Cara’s POV
The distant blare of the pack’s alarm echoed through the forest, merging with the pounding rhythm of my heart. Each beat vibrated through my chest, a constant reminder of how far I’d come and what I’d left behind. The sound grew fainter with every step, but I knew it wasn’t over. Not yet. Not until I was truly free.
The adrenaline still coursing through my veins kept me moving, the strength in my bones unyielding. But I knew it wouldn’t last. Sooner or later, my body would give in, and I’d have to face the consequences. My limbs already felt heavy, a dull ache settling into my muscles.
“I’ve escaped from Brian.”
The thought brought a strange mix of relief and pain. His name made my heart ache, and for a fleeting moment, guilt flickered within me. I was running away from my mate. The bond between us, though fractured, still tugged at me, reminding me of the path I had chosen.
But I shook my head, forcing away any lingering guilt. ‘I won’t feel sorry for someone who’s planning evil.’ I know the truth now. Brian didn’t care for me, not truly. He kept me alive because of my blood, my powers. All that talk about keeping me safe? was a lie. a mask.
My legs trembled with exhaustion as I pushed forward. It had been hours since my escape. The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows through the dense forest. My body screamed for rest. Every step became a battle to stay awake.
Finally, I spotted a large tree, it was a good place to rest. its thick branches offering some shade. The ground beneath it was soft with moss and leaves. I sank down, pressing my back against the trunk, gasping for air. My limbs shook as I tried to steady my breathing, my eyes closing as the tension slowly seeped from my muscles.
Just as I began to drift off, a rustling sound came from the nearby bushes. My eyes snapped open, instincts flaring to life. ‘Have I been found?’ My heart skipped a beat. I’d been running as a human to avoid detection, but now I feared it wasn’t enough.
I rose slowly to my feet, scanning the area. “Who’s there?” I called, my voice still ragged from the run. Silence followed, and a chill crept up my spine.
Then I heard it again, a soft rustle. This time, I saw movement from the corner of my eye, something small, hidden beneath the shrubs. I edged closer cautiously. holding a stick in hand . “I know you’re there,” I said, trying to put up a brave font and to keep my trembling voice steady.
After a long pause, a petite figure emerged from the bushes. It was a young girl, no older than fourteen or fifteen. Her clothes were torn and dirt-streaked, her eyes wide with fear. She stood frozen, clutching a small dead rabbit in her trembling hands.
My first thought was ‘rogue wolf’. I instinctively backed away, unsure if she was dangerous. But seeing the terror in her eyes, I stopped, feeling guilty for misjudging her. There was no scent of a rogue on her, no sign of a threat, just fear.
I softened my stance, lowering myself slightly. “Hey,” I said gently. “It’s okay. You don’t have to be afraid.”
She stared at me for a long moment, her lips parting as if she wanted to speak, but no sound came out. She took a small step back, her eyes darting to the trees as if she were preparing to flee.
“Wait,” I said quickly, raising my hand. “I’m not with them. I’m not the bad guys, i am a good guy. I’m… lost, like you.”
The words seemed to reach her, and she hesitated, studying me. I could see the caution in her eyes, the wariness that kept her silent.
“What’s your name?” I asked softly, hoping to ease her fear.
She swallowed hard, her throat tightening visibly. “I… I’m Emily,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Who… who are you?”
“I’m Cara,” I said, offering a small smile. “I was lost on my way to camp with my family. Looks like you are too.”
She nodded slowly but didn’t elaborate. Her eyes remained filled with uncertainty, scanning the woods nervously, as if expecting someone, or something, to jump out at any moment.
“Are you alone?” I asked gently, my tension easing just a bit, feeling a little bad for lying to a small girl. I felt like Alpha Black all of a sudden, being cunning.
Emily shifted uncomfortably, her small frame tense. “Y-Yes,” she stammered. “I… I don’t know where to go. I got lost too. They’re looking for me.”
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. Whoever she was running from sounded just as dangerous as the ones after me. I wanted to ask more, to find out who “they” were, but I could see she was scared enough already.
I knelt, keeping my voice calm. “Where’s your home, Emily? Can you take me there?”
She glanced to the side, her hands tightening around the rabbit, causing blood to drip from its fur. She was nervous, but also desperate. After a long pause, she nodded.
“I… don’t know the way home,” she stammered, on the verge of tears.
My heart ached for her. Seeing myself in her large brown eyes so lost and confused in this fearful forest. She was just a child, lost and afraid. “Let’s find a safe place to rest for the night, Emily. I promise, by morning, we’ll figure out how to get you home.”
Emily hesitated, then finally stepped out from the bushes, her gaze still cautious but less fearful. Together, we walked deeper into the forest as the sun dipped lower behind the trees. Emily stayed close, quiet but a little more at ease. I fought to keep myself from drifting away to sleep.
‘Dangerous.’
The sharp voice of my wolf, Emm, cut through my tired thoughts, stopping me in my tracks.
Emily looked at me, confused. Something was wrong, the feeling gnawed at my skin, but exhaustion clouded my mind. I shook off the uneasy thoughts. I had a scared girl to protect.
“So, Emily… who did you say you came with before you got lost?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
“They’re here, and we’ll go home together,” she replied, her voice suddenly loud and confident, a stark contrast to her previous quiet tone.
“Who’s here?” I asked, scanning the forest nervously. “We need to keep moving, it’s not safe, ”
I froze, my instincts flaring. The familiar rush of adrenaline pumped through me as I realised with horror, we were surrounded. Fierce, masked figures emerged from the trees, their scent unmistakable, werewolves.
I turned to grab Emily, desperate to protect her, but my heart dropped when I realised she was gone.
“No, no, no… Emily!” I panicked, spinning around, searching for a way out. But I knew I was trapped. And I’d dragged an innocent girl down with me.
Ashley, my wolf had been right all along, she was trying to warn me of my surroundings but I didn’t get the hint. I’d let my guard down. I tried tapping into my powers, but before I could react, a cold, piercing sensation hit my neck. My eyes widened in horror as I realised what was happening. I had let my guard down again and didn’t know when I was ambushed.
“Sorry, love, but you’re coming home with us,” a voice sneered before everything went dark