When Beca Mitchell pictured her life as an alpha with a pack of her own, the reality she was living didn't even cross her mind. Then again, she might've been too naive and optimistic, which are not words that could ever describe her. Beca thought she would get a few wolves in her pack, meet her born-wolf mate along the way and make music. She did get a great pack, but she had to worry about one of them who turned unwillingly and all that came with that. Her mate was the most adorable human being and that terrified her. The cherry on top was her best friend's mate hated her and yes, Beca cared. It wasn't as if she loved the woman, but they needed to get along, which seemed impossible. Those were the thoughts Beca woke up with, while still on the roof with Emily. She stayed cuddled with the young one despite how much Beca cherished her personal space. The alpha knew what she signed up for the first moment. It wasn't like a task she had to do, and Emily wasn't baggage. Beca connected with her on a deep level, different from what she had with the rest of the pack. Granted some of it had to do with the way Emily turned and Beca adding her to the pack, but it wasn't all that; their personalities matched in a kind of strange way. With Lilly and Jesse, Beca had good friendship; Stacie and her were like same-age sisters and Emily was like the little sister, the cub who needed protection and boundaries and help learning how to care for herself. Beca was up for the task: she gained more and more confidence as she spent time with Emily. Perhaps it wasn't confidence, but the care and love she felt for the younger woman. Whatever it was, her bladder threatening to burst was about to win over. She could've picked up Emily and carried her to the apartment, but before she got a chance to do so, Emily began to stir.
Emily released a yawn and when she tried to stretch, her head and arm accidentally hit Beca's head. The young girl quickly realized where she was and sat up, looking at her pack leader. "I'm so sorry, Beca! Are you ok?"
It wasn't an enjoyable way to start a new day by getting hit and she was a moment from peeing herself, but the expression on Emily's face was too comical. "I think I'll be alright, Em," Beca answered playfully and stood up. "Are you feeling better? Do you need to take the day off training?" Instead of getting any kind of answer, Beca watched Emily avert her eyes and look at the ground. "What's wrong?"
Emily fidgeted with her hands over her lap. "I'm sorry I failed you. I'm so weak!"
Oh, no. Beca wasn't capable to handle emotional states when she knew they were coming and could prepare, so when it happened at random? Beca sat on the armrest and pulled her legs up. "Emily, look at me," she asked with a calm, yet assertive voice. When the young woman didn't budge, she called her name again and that time it did the trick. "You did not, in any way, disappointed me. You're learning and getting stronger with every passing day and I'm so proud of you," Beca reassured her. "You're busy during the day, you sort your life and learning about who you're now. Still, the traumatic event you suffered wasn't a light one nor it was that long ago. It does influence you, only in the form of dreams, but it does not make you weak." It was important for Beca to make it clear; she didn't want Emily taking steps back with her self doubt. "I"m going to find more ways to help you with the nightmares. For now if sleeping up here and having me around helps, that's what we're going to do, alright?"
Emily gulped and a sad expression took over her face. "I don't want to be a burden," she whispered.
Beca put her hand over Emily's shoulder in an attempt to provide comfort. "You're part of my pack, Em. My goal in life is making sure you're safe and happy. I'm here to protect and care for you. If you're suffering, then I'm the one failing you." Beca saw Emily wanting to protest, but the look she gave her kept the young wolf silent. "I don't plan on failing, Em. You're going to keep improving and we're going to find a way to rid you from the nightmares."
The young beta looked at her alpha for a few long moments before nodding. "C-can we train today? I think it'd do me good," Emily asked a little nervously.
The only reason to cancel training for the day was if Emily needed more rest, but she clearly didn't. Being in nature and working on her skills could only do good, and Beca knew it, so she agreed. Great thing Beca had good balance because she wasn't prepared for the hug Emily gave her and they almost fell. The heartwarming moment had to be cut short because Beca had to run to the bathroom.
Of course, when Stacie spotted Beca she walked over to her to try and talk about the previous night. The alpha didn't want to have that conversation before breakfast and with Emily's training ahead. It wasn't going to be a light and quick talk, and the timing didn't work out. Beca being Beca, she didn't explain to Stacie that and simply ignored her friend and told her, "Later," every time she insisted. Needless to say that breakfast was rather awkward; Emily was still shaken, Stacie glared at her best friend that kept avoiding eye contact, Lilly was her usual quiet self and Jesse tried for a bit to get a conversation going and then gave up and ate quietly. At the end, just before the three girls left for training, Stacie got a barely audible promise for a talk when they got back.
