Visions of Wolves

Come inside

“Hey there, it’s Teal right?” A deep, warm voice broke me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see the boyish, handsome face of a man in his late twenties. He had dark blonde hair and wore blue scrubs. I was pretty sure this was the same guy who entered the truck earlier. 

I nodded but looked away while I rubbed the tears from my eyes and cheeks. He then crouched down in front of me and very gently put his hand on my knee in reassurance.

“I’m Jay. Don’t worry, Ally is going to be just fine. So is Adam. Come, let’s get you some tea and maybe something clean to wear.” He spoke calmly. Physically he was intimidating. He was tall and strong but the way he spoke and the kindness in his eyes made him approachable. Instinctively I felt as though I could trust him.

“Thank you, but I just want to go back to the hotel. It’s been a long day.” I was trying my best to sound calm but my mind was screaming. My heart was starting to pound again, I felt as though my chest was bruised. I wasn’t sticking around, not after what I just saw. What did I just see?

“Look, Teal,” he tilted his head causing me to look him in the eyes. Clearly the reaction he wanted because as I looked him in the eyes he smiled and continued. “I promise you are safe here. I promise. But right now you’re in shock, I can’t just send you off. Plus, we should probably talk about what happened. You must have a lot of questions.”

He patted me on the knee and then stood up, holding his hand out to me. I reached for it and let him pull me to my feet. “We have a guest room in the pack house. You can get cleaned up, have a decent night’s sleep and tomorrow we can talk. That alright with you?” He gave my hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

I didn’t want to be here, I just wanted to go back, but I didn’t know what to say or even how I’d get back. Looks like I’ll be spending the night. I grabbed my bag and let him lead the way.

For the first time I looked up and properly acknowledged my surroundings. Ahead of us was a modern, double story house with big tinted windows all around it. It was breath taking. Outside was a beautiful sculptured garden with tall trees lining the walkway to the main entrance. The entrance had a small staircase that lead to towering doors.

I was lost in the beauty of the building when Jay spoke, bringing me back to reality. “Thank you, by the way. For helping Adam and Ally. That was very brave of you. It must have been really scary.”

He was trying to make conversation but I only had the energy to give a half smile and nod.

We walked through the main doors and into a wide open foyer. To the left was a staircase going to the second floor, to the right was a door that opened into what looked like a dinning hall and in the middle of the foyer was a large sculpture of a woman pointing to the ceiling with a giant wolf seated next to her, looking in the same direction. I stopped for a moment to admire it before quickly catching up to Jay who had continued further into the house. We walked down a passageway and passed several closed doors before he settled on one and opened it.

It had a double bed, a small bathroom with a shower and toilet, a desk and a small kitchenette with a toaster, kettle and bar fridge. Everything matched in various shades of neutral, pastel colours.

“There are fresh towels in the bathroom and some snacks in the fridge. Please help yourself. You’re our guest and we owe you for today. Make yourself at home.” Jay said while checking the room was in order.

“Thank you, this is perfect.” I said, wanting to be polite but also itching to have the space to myself.

Jay nodded and headed back to the door. “Good. I’ll come fetch you in the morning. I hope you manage to get some sleep. But one more thing, it’s best you don’t leave the house unless myself or one of the other pack members come with you. It wouldn’t be safe.”

As if reading the panic on my face, he then added “you’re safe in this house, I promise. Just not outside ok.” He tilted his head, mockingly glaring at me in a way that pushed me to respond.

“I won’t, this is everything I need,” I waved my hand round the room.

We said our goodbyes and when I could hear he had walked far enough away I locked the door. I sat and stared into space for what felt like hours before I became dizzy with exhaustion. I heard a knock at the door and when I opened it I found a plain black t-shirt and grey joggers folded neatly outside. I showered, got dressed and fell asleep the minute I lay back on the bed.