I think the hardest part of it all, was wanting to belong somewhere when you had no roots at all to go back to. There was no home left for me. Nothing. The den on the cliffs, was probably already taken by another wolf. And I couldn't see myself just walking up to an alpha and asking to live anywhere. I wasn't brave. I wasn't strong. I wasn't much of anything really. Four years old, and I was the size of a two and a half year old. I doubted I'd grow anymore than I already had. I always felt it stopped me from doing anything. Because more often than not, no one took me seriously as an adult. Kinda pathetic huh?

I mentally shook the thoughts from my head as I listened to the words that Avery spoke. Her pack? The moment it clicked, I realized why I had felt so at ease, and the strange urge to do whatever she said. She had alpha written in her aura, even though she did not boast it. Made so much more sense now.

"Are you sure you wish to offer that? You don't know me from Adam." Hesitation filled my voice as I thought on the possibility of having a safe, warm place to sleep at night. Somewhere I would be able to rest fully, not having to sleep with one eye open to watch for the predators that filled the woods at night. The idea of belonging somewhere, even as a guest, was appealing.

But why did it feel like the idea of finding a place to live felt like I was betraying mom? It was the strangest feeling, like I was going against her wishes, even when she never gave me any advice. Avery spoke then of puppies. A smile lit across my face as I shook my head gently. "I haven't, but I can surmise I'd fit right in with them, most take me for one anyway." I shrug, a small chuckle expressed as I looked back to her, a question lingering in my eyes. "I don't want to come if I can't contribute in any way, is there something I could do to repay the kindness?"