Sorry for the delay updating! I really enjoyed writing this chapter; hope you guys enjoy it too. Let me know xD
Chapter 28
RPOV
I was a zoo animal. I could barely wrap my mind around this fact, even if it was temporary.
Being treated like an animal sucked, despite the keepers being nice to me. If only they knew of my true nature…perhaps they wouldn't all be standing on the other side of my cage right now, waiting for me to leave my little enclosure through the secret door they had opened.
I was curious alright, and the daylight shining through was more than tempting – I had truly missed being outdoors…but I didn't want to give in to them. I would not go outside. I would stay in here and 'not fit in'. that was all I had to do.
For quite a while, my plan seemed to work. The humans grew bored when I didn't seem interested in what they were offering, and slowly they began to trickle away, probably going back to work with some other animal. There were only a few members of staff when my plan took a direction other than what I had intended.
A noise coming from the opening in the wall grabbed my attention; suddenly I was alerted to the fact that I was not alone.
Oh my god, hi! Another young female wolf had poked her head through from outside and positively lit up when she saw me lying in the corner. Gingerly, I pushed myself up into a sitting position.
I told the others that something was different this morning! She gushed excitedly, inviting herself in. And I was just walking around trying to figure out what it was when I smelled you! Hi!
You said that already, I responded, very much aware of the fact that the humans were smiling and nodding their heads happily. No! This was not part of the plan; they were not supposed to be pleased with how well I was fitting in with the others…
The first thought that crossed my mind was to attack this new wolf and show them all what a wild wolf was really capable of…but one quick look at her eager, animated face and I knew I couldn't do that. She hadn't done anything wrong. Not to mention that if attacked her, it probably wouldn't get me released into the wild, but instead into a darker cage for wolves who weren't capable of being social.
My sulky tone didn't seem to faze her, nor my wary position. She bounded forward in my direction to welcome me. It was getting harder to not give the humans the wrong idea. This new wolf was in my face, taking in my scent and pushing against me in a friendly way. I, on the other hand, began to feel breathless as the last of the humans nodded approvingly, before walking away from my enclosure.
No! I yelled, flustered. I pushed her away from me with force. Look what you did!
I couldn't bring myself to feel bad about the hurt expression on her face. She did, however, back up a few steps. I want to bang my head against the wall. My plan had not worked, and now thanks to this idiot, the humans thought I was just fine in here.
I'm sorry, she whispered quietly, cowering away from me. I didn't mean to upset you. I just thought-
No, you didn't think, I snapped back. Part of me knew that I was just taking my frustrations out on her because she was the easiest target. But the truth was that she wasn't to blame for this; she was just being friendly and trying to welcome me. With a sigh, I turned back to face her. She cowered away from me as I approached, much to my confusion. Was she really afraid of me? As I reached her, I realised just how young she was – my guess was a little under a year, if not even less.
I'm sorry, I apologised. She perked up then, and hurried over to sniff me some more. I rolled my eyes at her meticulousness; she had probably picked it up from some other wolf in her pack. After a moment, I backed away from her.
Can you stop that? I asked cautiously, making sure to keep my voice gentle; I didn't want her to be afraid of me. What's your name?
The young wolf looked suddenly shy and glanced back towards the opening in the wall; I, too, could hear the movement of other wolves.
I'm Meeka, she replied distractedly; the sound of a few young wolves play-fighting outside was clearly of interest to her. What about you?
Rose, I responded before giving her a nudge in the direction of outside. Now go play; you're missing out on the fun.
Meeka didn't have to be told twice. Without another word, she had returned outside to play with the other pups. My curiosity was really trying to entice me outside now…but I wanted to hold my ground. I would not join those other wolves; they were not my pack.
Instead, I turned back around and headed for my safe corner. There was only a dull ache in my leg as I lay back down, which I took as a good sign. It had been weeks since the incident with the snare, but finally my leg was getting better. It's healing had taken longer than I'd realised it would, but at least I still had function after this long.
I had planned to take a nice long snooze to pass some time before the humans came back, but sleep was difficult. My mind was consumed with thoughts of Dimitri, where he was and what he was doing. Was he thinking about me this much too? Not only did I miss him, but I was worried about him. I knew what he was like; he would probably blame himself for what happened to me…then again, he didn't even know for sure what had happened. That would drive him crazy for sure…that is, if he was even still looking for me…
No, of course he was. If I were in his place, I knew that I wouldn't ever give in until I found out the truth. The real problem here was, how on earth was he ever going to find me in here?
My plan to sleep was quite obviously not going well…the rumbling in my stomach didn't help in the slightest. I ignored it for as long as I could, until I eventually began to feel nauseous because I was so hungry. I could possibly try a hunger strike, but I honestly didn't see the difference it would make…other than more time in the veterinarians.
Slowly, I pulled myself to my feet and crept warily to the opening in the wall. The sunshine and fresh spring breeze were the first to hit my face. I couldn't help but lift my head and enjoy it; I was unable to recall the last time I had been able to actually enjoy them.
Rose! Hearing my name called, I looked up. Meeka had momentarily broken away from the other young pups to get my attention. Rose, come here!
