Bound by Fate

Chapter 1

Chapter One
A chilling scream pierced the air, causing a shiver to ripple through my veins. The sound echoed from a distant corner of the mountainous woods surrounding Chattanooga, Tennessee, where my pack resided.

I paused, my senses heightened. It was an unusual occurrence. The soft babbling of the Tennessee River, just in front of me, gradually seeped back into my consciousness.

Perhaps some children were playing or maybe my father was conducting training exercises with the younger shifters. However, it struck me as odd because tonight was the new moon. Normally, we took it easy on this day, when our kind was at its weakest. But then again, maybe that vulnerability was the very reason for the commotion.

I hoped fervently that no one had been harmed.

Dismissing my concerns, I leaned over the muddy riverbank and dipped my fingers into the cool water. The recent heavy storm had rendered the liquid murkier than usual, but I could still discern my reflection. The breeze tousled my long, silver hair, symbolizing my future as the alpha, while the olive hue of my skin contrasted with my light silver-purple eyes.

The midday sun warmed the back of my neck, easing the tension from my body.

"Attack!" A faint, desperate command reverberated from the distance. "Kill as many as you can."

My body froze.

This was no mere exercise. During training, we never resorted to frantic shouts. Displaying worry was a sign of weakness. As silver wolves and protectors, we had to exude confidence at all times.

I spun on my heel and sprinted towards the neighborhood. Damn it, I shouldn't have snuck out and ventured two miles away from home. But this was the one day of the month when I could enjoy a few hours of solitude.

The one day when I could escape the weight of my impending responsibilities, inherited from my father.

What in the world was happening? I tried to link with my pack, but there was nothing but silence. It felt as though I had been severed from all communication.

That had never happened before. Panic clawed at my throat as I probed my mind once more for the link. The only comfort I had was the warmth emanating from my pack bonds, still present in my chest.

Animals scurried away in the opposite direction, amplifying the frantic beating of my heart.

Something was terribly wrong. Silver wolves had acclimated themselves to the world, but we kept our location and true nature hidden from everyone, including other members of the wolf race. The only time we allowed an outsider into our pack was when one of our own found their fated mate. To preserve the secrecy of our pack, the fated mate would become one of us. It was our pack law, a means to ensure the continued concealment of the silver wolf race. Being attacked should have been impossible.

Gunshots rang out, and I drew upon the magic within me, augmenting my speed with the power of the wolf residing within. I needed to reach my pack as swiftly as possible, but shifting was too great a risk. In our animal form, we revealed our true nature and the type of wolves we were to our attackers. Our unmistakable silver fur would expose us. I couldn't afford to alert them to our existence, in case they mistook us for a regular wolf pack. Dad had warned me repeatedly that something like this could occur.

It was a possibility, but I couldn't be certain until I reached them.

Parts of my chest grew colder as members of the pack began to vanish, just as my grandfather had passed.

No.

They couldn't be dying.

On any other day of the month, I could run twice as fast. But with the moon concealed tonight, my magic was even further weakened than that of the other pack members. Alpha blood was more closely connected to the moon, rendering me more vulnerable. Even in wolf form, I wouldn't be able to run any faster.

Not today.

Silver wolves were far stronger than regular wolves, especially at night and on a full moon. The fuller the moon, the mightier and larger we became. But on this one day of the month, we were no different from any other wolf in the world.

Utterly ordinary.

More shots reverberated through the air, propelling me to push myself harder, causing a cramp in my side.

I had to regulate my breathing, or I would be too winded to assist my pack once I reached them.

The trees blurred as I hurtled past, my feet sinking into the mulch-like ground, slowing me down. Frustration welled up within me, threatening to burst forth in a scream.

Inhaling deeply of the spring air, I attempted to draw solace from the floral scents of the woods, using them to maintain my composure. Deep breathing had been instilled in me since childhood as a calming ritual. Mastery over one's breath was the most formidable weapon. It helped me think clearly and make rational decisions under pressure. Nothing was more powerful.

No matter how forcefully I pushed myself, it never seemed to be enough. Time felt like it stood still as I desperately raced towards my friends and family.

With each step I took, the sounds of combat grew louder. I clung to the hope that it was a promising sign. After all, we were born warriors.

I held onto that glimmer of hope, refusing to let fear consume me.

