51. Nothing to Worry About

Paul - After 3 weeks
I enjoy the peace and quiet this place provides as I wait for the moon to rise. The crickets add a joyful melody to my ears as I stargaze the twinkling silver lights of the brooding sky. I push back the sounds coming from the clearing of our meeting grounds.
Everyone is always upbeat when we get together for the full moon shift. Despite the enthusiasm, I feel for the first time that something is off. Laura is not present.
Steps on the grass pique my interest. Looking toward the clearing, I see Alin and Ana Maria approaching. She was delighted to join the Muntenia pack, and we chose to call her Ana Maria in order to avoid confusion with our Ana.
“I wanted to thank you again,” Alin says, his hand around his mate’s waist. “I’m also sorry for my behavior in the past few months. Not in my wildest dreams have I dared to imagine that such a thing could happen, that Ana Maria would join our pack.”
“I’m extremely in debt to you,” she says, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “I don’t know how to express my gratitude.”
“Well, thank Laura. She was the one who persuaded me to do it and dragged me there on our..."
I almost said "honeymoon." There is no such tradition among wolves, but I adored the moment she used that term. That was the one time she attempted to persuade me to do anything.
Possibly she doesn't realize how much influence she has over me, which could explain why she doesn't do it more often. Or she doesn't want anything from me. My chest tightens because I am not sure which is worse.
"Ah, I see." Alin examines the grass surrounding his feet. "I'm not sure what words I can offer to apologize for what I've said about her."
I narrow the distance between us and put my hand on his shoulder. "Words are less significant than actions. Become again the guy I once knew, my moon brother. This will please both Laura and me. I'm certain of it."
"We've grown. Both of us." Alin doesn't lift his gaze. "The Paul I used to know would not have let me off the hook so easily. It brings me enormous joy to see you at peace, but it also brings me considerable pain since I wasn't there for you."
"You will be from now on. Speak with Dan to get up to speed on everything necessary." I turn my focus to Ana Maria. "I say this again: welcome to the pack. I hope you have a good time on your first shift with us. Oh, and do take care of Alin."
She nods. "Thank you. I will."
Alin places his arm around her shoulders and leads her toward the clearing. After a few steps toward the joyful sounds of the group, he looks back over his shoulder.
“Are you coming?”
“I’ll stay here for another half an hour till the moon is up. I have a lot to think about.” My dismissive gesture comes as a confirmation for them to go. “Let everyone know I’ll be there in time.”
When I lose sight of Alin and Ana Maria, I sit on the grass and gaze again at the stars.
Alin seems to be slowly returning to his old self. Maybe he’s a bit changed, but that’s only natural.
Wind passes through the trees, taking the aroma of flowers with it. The chirps and cries of insects fill the air, and they are like music to my ears.
I should be content. Everything has been going well in the past few days. The business is booming, and the company is expanding. My pack is pleased so far. I’ll have to meet up with the other alphas soon for the summit. With a little bit of luck, things will settle nicely.
But I still feel uneasy. I can't explain why. I close my eyes, allowing the wind to carry away my thoughts.
A mocking chuckle ignites in my throat before realizing it. I surely changed. I can’t even remember when was the last time I based anything on luck. Even if the odds were against me, I’ve always fought my way through.
Honestly, I don't know whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. Is it possible to have too much in life? Do we need difficulties to remain sharp?
I grasp for the stars with my arms stretched over my head. The world seems made up of light and shadow, and you can barely tell the difference between them.
The image of Laura comes to mind. Maybe I’m still a fighter, but my soul feels at ease as if a sense of peace and blissfulness has taken over.
The meeting grounds were never a good place for Laura, especially during a full moon. She said she’ll take care of the rest of the preparations for the summit since everyone has gathered here and no one is left to attend to the last details.
It feels like I haven't spoken with Laura in a long time. Given that it was this morning, I huff. The want to hear her voice is overwhelming. Before I give my wolf complete reign, I need to ensure she's okay.
My soul is crawling with fear. Is it unreasonable to be concerned about a strigoi? She must be able to protect herself. But then I recall her thin physique, her delicate face as she sleeps. At the very least, I should call her.
As I take out my phone, it starts ringing. It’s Bogdan Badea’s number. What the hell does he want now?
With a deep breath, I accept the call. “Yes?”
“Paul, I need you to answer some questions.”
It’s Laura’s voice. Why does she call me from Bogdan’s number?
Her tone is soothing, but I detect a hint of anxiety. I stare at the phone in my hand. She doesn't sound like herself. That’s what bothers me most.
“I don’t understand.” I jump on my feet, my heart thumping like crazy. Suddenly, the forest where I usually feel free seems like a cage because I can’t leave it till morning. “Laura, is there something wrong?”
“There is nothing to worry about. I’ve just been kidnapped.”