Chapter 2
I heard a knock, and the door opened, but I pretended to be asleep. I could hear Leyton walk in and smell a female wolf with him. They moved about in the room before leaving just as quickly. Once they left, I slowly opened my eyes and looked around the room to see what they had left behind. Another service trolley with fresh food and drink sat in my room, as well as more clothes.
I scoot out of bed and walk over to the trolley, lifting the lid of each dish left behind. Yesterday, I checked my room for any means of escape. My door was always locked, and my room was three floors high. At least this room was better than the metal cell I had been herded into. Yes, I was being treated nicely now, but I’m sure they were just buttering me up. As soon as I get out of this place, I plan on heading home and reporting whatever Pack this is to the council.
One thing they are getting right is the food, though. Whoever their chef is, is good. I wonder what they have over them to keep their chef here. Maybe they have imprisoned their chef’s family, forcing him to make this delicious food.
While I eat, I think back to when I was caught. I knew I was too close to a pack because I could sense its border. The smell of ammonia, concentrated from years of repeated markings, wafted through the forest. It was strong, but all Pack’s borders smell strong. Something I noticed since I shifted into my wolf.
I keenly avoided packs and their borders. I’ve wanted very little to do with werewolves since I’ve left home. But this time, I had no choice. I’m not even sure what those stupid wolves were doing away from their pack lands. My own pack members stayed within their pack lands, not venturing out unless they had to. Leaving the protection of your Pack was not a thing unless you were running away.
These pups… the impression I got was that they were up to no good, and when they came upon me, it was like I was some sort of prize. Which makes me feel more wary of this Pack and its intentions.
Why? Why would you have parties of wolves outside your pack borders to herd in pack-less wolves unless your Pack had nefarious intentions?
Back in the day, people were cautioned about pack-less wolves. They called them rogues. But that was a long time ago. These days rogues, in the true essence of the name, werewolves that had gone feral, who had lost their humanity and animalistic side, living using their basic needs: eat, shit, sleep. But pack-less werewolves are generally viewed as ‘lone’ wolves. Like pack wolves, they have identification and information about them. I know my own Pack has a database of all werewolves living in Swan Valley. You can type in their name and find out their age, pack they’re from, siblings, everything.
I am definitely not a rogue. However, you wouldn’t find out who I really am by typing my name into the database. Not that it’s not there, it is. But my current identification is hanging high in a tree near the suburbs of Massey.
I ponder all the things I am going to do when I leave this place. Firstly, I will punish the little cowards who herded me across the border and report this Pack to the council. Then, I will leave. I will go home and see my parents. But I will not stay. Not if… is there. I don’t want to face him.
I sigh and look down at my food as I remember him. His face has become a blurry memory. His eyes—I remember they’re blue… and he has brown hair—I remember he’s handsome—god-like handsome—which was half the trouble. Girls flocked to him… which is why I’m here now. I couldn’t go through it anymore. It was excruciating for a while, and I’m surprised I lasted.
I suck in my breath, trying hard not to let the tears that threaten to fall, fall. I must be getting my period. I’m not usually this emotional when it comes to him. That fucker.
When I finish my food, I change into a clean pair of light-blue jeans and a black tank top that’s been left for me. I see no hair ties, so I go to the bathroom and quickly wash my face and brush my hair and teeth.
I’m already bored with the television, so I walk to the window and stare out. I see Delta’s training below, their tiny bodies going through fighting stances. It reminds me of home, and I cannot look away. Home, where my dad is. He’s probably still there, training the Delta’s as we speak. And mum, she’s probably in her music room, playing the piano, or at her computer, writing lesson plans for her students. I miss them. Being here must be a sign. Maybe it’s time to go home. Be with my family, face my fears.
I hear the key jiggle in the door, and it opens, but I don’t turn to greet Leyton, who enters the room.
“You’re awake,” Leyton comments. I shrug, not bothering to look at him.
“I’m bored,” I reply.
“Hmm. There’s a TV…” Leyton. I roll my eyes and turn towards him.
“Lame,” I reply.
“My Alpha wants to see you,” Leyton says after pausing. I nod.
“Now,” Leyton instructs firmly.
“Okay,” I shrug. He goes to move, but I stand still and watch him. When he notices I haven’t moved, he turns and looks at me.
“Shoes?” I ask.
“Oh, uh. Sorry?” Leyton replies, looking apologetic.
“Whatever,” I shake my head, walking towards him and the door.
“I never got your name…” Leyton says as he leads me through the hallways.
“You never asked,” I reply, scoping my surroundings as we walk. The way Leyton takes me is busier than the way he took me to the room. We pass other wolves who smile at Leyton in greeting and acknowledge me. I’m surprised their reaction to me is so friendly, considering how I was coerced into the Pack.
As we walk, I notice well-used scent trails that lead in different directions. The busier the trails I gather lead to communal areas, and I take note of them for when I need to use them later.
