The New Look
“Where are we starting first?”
“I figured we would get your hair done first then shop for clothes. If that is ok with you?”
“Yeah, that way I can get used to the new look. Oh, you never told me what my new name will be while I’m at school and all.”
“Athena Maple from Alaska is what I told the school.”
“Wow, I like it. It’s different and cool. I will have to remember that. So we need to use that name.”
“Ok, Athena (AKA Kenda) Let's go change your look now.”
“Lead the way.”
I followed him to the nearest salon to get my hair done. I wasn’t sure what the look I would want, but with me being tan looking and dark eyes I knew light hair wouldn’t work unless I went bolder like red or auburn. I started looking at hairstyles and then I saw the look that I wanted to go with and no one would think it was me at all. It was a metallic silver that faded into a royal purple. Then I will add a wave and that way my hair won’t be straight and it will look different from before. I showed Aiden what I wanted and he looked shocked.
“You're going different aren’t you?”
“Yeah, I figured that was best.”
“I think it works for you. Let’s get it done.”
Walking with him to go get my hair done seems nice and weird all at the same time. When he gets in there and I show the lady what I want and she gets me right in. While I am getting my hair done I see that Aiden is on the phone. I’m wondering if it is about me. I have been thinking about the council that wants to help me in some ways but once they know what I may be capable of will they still want to help? All of this is going through my mind when the lady tells me I’m done. I look in the mirror and I don’t recognize myself. I love the look and can’t wait to get new clothes to go with my new look.
“Wow, you look great. Let me pay for this and we can go get some clothes.”
“Are you sure about all of this? I can help a little.”
“I told you I got you on this. You don’t have to worry about a thing. Once we get your clothes and all, we will need to get your documents for your new identity and get your picture done with your new look so we can have everything in order.”
“Ok, I was wondering about all of that. Have you talked to my brother lately?”
“Yeah, that was him on the phone while you were getting your hair done. He wants to know where you are and he is getting upset that no one will tell him.”
“I will call him and let him know that I am safe once I get a new phone or something. Or I will call him from someplace just as long as he knows I’m safe. Plus It will have to be far from here in case my father is watching his phone. You should get him a new phone so my father can’t track him.”
“Your right I should. I will do that so at least you guys can talk on the phone. I will take you four or five towns over tomorrow so you can call him. That way it will look random on the calls.”
“That would be great. I should do it at different times and places so my father can’t tell where I am.”
“Good idea. We will get a map when we get back and map out a game plan on how and when we should do it.”
“Sounds good. Now let’s shop.”
Walking off with him as we laughed and got to know each other just felt good. I know things will change as he will find his mate and one day I will find mine. I have been doing well about keeping my scent hidden. So even if my mate was close he wouldn’t be able to find me. He could tell I was close but not know who I was or where the pull was coming from. He would just know I’m in this city that he is in until I let my scent be found. That is the drawback of having to hide my scent. I don’t mind because I am not ready for a mate at this time. There is so much I want to do with my life before I find my mate.
Aiden POV
I can’t stop looking at her. She was pretty before, but this hairstyle on her just makes her stand out even more. It brings out her eyes and just hearing her laugh makes me smile. I know things could change if she finds her mate or I find mine, but I feel this pull towards her but it has faded some. I’m not sure why or if something is just different now. I can’t wait to see what clothes she will pick since her hair pick was not what I was expecting from her. Her brother is also driving me crazy with texts and phone calls wondering about his sister. I wish I could tell him something but right now it’s not safe for either of them mostly her. I will keep her safe and she will do the most wonderful things as she becomes her true self. I can feel that she is meant for great things and I just want to be a part of it. That is if she will let me and let her guard down around me. I will break through that wall and at least be her friend. I just hope I can handle it when she dates other guys. I’m sure I am just being an overprotective cause of her brother. That has to be it. What I thought was the mating pull seems to have faded, but I still feel a connection that is different then I have ever heard of before.
“What store would you like to go first?”
“I’m not sure where to start. You pick.”
“Let’s start in Rue 21”
“Ok, sounds good to me”
We both walked to Rue 21 to see what they had for me. I saw a lot I liked, and I wanted to try on. So I did a little fashion show for Aiden, to get his reaction to the clothes I tried on. I was having a lot of fun. This went on in all the stores we went to. Until lunchtime, when we sat down and ate. Then this girl came and sat on Aiden laps kissing on his cheek and tried for his lips, but he turned his head.
