I was thankful to all the gods that exist because I didn't have to see my mate's face first thing in the morning. The bonehead alpha had already risen before me and went out for his training.
It was a peaceful morning and the fact that Stella told me that I would be able to make friends today was the icing on top. I really want to make friends. Getting to know people and learning from them is something I look forward to doing a lot. I need to be better for this pack.
"Mom?" I called as I entered my mother's new room to check on her before going to meet Stella.
"Ivy?" I heard her voice. It sounded a bit weaker than before.
"Mom, are you okay?" The change in her voice is enough to send me into panic mode.
"I'm fine, dear. I just woke up so I have a sore throat." She laughed.
I still didn't feel convinced. I'm on the edge every time I think about her. Her health is getting worse day after day. She tries to hide it from me but I can see it. Her trembling every time she tries to stand up and her voice turning gritty every time she tries to talk. It's all signs of that….
I feel restless when I think about her. I need to save her. I have to save her. That's the reason why I came to this pack in the first place.
She can't die. She can't die and leave me alone in this world.
"Your lies are getting old," I sighed in defeat.
"Ivy," Her face turned soft as she said my name. "You know I don't want to worry you. You have a lot on your shoulder now–"
"You are never a burden. Stop talking like that. You know I came here to find a way to help you. It's not going to change just because I have a mate now." My eyes brimmed with tears from anger and frustration.
My mother sighed. "I apologize for making you sad again. I believe in you." She smiled. "Sorry for ruining your morning. But what I'm telling you is the truth. I feel better now. I feel better knowing that you now have a mate and a pack to call your own. You are surrounded by people who will protect you. That's all I need. The moon goddess heard my prayers."
"You'll get better, okay?" I gripped her hand to give her a reassuring squeeze. "I promise I'll make you feel better. You'll be happy and smiling like in old times. And then-then we will go hunting like we used to. We can go for runs and I'll introduce you to all the friends I'll make. It will be okay. You will be okay." I pulled her cold body into a warm hug.
"Ivy?"
I lifted my head to see Stella in the doorway.
"Is everything alright?" She asked, probably concerned about how I'm on the edge of crying.
"Yeah, everything is fine. We were just…talking," I smiled as I stepped back.
"Stella, good morning. Have you had breakfast?" My mother asked as she turned to talk to the former luna.
"Yes, what about you? I didn't see you at the table today."
"A kind girl brought it to my room today when I told her that I didn't feel like walking. I'll join you at lunch."
"Awesome! Today our chef is cooking up some seafood specials. Hope you'll like them," Stella beamed.
"I'm looking forward to trying them. We never had much seafood while we were living in the woods. I hope they taste the way I remember." Mother smiled before she looked at me. "What's your plan for today? How's getting to know the pack members going?"
"It's going really well. Today we're going to meet some people who are my age. Stella thinks we will make good friends." I beamed in excitement.
My mother reached her shaky hands to caress my cheeks. "I'm sure you'll make a lot of friends. You're a sunshine kid."
I blushed while Stella laughed. "Come on, Ivy, let's go,"
"I'll see you later, mom. Take care," I gave her a kiss on the forehead before skipping out of the room like an excited child.
I'm ready to make some friends!
___
Okay, things aren't going as well as I thought they would go.
The farmers wouldn't even look at me. I tried everything. I even made lemon juice for them to drink on their break but they were indifferent. It didn't feel like they were avoiding me. It was more like they didn't care. Somehow it hurts more to think of it that way.
I'm trying my best to make good connections with them but they just don't even want to have a conversation.
Stella gave my shoulders a reassuring squeeze when she saw my disheartened expression. "Don't worry too much. They'll come around." She tried to encourage me. I tried to muster a smile but it was getting extremely hard for me when every time I'm giving my best all my efforts are being ignored like it's worthless.
"Why do they do this?" I sighed. "Is it because I'm young?" I looked up at Stella and I hated the way my eyes brimmed with tears. I don't want to be seen as someone weak but I still feel like an outsider among all these people and it's taking a toll on me. Nothing in my life seems to be going right.