As the trees thinned, I almost cried out in triumph. I had made it! But then the acrid stench of copper invaded my nostrils.

Blood.

The scent coated my throat, making it difficult to swallow.

My feet faltered, and I caught myself before collapsing to my knees. There was no time for me to fall apart. I was an alpha, for God's sake, and my people needed me.I parted my lips, breathing in through my mouth to avoid the putrid stench that lingered in the air. It was still there, but not as overpowering. My inner wolf surged forward in my mind, lending me emotional strength as I pressed on.

As I drew nearer to home, glimpses of modest brick houses peeked through the dense trees. I sprinted directly towards the alpha house, its backyard merging seamlessly with the surrounding woods. I needed to find my parents and see what my father required of me. He always had a plan, even in the most dire situations.

I slowed my pace, aiming for silence. The last thing I wanted was to stumble upon an attacker. They certainly wouldn't be broadcasting their location to me.

The sound of fighting reverberated like a relentless drumbeat. It was overwhelming, devastating, and utterly heart-wrenching.

As I approached the edge of the trees, an unfamiliar musky odor assaulted my senses, nearly making me gag. I paused, frozen in my tracks.

These attackers were definitely wolf shifters, but their scents were unknown to me.

I squatted down and retrieved the knife holstered around my ankle. It brought me a sense of comfort, and I never left the house without it. Not even when my best friend Zoe poked fun at me, wondering what kind of creature would dare to challenge us.

I bet she regretted her teasing now.

"I believe the girl is somewhere nearby," a male voice whispered. "I've caught her scent leading into the woods."

"Perhaps she ran," another voice, deeper and gruffer, responded. "Maybe Enzo, the alpha, instructed her to flee."

I peered around a tree, catching sight of two men dressed entirely in black, their faces concealed by ski masks. They stood in my backyard, towering over six feet tall, much like my father, and exuded strength and power. Whoever these individuals were, they had clearly been training extensively, which sent alarm bells ringing in my mind.

A shiver ran down my spine as I realized they might possess knowledge of our true nature.

But that shouldn't be possible. Everyone outside of our pack believed that our kind had vanished. Yet, they knew my father's name.

Stay calm, Sterlyn. If I allowed my emotions to get the better of me, they would find me and who knows what they would do. I tightly gripped the knife's hilt, ensuring I could wield it effortlessly if necessary.

From my current vantage point, I couldn't see anyone else, which frustrated me. I didn't want to shift—yet, at least—in case they remained unaware of our true identities. Dad? I attempted to mentally reach out to him once more.

Instead of a response, more screams pierced the air, originating from the front of my house. The wind shifted, blowing against me and carrying the sound towards the two intruders.

Damn it, I needed to act swiftly.

"Her scent is growing stronger in this direction," the speaker declared, lifting his mask to reveal an auburn goatee, before quickly pulling it back down and inhaling deeply. "She smells like freesia."

"Are you serious?" the other man scoffed, reaching over to yank the first man's mask back into place. "Freesia? Did you paint your nails with your mother before coming here?"

My pack was being decimated by fools dressed entirely in black during broad daylight, arguing about scents.

These enemies didn't even display remorse for annihilating my pack. What kind of heartless bastards were they? Rage coiled within me, and I dug my fingernails into my palm, causing blood to pool at my fingertips.

Taking a few cautious steps deeper into the woods, I moved closer to them, hoping to catch them off guard.

"Don't be an idiot, Earl," Goatee retorted. "I'm merely saying she smells pleasant. Perhaps I'll have the opportunity to mate with her."

Nausea churned in my stomach. Why was he discussing mating?

"Then say that. It's at least somewhat acceptable. And don't get your hopes up. They already have someone in mind for her," the other man shook his head. "Stop being a fool. I vouched for you to be on this team, and you better not make me regret it. One more stupid move, and I'll kill you myself." He began heading in my direction.

I crouched behind some thick foliage, waiting for them to draw closer. Once they were within range, I would strike at the smarter one—Earl—before dealing with Goatee.

Forcing myself to breathe slowly, I allowed calm to permeate my entire being.

Earl raised his hand, signaling for Goatee to halt. He stalked towards me, his yellow eyes scanning the brush.

He was approximately ten feet away from me, but I needed him closer. With Goatee nearby, I had to strike quickly and decisively. Taking down the first assailant was crucial; otherwise, it would become a two-on-one situation, and those odds did not favor me.

