I was about to ask Jace another question when I noticed his attention drift over my shoulder.
His whole posture changed.
His eyes lit up in a way they hadn’t all afternoon.
“Nelly,” he said, standing so quickly his chair scraped across the wooden floor.
I turned around.
Nelly was weaving through the tables carrying a tray piled high with food.
She smiled the moment she spotted us.
“Well, if it isn’t my two favourite newcomers.” She set her tray down beside ours before sitting opposite us.
“How are you settling in?” Jace smiled.
“I don’t think either of us wants to leave.” “I definitely don’t,” I admitted.
“I keep expecting someone to tell me I’ve got to wake up.” Nelly gave me a warm smile.
“It stops feeling like a dream eventually.” Before I could answer…
A strange voice echoed inside my head.
‘Lilah…’ I nearly jumped out of my chair.
I spun around.
Nobody was behind me.
‘Don’t panic.’ I stared at Jace.
His lips hadn’t moved.
He looked at me with a guilty expression.
‘It’s me.’ I blinked.
My heart hammered in my chest.
“What…” I whispered…what was that?” Jace winced.
“Oh…” He rubbed the back of his neck.
“I forgot.” “You forgot?” ” I forgot to tell you about mind-linking.
” I simply stared at him.
“You forgot to tell me wolves can put voices inside people’s heads?” He laughed nervously.
“When you say it like that…” “Jace!” “Sorry!” He said “You should’ve seen your face.” “I thought I was going mad!” “I know, it was brilliant.” I folded my arms dramatically.
“I’ve been a wolf for less than twenty-four hours.” “You could at least warn me before invading my brain.” Jace looked genuinely apologetic.
“Fair point.” Nelly sat eating her sandwich, unaware of our internal conversation “So…” I asked.
“How does it work?” “It’s actually really useful,” he explained.
“Wolves can communicate telepathically as long as you’re within range, It helps during hunts Or if you’re in danger “So everyone can hear everyone?” “Not unless you want them to.” he said “You choose who you’re talking to.” .
“This is amazing!” “See?” He laughed.
“Told you.” While Jace was explaining how to strengthen a mind-link, I noticed something.
Every few seconds…
He glanced at Nelly.
Then looked away.
Then looked back again.
Nelly wasn’t much better.
She kept smiling whenever he wasn’t looking.
Honestly…
They were hopeless.
Then Jace looked at me.
‘Please.’ His voice echoed inside my mind again.
‘Can you help me?’ I blinked.
Help you how?
‘I haven’t had a chance to spend any time with Nelly.’ He looked almost desperate.
‘Please make an excuse.’ I couldn’t help smiling.
You owe me.
His face lit up.
‘Deal.’ I looked between them.
Then stood up.
“Well…” I stretched dramatically.
“I think I’m going to have a wander.” Nelly looked surprised.
“Already?” “Yeah, I want to explore while everyone’s busy.” Jace looked almost too innocent.
“Good idea.” I rolled my eyes.
“So subtle.” “What?” “You two have fun.” Nelly suddenly understood.
A grin spread across her face.
“Oh…” “Thanks, girl.” She reached over and squeezed my hand.
“I owe you one.” “You and Jace both.” I laughed before collecting my tray and taking it over to the return counter.
As I walked away, I glanced back once.
The second I disappeared around the corner…
Jace moved into my chair.
Honestly.
They were impossible.
The warm afternoon air greeted me as I stepped outside.
For a moment, I simply stood there.
The Compound looked even more beautiful in daylight.
Children chased one another between the cabins.
Someone was hanging washing outside.
A group of older wolves were repairing a wooden fence, laughing about something that had apparently happened years ago.
The smell of freshly baked bread drifted from the bakery, i never new bread could smell so good.
Somewhere nearby…
Someone was playing a guitar.
It felt…
Alive.
Not noisy.
Not chaotic.
Just…full of life.
I wandered along one of the winding stone paths, taking everything in.
Every cabin was different.
Some had flower beds bursting with colour.
Others had vegetable patches.
One even had a little swing hanging from a huge oak tree.
People smiled as I walked past.
Some waved.
Others simply nodded politely.
Nobody stared.
Nobody whispered.
Nobody looked disgusted.
I wasn’t used to that.
I smiled back awkwardly.
Without really thinking about it, my feet carried me towards the edge of the Compound, towards a forest.
Beyond the final row of cabins lay the forest.
Towering pine trees swayed gently in the breeze.
The familiar scent of moss, earth and wildflowers instantly relaxed me.
The woods had always been my safe place.
I stepped beneath the trees.
Sunlight filtered through the branches in shimmering patterns.
Birdsong echoed overhead.
A squirrel darted up a nearby trunk before stopping and tilting it’s head to study me.
I smiled.
“Hello.” i waved.
It twitched its nose.
Then disappeared into the leaves.
I laughed quietly to myself.
I followed a narrow trail deeper into the woods.
The sounds of the Compound slowly faded behind me.
For the first time all day…
I was completely alone.
I breathed deeply.
The scents of the forest filled my lungs.
Everything smelled sharper now.
Every flower.
Every tree.
Every animal.
It was overwhelming…
But wonderful.
I closed my eyes.
For the first time since gaining my wolf…
I let myself simply feel.
The wind brushing my face.
The distant rush of water somewhere ahead.
The birds singing high above.
The steady rhythm of my own heartbeat.
I smiled.
Maybe this…
This feeling…
Was freedom.