Chapter 12: Chapter 12
The warm sunlight surrounds me as I stare at the lake in front of me. Sounds of waves gently crashing against the shores bring a sense of calmness over me as the soft breeze ruffles my long hair and pink sundress. Today I am nineteen and it has been one year since becoming a rogue. My heart still feels broken instead of a shattering pain from the rejection, but I am happy. As pups we are told that the first year after being rejected is the most difficult to overcome. Your sanity could shatter, or the pain of the rejection could physically kill you. If the mate that rejected you is selfish they could cause more harm to you by having sex with other wolves after the rejection. I knew that pain all too well.
But somehow, I managed to keep my sanity even at times when I felt like giving in to the pain. I managed to survive a year alone as a rogue and even killed plenty of Soulless in the process. You might think that I am cruel for killing any Soulless that came my way, but the truth is I am setting them free. Death allows them to enter the realm of the Moon Goddess on the other side and gives them a chance to either one- be reborn and reincarnated or two- serve the Goddess on the other side and help wolves that are waiting for their mate to join them in the afterlife.
It’s also been about nine months since I last saw the ice Alpha. I learned a week after saving him that he had posted an article about me and how I came to help him when the group of Soulless attacked. I couldn’t believe how detailed he went into the incident from what we said and how we interacted to the smallest detail of how I killed each Soulless. I was flattered at first by the article and even printed it off to add into my scrap book of articles on Fire Foot. But after the article I soon found trouble in looting both in human form and wolf. Many wolves and rogues like myself wanted to see what I was made of and how my skills were. That lasted for about two months because by then I had opened up my own store in the tourist city called Kenora just an hour away from my house.
It was a bakery and gift shop located in downtown Kenora that sold delicious treats that locals and tourists love as well as traditional herbal medicine and tea made from the fruits, berries and medicinal herbs from my Green house, sculptures and furniture carved from the fallen trees of the forest and dream catchers made under the night of the full moon each month. Everything I made has my own brand on it, a paw inside a heart made of flames. It symbolized my name the community gave me, Fire Foot.
Wolves from different packs in the area also come to my store for the sweet treats I made that included the fresh sweet berries I grew all year round in my green house that I had expanded over the year as well as for the original works of art. Some would even leave orders for specific furniture for their homes. They all know that I am a rogue but because I took the time and invested my money into something that wouldn’t harm the werewolf community they were more than happy to buy from my store.
My store became so popular within its third month of opening that I bought the building attached to it and expanded it. The new addition allowed me to work with local artisans and wolves from various packs who wanted to sell their own special goods. I created sections that allowed the artisans to rent for their own goods. They were allowed to come each morning to stock their designated display units for an hour and could leave while my employees managed the store. They knew the rule that if they caused a fight with any of the other artisans the ones fighting would be banned from entering and selling in my store. The best part about my employees is that some were rogues who were looking for a fresh start. They came to my store looking for work when they realized the owner is a rogue too. Some were even fresh out of culinary school and with a bit of training they were able to bake the treats to my standard – sometimes even better than me.
I am proud of what I have built in the last year but today I had put a notice on the door and gave everyone advance warning that for two days I would be closing as a weekend for vacation. I wanted the day all to myself to reflect on this past year and to celebrate my birthday. Cake and food waited for my return home and so did a marathon of The One Hundred on Netflix. Today is definitely different from last year.
I yawned and stretched out on the soft grass below me as the scent of wild flowers float around me in the breeze, my eyes closing to enjoy the peaceful lake. This place is in the middle of neutral territory. I had gone on a run about four months back after work to release some stress when I came across this lake. The water shimmered under the moonlight and you could see straight to the bottom with how crystal clear the water was. It is hard to get to by car and looked to be undisturbed by humans with thick trees protecting it from view and fields of wild flowers all around. It is also where I came the next day to carefully pick some rare flowers and transport them into a new section of my green house to grow and cultivate. They made amazing skin care and beauty products as well as delicious teas.
...
I must have dozed off some time after lying down because I found myself staring at a beautiful sunset over the lake. Hues of red, orange, pink and white causes the lake to look like a glowing gemstone under the waning light. The sight is breath taking and I couldn’t help but take my phone out to take a picture. I wanted to paint this scene and sell copies in my store soon maybe include a silhouette of a wolf or a pair of wolves in the foreground enjoying the view.