Goatee moved gracefully beside Earl. Perhaps he wasn't as foolish as I initially thought.

Earl glanced at his companion. "She's close—"

His distraction was all the opportunity I needed. I lunged forward, thrusting the knife into Earl's chest, aiming for his heart.

"What—" His words were garbled as his head snapped back towards me. His eyes widened, staring at his chest where blood was already saturating his shirt.

"Shit!" Goatee screeched.

I firmly gripped the knife's hilt, pulling back with force. A sickening sucking sound followed by a crackle filled the air as the blade slid out of his chest.

Blood spewed forth as Earl clutched his wound, desperately trying to stem the bleeding.

I walked past him, readying the knife in my hand as Goatee charged towards me.

"You bitch," he growled, reaching for my throat.

I swiftly evaded his grasp and straightened, delivering a powerful blow with my elbow to the back of his head. He fell to his knees, and I seized the material and hair at the back of his head.

"You're going to pay," he snarled.

My anger burned irrationally, and it was perfect.I gripped the knife tightly, my heart pounding in my chest. The situation had escalated quickly, and now it was a fight for survival. That meant I had the upper hand.

He lunged at me, his fingers entangling in my hair. "You're not getting away," he growled.

I winced as he yanked me towards him, but I refused to let him overpower me. Fighting dirty it would be.

With a calculated move, I stumbled forward, feigning a trip. He instinctively leaned closer to catch me, spreading his legs apart. It was the opening I needed.

As my shoulders collided with his chest, I swiftly lifted my leg and delivered a knee strike right to his groin. The impact was satisfying, but I didn't have time to revel in it. He released his hold and doubled over in pain, clutching himself like a wounded animal.

Interesting. Either way, my plan had worked.

Without hesitation, I swung my fist, connecting with his face. He toppled over, landing face-first on the ground. I couldn't bring myself to end his life, but I made sure he wouldn't be getting up anytime soon. A swift kick to the head knocked him unconscious.

I scanned the area, my senses on high alert for any further threats. All I could see were the lifeless bodies of my pack members. Hysteria clawed at me, a mix of adrenaline and guilt for what I had done.

We had trained for moments like this, but nothing could prepare me for the reality of taking a life. I had prayed every night that I would never have to, but my prayers had gone unanswered.

"Sterlyn!" My father's voice cut through the chaos, grounding me in the present. I turned to face him, and the sight that greeted me was devastating.

Blood stained his white shirt, his hand pressed against his side in a futile attempt to stem the bleeding. Every movement seemed to cause him pain. The vibrant man I had seen earlier that day now looked weathered and worn.

"What?" I jogged towards him, my concern overriding any sense of self-preservation. "No, I need to help protect our pack."

He reached out, his hand slick with blood. "They're here for you, and I can't let them take you."

"For me?" My mind struggled to process the information. "Why?"

"I believe they want to force you into a mate bond," he explained, glancing over his shoulder.

I followed his gaze, and my world shattered. Dead bodies littered the ground, members of my pack who had fought valiantly but had ultimately fallen. Among them, my best friend Zoe crawled across the grass, blood streaming down her arms. She fought with every ounce of strength she had left.

A man dressed in black approached her, a gun pressed against her temple.

I moved to intervene, but my father's firm grip stopped me. He placed his hands on my shoulders, his voice urgent. "Sterlyn, focus on me."

"But—" I pushed against his hold, desperate to save those I cared about.

He winced in pain. "Those men have no intention of sparing anyone except you. We can't fight them off. Most of our pack is gone."

"What?" My body froze, the weight of the loss crashing down on me. "Mom?"

"Yes, and soon I will join her," he nodded towards his side.

The wound was deep, and blood poured from it relentlessly. Even with our shifter healing abilities, there was no coming back from a wound like that. "No, I'll take you to the hospital."

"I won't make it," he said, tears welling in his eyes. "I held on long enough to find you. You have to run. Go to Shadow City. Alpha Cameron Patterson will protect you, but trust only him with what you truly are."

"Dad, what if he's behind this?" My voice cracked with fear. Cameron was the only person outside of our pack who knew our secret. It made sense that this attack could be on his orders.

"Cameron is a good man," my father assured me. "I've never sensed any malice in him. I don't believe he's responsible for this, but be cautious and trust no one else. One of the attackers mentioned they're here to find you. We can't let them catch you."

