Book 2: Chpt 13: Freedom is Only a Dream
Chapter 13: Freedom is Only a Dream
Jieun
As I follow James and the scary looking one, Rylie, I try to sort through all my feelings. Kwan’s emotions are mixing with mine, and it’s making everything even more confusing. I think we are both relieved to be leaving, and Father cannot do anything about it. The feeling of excitement to go to this new pack and be a Luna is all Kwan’s. It feels like a new prison, and James Ashwood is taking the place of my father as my jailer.
Wolves make packs; everyone knows this. Even the word for a group of wolves, “A Wolf Pack,” is a common term. It’s so simple a pack, it’s so natural for them to group together. They are strong on their own, but a pack can be deadly. They are sociable and trust each other. A lone wolf is an insult and is considered unnatural. A pack of wolves strikes fear and adoration in the hearts of man. So many cultures have folklore around the wise strong wolf and the pack that follows. I mean look at them they are in human form but they would dominate any room of humans. We are so widely different it’s barely comparable.
Foxes are mostly solitary preferring to roam our territory alone. Because foxes so rarely group up most people don’t even know what to call it. It’s so odd to see a grouping of foxes that depending on what’s going on it has different names. A Sulk, a lead, earth, or a leash are all terms given to describe the odd occurrence of foxes grouping up. We are independent, mysterious, untrusting, cunning, and as the saying goes sly. Yes, there is folklore about foxes as well but just as we are viewed by the world our ledges follow suit. People fail to realize that to be cunning and sly you must observe, you must be patient, and timing is critical. These are the real reasons why Sang–Je chose the fox as the guardians of the forest and not wolves. 3
So for now I will follow and be whatever I am asked until I can find a way to leave. My lungs feel like they are being squeezed, I can’t breathe. “You will not be doing anything without my permission.” My forever jailer Kwan growls and it echoes in my head.
She releases my lungs and I gasp for breath. “An Jieun are you OK? What’s wrong?” James starts checking me for injuries.
I step back. “I fine.” I keep walking to the packhouse. “At this rate, it may be better to die than to be a prisoner in my own body.” I snapped back at Kwan.
“Accept the path that Dalnim and Gameunjang have made for us.” Kwan was irritated v I was with her. I don’t know if we are ever goin
to see eye to eye.
me and I
At least before we agreed to leave but now this Luna crap and density have divided us again. She’s much stronger now and can force me to her will.
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Book 2: Chpt 13; Freedom Is Only a Dream
I see the SUVs and the Alphas are all waiting. There was so much going on before that I didn’t get an assessment of them. They all exude power but differently. Alpha Logan is shorter than the other two, but his shoulders alone are the width of two men. He doesn’t say much but he’s watching everything carefully and there’s this tension that’s he’s ready to pounce at a second’s notice. His aura feels viscous and unforgiving. He gives me the chills and I now understand why Rylie also
scares me.
Then there’s Alpha John. He’s tall and slimmer than I would expect but I can tell what he lacks in power he makes up for in speed and stamina. Probably why James was able to catch me. There’s something else he feels regal an Alpha among Alphas but there’s a humility and a confidence that I do not understand. I can’t look him in the eye, I can’t even raise my head when he’s around. What is
this aura?
Lastly Alpha Gideon. He looks like a modern–day Viking. Physically imposing and a true warrior. His green eyes seem to glow like there’s a real fire behind them. He’s intimidating but not in the same way as Alpha Logan or Alpha John. It feels like he would burn the world to the ground to protect what is important without hesitation. Would he cut me down if I were a threat? “Yes, he would. That wolf’s duty is to protect all wolves no matter what. These are not normal Alphas this is a king and his two generals.” Kwan is cautious I can feel our hearts beating faster.
“What should I do?” As much as I hated it, I needed to rely on her for wolf matters. We were mere
feet away from the cars.
“Stay close to James. Nothing will happen to you. Keep your mouth shut and just bow.” Kwan and I work well together when we are trying to survive.
I bow as I pass the three Alphas and James opens the door for me. It’s a little awkward because I’ve never actually been in any vehicle. I do know a lot about them, and I can visualize how to get in but it feels unnatural. “Let me help you it’s a little high.” James puts his hands on my waist a boost me up. I quickly got in and turned to look at him. I try not to, but I know there’s a slight scowl in my expression. “I’m sorry I wasn’t trying anything. You were just standing there staring I thought it was too high.”
I took a breath, and I could hear Kwan scolding me and telling me to be nice or else. I smile politely and nod. I want to get out of here. James jumps in next to me. I notice the faint glow of the sun peeking through the trees as we drive away freely from the packlands.
It’s sunrise already? It has been a long night as I watch the color of the sky above the tree line change and hear the morning birds sing. I do feel the tiniest bit of freedom and an immense sense of relief as we get further away. Is this what it feels like to be relaxed? I’ve never felt th way before. It’s peaceful, it almost feels warm, maybe that’s the morning sun. The scenery is whing by so fast it’s making me dizzy, if I shut my eyes I’ll feel better.
“An Jieun, wake up we’re here.”
