Sacrificed Soul

Chapter Twenty-Two

I'm the only one that marches outside once my statement makes it's way to the pricked ears of pack. It wasn't to silence, either. As soon as Tyler found his way through the hallway that leads upstairs to the offices, the conversations dialed up and everyone went back to their partners as though nothing had happened.

I'm both relieved and terrified as everything about me settles down. The anger that has been pitting it's way through my gut has relinquished it's constant digging, but I still feel it there. It's different now, the hormones of heat making me edgy rather than the fire that had burned to brightly before.

The warmth of the midnight breeze that blows a chill over me is a promises a forceful heat come first thing in the morning. It does nothing to help my ever changing moods, but the forest that calls to me does. I lean against a large tree that protects the barrier of the wild, waiting for the final dredges of the battle high to abate.

Kicking my cheap sandals off, I watch as they go flying in opposite directions while the moist soil of Mother Nature eases through me. It had taken enough time to ease out of war mode that it's probably closer to one a.m. Where some of the pack trickles out to their cars, most of them have partnered and few of them not, staggering drunk through the parking lot in waves.

I feel no tension in the air from them when they galnce in my direction with casual waves and careful smiles, seeing only calm wolves and humans who I now understand have only been waiting for me to declare my space. I wonder what will be in store for me at the pack meeting tomorrow night.

Hopefully not much. Wolves are supposed to challenge each other for their places, and the leaders shouldn't be able to do anything about it any way. I wonder if pack will hold them accountable. I wonder what their excuses will be. I wonder what Mark will do with what I'm sure he's learned this night. I expect trouble is already brewing in the background.

Tyler hadn't headed directly to the leader's offices only to get away from me and the rest of those who witnessed his comeuppance. There was information in spades that had been gathered about me tonight, specifically of my weaknesses.

I scrap my thoughts, following my nose and the earth's guiding hand as it leads me north to my home, and I find myself about three miles up Sierra way. I'd already made up my mind about walking home, but I pick up the distinct sound of Lenora's car as she slows to idle with me. When I turn, I see an ashen Corie sitting in the passenger seat and Junior no where to be seen. She's cradling her swollen stomach, and I watch a cramp take over her that she can't quite hide.

"I couldn't find Junior," Lenora says, her voice carrying high and her eyes watchful "And Corie's car wouldn't start, so I'm giving her a ride. You walking or climbing in?"

She appraises me with eyes and nose, and I stop to let her take in all of me. She presses on the brake, ignoring the car honking behind her, as she assures me, "Everything will be alright Leanne. The leaders can't do anything about challenges issued towards you. I stayed to listen and you are the one being supported. The leaders will be questioned for their lies, I promise you."

"For now, but what about the next time?" I gripe, swiping my hand along my forehead where the sweat has already dried. My palm scrapes against the salty excess that sits on the sensitive skin of my face, "I'll be fine. I just need some time alone."

"You should get in the car. We need to talk," Corie says, but I don't like how pale she is.

I shake my head, "We'll do that another time. Call Dr. Kessler."

"You don't know what you're talking about."

"I know a she-wolf that's about to welp when I see one. Call. The Doctor. I'll be fine."