I struggled to comprehend the enormity of it all. Not only did he expect me to leave him behind, but he wanted me to go to a city I knew little about. "I... I don't want to leave you."

"I love you, baby girl, but you have to go," he kissed my cheek. "They're gathering a group to search for you. Go, before it's too late."

"The alpha is missing!" someone shouted nearby. "He might be looking for the girl."

I looked at my father one last time, committing every detail to memory. "I love you, Daddy." I sheathed the knife back into its holster on my ankle and forced myself to run as I heard him collapse.

"He's here!" another voice yelled.

My wolf surged forward, aiding my escape as sobs wracked my body. I didn't want to leave, but I couldn't disobey my alpha's command.

The voices grew louder, multiple footsteps closing in on my father.

"I smell her!" someone exclaimed. "She's in the woods!"

Taking deep breaths to steady myself, I focused on putting one foot in front of the other. I had to get away before they caught up to me. My pack's sacrifice couldn't be in vain.

Chapter 2

Chapter Two
"The scent is overpowering!" one of the men shouted, his voice carrying through the dense forest. "She can't be far."

Damn it, I had barely a quarter-mile head start on them. I needed to keep my wits about me or else they would capture me.

The urgency of my situation demanded focus. At least, it provided temporary relief from the overwhelming grief that threatened to suffocate me.

Wiping away the tears from my eyes and the snot from my nose, I quickened my pace. They may have outnumbered me, but I knew this land like the back of my hand.

I veered left, keeping deep within the woods to avoid detection if they scoured the nearby roads. My route zigzagged, a calculated move to throw them off my trail. With any luck, they wouldn't suspect that I was making my way towards the closest town, approximately four or five miles away. Thankfully, the road led southwest towards Shadow City, allowing me to stay close to civilization. That would force those chasing me to suppress their animalistic instincts.

After all, humans weren't meant to know about supernaturals. If anyone let that secret slip, the punishment was death.

Footsteps thundered behind me, urging me to push myself even harder. I was no stranger to running, having trained extensively, so I should be able to outrun them. As long as I stayed ahead, I stood a chance.

I would figure out my next move once I reached the city.

* * *

My legs grew heavy, requiring twice the effort to keep going, but I fought through the fatigue. Judging by my estimation, I had covered around fifteen miles, meaning Shadow City was within reach. If I maintained my current speed, I would arrive in the next thirty minutes.

I was making decent progress, but those assholes pursuing me hadn't fallen behind as I had hoped. I needed to shake them off.

Surveying my surroundings, I searched for anything that would slow them down. Staying close to the road was no longer a viable option.

I veered sharply to the right, distancing myself further from the road, hoping the sudden change in direction would disorient them momentarily. As I took in the unfamiliar surroundings, I realized that this part of the woods was unknown to me. Although our pack resided relatively close to Shadow City, we had always maintained a wide berth, intentionally avoiding anyone living in its vicinity.

I tried to recall everything I knew about Shadow City. It had been established over a thousand years ago as a refuge, a sanctuary for those in need of help or asylum. All shifter races coexisted there, alongside angels, vampires, witches... nearly every supernatural race imaginable.

The silver wolves had been the protectors of the city until corruption took hold. Unable to combat the corrupt leaders and unwilling to die for them, the silver wolves had made the decision to leave.

At the time of their departure, the alpha wolf of Shadow City had promised to rectify the situation, urging us to not stray too far. Shortly after the silver wolves' departure, the city had gone into lockdown, prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving until recent years.

My father had journeyed there two years ago to meet with the current alpha wolf, Cameron, but he had left me behind, instructing me to stay with the pack in case things went awry. I had been sixteen then, old enough to assume the role of alpha if necessary.

Despite the alpha's assurances that things had improved, my father had been wary of some of the other leaders in the city, particularly the angel Azbogah and certain witches. Cameron had urged my father to give him time, promising more significant changes. However, my father never heard from him again.

For my father to send me to Shadow City meant that the pack residing there was my only hope for safety. It didn't sit well with me, but that was a problem for another day.

Right now, I needed to lose these pursuers on my trail.

The rushing sound of the nearby river sparked an idea. I should have thought of it sooner, but I had foolishly believed I could outrun them.

