Out

The ride to the movies was excruciating. I listened to Stella Lux and her mate Caelum argue over which movie.

"They both start at the same time." Stella argued.

"Yeah but a chick flick versus a zombie movie. Babe, please don't make us suffer."

"Only if Gin agrees to come back another day to see the chick flick with me."

"You can't make demands of your sister like that, she's our Alpha. She's got like one day off a year and this is it."

I chuckled under my breath, it was true. Rarely did I leave pack grounds or take time off to do age appropriate things.

I could see in the rear view Stella's bottom lip quivering.

"Why don't you go with one of your friends later? I'm in the mood for a zombie movie." I said, finalizing the decision. Besides, I didn't want Caelum's brother Terra to get the wrong impression. This wasn't a date.

"Fine." Stella conceded.

The movie was long and predictable. I didn't go to the movies often when we were kids. I was always training and studying. My parents knew they wanted me to take over the pack since the day Stella was born.

"Earth to Alpha, what did you think?" Caelum asks.

"I thought it was mediocre at best." Terra and Stella laugh at his crestfallen face. "Someone needs to tell Hollywood zombies don't look like that."

The zombies we had encountered look very much like regular people. Their flesh doesn't decay, their insides do. Any wolf could smell them miles away.

We slid into a booth at a local dive bar. One I had frequented with my gamma, Aqua. Back before I took Alpha duties seriously. Legal drinking age for pack members is 18. At the same age, you can sense your mate. It's also the same age you can officially fight for our pack. Even though the bar wasn't on pack lands, they were pretty friendly and accepted our customs.

"Regina, long time no see!" The bartender, an elderly woman smiled at me.

"Hello Mrs. Logan, good to see you again." I smile back.

"The usual?" She smiles a toothy grin.

"Yes, and they'll have the same." All mouths drop open at this but they don't argue.

"We thought we could show you a place you'd never been before." Stella said exasperated. "You just know everyone, everywhere."

I sighed, "Aqua and I used to practically live here."

Terra was silent all night until now. "How is Aqua? I only ever see her at training."

I forgot, Terra and Aqua had a fling once. Most of the unmated males of the pack house could say that. She was a love 'em then leave 'em type. Before she found her mate.

"She's happy." His eyes dim at the knowledge and he retreats back into himself.

We're served a round of local cider, dry and crisp with faint floral notes. Accompanied by Mrs. Logan's specialty bowl. Brown rice, black beans, falafel, chickpeas, spinach, shredded cheese, and a vinaigrette.

Everyone dug in and loved it. "I didn't know vegetarian food could taste so good."

We laughed at Caelum. I'm not a vegetarian, but I do love some delicious food. I had tried being a vegetarian as a child. Once I met my wolf, that was out of the question.

On our way back to the pack house, my beta mind links me.

*Captured a rogue along the perimeter. Awaiting orders to proceed.*

*Dungeon. Be home in 10. Prepare the wolfsbane.*

A rogue hadn't crossed our land in two years. I wonder what they were doing. Are they alone?