I was guarded as I lifted one foot and placed it on the ground outside. On the distant side of the enclosure, I could see larger wolves gathering; they didn't seem anxious of or even alert to my presence. The pups on the other hand, were very interested in my arrival.
Rose! Meeka hurried back to my side and nudged me. Come meet my friends!
My other front paw joined the first one outside, landing me half inside and half outside. I wasn't really sure if I wanted to retreat back indoors and sulk until they let me go home, or go out and meet some new wolves that could give me some advice. Meeka didn't leave the decision to me.
Excitedly, she forced me out into the open and towards her friends. When we got closer, she went ahead to get their attention, leaving me briefly on my own. Suddenly, I felt very vulnerable.
Guys, this is Rose! Meeka introduced the other four wolves. Looking closely, I realised the cubs were indeed, all male. They looked curious at the arrival of a new wolf; it was probably something they hadn't seen in their lifetime, considering their young age. Rose, these are my friends Cooper, Max, Bear and Jake.
I nodded politely at them, feeling slightly uneasy about their stares. I guess no matter what age, boys would always be boys.
Meeka! I jumped and tensed as another wolf approached us. She was older then the pups; fully grown it seemed.
Come on, she insisted, nudging the young wolf away from her friends. It's time for your bath.
But mooooom, Meeka groaned, looking very upset. I was just about to play with Rose!
Rose, who's Ro- Seemingly, the older wolf had only just noticed my presence. Oh. I'm sorry, I didn't see you there.
That's alright, I offered her a small smile, suddenly feeling a little shy. Feeling this way was out of character for me, but I was intruding on another pack's daily lives after all. I felt vulnerable and out of place, not to mention I couldn't run very fast or defend myself very well with my injured leg if I needed to.
I'm Sadie. Thankfully, her introduction was coupled with a warm smile. I'm Meeka's mother. You're Rose, right? We heard they were going to bring in another female.
Yeah that's me, I shifted my legs awkwardly, trying to relieve the pressure from my hind leg. It may have been healing, but I'd been lying down in the same position for a day now – the stiffness was starting to bother me.
It's nice to meet you. Come on, Sadie began to walk back the way she came, Meeka dragging her feet in annoyance behind her. You should come meet the others.
I did as I was told and followed her across the grounds (which weren't nearly as big as they looked, I realised). It did however, take me much longer to walk it due to the tenderness around my healing wound.
Ladies, can I have your attention please? Sadie barked at the others as we reached them. There were four females standing in front of us. I want you to meet Rose – she's the newbie they brought in. Rose, this is Bella, Daisy, Lola and Bailey.
Nice to meet you, I said, glad to see that there wasn't any tension or hostility palpable. They replied with similar pleasantries. Bailey in particular had taken an interest in me.
God only knows why the keepers thought it was necessary to bring another female in; we're busy enough with just the four of us. Sadie just gave birth to Meeka a year ago, but Daisy had to go and have four boys. Four boys! Do you have any idea how difficult it is! We've had our hands full all year!
Bailey suddenly leaned in close; if she had been human, I knew what she was about to tell me would've been a whisper. Seemingly, her words right now were for my ears only.
And now she's gone and gotten herself knocked up again! I mean, it's hard enough here as it is. Maybe that's why they brought you here – to help us take care of all these new pups on the way. Lola's pregnant too, you know, and I'm not sure about myself just yet. Bailey's eyes suddenly widened and she glanced down at my stomach.
You're not pregnant too, are you?
I quickly shook my head.
Oh thank god, because I just don't know how we'd handle four new litters.
I gulped. Clearly, these females were older than me if they were pregnant and had had previous puppies.
Do you mind me asking you something? I spoke up properly for the first time, and all four females turned their attention towards me. I took their expectant expressions as a signal to ask what I wanted to.
How did any of you get pregnant? Confusion crossed all four of their faces, and I hurried to explain myself, feeling embarrassed. I mean, I don't see any males here, I was just wondering how…
I trailed off, suddenly wishing I hadn't said anything. What was wrong with me? I had somehow gone from a strong, confident wolf to a blabbering mess…
As their chuckles quietened, Bailey was the one to speak up for her fellows. Our mates got us pregnant, hon. They're still inside; the keepers will let them out shortly. You'll like them; both Hunter and Duke are both very nice.
Both? The word escaped my mouth before I could stop it. I couldn't help it though; two male wolves and possibly three pregnant females? I didn't understand.
Yes. It was Lola that spoke up this time. Duke is both my mate and Bailey's mate, while Bella, Daisy and Sadie all mate with Hunter each year.
I think my jaw was on the floor; I tried to figure out if these ladies were joking with me. Nobody was laughing however.
I-wait, are you serious? I gasped. I don't even- You share mates? How does that even work?
My comment caused a fresh round of giggles.
Oh Rose, Bailey was still chuckling as she leaned against me affectionately. You really are quite young, aren't you? We don't all mate at the very same time! Duke and Hunter are good breeding partners; we've all been producing healthy litters for years. We've created a close family unit over our lifetimes.
I had friends back home and had never once thought about sharing a mate, I thought to myself wryly. There were just some things that were more private than others. I guess the zoo just had a different way. That was fine.
As long as I didn't have to be a part of it.
