The Exception

Chapter 6

*Josh POV*

After the party, everyone went home and the initiates went back to the pack house. I was silent all the way until I got to my room. As I was about to open the door, Tyler's voice stopped me.

"Josh!"

"...yeah?" I said, slowly turning around to see Tyler jog up to me.

"What's going on between you and that girl, Selena?"

I didn't answer his question, rather I just stared, waiting for him to continue like I knew he would.

"Something must have happened because you wouldn't just up and leave like that. There has to be something going on here, man."

I paused for a few seconds before responding.

"I'll tell you in the morning. It's too late for me to explain everything when we have to get up so early tomorrow."

"Alright, man. G'night"

'Good. I've kept him quiet for at least a few more hours.' I thought, shaking my head after he left. He walked off to his room as I entered mine and closed the door.

*Selena POV*

It's now Friday. All members packed up for our hike through the wilderness to where we will be holding the induction. We had to leave early because we didn't want the humans to accidentally spot us. We will hike in our wolf forms, set up a temporary camp to take a rest until nightfall, and have the ceremony under the full moon. I emptied my book bag of all my school books and Jake's notes that he gave me Wednesday flew out.

 

'I've got to remember to give these notes back to Jake as soon as possible. I know he'll probably need them before the test next week.'

I picked them up off the floor and placed it on my bed with my other books.

I then grabbed my white dress that we always wear for inductions along with some heels that I put into my book bag. That was all I really needed because everything else was taken care of. I put clothes on, even though I would be shifting as soon as we got to the wilderness anyway. I just wore some clothes that I could care less about. I put my book bag on and headed out the door with my family not far behind. My two sisters: Sarah, who is 13, and Marissa who is 11, walked on both sides of me while my little 6 year old brother Daniel clung to my mother. She was off to take him to the caretaker so she would meet us later.

It was still pretty dark outside which was good. I could see wolves already assembled at the edge of the forest, waiting. Nicole and her family will be here as well, but only as guests. They obviously won't feel the effects of the pack bond expanding because they aren't connected to our pack.

As I neared the rest of the pack, I could see Jake with his family. We had to line up according to our rank in the pack except for the initiates. They run between the Alpha and the Beta until we reach our site. I looked towards the initiates. I don't know why I looked for Josh. I don't know what I expected to see either because as soon as I looked his way, he turned his gaze elsewhere.

I looked downward until I felt Jake's arm around me,

"Hey Jake." I said with what seemed to me a weak smile. I so hoped he wouldn't catch onto it.