My Nightshade
Chapter 2
Ren POV
I watched as Calla and Adne walked toward the changing rooms.
Shay walked up next to me and playfully punched my arm. "So you've got a crush on the new girl, huh?"
I made a face and turned toward him. "You know I don't date. She's no different." I said. Shay laughed. "I saw the way you looked at her. It was obvious to everyone that she's the one you want." Was it possible that she was my mate? The ones from the legends? I frowned. I hoped not. I just didn't wanna be betrayed again.
Just then Adne came bouncing up with Calla trailing behind. She did what she had been doing since she got here. Her bright, intelligent, tawny colored eyes taking in and processing everything in sight. She was making sure everything was safe for her pack. I didn't blame her, from what I'd heard my parents murmur about. I couldn't imagine the pain she had gone through for her pack. She had the strength I could only imagine. I loved my family, would do anything for them, but I had never actually been in a situation that I had to actually put what I said in action. I selfishly hoped that I wouldn't ever have to do that kind of thing.
"...And you should have seen her face when Calla marched right up to Ashley and stared her down until she backed off! I don't think she'll ever live down being humiliated like that!" Adne exclaimed.
"Huh?" I said.
"Dude, this crazy wolf girl just stared down the most powerful bitch in the school. And won!" Shay said excitedly.
I raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Really?"
Calla shrugged and looked at me with a faux innocent expression.
"She was awesome! I've never seen anyone stand up to her like that!" Adne crowed.
"Hey, you guys ready to go?" My father asked, walking up to us with his arm around my mom's waist. "I know I am. I was thinking we could go for a run tonight." Monroe added.
"Yeah!" Shay and Adne exclaimed to together. Calla's face lit up, then dimmed just as quickly. She thought she wasn't coming. I smiled and said, "Would you like to come with, Lily?" Everyone looked at me Lily? Shay mouthed. I shrugged. Calla didn't seem to notice as she grinned and nodded politely.
We met at the start of our favorite path. We all had already shifted out of excitement. Adne yipped excitedly and pranced around me. Shay wasn't much better as he playfully nipped my shoulder and chased Adne around. Calm down, guys. It's just a run. I said.
Yeah, but we have a new friend coming along. It's gonna be epic! Shay exclaimed in my head.
Shay's right, big brother. Loosen up. Adne added.
Hello. An unfamiliar voice said. I turned toward the woods and saw a petite white wolf trotting toward us. Even as a wolf, Calla exuded confidence and beauty.
Hey Calla! Adne raced up and excitedly pranced around her.
Shay was a little more controlled as he came up and nudged her gently. Hey Fluffy, we missed you. Calla's laughter rang in our minds. Fluffy? Not really that original, Shay. She turned toward me. So, Mr. Uptight, what's the plan?
I'm NOT uptight. I said.
Denial... Calla said in a singsong voice.
I snorted and started forward. Let's just get going.
Calla raced ahead of me and yipped excitedly. Let's run!
We'd been running awhile now, headed toward Lover's Spring. It was calm, quiet and peaceful. I was always able to think up there, just listening to the sounds of water and crickets. As we neared it, Calla stopped in her tracks, staring at the beautiful natural sight before us. Adne and Shay ran straight into the Spring.
Amazing, Isn't it? I said.
I've never seen anything like it! Calla exclaimed. I nudged her and started forward again. Calla trotted past me to the Spring's edge. She started sniffing around the soft green bank. What are you doing? I asked her.
Looking for frogs. They're actually pretty fun to chase-GOTCHA! I laughed as Calla chased after a little green frog, jumping into the clear water after it. Ren, hurry! Before it gets away! Still laughing, I jumped in after her, swimming after the frog. Calla was on the other side already, sniffing around again. I lost it. Calla huffed and sat down.
I came over here for nothing? I said teasingly.
Shut it, Calla said, laughing.