adjective ~ physically or mentally demanding

POLLUX

You know it's going to be a hard day when you wake feeling crap.

Waking up with a headache instantly put me in a grump. After knocking back two painkillers, I sat on the edge of my bed, waiting for it to dissipate. Staring out the window, I was glad to see the day was going to a be clear skies. There was a gentle breeze too, and the trees swayed with the movement.

What a day to be leaving.

After the headache subsided, I washed and dressed for the day. I would spend the first hour by taxicab just to get me away from pack grounds. I figured once I was in a vehicle, there was less chance of me stopping and turning around.

I have been in this pack for around a year, and I couldn't fathom leaving the itch in my brain alone. I needed more. And today was the day I would finally get some. More, that is.

I was due to leave after breakfast. Having already snoozed my alarm twice whilst waking up to the aftereffects of party-Charlie, I would not be on time if I waited any longer.

Party Charlie.

I shook my head. What was meant to be a cute goodbye 'get-together' definitely turned into a party. Once alcohol and a game were involved, it was downhill from there. They forced me to drink god-forsaken lager, and could still feel the bubbles burning my gut now. Then top it off with some strange vodka mix that was way too strong to be normal, and I was a goner.

I remember little from last night, but I remember a huge fight.

Sean was naked. Charlie was avoiding my sister. Nova was a human barrier for Leo against his mate, and Molly... What was it? My memories were warped. The last thing I remembered was her telling Sean to cover his dick before I fell asleep beside Calida.

I pressed my fingers into my eyes as I left my home and walked toward the pack house kitchen.

Why did Molly get upset?

What were we doing before? Beer pong, right? Then truth or dare was involved, and that was when Sean got naked. Then Leo missed his shot, and... Oh!

Oh, dear.

I remember now.

There were tears and a lot of raised voices I did not care for.

Entering the kitchen, I cautiously eyed the open space. It was the end of breakfast time, so I knew I would not see many people here. Plating myself something with meat for my day ahead, I grabbed a coffee for good measure.

It was going to be some long few weeks, and I needed to get back into shape. I wasn't large by all means, but my stamina was something I had going for me. I could walk all day without tiring, and I feared my lazy year may put that to the test.

I ate in peace for a solid two minutes, watching the room pass me by. There were a few well wishes from people I did not know very well, and I nodded politely in thanks. But then all peace eventually ends.

A firm hand landed on my shoulder, spreading warmth through the t-shirt I wore. Already knowing who it was, I sighed softly.

"Haven't you annoyed me enough?"

Charlie chuckled, sitting down opposite me. "You think I'm annoying?"

"You got me drunk. Again." I deadpanned.

He shook his head, pointing a croissant at me. "Nu-uh! You drank willingly."

"It was way too strong!" I complained. "After two cups, the world was spinning!"

"I forgot, okay!" He huffed. "Calida was gone too. And then Kelsy ditched the game!"

"How is Calida?" I mused.

"She is still in bed." Charlie sighed. "I knocked on the door and she told me to go away."

"You gave a human wolf grade alcohol." I pointed out. "I am surprised she remembers you are the culprit."

He snorted a laugh. "Was a good time, though."

"Was it?" I cocked my head. "From what I remember, it ended in a fight."

"Yeah, but what your sleepy ass missed was Leo crying."

I gasped. "Leo cried?"

"He sure did! He was begging Molly to listen. She went hysterical asking him why." Charlie explained. "Leo got onto his knees telling her it was a dare, and there were definitely tears from both of them."

I whistled low, shaking my head. "What a dare, though. Phoenix must've known."

Charlie shrugged. "Probably. Alpha's can smell more than us."

"Then he really knew what he was doing." I muttered. "Shit stirrer."

"Phoenix may act casual on the outside, but he is more conniving than people give him credit for." Charlie mused. "When he's not an alpha, he can be really fun."

I quirked an eyebrow. "I dunno. It sounds like you get him into trouble."

Charlie grinned at my teasing, shrugging as he bit a chunk out of his croissant. "Maybe, maybe not."

I laughed softly, and we finished our breakfast through calm conversation. The coffee went down a treat until the reality of what came in a matter of hours washed over me. Then the bitter liquid left an unpleasant taste in my mouth that I wanted to regret. I remember why I often stuck to tea now. Coffee came with too many memories.

It was strange how your brain and senses linked. Remembering the taste and smell of coffee took me back to Clover's café.

I sighed, dropping the half-empty cup to the table. "I'm going to go double check my things."

"Need a hand?"

Shaking my head, I forced a smile. "I'm good. The taxi is due in half an hour."

"Where's he getting you from?" Charlie wondered.

"Just outside the porch." I stated, rising from my chair. "I need to make sure I have everything before Nova finds me."

Charlie laughed. "Yeah, that is going to be interesting."

I bid him a soft goodbye as I slowly trailed my way back to my quarters. I may have a lied a little; my bag was already double-checked last night. It was sitting by my front door, waiting for me to take it on its adventures.

I idled for ten minutes in my home, walking a path into the carpet. As much as I wanted to go, I was never great at farewells. The last goodbye I had to give was one that ended in a lot of pain.

around two years ago

My chest felt lighter when I was running through the forest. The cold winter breeze ran through my fur, my body running on high as I pounded through the damp mud. It was dry, the only time I could even think about running as a beast. If I ran when it was wet, my paw prints would raise suspicion.

With it being winter, the past few months, I have rarely been able to go out. One downside of Arleybay was, when it rained, it bloody rained. It seemed even when it was not raining; the ground was wet. And now I lived with Clover. It was harder to go for walks alone. They always tagged along when they could, so I devoted my time being out to when they were working or in bed. Like right now, Clover was at work and they wouldn't finish for another hour.

I yipped with glee as I ran through the trees. I had ventured out of Arleybay tonight, and knowing it would take half an hour to get home, I turned around and headed back. The sun had gone down, the winter sun lasting little and less often. As much as Clover complained about missing the brightness, I found it rather cosy.

I slowed to a trot as I neared the border, trailing toward my old route. I was soon approaching the place I took Clover for the first time. Over time, we would come more often to this spot and speak our souls to the world. It was the first time I had admitted feelings, and the first time Clover let me into their past.

They were never allowed into the woods, and luckily, none of their family were around to see. But it was nearing Christmas, a holiday the humans loved to celebrate, and apparently, Clover had invited their parents down to celebrate. They were due tomorrow, whether they'd show up. I wasn't sure how it would go, knowing that Clover's parents did not approve of their life choices.

Just as I neared our usual spot, I heard a voice. I tensed, eyes widening as Clover's voice came from so close. Darting my head to the left, I found them.

Shit.

Clover spun at the sound of the hedge bristling, my name dying on her tongue. Their eyes widened with horror, and they stumbled back a step, tripping over a rock. Clover caught themselves, spluttering incomprehensive words.

"P-Pollux!" they screamed.

I stepped closer, unsure of what I was supposed to do. It only caused Clover to scream, and I winced, dropping my head. Their heart was racing, and I could smell the foul hint of fear through their sweat. I whimpered, flattening my ears and my stomach to the floor.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck. I'm going to die," Clover breathed.

I followed their movements as they debated where to go, eyes wide with undiluted fear. I whimpered when they moved to the left, and their eyes snapped to mine.

"Please...."

I was fully on the floor, unmoving.

"Oh, shit." Clover breathed. "Is it a dog? No, it's too big for a dog. Is it a trick? Are wolves capable of tricks?"

I almost laughed and couldn't help the snort that escaped me. Although Clover's heart still thumped wildly, their eyes scanned my furry body.

"If I make it out of this alive, I'm going to have to call in the hunters."

Hunters?

I growled low, unwillingly scaring Clover.

"Pollux!" they screamed.

What was I supposed to do? Being a shifter was a large secret in my life, and we were not supposed to expose ourselves to humans. And what did they mean by hunters? As in wolf hunters? Was this village hiding something?

Clover walked backwards, their breath shaking. "Pollux!"

Do it.

Do it.

Do it!

I rose to all fours, taking a step closer to them. Clover was panicking, scrambling back with fear. I did not want to scare them; I needed to prove that their fear was nothing. Not when I was around.

So, I did it.

I shifted to my skin. And watching the horror on Clover's face was one of the worst things I ever witnessed. Their heart spluttered, a whispered fear of my name escaping their lips. And then Clover was gone. Passed out from fear, they slumped to the ground.

I cursed softly, making sure they were uninjured as I grabbed my secretly hidden clothes. Clover never ventured near the edge of the cliff, so I knew they were safe to leave there. I pulled them on, along with my hiking boots, before walking back to them. Sighing, I knew I would have to somehow carry them.

It took some effort, not being the strongest of wolves, and I had to stop a few times, but finally, we reached home. I lay Clover in their bed and made sure they were uninjured. I smelt no blood, just the dissipating scent of fear.

Groaning softly, I fell into the chair by the dressing table. My fingers pinched at my eyes, a small headache forming.

How was I supposed to walk myself out of this? Not only did Clover have a fear of the woods and wolves, but I just revealed myself to them. I would like to hope that it was my nudity that scared them silly, but I knew it was my fur.

I would have to wait for them to wake up, to see what was going to happen. I hoped Clover did not abandon me, that shifting into a beast was nothing. Or, at worst, Clover forgot or thought it was a dream. But for now, I would have to wait, because Clover was fast asleep.

I really fucked up.

Question of the day:
What song is on your every playlist right now?