Comforter

CHAPTER 26

Becky's P.O.V



I experienced a strange feeling for the first time. It was a tingly and chilling sensation that started at the back of my neck and slowly spread throughout my body.


This strange feeling made my heart beat faster because it filled my mind with the unsettling thought that someone might be watching me closely.


I paused for a moment caught in a struggle between my overwhelming fear that these feelings were just my imagination playing tricks on me or if there was something much more frightening and real happening behind me.


The air around me felt thick and heavy filled with the last fading light of day which made everything seem more ominous. Shadows gathered on the ground along the path where I stood seeming to stretch and twist into eerie shapes.


I turned my head to look over my shoulder hoping to see something that would reassure me but all I could make out was an endless darkness.


It was like staring into a great emptiness that gave me nothing—just a lot of unanswered questions swirling in my mind.


“I was just trying to convince myself that it was all in my mind” I whispered quietly to myself shaking my head as if that would help to get rid of the growing fear I was feeling inside.


After that I began to walk forward once more but the unsettling sensation returned and this time it felt even more intense almost as if the darkness of the night was stretching out its eerie shadowy fingers toward me.


I stopped once more my breath catching unexpectedly in my throat as I realized how frightened I truly was.


“Is there anyone here with me?” I shouted my voice echoing softly in the stillness around me.


Suddenly I heard a sound a rustling coming from behind me and it sent a cold shiver down my spine.


I quickly turned around prepared to face whatever might be hiding in the dark shadows nearby.


Jessy Bloodmoon stepped out from the shadows her figure clearly visible against the dimming light of the day.


A confident smirk appeared on her lips and this expression made me feel even more annoyed than before.


“Look who it is. The girl who’s still too slow to find her wolf.” she said with a smirk. “I can’t believe you’re still hanging around Becky. You’d think you’d know how to keep up with us by now.”


My heart raced anger rushing through me. “What do you want Jessy?”


“Oh not much” she said looking straight at me. “I just wanted to tell you that I have Alpha Karl eating out of my hand now. While you tried and failed I showed him the way.”


Each word she said hit me hard and I tightened my fists trying to stay calm. “That’s nice for you I guess” I said through my clenched teeth. “Now if you’ll excuse me I've got better things to do.”


“Better things?” Jessy laughed her tone making my already frayed nerves worse. “Like what? Feeling sorry for yourself because you can't connect with your wolf? It must be tough knowing he’s with someone who can deal with him.”


A strong feeling rose up in me my wolf pushing to break free. “Careful Jessy” I said trying to keep my voice calm anger bubbling just below. “I’m not up for your tricks tonight.”


“Oh yes I am!” Jessy moved in closer her confidence clear. “You should know by now—coming into my space means you’re open to whatever happens next. Just ask Karl.”


“Don't involve him in this!” I replied feeling my anger reach its peak. But inside I knew what she was doing—she wanted to get me fired up for a fight.


Just as I was about to speak again a strong voice cut through the silence. “That’s enough!”


I turned to see Alpha Rian walking in his presence taking over the night. He stood between us blocking Jessy. “Jessy you’re a guest here at Ravensong. We don’t allow fighting among pack members. You know that.”


“Looks like you have a wild wolf with you Alpha” Jessy shot back walking past him with a bold attitude. “I just wanted to remind her of where she belongs that’s all.”


“Jessy no fighting” Rian said firmly although she waved him off a smirk lingering on her face as she turned away her laughter fading into the night.


My focus shifted back to Rian my breath coming in rapid bursts. “I can handle it Rian. I don’t need you to protect me.”


“I’m not here to keep you safe from Jessy.” he said softly looking serious. “I’m here to make sure Ravensong is a safe home for all. You know that. But you need to learn to cope Becky. Tomorrow Jessy and Karl will go back to Silverfang and I want you to save your energy for when they are gone. Don’t let her bother you like that.”


What he said about Karl made me feel a sharp pain in my chest a mix of anger and desire fighting for control. “Nobody better wake me until they go” I said boldly raising my chin as if to show a strength I hardly had.


“Goodnight Becky.” Rian said softly looking into my eyes before he turned away. I wanted to shout asking when this would all be over but the words stuck in my throat. I walked off weighed down by the confusion between us.


Later that night as quiet wrapped around me I fell into a restless sleep. The faces from my past filled my dreams—Karl’s smile Jessy’s teasing and the lonely howl of my wolf rang in my head. When the sun finally rose shining through my dreams I woke up to noise outside.


“What is going on…” I whispered jumping out of bed and hurrying to the door.


The morning sun shone brightly above lighting up the scene outside. A crowd of wolves had gathered their sounds a mix of worry and eagerness. I narrowed my eyes making my way through the crowd and saw Jake at the center his face showing both concern and excitement.


“Jake what’s happening?” I asked crossing my arms as the rush of excitement hit me again.


He turned a look of shock on his face before he smiled big. “You’re finally up! You missed everything. Karl and Jessy are heading out soon but they’re making a big fuss!”


I felt a strong need to act whatever was going on I couldn't let it pass by…