"Comfy?" A deep voice comes from slightly behind me, starling me as I drop my phone and unsheathe my hidden dagger from my thigh, my body ready to attack. Soon my eyes meet those of a wolf I knew all too well, the ice wolf and Alpha to the Blood Moon Pack.
"I was till you talked." I joked putting the dagger away and getting a chuckle from him. I couldn’t help but admire his looks. His tan skin and strong muscles still the same as when I first met him. Slowly he walks towards me till he is standing in front, the wind behind me blowing towards him as he took in my scent. I couldn’t help but size him up as he towers above me, causing me to look up. But not once did I feel scared or intimidated by this Alpha.
"I-"
"Wanted to thank me? I already heard it the first time." I smile, getting a bewildered look as I cut him off. I couldn’t help but chuckle as he goes deep in thought before he sends a warm smile my way.
"You were there?" The Alpha asks, turning to look at the water. I nod in response before I sit back down on my spot in the grass surprised when the Alpha takes a seat beside me.
"Thank you for the herbs by the way, I sell medicine I make from it at my shop. The wolves who buy them always come back." I break the silence that settles between us as I look at his profile. He quickly turns to look at me with shock at my gratitude.
"The only place in the town that sells medicine is-“
"Fire Heart Bakery and Gift Shop. I know" I chuckle out, sending a mischievous wink his way.
"Wait! Are you Amberle, the rogue wolf that owns that shop?" His face is a mixture of shock and awe as he stare’s at me, causing me to chuckle at the Alpha wolf who is staring at me as if he is meeting his childhood idol for the first time.
"Yes, nice to meet you mister-"
"Dominic DeValorse." He answers finishing my sentence he shakes my hand.
"I think I like Ice better." I retort back, rolling my eyes for a moment and returning my attention back to the lake.
"Ice? Why Ice?" Dominic asks, his head tilted to the side in puzzlement. Gone was the image of a battle harden Alpha as his nature is carefree and so childish and I could not help but giggle – yes – actually giggle with how he looks. It feels nice not having to worry about a wolf attacking me for being a rogue and have a proper conversation.
"Because of your fur. It’s like mine, but like living ice." He laughs at my answer and I stick out my tongue at him childishly before we both end up laughing under the setting sun. Feeling safe around this wolf what ever vigilance against Dominic that I had before vanishes and I begin to ask questions about his pack, learning about how he’s made new treaties and allies peacefully which is surprising considering most packs prefer war over peace. Our topic changes to questions about my store and pride swells into me. I loved the store I have spent months growing and how everyone who works under me has become a family in every way. Everything is great until Dominic asks a question I did not expect.
"So I have to ask, why are you out here all alone? What made you go rogue because you’re an amazing wolf" I go rigid at his question, pain etching itself along my body. I knew wolves would ask eventually about my situation but talking about it still hurt, the wound still too fresh to bear at times.
"You don't have to tell me Amberle. By the looks of it this is a hard subject for you." He adds quickly and I sigh. I see the concern and care in his eyes as he shifts closer to me, his hand resting on my shoulder.
"It’s been a year now. It started the night my parents died when I was nine." I start, and then the story of my life unfolds. Dominic is a great listener, nodding and allowing me to just talk without interruption as I talk about the hunters, the abuse, the pain, and the rejection. By the end of my explanation I am hugging my knees to my chest, watching the water in the lake roll gently back and forth.
"Wow." Is all Dominic whispers out as silence settles once again between us. Surprise fills me when strong arms wrap around my small frame and I am pulled into a sturdy chest as Dominic settles his head on top of mine. His scent of mint and pine surrounds me, and I can’t help but take it in, letting him comfort me as my tears finally fall for the first time in a year while this stranger holds me close and comforts me.
“You are so strong surviving this.” He whispers, his hand gently rubbing my back. It felt nice being in the embrace of someone and feeling safe and secure; something that I have longed for growing up, something I wanted more of.
“Happy birthday by the way.” He adds causing me to go into a laughing fit. It was so unexpected to hear him say that after the long-winded story of how I became a rogue, but it was something that felt right too.
