Lacking Humanity|Crescent Moon

Chapter Twenty-Seven

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It wasn't long before Sage started to feel left out. Remus was talking and laughing with a few other wolves, and she tried not to let it upset her. But it was difficult when all she could do was stare at all those in small little groups around the yard while the pups were running around and laughing.

Even in a world where all those around her smelled similar, she was still the odd one out.

With Remus distracted, Sage found herself sitting against one of the trees, sipping on her punch juice as it gave her comfort and allowed her to do something. And the very sugary taste was starting to grow on her. Both fruity and sweet.

"Sage? Hun, what are you doing over here by yourself?" She knew instantly who the voice came from. It was Luke.

Of course, it was.

He had his eye on her the entire time, especially when the Alpha walked her around the given groups that the pack was divided into.

"Tree."

"Yeah, that's a tree...You alright?" She shook her head, her teary eyes trying to hide away from her brother as she squeezed her knees tightening to her chest.

It sent a sting to Remus, a pang to his heart as his mate was starting to get railed up and emotional. His eyes darkly scanned the crowd but couldn't find where she had gone off to.

Sage? Where are you?

Luke watched her flinch, and he assumed that the Alpha's voiced had scared her. Granted, anyone had a direct line to her now since she was pronounced Luna of the pack. The only thing that remained was her devotion to the Alpha as a mate.

Everything about their relationship was essentially starting backwards. Usually, a mated couple would get this initiation, but what was the council going to say?

I got her, Alpha. I think the crowd is starting to freak her out. Give me a few minutes.

The Alpha agreed, especially as he didn't want to throw attention at Sage if he made his way towards them.

With the go-ahead, Luke had taken a seat beside her. The tree's truck acting as support for their backs.

"I don't really like these parties either, but they are really excited." She shook her head again, closing her eyes as she began to send memories of what she endured for the past hour.

Luke understood. He understood better than anyone that she wanted to be involved, and the only thing standing in her way was her inability to verbally communicate with others.

All she wanted was to speak on her own. And it wasn't as though she could ask questions either. Everything was up to interpretation until the tutor worked their magic.

"It's not something you can pick up instantly, Sage. Learn. You have to learn."

"Hard. Learn." He chuckled, allowing his arm to lean around her shoulder and bring her close.

"It's not going to be easy. It's not hunting. It's talking, reading...Skin. You have to learn to be human too, not just a wolf." She pouted but still leaned into his hold as it was warm. Inviting.

Until she sniffed at the odd scent that was fuming from his cup.

"That's probably not a good idea hun, stick with the punch." He didn't have much of a chance as she pulled it closer to her nose for another whiff.

"Maybe a sip will get it out of your system?" She shook her head, her wolf whining as there seeming was something wrong, like an annoying tug that wouldn't go away, but once again, she couldn't manage to put two and two together.