“Vicky stop can’t you see I am with someone here,” Aiden said
“Who is she?” Vicky sneered
“Hello my name is Athena, I’m a friend of Aiden's” Kenda replied
“Well, don’t get any ideas girl. I am his girlfriend and I don’t want your ugly ass touching what is mine. Do you understand me?” Vicky told her with a look
“Vicky you are not my girlfriend. I don’t know how many times I have to tell you that. We only went out one time and I told you it would never happen again. Now leave me alone or else.” Aiden roared
Vicky took off as her life depended on it and it did because I was about to snap telling me that Aiden was hers. Not likely. Even if he isn’t my mate he could never like someone like that.
“What was that all about?” Kenda asked
“She is one of my pack members and she wants power. She thinks she will be my mate and Luna once she turns eighteen in a week. I already know that she won’t be because my Omega Ryan said he felt a pull towards her when he turned eighteen and he wasn’t happy about it because Vicky is mean to everyone unless you can give her what she wants and that is power.” Aiden said
“I think that is how my father is turning out. Wanting power, he didn’t use to be like that unless I just never noticed before.” Kenda was in thought
“Sorry, that happened. Do you want to shop more or go home now?”
“Let’s go home. I think I am shopped out for one day.” They laughed on their way to the car and put all the stuff in the car's trunk. She climbs in and waits for him to finish up to head home. Wow, heading to her new home, the new life. It will be different for her.
“Hey, what are you thinking about so hard?”
“Sorry I must have just zoned out. I was thinking about how different this all is for me.”
“I can understand that. This all must be hard on you. With all that you are facing.”
“Thanks for understanding.”
“Your welcome”
The rest of the way home we drove in silence. I just looked out the window and thought to myself. I needed to get some kind of news to my mother I just didn’t know-how. I guess that will have to be my next plan to come up with once I get my brother on board. I wished he would understand that I am trying to keep him safe.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you we need to go by a friend of mine’s place to get your new identity for a school and stuff. Right now before we go home. That way you have everything you need. Plus, we will have to get you a car and stuff so you can get around.” Aiden said taking me out of my thoughts
“Oh ok, you don’t have to worry about a car I don’t know how to drive. I could not learn.” Kenda explained.
“Then I guess I will teach you how to drive so you can take your test and get a driver’s license.”
“That would be great. I have always wanted to learn.”
He always puts a smile on my face no matter what mood I am in. I wish he would be my mate since we get along so well. He would understand my need to get things done to prove what I am capable of. It will be hard to explain to a mate that I’m not a luna but an alpha. Most men won’t understand that nor would they like it. We stopped at this white and blue house in the woods. It was near a lake and smelled of a wolf with something else. I had a confused look on my face.
“She is half wolf and half-witch. She is also part of my pack, but likes to stay out on her own in this section of my pack territory.”
“Well, that explains a lot. Why are we coming to a wolf-witch?”
“She is the one making your new identity and all that. Plus, I think she would be a good person for you to know.”
“Sounds good. I don’t mind meeting new people. If she can help that’s good.”
“Tara are you home? I have Kenda here that you are supposed to meet.” Aiden yelled as he was getting out of the car
“Yes, I’m home you young thing you. Bring the pretty little lady in.” Tara said
As I walked, you heard a gasp coming from Tara.
“Hello, I’m Kenda”
“You are no ordinary wolf either. You are so much more, then what you know. It would be an honor to help you.” Tara said as she bowed to me
“Thank you, but could you please explain what you mean?” Kenda asked her
“I will be happy to explain, but I will need to know a few things first and Let's get these documents done first,” Tara said
“If we must. You just have me so curious about what you are talking about.” Kenda says
“Let’s get your picture taken and I can start there. How is that you know nothing of your background? Didn’t your pack teach you that?” Tara asked wondering so much more
“Well, I know some because we do not allow it until you turn eighteen and get your adult wolf. I still have five months three days left till I’m eighteen.” Kenda explains
“I see. I got news for you then and it may knock you for a loop. Here is your picture. What name are we going to put on here along with the rest of the documents?” Tara asked
“It will be Athena Maple” Aiden speaks up
“Sounds interesting. Let me guess Aiden you thought of the name?” Tara says while laughing
“Yes, and I think it sounds very human-like. Plus, I think it’s pretty” Aiden says in his defense
“I like the first name a lot, I’m not sure how I feel about the last name but it works I guess,” Kenda speaks out
“Ok, your new name will be Athena Maple and that will be something to get used to. I will help where I can with keeping you hidden until the right time. You and I will have a lot to talk about as time goes by.” Tara explained
“I can’t wait and I’m looking forward to it,” Athena says (AKA Kenda)
I can’t wait to know what she will tell me. If she can help me understand why I’m so different from any of my family and why my father is after me would help a lot. I never thought my life would be like this. So, WHY ME? I have always wondered that. Why me, Why am I so different? I hope Tara can help me understand some of this that is going through my mind. Things could have been different if I just understood. But that still leaves the question: Why me?