"Thank you." I manage to say before slipping out of his arms and standing. Being beside Dominic brought a breath of fresh air into me making me feel so alive again.
"Want to come to my place for some cake?" I ask a smile on my face as I extend the offer and my hand out to him.
"Sure." Dominic smiles up at me, a smile that nearly takes my breath away for a moment. Whoever ends up as his mate will be one lucky she-wolf. Standing up and taking my hand Dominic and I walk hand in hand through the forest towards my house. Along the way I point out different wild herbs and vegetables his wolves can keep an eye out for that will help out in the future. I couldn’t believe it when he told me that no one in his pack is trained in survival knowledge as no one has turned rogue in his pack ever. He figured his pack wouldn’t need it and I call him an idiot for it – which he agreed he is and stated that everyone would be starting survival training as soon as possible.
We stop walking as my home comes into view, his face in awe as he stares ahead at what I call my home that I have been slowly renovating over the last few months. The house is huge with a three story two hundred square feet property that has a silver-plated fence running around the perimeter that includes a portion of the forest it is situated in. Something I had completed last month as an extra security measure for myself living in neutral territory with many rogues and Soulless in the area. The building itself a mini-mansion that is made to look like it belonged in the woods with most of the walls glass panels to allow in as much nature as possible.
The first floor is an open concept with everything in view and I had renovated it so that the dining area is to the left of the kitchen taking in the view of the back yard since it the kitchen is farthest from the window, the living room being the closest to the wall of windows to allow in more light during the day, but a small powder room is situated by the front entrance as is the door to the garage and the mud room that led to my large extended green house; my pride and joy that I grow many plants in that is just half the size of my house.
The upstairs held four bedrooms, each with their own bathroom and small walk in closet, a library and study area with more floor to ceiling windows on the wall to let in the most lighting possible for me to work on paperwork and business deals for my store as well as have a cozy place to read my precious books. The final floor is one that I deemed my favourite and personal space. It held one master bed room with a full bath that has a shower fit for two people, a large claw foot tub perfect for soaking in, a his and hers vanity sink set as well as two large walk-in closets. I left one closet empty and closed for the day I am granted a second chance mate.
The final touch is the large, renovated basement I had focused on. When I bought this place the basement was just bare concrete flooring with nothing but a laundry area that only held the washer and dryer and the heater and hot water tank system. I knew I needed specific areas for when winter hit or if I decided to start my own pack, so I started focusing on renovating the basement first as a long term and major project alongside my green house. What once was a boring cold basement soon held a bright and clean laundry room with state of the art equipment for washing, shelves that hold products and extra clean linen in case I decided to have guests as well as a station for ironing clothes.
Next to that is a room I took great pride into designing. A large home gym with free weights and machines to help keep me in shape when winter makes it hard to workout in took up half of the basement. I always loved working out and knowing I would need a place for both my wolf and skin form I knew the basement would be the best place to create said space. Finally, at the very far end of the basement housed a storage area for food and products I would need to stock up on with a large walk in fridge and freezer. As a werewolf the amount of food I needed to keep up with my fast metabolism sometimes tripled or quadrupled that of a human. Having a large storage area made it easier to buy food in bulk and even store fruit and vegetables from my greenhouse.
Since it is summer, the garden is full of flowers and the new pool that I had built last month reflected the various plants and berry bushes. The pool is something I loved spending time in when I wasn’t running around by a lake or river as it was shaped to be a natural pond with a deep end and shallow end. The filtration system for it flowed through an area where large aquatic plants filtered the particles through their roots leaving my pool crystal clean and clear with no chlorine needed. And as a werewolf with a high immune system I am more than happy with a pool that fits in with the surrounding. The idea came to me one day in January when the area I lived in faced a brutal snow storm. I was cozied up on the couch watching Animal Planet and Pool Master came on.
A wrap around patio deck took up half the side of my house along the wall of windows Fitted with a large wooden gazebo with furniture I had made in the winter in my four-car garage. Only one car sat in the garage and it is the mustang convertible my father left to me.
