The water trickled into the tub<span style="font-style: italic"> drip drip</span>. It had been hours, her skin was pruned and soft. Maria had tried to let her sins and the dark thoughts seep into the water. Word had already come from the Alpha's home, Devon was being quarantined till they could see if something was wrong with him. Or if he simply had decided to no longer wait for a females choice.<br/><br/>The thought sent a shiver down her spine, the water was cold by now. Her pink tendrils stuck to her wet head. It was well into the afternoon, and all she could think about was how alone she felt. Picking up a white towel, pink splotches covering it. The soft fleece covering her flesh as she removed herself from the icy water.<br/><br/>Again Maria found herself face to face with her mirror. Her skin was still pale, her eyes still a faded color of blue.  Sighing heavily she silently dressed herself, she could barely stand the silence anymore. Quickly she braided her wet locks and headed for the door. To her surprise her father was their his towering form blocking the door. Maria gulped the sudden fear that rose in her stomach. "When you're up to it, you are to report to the Alpha Maria" His tone was soft but still restrained.<br/><br/>Maria kept her eyes averted her hands resting on the sides of the frame. William stood there his eyes on his daughter, a hand reaching out. But quickly the hand dropped to his side once more. "Of course"she replied her voice slightly broken. A slight grunt from William filled the air between them which soon he turned his back on his daughter.<br/><br/>Maria watched her father's footsteps as they walked down the hallway.<span style="font-style: italic">I need some air </span>she thought to herself. Making her way through the house her eyes lingering on a picture of her mother. Her hand touching the glass gently. The sound of cicadas echoed outside her home.<br/><br/>Elsewhere further into the woods...<br/>Lola's heart pounded in her chest, her paws pounded into the dirt tail. The heat of her anger still fresh in her mind her hackles rose as her pace increased.<span style="font-style: italic"> Faster, faster </span>her mind sang. Her feet following the order with ease. The smell of wet dirt and rocks filed her nose.<span style="font-style: italic"> Damn I'm already halfway through the forest </span>she thought in disappointment.<br/><br/>The trickling sound of the bank filled her ears quickly enough. But just as soon as it came into view did she slow down to a trot. Her lungs heaving as they filled with air. Anger and the slick cut off being turned down. It sung and looks was unsure how to feel or even get even. Her hazel eyes looking over the slow water that washed along the river. It was one of the shower parts of the river. A safe place to cross and feel the coolness of the water.<br/><br/>Here is where she would try regain her thoughts.<span style="font-style: italic"> Maybe I still have a chance </span>she thought to herself with the slightest glimmer of hope in her heart.  Placing down her clothes from her muzzle she changed back into her human form. Blonde hair scattered around her face, hazel eyes red from her rubbing them after Caleb had left her. She had cried in shame at herself and her feelings. Gently she pulled her short top over her head covering herself. Not that modesty was big in a were community. Just as quickly her sorts found their place on her hips. This was Lola's favorite place.<br/><br/>The water was clear and fresh, Lola wanted to be like the water deadly and calm. But most of the time she was beautiful and wild. She wanted things to be different to change the way the packs handled the whelps. They had only experienced the outside world in small doses making them awkward with normal humans. Lola found a spot on a large rock is surface smooth and cool underneath her. Her fingers trailing along it her head on her knees. Her free hand lingering over the spot Caleb had kissed her.<br/><br/>She felt weak for holding that moment still so close to her heart. But it would be something she would treasure. Her hazel eyes lingered over the sky the trees covering parts on the sky making her feel hidden underneath is canopy. The sky was ablaze with orange and purple as the sky welcomed the night and is dotting stars.<br/><br/>Back in town...<br/>Williams mind pounded with anger his hackles hadn't fallen over the hours. When he had seen the state of his daughter, he had nearly laughed himself at the Alpha's son. But the knowledge had stilled his heart. He was a Beta thru and thru. He remained silent even as the insolent whelp have him orders. He was not as happy about this young alpha. But this was not his place, he would be as he always was the right hand of the Alpha. Till it was time to step down.<br/><br/>William knew Jack would require an audience with him over this. But he had delayed the Action wanting to stay in close quarters with his only child. But when he had went to bring her food did he find,  she had left again only leaving wet splotches along their homes floor.<br/><br/>Now he made his way to the Alpha.