Where I’ve Been

When I wake up, Alastair is gone, and it is dark outside. I stretch and pad over to where I left the dead dear. It is cold and stiff now, but I don't want it to go to waste. I choke it down, letting my wolf instincts drown out the disgust my human-self feels. In the darkness, I slowly make my way back to the pack village. When I reach my house, I breathe a sigh of relief that all the lights are shut off. I quickly transform and creep as quietly as I can up the porch steps, easing the front door open. By the time I've made it halfway through the dark kitchen, I think I'm in the homestretch to the stairs and my room. I've successfully snuck back into the house unnoticed.

But my success is unwarranted as suddenly the bright kitchen lights flip on. "Cameron Marion Berkley, where have you been?"

I squeak, quickly covering my naked body from my mother who is leaning against the counter with her arms folded across her chest. "Mom!" I scramble behind the kitchen island, trying to preserve my decency.

"Do you have any idea what time it is, young omega? Davy told us you ran away from school and then you don't show up for hours! You completely ignore our calls! Your father and I were worried sick! For all we know you could be dead in a ditch somewhere!" I bow my head in shame, trying to appear small and innocent. Damn, sometimes my size doesn't do me any favors. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Uh…" I scramble, trying to think of an excuse. I suppose honesty is the best policy. "I had a bad day at school, so I went for a run. I lost track of time and when I took a rest in this field, I fell asleep. Sorry." Whoever said omitting the truth was lying?

My mother just sighs. "Honey, I know you're upset that you couldn't try out for the football team today," Wow. That statement couldn't be further from the truth. "But taking it out on your mate?" She tsks in disappointment. "He is there to comfort you and help you through life's disappointments. If you are feeling upset, as an omega, you need to rely on your mate."

"Davy," I spit. "Isn't my mate."

Mom just sighs and shakes her head. "I know you are feeling anxious about Sunday, my little lamb, but you don't need to worry about that. You both are clearly in love. I'm sure the Goddess will match you together."

She is completely oblivious. At this point, I'm the least "in love" with Davy that I have ever been. Honestly, I'm excited for Sunday. When everyone discovers we aren't mates, finally this charade can end. No more pretending after Sunday. Hopefully then, I can be who I really am. But right now… standing naked in front of my mother in my childhood home… I'll just keep pretending.

"I'm sorry, Mom." I bow my head in submission.

"What if something had happened to you while you were alone?" my mom continues. "What if you were found by rogues or, worse, vampires? And you fell asleep in a field?" She looks at me incredulously as if this is the dumbest thing I could have ever done.

"I was on pack territory, near the coven," I mumble, trying to defend myself. "I was safe there."

My mother sighs again, looking exhausted. "What am I going to do with you? You're lucky your birthday is on Sunday or you would be grounded for a month. Just..." She debates for a moment before thinking up a "suitable" solution. "Please honey, promise me you won't go anywhere without Davy again? When you are not at school or home, I want him no more than a hundred yards away. For your own safety. After you are properly mated, I'm sure you won't feel so inclined to ignore your mate's calls."

So much for not being joined at the hips. "Ok Mom, I promise."