Mistakes were forgivable as long as there was a chance to rectify them. And luckily, I was still alive and moving, which meant everything in my current predicament. No one else in my pack could make that claim.

"She's changing course!" someone gasped, their voice strained. "She's heading towards the river."

At least they showed signs of fatigue too. It would have been disheartening if they didn't sound as winded as I felt.

"Don't let her reach the water," another voice shouted. "I'm calling for backup. We cannot afford to lose her."

The advantage of changing directions was that it caused their weight to shift on their feet. I hadn't been able to gauge how many were chasing me, but their pivoting movements suggested there were around ten hot on my heels.

That was more than I had anticipated. With that number, my chances of escape grew significantly slimmer.

But that was a problem to tackle once I reached the water.

Keeping my eyes fixed on the ground, I searched for patches of mud, roots, and tree branches that could potentially trip me up. Unfortunately, this slowed me down, but it was a small price to pay compared to taking a tumble. Another reason why I had stayed close to the road—firmer ground.The downward slope propelled me forward with an exhilarating speed. The branches of the surrounding trees sliced through my skin, leaving trails of blood in their wake. Yet, the pain was a distant sensation, overshadowed by the realization that I was being hunted like prey. My wolf and I burned with anger at the audacity of our pursuers.

Their thunderous footsteps grew louder, a clear indication that they were closing in on me. Their size gave them an advantage, aided further by the force of gravity.

I hadn't fully thought through my plan, but the river drew nearer with each passing moment.

If I could reach it before they caught up, I might have a chance. The strategy was simple: submerge myself underwater and swim as far as possible, hoping to lose them amidst the currents and conceal my scent.

"I see her!" one of them bellowed, their voice uncomfortably close.

Ignoring the overwhelming urge to glance back, I pressed on.

Through the gaps in the trees, the murky water of the Tennessee River came into view. It appeared deceptively calm, but appearances were deceiving. In the spring, heavy rainfall transformed the current into a formidable force. Fortunately, this section was rarely traversed by boats, minimizing the risks of swimming here.

The heavy breaths of my pursuers echoed in my ears, signaling their imminent arrival. If nothing changed soon, they would capture me before I reached the safety of the river.

I had not run fifteen miles only to be captured now.

With unwavering focus on my goal, I discarded caution and sprinted with reckless abandon, paying no heed to my footing. I pumped my arms at my sides, urging my feet to move even faster.

As I approached the embankment, the ground transitioned from mulch to slippery mudstone. I leaped, propelled by desperation.

"No!" a man screamed as something snagged my right ankle.

Twisting my body, I used my left foot to deliver a powerful kick to his face. His head snapped back, weakening his grip on me.

I landed on my back, just short of the water's edge, my head dangling off the embankment. Raising my gaze, I spotted nine men closing in, mere yards away from me.

If I didn't act swiftly, they would capture me before I could reach the river.

The man I had incapacitated lay unconscious nearby. I clambered over and seized his firearm, despising the need to resort to such violence. But at this moment, it was a necessity. Standing tall, I unleashed a barrage of shots at the remaining pursuers who were dangerously close.

"Take cover!" one of them yelled, prompting all nine men to scatter. I paused for a moment before firing again, maintaining an erratic pattern in the hope that they would wait, believing I had exhausted my ammunition, before resuming the chase.

Not far ahead, the river took a sharp curve. If I could hold my breath long enough, I might still evade them. After a few more sporadic gunshots, I crouched low, denying them a clear line of sight. I fired one last shot, then allowed my primal instincts to guide me. Flipping backward, I plunged into the water, submerging myself and swimming with all my might, utilizing the current to my advantage.

Deeper and deeper I swam, relying on the turbid water, remnants of recent storms, to conceal me. Bubbles grazed my leg, indicating that some of them had taken the plunge, but I had managed to create some distance.

Swimming had always been a cherished pastime, and now I was grateful for it as I kicked vigorously, exploiting the current to forge ahead. My lungs begged for air, the burning sensation intensifying. I exhaled slowly, attempting to prolong the inevitable need to resurface.

After several more powerful strokes, I could no longer ignore the demands of my body. Carefully, I allowed the top half of my face to break through the water's surface, desperately hoping to remain hidden.

"Look, there she is!" one of them shouted.

Damn it. I submerged once more, panic propelling me forward with even greater urgency. I couldn't afford to be caught. If they captured me, all the lives sacrificed for my sake would be in vain.