Fighting and defending skills were what Beca wanted to focus on. Those kind of practices were supposed to be down the line, however Beca thought it could help with Emily's confidence, give her self esteem a boost and rid off at least some of her anxiety since she'd have some knowledge as to how to protect herself.
The time it took them to get to the forest wasn't long and still, Beca used it to put aside any thoughts of Chloe and how much she craved to be with her. She had to ignore the light pain on her chest and leave the decision making for later to provide her young beta a quality lesson.
"Today is going to be different," Beca started and proceeded to tell Emily and Lilly about the change in the practice routine. When she finished, she looked around to make sure the space they were at was indeed suitable. Pleased with the open space they settled at, Beca took her claws out as well as her fangs and allowed her eye color to change. Lilly followed her alpha with no problem—actually, she was excited about a training she knew going to be fun. Emily, on the other hand, felt unsure and Beca not saying anything surely didn't help.
Emily's uncertainty disappeared quickly in favor of her instincts kicking in. Her heart began to beat faster and her enhanced senses sharpened. There was no need for words because the young wolf felt what was coming. Her own eye color changed to bright blue as she looked intensely at the red ones of her alpha and the yellow ones of Lilly. "You're special," Beca said when she asked her why her eye color was different from the other members of the pack. It had to do with the way she got turned, though Beca didn't elaborate; she said they'd have a conversation about it when Emily would be ready and the young woman trusted her. That wasn't on Emily's mind at that moment. She focused completely on the situation. It appeared that Beca planned on throwing her to the water as a way to start the new stage in her training. Emily knew she had no chance, yet her claws were out and she allowed her senses to lead as she was taught. She won't win or cause any real damage, but she planned on putting up a fight.
Lilly was the first to make a move; she ran towards Emily and tried to tackle her to the ground. Emily picked up and was on the move quickly and had enough time to escape the attack. The young wolf was able to give Lilly a push, though that granted it didn't do much but made Emily proud of herself. Lilly didn't waste any time and turned back around to try and scratch Emily's face. That time the other beta wasn't fast enough; she moved a bit slower and got a medium cut on her cheek. She growled at her friend, a growl that was much better than a weak before but sounded young and non-threatening. Looking smug, Lilly stood in her place and waited for the other wolf to come at her, which she did. Instead of Emily pushing Lilly to the ground, the older beta caught her and pushed her down. By the time they hit the land, Lilly was in her full form and licked Emily's wound. The younger woman frowned, although a smile quickly replaced it and she ran a hand over her friend's fur. Beca let it last a moment longer before she told them to get up and reminded her young beta to remember her previous lessons. Lilly got off of Emily and shook herself, while the other woman quickly got back on her legs and nodded with a serious expression on her face.
It was Beca's turn next and she chose the stealthy way - the alpha ran off from the clear area and into the bushy area. She kept quiet and used the soil to cover her scent just a bit, enough to make it a challenge for the youngest in the pack.
Emily tilted her head in wonder - was she supposed to follow or prepare herself for an attack? She looked over at Lilly, whose facial expression gave her a clear answer. Instead of taking off, Emily took careful steps and remembered her teaching. Beca could've been anywhere and being afraid of disappointing her alpha, Emily was extra careful. She looked around her and sniffed the air and ground. She looked for clues and followed one of Beca's pieces of advice - listen to your instincts. She waggled her tail once she thought she caught the direction her alpha took and, with caution, proceeded to walk towards her. All of her senses were focused on succeeding to find her. Perhaps some day she wouldn't be a liability and could actually contribute to the pack. Emily's heart was pumping fast and she struggled to keep walking slowly. There were a couple of bushes in front of her and a big tree, all smelled like her alpha. Emily used her enhanced hearing to determine where the woman was and advanced in that direction as quietly as she could. Once close enough, she jumped behind the bush to try and tackle her leader. That of course didn't work since Beca knew she was coming, but hey, at least she found her and used every aspect of being a werewolf to do so.
