Wyrd Calling (Wyrd Bound Book 1) by Shen Hart Read Free Book Online Page B

it with slightly fruity and earthy undertones. Another had the rich scents of spiced meats with bread and cheese. My mouth was watering as I took my seat and allowed the cubs to scurry around gathering plates and cutlery. I won't deny that I was slightly disappointed when I was handed a bottle of beer instead of something stronger, but I smiled graciously. They were trying.  
    Nik kept looking between everyone with his brow furrowed and the corners of his mouth slightly tightened. Everyone put on big smiles and organised the food, though. Once everyone was sitting down, we helped ourselves to a mix of pizzas, Chinese, and Indian. It was a feast, and the first time I felt vaguely ok with the situation.  
    After a few minutes of nothing but the happy sound of eating, Nik couldn't stand it any longer; he looked between Alex and I before focusing on Alex and saying, "What happened while I was gone?"
    Alex stopped mid-bite and glared at Ryan and Dan, a clear warning, before he said in a cool tone, "Your pack-mates decided they deserved a hunt tonight. They were disrespectful, but everything has been put right, now."
    Put right my ass, but it wouldn't do any good to have fighting amongst the ranks. I had no doubt the cubs would talk amongst themselves and trade insults about us and the situation they were in. I held back a sigh and took a bite out of my slice of pizza. I missed the good old days. Back then I had respectful, well-behaved cubs who were carefully chosen to complement each other. We were a tight-knit group that worked together and barely needed verbal communication. Instead, I was stuck with a trio of entitled, insolent assholes. My eyes were beginning to get damp. I shrugged and blamed it on the spicy Indian food before excusing myself.  
    I wandered out onto the deck outside the French windows and sat looking into the wild flowers that filled the majority of the garden. Tall grasses stood between a wide array of brightly coloured, spindly flowers that stretched upwards, hoping for more sunlight. The trees swayed softly in the breeze. The rustling of the leaves had a calming effect on me. It was peaceful and therapeutic. I enjoyed my time in the city, but the constant noise and presence was abrasive and wore me down over time. The trees and the soft breeze were whispers from home. They didn’t honk or squeal. It was a pure symphony of nature that worked to put me at ease.
      Talking had finally started again inside, which made my eyes damp again; I didn't fit, and I didn't want to. They had formed their tight-knit little group and closed ranks. I was firmly outside of that circle. The cubs had no respect for me, and Alex wasn’t particularly amused to have me around, either. He stepped up and took control of the situations rather than giving me a chance to do so. I lay back on the deck and mentally kicked myself. I was past those foolish days of self-pity; I had a job to do. I focused on my surroundings and drove away the pity. It was to be expected. It wouldn’t be easy, and I’d never been one to choose the easy route.
    I focused on the stars painted on the dark blue canvas of the night sky with the moon almost at its zenith. It was a beautiful sight that I hadn't been able to enjoy for a long time. Wandering from city to city was fantastic for following the traders and securing deals, but it didn’t allow me any contact with the night sky. It was shaded and hidden by the streetlights and tall buildings. I lost track of time as thoughts wandered from my mind and I just existed, at peace.  

7

    The following few days were more of the same. The cubs stayed in their section of the house and I in mine. I slept quite a bit and allowed my muscles and bones to recover properly while I gathered my thoughts and tried not to dwell on the past. Alex flitted in and out of my vision, but he left me alone most of the time. On the third night, the cubs were beginning to relax and adjust to their surroundings, their jaws