A month.

That's how long it's been since I was banished from Carmel and ended up with Iota, Vicky, and Emory. It has also been exactly a month since Iota started working with me to control my human emotions to act as the reins for my wolf whenever she wants to take over. If I let her, that is.

I do have to admit it's quite strenuous work Iota puts me through. Most of the time, the silver-blonde haired woman did this by taunting me with my past memories of when Molly used my friendship, had wedged her way between Ridge and me, claimed to be pregnant, and then my banishment. Yeah, being reminded of those things over and over again just to piss me off kinda takes its toll.

I think within the past sessions I have almost clawed out Vicky's eye every time. As someone who had been given training growing up, she volunteered to fend me off if I lose control. Which I have. Multiple times.

During my sessions, Emory wasn't allowed around me. Iota had informed me that because Emory had committed not one, but two murders, that dark part was already in his system. Iota feared seeing me lash out in front of the eight year old would unintentionally awaken the Quail Wolf side within him.

I honestly was still trying to get used to this whole Quail Wolf-Human emotional dynamic, to be honest. Iota kept saying it was going to be a while for me to understand it, as well as herself, because of my species of wolf being so rare... and dangerous.

"They are unpredictable at times, Gigi. At least according to the book's owners," Iota told me one night when Emory and Vicky were already turned in for the night.

We stayed out by the fire, talking about my training.

"But as I mentioned before, you have an advantage with your compassion. I feel like you can overcome this dilemma. But first... you have to stop fighting it."

It was frustrating to say the least when all I was doing this whole time was putting my all into "not fighting" myself. But Iota keeps saying that I am.

Like now during another training session in the depths of the forest-about a mile from the campsite- where the she-wolf is scolding me again.

"Stop fighting it, Gigi!"

My fists were curled at my sides, the agitated tingles coursing through my veins. I rolled my shoulders back, shaking my head and let out a frustrated, "I'm not!"

"Yes, you are!" Iota snapped back, now taking her turn to stand in front of me-we've labeled this the "danger zone" since I'd usually get out of hand at this point whenever Vicky was about an arm's length from me. Iota was even closer today.

I could see Vicky from the corner of my eye now more alert. The younger blonde took a few steps closer but stopped when Iota held out her hand towards her sister, her eyes still on me.

"Fight it!" Iota ordered.

The trembles were beginning to kick in. It felt like a wave of heat was seeping through my pores like lava. My body going from warm to hot in a second. It started out painful but then I became numb to it, still able to feel the pulsing of it inside.

My teeth clenched so tightly my jaw was starting to hurt.

Breathing deeply through my flaring nostrils, I shook my head trying to block out her scolding. Iota kept at it though, using my past experiences to push me to my wits end. I shook my head again, growling at her to cut it out! That I was not fighting it and that I had enough!

Iota began circling me. I could hear her footsteps and could tell where she was even though my eyes were closed. It only enhanced my hearing. Iota continued taunting me as she made her way around me.

My head tilted to the side, brows furrowing more. My shoulders rolled back to ease their tension but it helped very little. I scrunched my nose, trying to focus on controlling the irritation I was feeling.

"Stop it!" I groaned, but Iota's voice kept badgering on.

I could hear her silky voice swivel through my ear drums, saying how weak I was to not see what my mate had been doing for eight whole years. That I was a sorry excuse for a Quail Wolf if I couldn't control even the smallest things in my life.

A growl rumbled from my chest. My head tilting to the side as my eyes squeezed tighter, along with my hands.

I swallowed hard, gritting my teeth and again begged Iota, "Stop. It."

But she kept on.

"Poor little Quail Wolf..." Iota was making her way around me again. I clenched my jaw, taking deep breaths. "So lost... and alone... to forever be alone and to lose herself to what she really is."

I snarled in her direction, snapping my eyes open and because of how clear I could see her skin; every flaw that was clear as day, my wolf's eyes had control. My lip curled into a sneer, teeth grit as I let out a warning growl.

Again, I found Iota circling me and this was alarming to my wolf though the human side of me knew what she was doing.

I was starting to see what Iota meant by me fighting it. My wolf and I were two separate beings with our own emotions and thoughts contained in one body. And what Iota wanted was for me to be able to have my human emotions in check-to be strong enough-to balance with my wolf because my wolf didn't trust the human side of me to have control of her.

Now it was making sense.