Beca was proud and, in contrast to herself, she planned on praising her beta—after landing a few punches, of course. She didn't have the chance to do either. Beca's fur bristled and before she even acknowledged the danger, and the animalistic side of her reacted; she grabbed Emily's neck with her teeth and threw her behind her for protection. She bared her teeth and scanned the area. That was the last thing that needed to happen at that precise moment. It seemed as though Emily didn't pick up on what exactly was happening and Beca wondered if she could get her out of there before she would. She doubted that because the smell became stronger as the danger approached them. As the alpha, there was no fear in Beca, only concern for her youngest - the encounter itself would have an effect on the fragile wolf. It boiled the alpha's blood even more - they were making progress, even though it took them baby steps; progress was still progress. The whole pack helped Emily piece herself back together and learn the new side of herself. The young wolf perhaps didn't believe in herself, but she had trust in her pack members when they say the future will be brighter. Of course, vengeance drove Beca just as much; she only needed to get Emily out of the way.
"What's going on?" Emily couldn't see anything that could cause the change in her alpha, but if Beca reacted that way it surely meant something was wrong.
Before Beca answered, if she even planned on telling Emily anything, Lilly showed up. She ran towards them. Clearly she knew what or rather who made their way towards them.
"Get her out of here and send the rest over," Beca ordered before Lilly could mention anything.
"You can't face-"
Beca turned to give her friend her best glare in her wolf form. "I can handle myself." Her face softened as she glanced at the confused wolf behind her, then back at Lilly. "You keep her safe."
Lilly promised she will with a nod. "We're going home, come on."
"What? We can't leave Beca here," Emily protested.
"You do as your alpha says," Beca said with a stern tone. They had no time for silk gloves; she needed Emily to be safe. She nudged her with her nose and took off towards the threat. Too bad it was already there.
"Leaving so fast? That's not very polite." The voice sent shivers through Emily's body and a rush of rage through the other members of the pack.
Beca's senses were almost in overload; she felt Emily's anxiety, and there was a whole lot of anger going around, very dark emotions she knew came from the one she wished to tear apart and a great amount of worry she and Lilly shared. The wolf in front of them was not only sending threatening signals towards her beta, but to her as an alpha as well. She could tell he had nothing to lose, that his purpose was to cause harm and destruction. Beca had no intention of letting him anywhere near her pack, but had every intention of making him pay. She would keep him alive, she thought to herself, to let her mother and the others find a punishment, if only so other will learn.
"Go!" Beca ordered without taking her eyes from the dark wolf. Lilly only growled at the smug looking wolf, then grabbed Emily by her teeth and dragged her by her neck towards the house, making sure to cover their smell the best she could as they ran.
"You know you have no rights on her, right? You're supposed to be an alpha, after all." The dark wolf looked from where Emily and Lilly just took off to the remaining wolf in front of him. "I only came to take what's mine."
"Considering my pack and I nursed her back to health and she accepted my offer to join us, I'd say I have every right to protect her from garbage like you." Beca was not playing games. She reached new level of hate and anger and planned on taking it all out. "But since you're not going to live much longer, there is no point to discussing it."
His blue eyes were darker than she ever saw on an omega before: they lacked the shine most of them have, not that Beca saw so many in her life time, just enough to know something with this one was very wrong.
"Did you ever kill anyone, alpha?" His voice made Beca sick, even if it was only an echo in her head. "Did you ever look in someone's eyes while you made them take their last breath and saw the light of life disappearing from their eyes? Because I did." He sounded proud.
"Clearly you're not familiar with our code because killing is forbidden, especially humans, unless your life-"
"Save it!" He started to move towards her, getting Beca more on edge than she already was. "I don't live by rules made by some goodie two-shoes."
"No, you're just a bloodthirsty wolf who brings shame to all of us." Beca spat.
"I just can't wait to taste yours," he said before lunching at Beca; claws first.
Beca had no time to be disgusted as she quickly dodged the attack. She let the claws of her left hand slide through the dark wolf's fur, as deep in the skin as she could. There was no cry coming from him; it even seemed like he enjoyed it, which, honestly, scared Beca a little. He took a hold of her tail and pulled her roughly towards him, then sank his teeth into her back, which caused Beca to growl. With all the power in her, Beca pushed him off, feeling him tearing a piece of her skin. She pushed him down and hovered over him, letting her claws and teeth rip his skin and, in hope, exhaust him.
"You taste nice, but Emily tasted much better. I can't wait to reunite with her."