“What do you think of our pack house?” Leyton asks conversationally.
“Hmm. Not sure, just trying to scope out the exit,” I state, making Leyton chuckle.
“You’re not a prisoner here.”
“I’ve been treated like one since before I entered your pack lands,” I remark. Leyton doesn’t reply, and I feel anger roll off him. I’m unsure if it’s at me or how I was initially treated. The way the members of this Pack have reacted when they’ve seen me makes me question my initial thoughts about this Pack, so maybe he’s angry at how I was treated. I’m still unsure.
“So, when do I get to leave?” I ask as we head towards some stairs leading to what looks like an office area. Leyton chuckles again, and I swear, I’m going to strangle him. Metaphorically, of course. I shrug in response, still considering where we are going and who we pass. I am planning my escape, whether Layton likes it or not.
Leyton leads me down a corridor, where we pass an odd-looking room. It’s odd because it looks like it doesn’t belong in the hallway of closed doors. It’s an open room lined with walls of books. It looks like it once was an office but now resembles a reading nook. The thing that stands out the most is the young pups that are using it. Sitting on bean bags and couches reading. Small pups look around six years old, and some older pups look about eleven or twelve years old.
“It’s the weekend,” Leyton says, trying to explain what I’m seeing. But that’s not what I find odd. It’s the space itself and its purpose.
“Why is there a reading nook in the middle of offices?” I ask.
“That’s an old story,” Leyton replies, continuing to walk.
“You’re not going to tell me?” I ask. I don’t get a response, so I suppose that’s my answer. Weird room, though.
We pass another set of stairs, and from the smells emanating, I can tell it’s the main staircase to this level. I can also tell that if I were to descend those stairs, I’d be close to the exit. I ponder momentarily about risking it and taking off down those steps. But I need to find out the name of this Pack first.
“We’re here,” Leyton announces, knocking on a door and opening it. I hesitate for a moment before walking across the threshold.
“Alpha, Luna, Beta,” Leyton greets, nodding respectfully at the three people sitting on a leather settee on one side of the room.
“Thank you, Leyton,” the Luna replies, smiling slightly at Leyton. He nods again before closing the door behind him. I quickly scan the female, stopping at her stomach and then back at her face again.
“I’m Luna Ensley. Please, sit,” Luna Ensley greets. I nod, looking at the seats before sitting opposite the three of them. Being stuck in a room of concentrated smells begins to irritate my nose, and I sneeze.
“Are you okay?” Luna Ensley asks. I shake my head and concentrate on switching off my sense of smell.
“Yeah… um, just not used to the smells… sorry,” I apologise.
“Oh,” Luna Ensley says, looking back over at me. I notice her floral scent- she smells like the wildflowers I encountered when I ventured near the fairy clans. I smelled this unusual fragrance on Alpha Jed when I met him. Seeing her in the flesh confirms my curiosity. Although she doesn’t smell like a werewolf…
“What is your name?” The Beta asks. The Beta looks familiar, and his scent of rain permeates the air, making me sneeze again.
“Evie Daniels,” I reply after my sneeze. It’s an easy lie. It’s the name I’ve used for the past five years, and all my identification is under. Evie is from my middle name, which is Evangeline. And Daniels? It’s the name of the first street I came across when I returned to civilisation after spending my first six months living off the land.
“My name is Alpha Jed, and this is my Luna, Ensley,” Alpha Jed greets, smiling at his mate. He gestures to his Beta, who sits there, observing me.
“This is one of my Beta’s, Raven,” Alpha Jed adds, nodding at Beta Raven.
“One of?” I ask, looking at the Beta, who continues to analyse me. Beta Raven, I notice, has a slight accent, coming out stronger when he speaks certain words.
“My sister is the Beta female; Raven is her mate,” Alpha Jed says proudly.
“Interesting. So, he has the Beta blood, and you got rid of your original Beta for your sister?” I ask. What kind of Pack have I gotten myself into?
“No. Rhiannon is my stepsister. She is also Beta by blood. Wait… how did you know Raven was Beta by blood?” Alpha Jed asks.
I look over at Raven and shrug. Yes, I know who he is now: Raven Stoddard of the Skathi pack. He came to my Pack one summer to train with my dad, so he is familiar. Skathi Pack is the Pack next to my home pack… I doubt that Raven would remember me, though. I was only a child when he stayed with my Pack.
“Guess?” I reply, hoping I sound believable.
“She can probably smell it,” Raven acknowledges. I look at him and nod, yup. That’s it.
“What were you doing on the outskirts of our territories?” Beta Raven then asks.
“Oh. So, you admit I wasn’t on your pack land when I was captured?” I remark.
