The wolf camp was nothing like Tess would've imagined it. She felt small compared to the giant houses the wolves had constructed. They were built out of young trees that were bent and tied together to form long hut-like buildings. Some were longer than others, while some were large circular buildings.
Tess watched as some older kids ran by, playing with a wooden hoop and a stick. All the wolves were wearing deerskin clothes. She was about to ask Tom about it, but decided against it when she saw his scowl. The older wolves in the community refused to meet his gaze as they passed their huts. Almost all of them opted to look at the ground as they shooed their pups inside. Tess didn't understand werewolf politics like Tom did. She had never gone on trips like this with his dad.
They were finally led to a hut in the center of camp and instructed to wait outside. "Tom," Tess whispered, coming closer to him. She was feeling uneasy about everything. "Why won't they look you in the eyes?"
Tom's gaze softened when he looked at Tess' frightened form. "It's disrespectful to look at an alpha in the eyes without their prior consent."
Tess nodded her head, studying the ground as she processed everything. He felt bad. She was out of her element and didn't understand everything that was going on. If his father was still alive, none of this would've happened.
"Wilkolak, come inside, but leave your human outside." An elderly wolf finally appeared out of the hut.
Tom grabbed Tess by the shoulder, pulling her closer to him. "She goes where I go," Tom let out a low growl, never dropping his gaze. He felt Tess' unease flow through his hand. He had been more aware of her feelings ever since he became alpha. It made little sense to him, but he tried to regulate it the best he could.
"This place is sacred. Humans are not allowed within these walls," the elderly wolf replied in an even tone. Tom's gaze wasn't fazing him.
"She stays by my side," Tom reiterated, his grip tightening painfully on Tess' shoulder.
Tess sucked in a deep breath while trying to send calming thoughts to Tom. She felt his tension flowing through her as the conversation progressed. She tuned out his voice and began focusing on her feet. Visualizing roots growing into the earth to send her grounding energy.
Next thing she knew, she was being directed into the hut with Tom and the elderly wolf. Tom gently pushed her to the ground to sit as he sat down next to her. The elderly wolf scowled in her direction, then ignored her for the rest of the time in the tent.
"Young Wilkolak, where is your father?" The elder asked. He poked at a fire in the middle of them, bringing it back to life.
"He passed," Tom answered, sitting rigidly, keeping his gaze on the other wolf. He never let his guard down.
Tess looked at the two. She doubted the older wolf would be capable of anything that could cause them harm. But she knew little about wolves, as Destru had pointed out to her.
"My condolences," the elder answered. "Was there no one else to take on the mantle?"
"No," Tom's fists clenched. Tess debated on placing a calming hand on Tom's arm, but wasn't sure if it would be the correct thing to do in their situation.
"How unfortunate." The elder wolf appeared to gaze off into the distance for a moment. "Wilkolaks have been great protectors for many millennia. It was a sad day when the wolves turned on them." The wolf turned his gaze back to Tom. "You must be the last of them."
Tom gave a short, curt nod. He didn't trust himself to speak.
"How unfortunate," the wolf repeated himself, breathing out, closing his eyes. There was silence for a few moments before he continued. "You may stay for a while. But your human must know her place."
"Understood," Tom answered. His hands had relaxed a little, but his knuckles were still white.
"Looking at someone like that can get you killed." The wolf looked towards Tess, noticing that she continued to look at him.
Tess was about to defend herself when the elder raised his voice, "Silence! You will not speak!"
"She can speak if she chooses to!" Tom jumped up, enraged.
The elder stood up and gazed at Tom evenly, not betraying any of his fear. "Keep her locked up on the full moon. My people will tolerate her, but anything can happen at transformation." The elder continued, choosing to ignore Tom's outburst. "Kylo will show you where you can stay." The elder nodded towards the wolf that Tom had threatened earlier.
Kylo came forward from the side of the tent, gesturing for them to follow. Tom huffed, then turned towards the elder, bowing his head in respect. "Thank you for your generosity."
The elder bowed his head in return, returning to his seat, then closed his eyes, allowing them to leave the hut.