Beca growled loudly and bit his ear, taking a piece of the top off and spitting it aside. Letting her mother and the others punish him was out of the picture—she was going to tear him to little pieces no matter what it does to her soul.
He laughed. He actually laughed. Crazy bastard. "Now that was just mean." He sank his claws into her sides and swiftly turned them over. In seconds he got so much strength that Beca had no idea where it came from. She felt like if he'd tried just a bit more, he would've reached her internal organs. The fact that he didn't wasn't too reassuring since the pain she felt was the worst she'd ever experienced. It felt as if the other wolf had no humanity, as if he was simply an aggressive wolf who could take human form. If he had no compassion and a drive to kill, Beca might be in serious danger. The thought of leaving her pack with no leader, especially Emily, made her shiver. A picture of Chloe appeared in her mind and thoughts of things they could never do together if she didn't get out of there alive washed over her mind. Her mother losing her only child stung her. She tried to fight and get loose, but he was holding her down and putting all his weight over her. His claws dug further inside with every move she made and even though Beca tried, it was hard to hold the cries of pain inside.
She was an alpha and a strong one. She trained all her life, no matter that there weren't any real threats to her community in decades. Beca tried to get herself moving, flip the tables despite feeling blood rushing out of her from different parts of her body. It's only when she smelled a couple of her pack members getting closer that Beca gained enough strength. She dug her own claws into the side and stomach of the wolf above her. Beca wasn't scared to let her claws reach deep inside of him, causing as much damage as possible. They both held into each other until Stacie and Jesse reached the area. The scene in front of the two betas made them furious and they pushed the fear aside. No one harmed their alpha. They both rushed forwards and pushed the wolf off Beca. Stacie stood in front of Beca with drool dripping from her bared teeth and Jesse checked on the woman.
"Next time your puppies won't be here to save you. I'll kill them first." He sounded arrogant and in seconds disappeared.
Jesse and Stacie carried Beca back to the apartment as quickly as they could. Once the alpha felt the rogue wolf was no longer around, her body collapsed. She'd lost a lot of blood and needed time to regain her strength. Seeing the state their alpha was in, Stacie took precautions and texted Lilly to prepare Emily. They agreed to explain to Emily that Beca got injured in the fight, but to keep her in her room until they get their alpha cleaned up so the young one won't get even more traumatised; they figured Beca would've agreed to that if she was conscious.
When they got in the apartment, Stacie took Beca straight to the bathroom and washed all the blood from her best friend's body. She couldn't cry or think how close they might've been to losing her. The thought of how could that omega be so strong was for a later time. She needed to take care of the person who was more her family than anything else. Beca woke up during the bath only to ask about Emily and fell asleep right after Stacie promised she was safe. Stacie couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips - the woman in her hands tried all their lives to be distant, act as though she was above feelings and attachments, but in the end Beca was the most caring person she knew. That and other positive thoughts were what Stacie had in mind as the tub painted in red and she had to scrub the open wounds all over Beca's body.
Once she got Beca dressed, Stacie got her into bed and covered her with blankets. By then, the shallow injuries healed, but there were big bruises and the deep wounds left, especially on Beca's stomach and back, that needed more time. Jesse and Stacie didn't leave her side besides to go bring her food and water, which they made her eat before allowing her to ask questions. They discussed the attack and that once Beca was fully healed, she'd talk to her mother in order to take action against the rogue wolf. It was then that Emily barged in the room, followed by a tired Lilly and crushed Beca, who swallowed a groan and only whimpered quietly enough that Emily was too distracted to notice. Beca spent the next few hours explaining everything to the young one, reassuring her she's alright and that they were going to catch him and put him away where he could never hurt her. While Jesse and Lilly refused to leave the room and snuggled on Stacie's bed, Emily attached herself to her alpha. Beca was in pain and it was the second night in a row for her to sleep holding someone, yet she ignored the burn and knife-like stabs in different areas of her body for Emily's comfort. Beca knew that was the only way for Emily to get any rest considering she didn't stop crying and her scent alarmed Beca more than her almost-death experience.