"For a rogue you’re doing pretty well for yourself." Dominic states as his eyes scan the property as best as he can from our spot. He continues walking towards my property, his hand still clasping my own and I couldn’t help the proud smile that fills my face.
“Thank you. Believe it or not between opening my store and buying and renovating this place I was actually broke for a while. It wasn’t until the store started doing well for itself and gaining popularity that I started gaining a stable income.” I state, taking my hand out of his to push open the only non-silver spot of the fence line, and iron gate that had a small path leading from the paved drive way just outside the sliding gate that allowed me to drive my car in and out of the property and to town.
I lead Dominic into my house, telling him to take off his shoes at the front door or risk being skinned for making my floors dirty before leading him to the kitchen. The smell of baked chicken and roasted vegetables fill the air as the oven keeps the meal warm and I motion for my guest to sit on one of the stools beside the kitchen island as I take the food out of the oven and place it in front of him before passing a bottle of wine, plates and cutlery to Dominic and joining him to eat.
We continue getting to know each other, talking about our likes and dislikes and it makes me wonder if the many Alphas of the Blood Moon Pack are as ruthless as the rumours make them out to be. So far other than growling at me when Dominic first found out I am Fire Foot last year, he is nothing but friendly; and maybe a little too tempting to be with. With dinner finished and the night sky providing a view of the gorgeous stars I suggest eating the cake on the patio on a lounge set by my pool. Dominic agrees readily to my idea and takes out the plate and cutlery we will need as well as another bottle of red wine and glasses as I grab the cake from the fridge and head over to where he sits waiting.
"Wow." I laugh at his expression while I place the New York cheesecake with white chocolate drizzle and chocolate chips before him on the wooden table and begin to cut nice size slices for us to enjoy. I lean back into my chair, my eyes watching Dominic when he takes his first bite and lets out an orgasmic moan with his eyes closing in absolute bliss. The pool water bubbles gently in the quiet night, the only sound between us and the scent of all the flowers swirling around the breeze creating an intimate atmosphere. This probably is the best birthday I’ve had in a long time.
“To be frank with you Amberle, I am glad I ran into you today.” Dominic starts, ending the comfortable silence as he reaches for another large slice of cheesecake, practically making out with it.
"Why's that?" I inquire a bemused expression on my face while I watch my new friend. It seems like I will have to hide this cheesecake from now on if he becomes a regular at my place.
"My head tracker is retiring to raise her pups and I was hoping I could run into you again to ask you to join my pack and take her spot. You can still stay here and run you store but the trackers normally train from Fridays to Saturdays. I know you have employees and normally use those days to work on paper work so it wouldn’t cut into your business.” My eyes widen at first with his implied stalking me, then at his proposal of joining his pack. For a moment I stare at the wolf before me silently before I turn to stare at the water with swirling thoughts. I am Fire Foot - the notorious rogue that loots powerful packs - and he wanted me in his pack. I couldn’t lie to myself and say that the idea of finding a pack and being a member in a community once again didn’t call to me. I wanted to be with other wolves once again and feel connected but the fear of what happened back at Forest Paw held me back some days. But something in Dominic’s eyes as he stares at me without the pride and arrogance of an Alpha causes a flicker of hope inside me to burn bright. Maybe this could be a new beginning, a new chapter in my life that I needed. The prospect of my dream job being handed to me on my birthday on a silver platter added to what my decision was to be. After a long moment of silence while Dominic leaves me to my thoughts I smile and nod.
"One month. I will train them for one month and tell you if I plan to stay or not afterwards." I answer firmly. If in a month I felt like I belong, and that Blood Moon could become my new family then I would stay. But if I felt like an outcast once again, then Dominic will have to find someone else.
"It’s a deal. We can do a test run tomorrow and see how it works out since I know you closed the store this weekend.” Dominic adds and I couldn’t help but chuckle at his enthusiasm. We shook hands and I lead him to the study to make a contract of the terms for the month to come and he left shortly after signing both copies – one for each of us. I spent an hour gathering things I would need for training and coming up with an idea that tested their abilities. As a Tracker myself being quick and quick-witted is an asset and I needed to comprehend just how much work needed to be done tomorrow with the Blood Moon wolves.
Tomorrow I would be training his wolves and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited.