Next In Line

Chapter 1

Amanda:

"Mom! I'm going to be late for training!" I complained openly. "Well maybe if you'd take better care of yourself then you wouldn't have to go through this every week!" My mom stated. "Mom, you know I can't help how easily my hair tangles. It's like a pair of wired headphones in a pocket. One minute they're neat and tidy and next they're a big jumble." I have no clue why I don't just shave all my hair off. I can't style it anyway with it being thick and long. "Okay there. If you would at least TRY to do more with your-" I was already out the door before she could finish her sentence. I HATE having to go to her to untangle my hair but I also can't help how it tangles so easily. I might have to go see Ashen for a haircut soon. Ashen is the packs beauty guru. She's always looking for someone to spruce up and when she does it's never a disappointment. She's the one who got my sister into makeup. "Where have you been, Amanda?! You should've been here! Alpha James is talking about letting us go for a midnight run this weekend with the neighboring pack! I hope we do! My wolf's been dying for a chance to run again!" An overly excited Ansel said. "Sorry my mom thinks that me being well groomed is better than learning to train. I don't know what all the fuss is about here lately but I definitely don't like it." I complained sourly. "I just wish she'd quit bugging me about being like Addi. I don't want to be like Addi I want to be me. Ya know?" "Well I'm not sure where this will sit with you but I did hear we're about to take in a few nearby wolves for a while. Their Alpha and Luna aren't doing well and they are sending them here to be looked after. I'm not sure where their bet-" I cut him off before he could finish "wait wait wait. We're taking in some wolves because their Alpha and Luna aren't well? Where's the Beta? And if they weren't doing well why send them to a strangers pack to be looked after?" I think Ansel had heard wrong. "That's what I heard. I have no clue about their pack besides their Alpha and Luna problem. I can't remember the pack name either. Something Nightcrest?" Yeah I think he misunderstood. "You mean the Nightshade Pack?" I asked amused on how he got the name so wrong "Yeah!" Suddenly I got a mindlink from our Alpha, James. "Amanda, you and Ansel will keep watch of the Southeastern border tonight with Haden and Alden. This will be your first test. Be at the southeast borders at 7:30 sharp." I was confused on why I was tasked tonight but was glad I wouldn't have to face another grooming session with my mom.