“We looked at our cameras, and yes, you were right. There is footage of our young Deltas herding you through our territory with cattle prods. They are currently in custody awaiting a visit from the council,” Alpha Jed acknowledges. I raise my eyebrows at him, not sure if I believe him.
“Prove it,” I state, folding my arms. I see a flicker of amusement in the Beta and Luna’s faces, but Alpha Jed glares at me quickly before schooling his face.
Alpha Jed gets up from his seat and walks over to the computer on his desk as I watch. He plays with the keyboard for a bit before calling me over.
“This is an email I sent to Councilman Rod Freeman from the Royal Pack. He is sending a group of Royal Inquisitors to interview our young pups,” Alpha Jad says, moving the monitor towards me so I can look.
I don’t know who Councilman Freeman is, but I’m satisfied that Alpha Jed has taken the process to report this to the council.
“And those Deltas? What have you done with them in the meantime?” I ask.
“They’re currently in our Pack’s cells. We are giving them the same treatment they afforded you,” Beta Raven states. I look at him and nod.
“Good. I guess I can live with that. So, I can go, then?” I ask.
“What do you mean, go?” Luna Ensley asks. I look over at her, and she seems upset.
“Well, now that that’s been sorted, I’m free to go, right?” I ask.
“You will need to stay here until the Royal Inquisitors come. They have to interview you,” Alpha Jed states, gesturing for me to sit back down.
“Why? Can’t I just leave, and they can contact me?”
“Where would you go?” Alpha Jed asks. I shrug.
“Thought so. Evie, why were you alone on the fringes of our territory? There are no packs out that way,” Alpha Jed asks.
“I missed the forest. Why? Is that a crime? Is being a lone wolf illegal now?” I ask. I mean, it’s been five years…
“No. Being a lone wolf isn’t illegal. It’s just that we would hear it if a pack member went missing. And you have no paperwork, no identification. You need to carry it. You should know that” Alpha Jed implores.
“My identification is high up in a tree near the edge of Massey,” I reply. I watch as the three high bloods look at each other.
“That is days away in wolf form. How long were you in your fur?” Beta Raven asks.
“Three weeks, I think. Why? Where exactly am I?” I ask.
“You are in Silva Luporum Pack, in Silver Forest,” Alpha Jed says proudly. I laugh and hide it with a cough when I realise where I am.
“You’re kidding, right?” I ask, smirking at Alpha Jed. Of course, I’ve heard about this Pack. The famous Silva Luporum Pack. Home of General Erstad.
“No…” Luna says, filling in the silence after my outburst. I can’t help but laugh.
“Well, Alpha, no offence, but you’re doing a shit job with your Deltas. Who’s your Commanding Delta? He or she needs to be replaced. Oh, my goddess. Silva Luporum! Who’d have thought?”
I can feel Alpha Jed trying to restrain his anger towards me. It doesn’t escape my notice when Luna Ensley takes his hand to try to calm him.
“I understand your sentiment, Evie. I assure you those five were out of line when they captured you the way they did. We have had a bad history with feral wolves… and they took it upon themselves to defy our way of doing things. I assure you, those five were severely punished by my Commanding Delta and my family,” Alpha Jed states, leaning forward to look at me. I nod, feeling slightly satisfied with his answer. One thing niggles me, though.
“You’re related to your Commanding Delta, too?” I ask. Alpha Jed nods.
“My stepsister is married to our previous Beta. Our Beta female and Commanding Delta are my niece and nephew,” Alpha Jed explains.
“Ah. Okay then. Wow. Interesting Pack history. So how come you became the Alpha, not the previous Alpha’s heir?” I ask.
“That’s another story. Enough about me. Let’s talk about you, Evie. Which Pack is your home Pack?”
I don’t respond to him immediately; instead, I focus on my fingers.
“I don’t want to talk about that,” I reply. I’ve been in this situation before. I know I don’t have to tell them. Being a lone wolf without paperwork isn’t illegal; it’s just… not common.
“Okay, so why were you far away from other Packs, then. You are from a Pack?” Beta Raven asks.
“Yes, I’m from a Pack. I just haven’t been there for a while.”
“And I guess being here is overwhelming for you. I mean, how we treated you and got you here. And the smell!” Luna Ensley states, waving her hand in front of her nose. I chuckle at that. “When was the last time you were around werewolves?” She asks.
I flick my eyes quickly up at her and then back down at my fingers. Luna Ensley looks genuine and sincere, but… my past…
“It must have been hard leaving your Pack. Were you drawn in this direction at all?” Luna Ensley asks. I shake my head.
“No. Why?” I look up and notice Luna Ensley shrug.
“How long have you been avoiding werewolves?” she asks.
“Fi-five years,” I finally admit, tears welling in my eyes. I don’t want to cry, and I don’t want to think about why I left. I miss my parents, and I get how leaving was selfish. But I had to go. I couldn’t survive in that Pack.