Without my wolf's trust that I would stay in the light, my wolf would always be in defense mode. She will always see everything and everyone around me as a danger and challenge. This explained why I had attacked Molly and Ridge. My wolf was protecting herself from being taking over by the Dark but she wasn't accepting any reasoning that not everyone was trying to hurt me-us, I should say.

My entire body tensed as all these thoughts were being processed and from the way the corner of my eye, I saw Iota's mouth curl into a grin. She could understand what was going on.

"Noooow she gets it..." Iota mumbled to no one in particular, straightening with her chin in the air. She raised her hand, nodding that I'd done well then raised a brow and sighed, "That's enough for today."

I realized that her hand was up to show cautiousness towards my wolf who I was still trying to pull back. A grudging growl escaped me and again I could see Vicky stepping closer towards us.

My head immediately snapped in her direction, baring my teeth as my wolf's eyes flashed.

Vicky raised an eyebrow, shaking her head slowly as she glanced at her sister and mumbled, "She's only getting more and more pissed off every session, Iota."

Vicky took a step forward, holding her hand up towards me and tried to approach again. I narrowed my eyes, snarling at her so Vicky stepped back before frowning at me to regain control.

"I don't take orders from you!" I snapped, growling again as my body shifted to face her fully.

There was a brief moment I could hold back. I leaned forward, squeezing my eyes shut and grinding my teeth.

A whimper escaped as I grit out, "Argh! I can't-! Iota!" but just as quick as I was to hold back, my wolf was back in control.

When Vicky told me to reel my wolf in, I gnashed my teeth at her, snarling, "Know your place, low rank!"

Vicky's eyes widened, blinking a few times before looking at her sister for an answer.

I turned in the taller woman's direction now. Narrowing my eyes, I growled for her to back off too, though my Quail Wolf side didn't understand that Iota would not listen. This was where Iota needed to establish an understanding with my wolf, to tell her that Iota was my Caretaker.

"Easy now, Quail Wolf..." Iota eyed me carefully as she stepped towards me.

My growl warned her to not take another step and then Iota said something that made both my wolf and me watch her warily.

"Vicky..." Iota's gray eyes locked with mine.

I bared my teeth, growling again.

The woman's voice was just above a whisper as she instructed her sister, "Go get Emory."

I glanced at Vicky's wide eyes.

"Iota..."

"Go... Get him!" Iota growled, her eyes shimmering gold.

Her sister frowned, worry etched into it. She glanced at me, narrowing her eyes and I did the same with a lip curled growl.

Once the younger sister went back to the campground where Emory was supposed to hide in the tent until we returned, I snapped my attention back to Iota.

Her long silver-blonde hair was brushed back in a loose braid today. She stood there, watching me as she brushed a hand over her hair, strands out of place now. Thankfully, Iota remained at a distance my wolf was comfortable with. For now, anyway.

"Gianna!" Emory cried out of the blue.

I whipped my head in his direction. Narrowing my eyes, the boy started running towards me, a bright smile on his face. He slowed until coming to a complete halt, now sensing the tension around him.

Emory's brows furrowed, looking at how Iota was keeping her eye on me and then at Vicky beside him, frowning my way.

The boy returned his attention to me, noting my defensive stance. His eyes widened when looking up and seeing me snarl at him.

Iota quickly, but calmly, explained to Emory that I was learning to control my Quail Wolf side but that I was having trouble. That my wolf was not comfortable being around strangers.

"Young One..." Iota instructed with a delicate tone. "I need you to show me your Quail side now."

"But how?" Emory frowned, looking at Iota when I switched back to look at her.

I growled at her for no particular reason. My fists squeezed tighter and a few knuckles cracked.

Iota glanced at Emory, raising a brow, "Come now, Emory. Show me your wolf eyes."

The boy swallowed, staring at his Caretaker moment longer until she softly smiled and gave a short nod. He slowly faced me and for the first time since meeting him, Emory was frightened. I could feel it. It felt so strange... So uncomfortable at how quickly my wolf reacted to how this child was looking at us.

I winced, scrunching my nose and growled in irritation. This startled him a bit before Emory swallowed and took a step forward. My wolf picked up on his approach, glancing down at his feet taking minuscule steps towards me.

Emory's face pinched in worry... fear... uncertainty. His lip jutted out as he hesitantly reached out a hand. My gaze carefully watched it get closer, a faint growl at my wolf's space being invaded heard. Barely.

When I shifted my gaze to the boy, Emory's dark eyes widened as his tiny voice stammered, "Gi-Gianna...? Are... Are you in there?"

I closed my eyes, shaking my head and could feel my eyes switching back and forth between brown and blue.