"As you know, this pack isn't that fond of rogues. After Avery died, all of us hated rogues with a passion but we grew out of it. Well, some of us. There are wounds even time can't heal. A lot of people lost their loved ones to rogue attacks. Just like their alpha, they cannot easily forget it. They treated the rogue members well but they're not too fond of the idea that suddenly one of their leaders is a rogue who they know nothing of. It's just taking them a little time to get accustomed to that fact."
Stella pulled me into a gentle hug before patting my back. "Being a leader is not easy. It'll take time to earn the trust of the members but I'm sure that you can do it."
I gave her a small smile. What she said makes sense but I don't know what I need to do to earn their trust. Will I ever be able to be something other than a rogue to them?
"Now, let's go to the studio house?" Stella asked with a wide smile.
"Is that where they are?" I beamed.
"Yes," Stella laughed. "Let's go and make some friends!" She cheered as she walked away.
Studio house, from what I know, is a part of the pack house situated a little away from it. It's where the artists of the pack go to work on their stuff. At least, that's what it was made for but it's mostly used by kids my age to hang out and have fun. There is a giant theater room, different musical instruments, a painting room, and so on. Stella talked about it once and said that I would love that place.
I'm hoping I can make friends. My first encounter with people my age on this pack wasn't that good. They were making fun of me so I'm feeling a little nervous about this.
"There it is," Stella said as we stepped onto the veranda of the studio house. "I think they are inside,"
There was a faint sound coming from inside. A distinct chatter of excited voices. Goddess, please! I hope they're kind.
Maybe they could make my life in this pack a little more bearable? I gazed down at myself and adjusted my clothes to make myself a little more presentable.
Stella opened the door with a bright smile. "Hey, guys!" She greeted me as soon as she entered. I stumbled a bit as I tried to catch up to her. I hope no one saw that!
There were three girls and four boys. All of them were wearing really cool clothes. One of the guys was dressed in all black and had a leather jacket. One of the girls was wearing a pastel green short gown that made her look like an angel. The others were wearing jeans and sweaters but all of them were different. It's my first time seeing people wearing clothes that are ripped but still make it look cool somehow.
They all had different styles but they fit together somehow. Amazing.
Their clothes made me realize that I was wearing a boring shirt and jeans but I tried to ignore that thought. I've seen worse days where this would have been a luxury. I shouldn't forget where I came from.
"Hey, Stella, nice to see you!" One of them greeted back.
"Nice to see you too!" Stella replied enthusiastically. "I hope you guys aren't busy. I brought your luna with me. As you all know, she's new here so she needs some friends who can make her feel at home here. I think you guys could do that. She's your age so I'm sure you all will get along."
I smiled shyly and gave them a small wave. I didn't know it was this awkward trying to make new friends. They looked at each other when they heard Stella's request.
"Of course, no problem! We were actually planning to meet our luna and get to know her ever since we heard that she's our age. We never thought our pack would have such a young leader. This is exciting!" One of the girls said in a very cheery voice.
"Great! Then I'll leave you guys to get to know each other. Have a great time!" Stella patted my back. "I have some work at the pack house so I'll be taking a leave. You guys enjoy your time," She turned to look at me. "Is it okay if I leave, Ivy? Would you be fine?"
"I'm okay. You can go back to the pack house. I'll stay here. Thanks for doing this," I was already grateful for her trying to make me familiar with the pack. I wouldn't have been able to meet and talk to a lot of pack members if it wasn't for her
"It's great then. And kids, stop by the pack house once in a while, okay?"
"Sure,"
"Of course,"
"Bye, Stella"
They all replied as she walked away. I scratched my neck awkwardly when she was finally out of the door. "Umm…Can you tell me your names?" I asked with a nervous laugh.
"I'm Liya," The one wearing the pastel green dress spoke up. "This is Jessica and this is Tessa." She introduced the girls before moving to the guys.
"This is Ronan," She started with the guy wearing all black. "And they are Jackson, Tyler, and Ryle."
I smiled. "I'm Ivy,"
"We know," Tessa laughed.
"I wanted to ask you some questions. This is the first time we meet a Rogue our age. Will you answer them?" Jessica walked closer to me.
"Of course," I nodded.
"Then come sit here," One of the guys, Ronan, called me while patting the seat next to him.
I timidly walked closer and sat down, leaving a little bit of space between us as I anticipated the questions they wanted to ask me.
"What's it like living in the forest?"