Fated Mask

Chapter 2

Barbie saw her childhood home come into view with its vinyl shudders and wooden porch swing. They’d painted the concrete foundation a slate grey. But it was familiar still. It wasn’t home, though. Barbie realized this as soon as she first stepped onto the wraparound porch. It felt like it didn’t fit. Like a shoe a size too small.

That’s when Barbie was sure. She’d need her own space. A place where she’d fit.

The old screen door gave that familiar squeak as her mother stepped out. Her face beaming with happiness to see her youngest pup home again. Like Barbie’s dad, her mother seemed to have aged while she’d been at school. Grey streaks run through her hair, and now there were lines on her face.

“Hey baby doll. Welcome home. You made it in time for dinner. Bring in your things and then wash up for dinner. Hank, get the garage door open and help get things tucked away.” Her mother yelled over her shoulder into the house. Hank, Barbie’s older brother was here. Which meant Jill, his mate, was here.

Not only was she considered a baby but a doll too within the pack. Including her mother. She wondered whether she’d ever live it down. Would she need to change packs to be treated as an adult? Barbie didn’t want to leave her family. That wasn’t an option she’d consider easily.

Barbie’s things received new temporary homes in the garage, and the family settled down to eat dinner. “So, tomorrow morning you’ll check in with Alpha Gainsborough?” Her mom asked as she pushed the food on her plate around.

“I planned to set up a time to meet with him. But it depends on when he’s available. I also need to check in with my boss too.” Barbie wasn’t sure whether her mom was trying to make conversation or she’d a point to make that she was avoiding saying it.

“Mom? What are you not saying?” Barbie squinted at her, fork of cabbage roll halfway to her mouth.

“Oh nothing. Just promise me you won’t agree to anything until you know everything.”

“Mom, don’t scare her.” Hank was admonishing their mother. Before Barbie left, Hank wouldn’t have dared talk back to their mother. What’s going on?

“Hank, now you’re scaring me. What’s going on? Someone, please tell me.” Barbie glared at her brother. Jill watched Barbie, ready to defend her mate from his sister.

“Alpha Gainsborough wasn’t able it buy up the land next door before it sold.” Barbie’s father, Frank, interrupted with a reluctant explanation.

“And...?” Barbie felt like she was pulling on a heavily weighed string. To get any information that made sense.

“And another pack from out of state has bought it. Now we’re having issues about contested lands, and who runs the town.”

“Won’t they talk about it? Negotiate? Has anyone tried?” Barbie couldn’t believe this. “Why did they move here? Does anyone know?”

“Of course we tried to negotiate. But they weren’t ready to accept any terms. It appears this is their first home. They’re a new pack, so no one knows much about them or their Alpha.”

“That’s insane. Are they a pack officially? Or are they a pack of rogues pretending to be a pack?” That was something new. Rogues hanging together in an attempt at returning to pack life on their own terms. Most were resistant to make their pack official. They felt the laws, they must adhere to were too restrictive or unfair.

“That’s the first thing Alpha Gainsborough checked. They’re new, but all the paperwork appears in order. So, watch yourself if you go into town for anything. Understand me?” Her father wagged his fork at her as he issued his warning.

“I wouldn’t want to be caught dead in town. Right now if I were you. Not mated, and all that. I’ve heard they’re rather low on female members. So many don’t have mates.” Jill always loved to rub Barbie’s nose in the fact she’s mated, and Barbie wasn’t trying to trap someone. Fated Mate or not.

“Thank you for the advice Jill I’m sure you’re an expert on how to trap a mate. I’ll take you advice with all the seriousness it deserves.” Catty, yes, but Jill brought that out in her.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Hank was always oblivious to Jill’s insults. At least that never changed.

“Don’t worry about it, big brother. It’s a girl thing you wouldn’t get it.” For once, Jill agreed with her silence. “Mom, splendid dinner, thanks. I’ll help load the dishwasher and then I hope no one minds, but I need to go for a run.”

“Oh, no dear, you go run. Jill and I have this tonight.” Jill looked stricken, like they’d signed her up for road construction duty in high summer. Yup, that never changed. She still avoided any kind of labour.

In a petty decision, Barbie left. While the going was good. It looked good on Jill. If she wanted to start this again. Barbie would return exactly what she got.

In her room, the boxes and bags created a chaotic feeling within her childhood room. The bloody room still bore old movie posters and a few band album covers. There was too much pink. Barbie figured she’d suffer with it until she moved to her own place. This just cinched the deal. This was her childhood home, and she was all grown up.

Barbie made space to go to bed. She didn’t want to return exhausted. Then need to move stuff so she could sleep. Barbie didn’t want to unpack. She’d be leaving and it would only need to pack again. She’d need to talk to her mom later to see if she’d any locations picked out to see. Right now, Barbie wanted to be free. Free of work, family, and pack-life. Even all the thoughts of the future as she prepared for her run. I am sling bag she tossed a change of clothes and a water bottle. Then she headed out for a run.

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