Her pack slept around, and almost over her, and that was the only part that kept her calm. Beca felt she disappointed them, that she failed as an alpha. Was she even worth the title after almost dying? There was a lot to take care of now that they knew that killer wolf was somewhere around them, but Beca couldn't help but feel defeated. What helped with the self doubt that ate her was Emily thanking her for protecting her and being there when she woke up from a nightmare. The girl had no idea how much light she brought into Beca's not-so-bright world. Beca didn't tell her that, she didn't say anything at all, only pulled the young wolf closer and rubbed her back.
She had to improve. A failure like that again was out of the question. Beca had to do it for Stacie, Jesse, Lilly and Emily, the family she swore to protect long before she met most of them. Only the alpha had no idea how. Her mother was the one Beca put all her hopes in helping her with the situation and that had to wait for the next day.
It was after breakfast the next day and the pack minus Stacie were in the living room. Beca only got a chance to talk to her mom about the attack. Her pack was overprotective and didn't leave her sight, so there was no chance for a pep talk. Abigail wanted to catch the first plane at the beginning; it doesn't matter if your daughter is a leader of a werewolves pack, she's still your baby and when she gets hurt, her mother should be there. Thankfully, Beca made her see reason, mostly because having her mother there would've made her life more difficult considering the burn she constantly felt on her chest from her pendant. Abigail said she'd consult with some others and call later to form an actual plan. So with Beca still healing and the pack feeling the need to be around her and nurse her back to her normal self, they settled in the living room: Lilly on the armchair and Jesse near Beca and Emily who needed to feel Beca's heartbeat.
"Ok, there is no ignoring your phone anymore," Stacie said was she walked in. "Chloe has been texting and calling since yesterday and if you won't talk to her, she's going to show up."
After the night at the club, there were plans of seeing or at least texting the redhead. The alpha wasn't sure how she wanted to go from there, but ignoring Chloe was not part of the plan.
"What am I supposed to tell her? 'Sorry, got attacked by a crazy werewolf, but don't worry we aren't all like that!'?" Beca felt insecure so it came out with a mocking tone.
Stacie stared at her for a couple of seconds and decided to let it slide. "Make something up that would make sense, like you fell or had a bicycle accident. That way she can come and take care of you." Stacie wiggled her brows as she threw the phone at her friend, then took a seat next to Lilly.
Beca sent her usual glare at her friend and then looked at her phone. Chloe was worried about her and did threaten to come by. The last text Beca read was the the scariest - "You better be dying and not ignoring Chloe. I don't take kindly to people hurting my best friend. Answer her before she makes me lose my mind." Beca gulped.
Another reason added to why that murderous wolf needed to be put down. When the time comes, Beca thought, she had to fix the mess with Chloe before it got out of hand.
DJ cutie: Hi.. I'm sorry for disappearing. We went out yesterday and I got hurt. I'm fine, but I needed time to rest. Didn't mean to worry you.
It took less than 30 seconds for the reply to come.
Chlo: What happened?
Chlo: Are you ok? Where are you?
Chlo: I'm at work, but I can get someone to replace me
Beca's heart skipped a beat at how sweet Chloe was. Her body ached for her to be close and her chest hurt with the wound that's been created from the heat of her pendant. It'd be selfish to ask Chloe to come over so her body could heal faster. On the other hand, they were friends and Chloe coming over wouldn't have been for that reason, but to hang out like they've done before. Still, it didn't feel right to ask.
DJ cutie: No freaking out, red. I'm at home, the guys cater to my every need. I need a couple of days and I'll be back to my awesome self
She knew it would get Chloe to smile and at least a little more relaxed; the thought itself made the alpha feel a tiny bit better.
Chlo: I bet you all would appreciate dinner
Chlo: Aubrey and I will be there at 7
DJ cutie: Thank you
Chlo: No problem. Text me if you need anything :)
Chlo: Aubrey told me to tell you to rest, but I think she just wants me off the phone. I'll see you later
Beca started at the screen with a goofy smile on her face. Chloe didn't have to do that, to come over after work to bring them all dinner. She was caring and generous and such a wonderful person. Beca looked at the tiny picture at the head of the conversation and felt as though her body was so light, like the pain was gone and she could float over to the restaurant.
"So she agreed to being your nurse, I assume?" Stacie asked playfully after sensing the shift in the alpha's emotions.
If she was feeling well, Stacie would've gotten something thrown at her, but Beca had to settle for a sigh. "She and Aubrey are coming over after their shift and they'll bring dinner." Beca knew she didn't get off the hook just because of the attack; Stacie still wanted all the details from their night at the club. The teasing and insinuations were her friend's way to remind her and keep her on her toes while she recovered.