I couldn't bear such a burden.

With every stroke, I anticipated their hands seizing me, but it didn't happen... at least not yet.

I adjusted my course diagonally, aiming to catch a stronger current. When my lungs screamed for air again, the water pushed against my back, propelling me forward.

Good, but I needed to replenish my oxygen supply.

I waited until the last possible moment before my instincts took over, driving my arms to propel me towards the surface. Yet, the current refused to release its grip, and my strength waned, unable to break free.

Panic coursed through my veins, and dizziness clouded my mind. I had to regain control, or else I would drown. Swiftly, I flipped onto my back, stretching my body out, with my feet leading the way. All the safety articles I had read about rivers echoed in my mind, advising me to float with my head upstream and my legs downstream. Being horizontal to the water's surface should provide some measure of assistance.

Surprisingly, assuming this position came naturally once I ceased struggling against the current.

Something brushed against my hand, and I grasped it desperately. It could have been a lifeless corpse, for all I knew, but in my desperation, I seized any available support. Hopefully, it was a log. Summoning the last remnants of my energy, I pulled it towards me.The periphery of my vision began to dim, casting a shadow over my surroundings. With desperate determination, I thrust the makeshift log downwards, using it as leverage to propel myself towards the riverbed, yearning for escape.

Shifting the momentum, I managed to break free from the current's relentless grip. Gasping for air, I emerged from the water's surface, my mind still clouded with confusion. I anxiously scanned my surroundings, searching for those responsible for thrusting me into this perilous situation. A large tree branch floated nearby, and I clung to it, my strength waning.

Exhaustion weighed heavy on my eyelids. Struggling to remain alert, I turned my head, but the tormentors were nowhere in sight.

For now, I was safe. I settled myself as comfortably as possible on the branch, propping up my head and closing my eyes, seeking a momentary respite.

* * *

An arm encircled my waist, causing my heart to race and breath to quicken. Startled, I opened my eyes, only to realize that I had foolishly fallen asleep. How long I had been unconscious remained a mystery, but evidently, it was enough time for them to catch up to me.

Clutching onto the branch, I swung my elbow forcefully into the intruder's gut. "Let go of me!"

"Whoa," a deep voice exclaimed, followed by a groan of pain. "You're going to drown. I'm trying to save you." His grip around my waist loosened.

Did he truly believe I would fall for such a feeble ruse? Though he didn't exude the scent of falsehood, good intentions were far from guaranteed.

Seizing the opportunity while he nursed his injured stomach, I head-butted him with the back of my skull, the sickening sound of bone meeting bone filling the air.

"Fuck!" he exclaimed as he pushed the log towards the embankment.

My legs made contact with the riverbed, and I managed to put weight on them before plunging back into the water with a resounding splash.

"Hey, wait," the man called out, swimming towards me.

"Stay back." My hands trembled as I drew my knife from its sheath, holding it out in front of me as I glared. "I will hurt you."

"Obviously." He gestured to the blood streaming from his nose. "You already have." Droplets of water cascaded from his short, dark hair, splashing onto his once sky-blue shirt and jeans. His warm, dark chocolate eyes captivated me, causing my grip to loosen slightly. He possessed the musky scent of a shifter, though he remained in human form.

He wasn't clad in black, but that didn't rule out the possibility of him being one of them, toying with me. The passage of time during my unconsciousness was unknown, and he could have easily changed his attire and pursued me.

Lifting my chin defiantly, I raised the knife. "Who are you?" Escape seemed impossible in my weakened state. I lacked the strength to even stand.

"I'm Crew." He moved his hand cautiously to his nose, pinching the bridge. "Crew Clark. I spotted you floating on a tree limb and thought you might be in trouble."

"Why would you think that?" I maintained my forward-facing stance, scanning for any other potential attackers. They were likely concealed amidst the woods, awaiting a signal.

"Did you not hear what I said?" The corners of his mouth twitched upwards. "You were unconscious, floating on a tree limb in the middle of the river. It's hazardous to be swimming after the heavy storms we've had."

"And you just happened to be here?" I found it difficult to believe.

He pointed towards a tree at the water's edge. "Fishing."

Against my better judgment, I followed his gesture with my gaze. Sure enough, a fishing rod leaned against the tree, a worm wriggling on the hook. The poor creature squirmed with an illusory chance of survival.