I am handed a tissue, and I look up, giving Luna Ensley a grateful smile, which she returns.
“Thank you,” I say when I take it. I wipe the tears that I can feel begin to spill over.
“Here,” Beta Raven says, passing me the whole box.
“Thank you,” I smile. Instead of taking another tissue, I put the box down at my feet and instead play with the tissue in my hands, twirling it around my fingers and itself, making it thin and dry.
“It… It was selfish of me to leave my Pack,” I finally say. I can feel the three high-ranked members watching me, not wanting to interrupt.
“…but I had to go. I, I couldn’t face… face him. I couldn’t see his smug face when he looked at me,” I said, bursting into tears.
I feel warm hands on my back and warm arms wrapping around me. The scent of wildflowers envelopes me as Luna Ensley hugs me, shushing me. I grab onto her shirt and just cry. Big, loud sobs fill the room, and I feel so embarrassed. I’m crying in front of three strangers, and one of them is trying to comfort me.
“I’m so sorry,” I gulp as my tears subside.
“Oh goddess,” I complain, embarrassed. I feel like I’ve opened myself up to three strangers, and I feel weak for crying in front of them… raw.
“It’s okay. You’re allowed to cry. Crying is good for you. It’s your body’s way of releasing all the stress,” Luna Ensley soothes. I nod; I understand her, but I still feel weak. I can’t remember the last time I bawled in front of others, let alone strangers. In fact, I don’t think I ever have. I was never a crier. Not until… him.
“Are you feeling better? Do you still want to talk? Can I take you back to your room and get some food?” Luna Ensley asks.
“No, it’s okay, I’m okay. I’m fine,” I say, shaking my head. I’m not one-hundred percent fine, but I’m manageable.
I let out a deep breath, not realising how much I was holding in.
“What exactly happened between you and your… mate?” Beta Raven asks. My head pops up, looking in his direction. His mouth lifted in one corner, telling me he had realised why I had left my home pack. I take a noisy sniff in before I prepare an answer.
“He, uh, rejected me,” I reply, feeling ashamed.
“What a dick,” Alpha Jed comments. I giggle at this comment. Realising that I’m giggling at a comment an Alpha has made, I quickly stop.
“It’s okay, you know, Evie. To be in pain after rejection. I know it well,” Beta Raven comments. I look up at him and furrow my brows.
“You?” I ask. Beta Raven shakes his head.
“My sister. My mate. They both went through rejection. And both of them are from Beta bloodlines. They struggled. I can’t imagine what it was like for you.”
I look over at him, a wave of respect and feelings of confidence towards him. This information makes me feel better.
“It was hard; I don’t know how I got this far. How I survived. Some nights, I didn’t think I would,” I admit my breathing was still irregular from my previous bawling.
“And you were out there, alone, for five years?” Luna Ensley asks her voice in awe.
“Some of the time. Sometimes I was with others. But I’ve been pack-less for, yeah, five years. I guess,” I admit, pulling another tissue from the box to wrap and play with.
“Evie, would you like to join our Pack?” Alpha Jed asks. I look up at him, shocked.
“Wha-what?”
“Look. Raven and I have spoken through the link. We’ve had a background check on you, and although there’s a huge hole of information missing about you… we’re fairly certain you’re not going to be a danger to this Pack,” Alpha Jed explains.
“That is if you want to be a part of a pack again. This Pack, for example,” Beta Raven adds.
“Ah. I’m not a danger to your Pack. Yeah… that’s true. Because your dangerous pack members are the ones who kidnapped me,” I say, mostly to myself.
“And you had someone do a background check on me already?” I look from the Alpha to the Beta.
“Yes. I linked our Commanding Delta as soon as we got your name,” Beta Raven admits. I nod. My fake background. I had it made a year or so after I left my Pack.
“I think I’d like that. Being part of your Pack, I mean. I’ve felt like I’ve been missing something. I think being in a pack is it,” I admit.
“Well then, we can do a joining ceremony now if you want. Or we could do a more formal one later…” Alpha Jed asks. He’s smiling, and his friendliness makes me want to be part of his Pack even more.
“Okay.”
“Now?” Alpha Jed asks. I nod. Alpha Jed gets up from his seat and returns with a silver knife. He goes to cut the palm of his hand, but I stop him before the knife pierces his skin.
“Wait!”
Alpha Jed looks up at me.
“If I become a member of your Pack, what role will I take? I left before I, uh…” I admit.
“What can you do? We always have spaces for housekeepers or kitchenhands,” Luna Ensley states.
“Delta. I want to be a Delta.” The words come out of my mouth before I think. Did I want to be a Delta? Yes, I have skills, but that wasn’t what I had planned on being. It’s not what I had wanted in my life before.
“Right. Then I guess we have a new Delta member in our Pack, Raven,” Alpha Jed says to Beta Raven.
“I guess we do,” the Beta replies.