Stacie had no time to react because her own phone buzzed with a new message.
Brey: Did you partake in Beca's dangerous whatever yesterday?
The blonde actually worried about her, how sweet. Stacie grinned like a little girl and tried her best not to jump in her seat. After learning that Beca didn't specify the cause of her injuries, Stacie texted back that she didn't and added that she couldn't wait for dinner. She hoped Aubrey knew it was more about seeing her rather than the food, though the food at the restaurant was delicious. Maybe actually asking her on a date would help and that was what Stacie planned on doing.
Several hours later the pack was still in the living room after not doing much during the day. At the change of the rhythm of Beca's heart, Emily lifted her head from her chest and tilted her head at her alpha. The young werewolf missed the light blush that covered her alpha's cheeks when she turned to the door. A few seconds later there were light knocks and Stacie was up to open the door; the rest didn't even try.
"Hey! Thank you for coming," Stacie said, smiling at Chloe and then turned with a brighter one to the tall blonde.
"Hey, Stace," Chloe said politely, but clearly her attention was towards someone else. She walked further into the living room and placed the food on the coffee table. Her and Beca's eyes locked; the alpha felt a little nervous and couldn't ignore the heat against her chest, while Chloe was relieved to see with her own eyes that Beca was not in such a bad state. "Good to see you're alive," she said with that smile that melted Beca's heart.
Beca shrugged. "I try," she replied with the tiniest of smirks.
Emily observed the way they looked at each other and while she didn't fully grasp her powers just yet, something about how the two smelled around one another was totally different from anything she smelled before. Reluctantly, Emily got up and went to help Jesse and Lilly with the food in the kitchen.
Chloe watched Emily leave for a second before walking to sit beside Beca. "So how are you feeling?"
With the readhead there, Beca felt her body healing faster, not that she could tell her that. "Better. It wasn't serious to begin with..." She had to play it cool; the nervousness and worry coming off Chloe overwhelmed her and Beca couldn't let her keep feeling like that.
"I'm glad that you're alright," Chloe said and let a soft sigh out as she leaned on Beca's side. She was like morphine to the other woman with how she took the pain away. "And scars could be hot, if they happen to stay," Chloe all but whispered it near her ear. Beca didn't hear the second half of the sentence clearly over her heartbeats. Her cheeks turned hot and even the tips of her ears painted red. Beca knew there won't be any evidence, let alone scars, but the thought of Chloe being attracted to her despite them warmed her heart. Her whole body. She was clearly experiencing something, being in pain for more than a day and now the relief must've done something to her brain to make those thoughts to roam free in her mind.
Chloe excused herself to go fix them both plates. She went over to the kitchen and talked with the others for a little bit, unknowingly giving Beca time to compose herself. Thankfully, the one who usually gave Beca shit about stuff like that was preoccupied.
"Thank you for coming. Is that a sign you're warming up to Beca?" Stacie asked teasingly.
Aubrey glared at her and finished the bite in her mouth. "I simply didn't want Chloe to crash the car on her way here." They looked at each other with knowing smiles on their faces.
"I know it's weird timing, but I don't want to drag it and when will it-"
"Stacie.." Aubrey gently stopped her from rambling.
Stacie looked at the blonde for a moment, getting more excited, but at the same time relaxed. "Would you like to go out on a date with me? If you have the time, I know you're busy with-"
Aubrey put her hand on Stacie's hand and absently rubbed her thumb over it. "I can definitely make the time." She still sounded like Aubrey, strong and confident, but softer.
A big smile spread on Stacie's face and she tried not to turn from the excitement. "Great! How does Friday sound?"
"I actually don't work this weekend, so it's good for me," Aubrey answered and only then pulled her hand back and went back to eating.
It left Stacie with a few days to prepare a date that would impress the blonde and show her the woman's intentions. There was a lot of pressure and nervousness, but above it all Stacie was happy - she got to take her mate out for the first time, something they'll remember forever. It was the start of their story and Stacie couldn't wait.
I'm not sure when there will be another chapter, I'll try not to keep you waiting for that long again.
If you're still reading or new ones, you're more than welcome to tell me what you thought (here or on Tumblr).