Page 38 of Rogue If You Want To
I had to tamp down my mate’s enthusiasm because not everyone in the pack was an extrovert. The opposite, I’d say, because many were recovering from trauma, and any activity that forced people to do something wouldn’t be popular. I recalled kids at school who weren’t good at sports being made to play baseball or football and hating every minute. They used to celebrate when it poured rain and we couldn’t play.
My mate sat down, but I wasn’t sure why because he then bounced on the cushions under his butt. “It would be on a voluntary basis and people could do it in pairs or groups if they preferred.” He pulled out his phone and made some notes. “And it doesn't have to be a skill. It could be something they’re passionate about.”
I breathed a little easier, knowing I wouldn’t be forced on stage. But did we have one of those? A stage?
“It might help the newer pack members integrate if they shared something about themselves.”
I bobbed my head and acknowledged that it might work because we’d had an influx of new members recently. But I stifled a giggle as I imagined Auden’s reaction. Any children nearby would have to cover their ears as he complained and scowled.
Otto studied the notes he’d made, saying it wouldn't be a competition but an opportunity for everyone to show the pack what they loved and maybe the rest of us would learn something new about people in the community.
When Otto decided to do something, he jumped in with both feet as he had done with the library.
“We’d have to have it in the dining hall,” he mused, “and perhaps Lazlo could build a makeshift stage.”
He’d need to get permission from Creven, and maybe he read my thoughts because he charged over to the garden where our Alpha was bending over, weeding and chatting to Oak.
“Alpha.” Otto waved, and I scurried along behind. Creven would know my mate wanted to talk about official business, otherwise he would have used his name.
Creven stood and brushed dirt off his hands. “Otto, what wild and wonderful scheme are you about to propose today?” He grinned, so he either wasn’t annoyed or he was covering it up.
Words tumbled out of my mate’s mouth, but as he reached the end of his explanation, Auden walked up. I rolled my eyes because we loved the guy but no way would Otto convince him to get up on stage and tap dance or read a poem he’d written.
Creven shot Auden a nervous glance, so perhaps he was thinking the same as me. But Auden tapped his lips and said he loved the idea.
“Glad you agree with me.” Otto clapped.
Creven did a great job of hiding a smile, but I wasn’t as successful and had to squat and tie my shoelace. This was a lesson in not being quick to judge people.
“Excellent.” Creven was always talking about building a cohesive community, and he held Oak’s hand and walked over to our porch.
The next hour was spent talking about building a stage and needing some lighting in the dining hall. Creven would send out emails, and I’d make and print signs to put around the pack lands, while Larkin would take care of snacks. The show would be in two weeks and anyone wanting to participate would have to sign up.
Five days later, the only thing people spoke about in the dining hall, by the stream, and in the kitchen garden was the talent show. Otto sat up in bed every morning and evening consulting the program, trying to arrange things so, for example, not all musical acts appeared consecutively.
“Samantha wants to do a magic show.” Otto studied the pages he’d printed out.
We’d agreed not to tell one another if either of us was going to perform. I hadn’t contemplated it, thinking I had nothing to contribute, but maybe I’d surprise Otto and myself and get on stage. My mate had left gaps in the program for anyone who decided to participate on the spur of the moment.
The day of the talent show was busy, with Otto directing the placement of chairs, a huge banner, and potted plants and flowers decorating the edge of the stage.
Creven opened the evening with a very short speech, saying tonight was about celebrating the diversity of the pack. Everyone cheered, but I sensed they were eager for less talk and more performing.
There were oohs and ahhs as Brian demonstrated his circus skills. Not a trapeze, but he produced a unicycle, who knew from where, and cycled across the stage.
That looks easy.
Trust me, it isn’t. Not that I’d ever tried it.
Someone did a standup routine, a few pack members played the guitar and banjo, and Raymond did impressions of Creven, Auden, and Otto that had everyone cackling. And Auden, our Auden, performed knife tricks, earning him a huge round of applause.
My mate announced a gap where anyone could get up, and without thinking, I raced on stage.
“I wanted to speak about growing up human with a loving adopted mom, and only discovering my inner self in my teenage years.”
The room went quiet, and I detailed my journey from confused teenager to a sort of confident alpha. “But it was when I met Otto that I discovered my purpose.” I didn’t want to tell his story, so I finished with, “And that was to love and protect him until the end of my days.”
I caught sight of my mate as I finished. His cheeks were wet with tears, and he gave me a little wave.
