to dry as he turned to leave.
Hello, dad."
"Yeah?"
"I have something I want to tell you."
"Honey, what is that?"
"With everything that is going on with Alex and Harmony, I took all of my finals today."
"Oh? Dean Anderson permitted that, right?"
"Yes. For us, Ashley arranged that.
"Us? Did she do it too?", he inquired.
"Mmhmm."
"Why?"
Well, we're going now.
"Leaving? What is departing?"
"The pack is here."
"Wolves never depart from their packs."
"I know. And it won't last always. I just want to travel a little bit, you know. See the other packs. See more of our world. I've never left Moon Mist before."
"How long are you expecting to be away?"
Just a month or a few weeks, maybe.
"Okay, make sure you go to the Royal City. I am friends with the Beta of Winter Lake. Her name is Marsha Brandywine, and she is very intelligent and kind. I'll let her know that you are coming, and she will be able to show you around the city."
I blinked. Saying "Thanks, Dad."
No issue, dog. Just be cautious, okay?
I'll be, of course. I'm your daughter, after all.
"You and I are the epitome of cautious,"
I sighed deeply as soon as he left my room.
Harmony and Alex were absent for a month.