Chapter 2: Lost Innocence
A month later, Della and Jared had just finished a sparring session in the woods, and were headed back to the Pack House. Jared's expression was sullen, and he was glad Della had stopped sparring with him in front of the pack a year ago, when they had turned 19 and he began preparing in earnest to become the next Alpha of Snow Moon. He was nearly ready, the only thing holding him up was that he had yet to find his fated mate.
How did Della, a tiny, five foot three, dainty little princess, always manage to kick his ass? His face was already almost healed, but his bruised ego lagged behind.
Della playfully punched him in the arm, seeing the defeated look on her brother's face made her want to gloat. He looked like a scolded puppy. "Oh, stop pouting," she teased. "It's our secret. Nobody has to know your sister can kick your Alpha ass."
"Maybe they should make you the Alpha," he replied, kicking a rock like it had offended him somehow.
"Maybe they should," she said, giggling at the thought. "But they won't." She grabbed his arm, and they walked in amicable silence down the path that led out of the forest surrounding the Pack Lands.
They approached the Pack House, rising tall and magnificent against the lush green backdrop of the forest. Della could smell the beef stew the cooks had been slow roasting all day. She was suddenly starving!
"Something smells delicious," she said, and picked up her pace. Jared knew what was coming. "Last one there is a rotten rogue egg!" Della yelled, pushing herself to run as fast as she could.
Then, out of nowhere, she felt a wave of nausea wash over her like dirty water. She stopped, dry heaving into the grass. She lay down, panting, waiting for it to pass.
"Della!" Her mother had seen her fall to the ground, and came running, followed by her father and his Beta, Joshua. By the time they arrived she had picked herself up, and though she still felt a bit weak, the worst seemed to have passed.