Chapter 29
We drive around the training grounds, into town where Ayla can see all the stores, schools etc. and I fill her in on pack history. I am careful to leave out the depressing memories and grief that I still carry. Maybe, once she is a pack member and acclimated, I can fill her in on the rest of it. Would I tell her about my family if she asks? I’m not sure. We dive down the main street passing stores when Ayla reaches over excitedly and starts tapping my shoulder. “Did you see somewhere you want to stop? Are you sure you’re up for it?” She points to her braid and then shrugs. “Do you want your hair cut Ayla?” She nods “yes” and I quickly mind–link the shop owner to get her current client wrapped up and to close the store down for little wolf. “Ok, I will take you to get a haircut, but be careful little wolf, I happen to like your beautiful white hair.” She smiles at me and we exit the car. “Good morning alpha. Who do we have here?” Jelena asks. A cute shifter, we went out a few times for drinks, but she is too close of friends with Della and I was quickly cockblocked. Looking at her next to Ayla isn’t even a comparison. Ayla is absolutely gorgeous in every way and Jelena doesn’t even come close to her looks wise.
“Hi, this is Ayla Frost. She is a potential new pack member and would like a haircut.” “Okay I can do that. Your hair is so long and pretty. Do you know how short you want to go?” Ayla looks at me and back at Jelena before taking a seat in the chair in front of the mirror. Jelena starts removing her braid while Ayla stares at herself in the mirror. I hope she sees how strong and beautiful she is when she looks at herself. She starts typing on her phone and holds it up in the air. “You don’t want to be able to pull it?” Jelena asks somewhat confused and then glances over at me. “You want me to cut all of this beautiful hair off? It must have taken you years to grow it this long. In fact, I will probably have to cut your hair standing up if you decide to keep it long.” Doesn’t want to be able to pull it? The question has me confused and pondering what that could mean. I look up at Ayla and I can see anxiety in her eyes and I can smell her lavender scent being over powered with a bitter smell of fear. Ayla starts breathing heavy and is quickly gasping, starting to hyperventilate. She is entering a full–blown panic attack. I jump up and dart over to her chair. “Ayla, listen to me talk to you, it is okay. You are here in the midnight pack with me. You are safe here. Nobody can get you while you are here. Nobody can get to you without going through me and that won’t be happening. Let’s work on slowing your breathing down. In through your nose and out through your mouth. Slow it down for me Ayla, you’re going to black out if you don’t. You can do it. Nobody will place a hand on your head again. Nobody will be touching your hair without your permission EVER again.” I quickly mind–link Eric, informing him of Ayla’s anxiety and getting a sedative on standby at the clinic just in case.
Ayla starts to nod “yes” to herself and I can tell she is slowing her respirations down. “Whatever evils that are lurking in your mind, taunting you, ridden by me and replaced with memories of happiness little wolf. I swear it.” She looks at me in the mirror, and I can see her relaxing. Her lavender scent getting stronger. “Good girl.” I bend down and place a kiss on the top of her hair. Whether I am kissing her or her hair goodbye, I don’t know, but I am proud
will be of her overcoming this fear. Jelena is darting her eyes between myself and Ayla. Confusion and shock across her features. Hopefully, she keeps her mouth shut about this whole incident. I don’t need Della interrogating me about Ayla’s haircut and kiss. “Okay. Are we okay to start over again?” Jelena asks and Ayla nods “yes” and uses her index finger to make an imaginary line across her navel indicating where she would like her hair cut to. “Oh, that is a great choice. Still long and beautiful, but it won’t be as heavy. Let’s get you shampooed up and get started.”
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