I promptly dozed off in bed, entirely forgetting what I had for dinner. My anxiety really made me lose my appetite, but knowing that at least one parent approved of me helped to soothe my anxiety.
I got out of bed before my alarm. I was lying there, watching my clock's tiny red digits steadily advance toward six in the morning. Around 5:30, I sneaked into my bathroom and quickly showered in the hopes that no one would notice.
I rushed through getting ready, not giving my hair or cosmetics much attention. My phone began vibrating as I started putting on my shoes.
'Here!'
I'm on my way!'
Did you inform the parents?'
"Only dad," Mom gets a note from me. She'd go completely bonkers.
'Yeah. I also told my father. It was alright with him.
My own, too.
'Weird.'
'Right? I'll be there in a moment!'
':)'
I collected my bags and made my way covertly down the hallway.
Dad questioned behind me, "Want help with those?"
Oh, my Goddess, what has woken you up?
Additionally, there is an early morning meeting with Alpha, so I anticipated that you would leave before everyone awoke.
I inquired, "About the deer?"
He seized my suitcases while nodding.
I trailed following with a heavy groan.
Have you girls got any food for the journey?
Before leaving town, we were going to stop.
He gave me a bag filled with muffins, cookies, and biscuit and sausage sandwiches. "To supplement the unhealthy foods you'll be receiving."
Saying "Thanks, Dad."
He hugged me tightly, wrapping his arms around me and saying, "Don't worry about it, pup." "Please use caution, and have fun."
"I'll do that. I'm writing mom a note."
"Don't worry, I'll let her know," I said.
The question "You sure?"
"Yeah. She'll take it better coming from me. She'll understand why you left, though. She knows this has been really hard on you."
"I'll miss you," I said.
You won't be gone forever, so even though I will miss you, I will see you soon.
Okay, now be sure to let me know how that deer turns out.
Absolutely. I'll call you later. Hurry, before everyone in the house gets up.
I gave him a quick peck on the cheek and nodded before rushing to Ashley's car.
Good day, Beta.
Dad gave my friend a wave. Good morning, Ashley. Please make sure to look after my kid.
I promise, sir.
Have fun, you two, okay?
"That's the plan! Goodbye!"
She sped out of the driveway toward the edge of our pack's area after honking her horn to make sure everyone would hear her and wake up.
We are stopping at ToniJo's to get lunch and fuel for the car.
"Dad sent us with a bag of sausage, biscuits, muffins, and cookies."
"Holy carbohydrate overload."
"I am aware that he wants us to eat well."
"Sausage, muffins, cookies, and biscuits?"
I chuckled modestly. It's dad's idea of being healthy.
Okay, we'll take the bag of carbs and then everything ToniJo's has to offer.
She bakes those excellent apple turnovers, I hear.
"Healthy," said Ashley.
"They contain apples."
Saying "apple pie filling, Ellie."
I pulled out a sausage biscuit and said, "Eh," with a shrug.
No wolf could resist the delectable aroma of my dad's handmade sausage patties, so I took a sizable bite and had one ready for Ashley.
So they're good, I guess.
I am aware of the freshly made sausage that my father stuffs with his own custom spice blend.
I took out my wallet as she drew up to a petrol station to fill up her vehicle.
"I'm getting gas this time, and you're getting snacks?"
It "sounds like a plan," I said.
"You understand my needs?"
Of course, Ash. Zingers, spicy Doritos, and diet Dr. Pepper.
"Righteo!"
You consume strange cuisine.
"But you adore me,"
"I do, strangeo."
I went to the store, got a little basket, and filled it with everything I thought we might need to eat up until we got to the next pack region. I was browsing the drink options and adding juices, sodas, and waters to my expanding cart when I heard the door chime.
A voice from behind me questioned, "Looks like you're going somewhere?"
Alpha Anwar was standing in front of me as I spun on my heels.
Hello, good morning, and just a little ride, Alpha.
"Many snacks for a short ride."
I regarded the basket while biting my lip. Oh, yeah, I assume there will be leftovers.
"I am aware that Ellie is departing."
I glanced at my sneakers below. "Dad?"
He informed me after the meeting, mm-hmm.
I questioned, "The meeting is over already?"
There wasn't much to discuss, and there isn't any new information.
I blinked at the basket of junk food and said, "Oh." "I assumed he would let you know, but after we left,"
Is it as a result of Alex?
My cheeks became red. "Partly."
I'm sorry; I've heard about the awful behavior he and Harmony have been exhibiting.
"Sir, it's not your fault."
"I raised him better than that. He shouldn't have marked your sister in the way he did, and he should have known to give you space."
I frowned and cast a downward glance. Talking about it was like continually rubbing salt into the wound and reopening it.
"I want you to know that you have our approval to take this trip," she said.
"Sir?"
You are a brilliant girl, and The Luna and I discussed it and agreed that it may be beneficial for you. We might be able to use what you learn to further the interests of our own pack.
I gave the man a smile.
I'll inform King Orsand that our Beta's daughter is visiting, so when you arrive in the royal capital, he can assist you with whatever needs you may have.
I'm not sure what to say, I-I.
Just promise to return home when you're ready.
"Of course," you say.
"Good. Stay safe, my little one."
Thank you, Alpha, I will.
I put down the basket and embraced the man. As he gave me a second hug, the counter employee gasped. He left as quickly as he had arrived once we were done talking.
I went to the counter after grabbing a few apple turnovers.
"Well, I guess this is it."
Ashley and I left once the cashier rang up my purchase.
She inquired, "Did you see Alpha was here?"
Yes, he came to offer us his approval for the journey.
Her eyebrows were elevated. "He did?"
"Yeah."
That's wonderful, but how do we start?
I took out a map and looked at the borders, "Uh, I think the next territory over is Misty Pines."
Oh no, Misty Pines, nothing there!"
We've never been there, so perhaps we can keep busy for a few days before going on. Oh, I'm sure there's something.
Okay, let's head to Misty Pines.