The closer Emory got, the more that my wolf was wanting full control. She was ready to defend our personal space but as someone who would not harm a child, I was not going to allow her to try anything on Emory.

Emory was right in front of me now. His outstretched hand placed against my cheek and my eyes snapped open to his dark ones.

My nose scrunched, baring my teeth in a growl but Emory only flinched. He glanced at Iota and from what I could through my peripherals, she gave him a nod.

When Emory faced me again, whimpering, the boy shut his eyes tightly then slowly opened them. The electric blue shimmering back at me made both my wolf and me still. I could feel her confusion. And her curiosity. She was indecisive on how to react, I knew, because she was struggling if to hold up her front or to let me in.

"Gianna...?" Emory whispered, his blue eyes watering. "Please. Please, come back."

Shutting my eyes, I turned from his hand. I panted out heavy breaths, feeling the pulsing of my irises before snapping them open.

The numbness I was used to when my wolf was in control vanished instantaneously. She was still there, I felt, but she was, for a lack of a better word, frightened. She didn't understand how a delicate creature such as a child had such a strong affect on her and me. I was just grateful.

Still panting slightly, I faced Emory again. His blue eyes starting to fade back to the dark brown.

The boy tilted his head, brows furrowed and asked, "Where did you go?"

His hand rested against my cheek again and I covered it with my own. I sighed, relief taking over as I shook my head.

"I'm sorry, Emory. I didn't mean to frighten you." I frowned, looking at his sweet face. "I'm just not used to giving my wolf side control yet is all. But thank you..." I smiled at him. "I don't know what you did, but it helped."

The boy beamed then. Returning to the peppy child he was. Emory was now bouncing up and down and looked to Iota for some sort of acknowledgment of a job well done.

Iota sighed, letting her shoulders sag in relief. She shook her head, smiling at me. "Seems we still need more practice, but I think I'll be having Emory around in your sessions from now on."

She approached, nodding at the child in front of me.

"Perhaps your wolf reacted as she did because he's a Quail Wolf too. Your wolf seems to be confused, Gigi, but in time, with Emory's help even, she will understand that you as the human side trusts this child and with time, she will too."

I grinned, looking at Emory.

"Good. I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to him."

My hand ruffled his hair and he made a small, "Meh!" before pursing his mouth and scrunching his nose at me. I laughed, shaking my head before turning to Iota for a second before doing a double take when I saw her face had completely changed.

Her head was tilted to the side, eyes narrowed. Those gray eyes scanned around and I felt her alarm. I asked what was wrong but the she-wolf shushed me, turning around to scan the area.

Iota curtly addressed her sister without looking away from the trees.

"Victoria! Get Emory!"

Snapping to follow as instructed, Vicky ran over and ordered Emory to run into the woods and hide in the 'tree hole'.

It was a particular hiding spot that they discovered for him in case of any danger. The path to the tree had taken him weeks to memorize, Vicky told me once, and now was a good time as any for Emory to know where he needed to go.

Iota shoved him away, hurrying Emory in a hushed voice. The boy sped off deeper into the woods.

I frowned, looking back at the silver-blonde haired woman and asked in slight panic what was wrong but the snarls from behind me had us three freeze.

We whipped around and instantly Iota and Vicky stepped in front of me in a defensive stance. They let out low warning growls as different colored wolves emerged from the trees. Their jaws dripping with saliva and a blood-lust look in their golden shimmering eyes.

At the front of the intruders, a familiar golden wolf made its way down the split path the wolves made for it.

I started to feel antsy. My wolf was starting to replay feelings of unease and alarm. She could feel something was wrong.

At the sound of the cracking bones, the golden wolf shifted at odd angles until fully transforming into a tall figure with gray eyes and long blonde hair. With being so up close now, there was a silver hue mixed into it.

My eyes widened a fraction before narrowing them.

"You..."

The willow framed woman who I had met some time ago back at Carmel was standing across the ways with a number of wolves flanking her. For a second-just a second-she looked surprised at seeing me. She looked at one of the wolves beside her who flicked their eyes up to her then the blonde looked back at me.

Her eyes held a pleased gleam in them and chuckled, with a grin, "Well, well, well... what do we have here?"

I took a step back, frowning at the woman before looking at Iota whose brows furrowed at me, a question in her gaze. She turned back to the woman, her face returned to its delicate calm though her voice was anything but.

Iota's golden gaze locked on the other female smirking back at us before Iota growled, "Long time no see, Madilynn."