The Lull Between Beats
Lynexia laid on her couch, reading a book. She could hear the chirping of the birds outside. She could hear the sound of the breeze rustling through the trees. The rays of the sun came through the window and shone on her face. She closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh air. She allowed the book to fall to her chest. For a moment she was back home, in the mountains of Wyoming, in her room in her parents' house. She could hear the pups playing outside and the other teens squabbling in the backyard. She heard her mother singing in the kitchen and smelled chicken roasting in the oven. Her father was in his study talking to his beta about his next moves for the pack.
Lynexia was ripped from her peaceful moment by the knock at the door. She sighed and sat up. She placed the book on the coffee table and walked to the door. She opened the door to find Melania standing there. "Would you like to go for a walk?" Melania asked. Lynexia thought for a moment. She really wanted to be alone but the smell of the forest called to her. Lynexia agreed to the walk. Melania smiled and led the young woman through the house and out the back door. They walked down the stairs and through the forest. Lynexia listened to the birds and felt the earth beneath her feet. The fresh air filled her nasal passages. She felt the sun on her face and the breeze on her skin.
They walked for a while in silence. Melanie didn't push Lynexia to talke, she just allowed the young woman to enjoy herself. The forest was a wonderful place to be and Lynexia felt at home. They walked a little while longer and they walked into a small clearing in the middle of the forest. The clearing was covered in emerald green grass and wildflowers of all colors. Lynexia walked to the middle of the clearing where the flowers were more abundant and sat down. She laid back and watched the sky. The clouds floated above into different shapes and Lynexia let her mind wander with the shapes.
Melania sat down next to the young woman. "What do you think of Tennessee?" Melania asked. "It's nice. It's not home. I miss the mountains of Wyoming. this is just a lot to to get used to." Lynexia responded. " I know what you mean. I was born in Texas. I am used to warmth and not used to biting cold winters but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else." Melania said. "So, have you thought about what you would like to do with your life? You have a lot of options. You also don't have the responsibilities of being the child of the Alpha." Melania questioned. Lynexia thought about it, "You are right. I had always had my future planned out. I was the only child of the Alpha line. My mate would have been the Alpha after my father and I would have taken after my mother as the Luna of the pack. I never had to think about dreams or what job I might do in the future. I really don't know what I could do." Lynexia responded. "Well, you have so many options and we will support you in any decision you make. If you want to be an artist, you can. If you want to attend college and get a degree, you will be able to do that as well. The alpha has said that we will give you everything that you want and all the resources that you need to make your life what you want it." Melanie informed. "You all have been so kind to me and I am so grateful. But you do not have to be so kind." Lynexia stated. "We want to. We promised to take care of you and we are happy to do so." Melania smiled.
Lynexia smiled back and returned to starting at the clouds. The pair sat in silence as the sun started to set and the moon started making its way through the sky. The crickets chirped as the birds fell silent. The scent in the air changed. The scent of the flowers changed. The breeze cooled and the stars shone bright. The moon was so bright that it made the clouds look like they were made of ice. "We should get back. Rydell has promised a great dinner and some sort of surprise. He wont tell me what it is." Melania announced. "Oh, we aren't having dinner with the Alpha tonight?" Lynexia questioned. "Did you want to?" Melania asked. "I just assumed that was tradition for the Alpha family to eat dinner together." Lynexia responded. "No, normally only once or twice a week we eat with the Alpha. The rest of the time we have our own family dinners. But you do not have to feel like you have to eat with Rydell and I every night. We would like it but we understand if you want the time alone. This is the time in a young wolf's life they start to pull away and have a little independence before they start their lives with their mates." Melania explained. "Oh. I see." Lynexia responded.
Melania stood and helped Lynexia off the ground. The pair made their way back through the forest and into the backyard of Melania and Rydell's house. As they reached the tree line, The smell of barbeque pork ribs filled the air. Lynexia could smell the buttery corn on the cob and the roasted potatoes. It smelled wonderful, her mouth began to water. Barbeque ribs were her favorite food. Rydell heard their approach and turned around to greet them. "I hope you both are hungry. I have made a feast." he announced, embracing his mate. "I know I am" Melania smiled as she wrapped her arms around her mate. "It smells delicious." Lynexia responded with a smile. "Great, have a seat and we'll set the table." Rydell said as he pointed to the wooden picnic table. Lynexia nodded and sat down to wait for the meal.