"So, you're not trying to capture me?" The words slipped from my lips before I could stop them.

His brows furrowed, and he released his nose, wiping away the blood. "No, but now I understand why you beat the living daylights out of me." He chuckled.

"You find this amusing?" Only a sick bastard would derive humor from my near-kidnapping.

He winced. "No, I'm sorry. It's just... there's only one girl who has ever kicked my ass like you did." He tilted his head, as if recalling someone he'd rather forget.

The situation was growing increasingly uncomfortable, and remaining so close to the water was far from wise. They would be scouring the area, searching for me. "Look, I have to go. It's not safe here for me." Placing both hands in front of me to support my weight, I slowly rose to my feet, though my legs threatened to buckle once more. I took a single step before collapsing.

Before I could hit the ground, a strong arm caught me around the waist.

"Allow me to assist you." He surveyed the surroundings. "You won't get far in your current condition."

I despised how right he was. "Fine." Maintaining a firm grip on my knife, ready to wield it at a moment's notice, we painstakingly made our way out of the water and towards the treeline. But I wouldn't feel secure until I was concealed. After a few steps on solid ground, I stumbled into the woods.

"Hey, where do you think you're going?" Crew inquired. "You can't leave like that."

And there it was. He hadn't been helping me at all.

Chapter 3

Chapter Three
Chapter Three

I spun around, trying to maintain my balance after the near-drowning experience. It had taken a toll on me, but I couldn't let it break me. I needed to find safety before I could allow myself to fall apart.

With my arm trembling, I pointed the knife at him and asked, "So, you're in cahoots with them?"

"Who?" He furrowed his brow and raised a hand. "You can barely stand."

"Don't worry," I said, taking a slow step towards him, relieved that my knees didn't buckle. Even if it required every ounce of concentration, I had to exude confidence. "I can still kick your ass."

"In all fairness, I didn't fight back," he replied, rubbing his nose where I had broken it. "You can barely stand, and despite catching me off guard, I didn't harm you."

"Enough with the rambling," I snapped, growing impatient. I didn't want to hear about my own pathetic state. If he intended to force me to leave with him, we could skip the small talk.

"Listen—" He approached me cautiously, as if I were some cornered animal.

Adrenaline surged through me, making my body feel more steady. I swung my arm, attempting to slice his chest.

He growled and leaped back, narrowly avoiding the sharp edge. "You need to calm down."

Losing my momentum threw off my balance, but I managed to catch myself before falling. "Not happening." I regained my footing, ready to attack again.

"I'm trying to explain—" he began, but I lunged towards him.

He swiftly evaded my attack, and I landed harshly on my feet, jarring my neck.

Before I could face him again, his hand gripped the wrist holding the knife, while his other arm wrapped around my neck, forcing me to kneel.

This was it. What I had been anticipating. I strained to hear any sign of the others, my breath quickening.

"Calm down," Crew commanded. "I won't hurt you."

"Really?" I spat. "Because this doesn't feel great." I had never felt so weak before. I detested the sensation and never wanted to experience it again.

"You obviously have someone after you, and you almost drowned," he sighed. "I was trying to be understanding, but you left me no choice."

"Where are the others?" I lifted my head, scanning the woods.

"There are no others," he said, exasperated. "I keep trying to tell you that. You're safe. Nobody is here to get you."

I waited for the telltale scent of a lie, but nothing came. "So, you came out here alone in human form to fish?"

"Yes," he replied, his voice heavy with resignation. "It was my sister's favorite spot."

Was.

That meant she must be dead.

My father's face flickered in my mind. My mother. Zoe. Grief threatened to wash over me, but I couldn't allow it. At least, not yet. I wasn't safe. "I'm sorry about breaking your nose, but I need to leave."

"I gathered that," he said, though his grip remained firm.

"They'll be searching the river, and it won't be long before they find us." In truth, I had no idea where we were. "If you let me go, I'll leave without causing any further issues."

His hold loosened slightly. "Are we good now?"

"Yeah." I dropped the knife, showing him I had no intention of using it.

"Thank God." He released me and stood up. "Who the hell is chasing you?"

That was a question I had myself. "No clue."

I picked up the knife, and he tensed.

"I thought we were good," he said, his eyes faintly glowing as his wolf side peeked through.

I met his gaze as I sheathed the knife. "We are, but I'm not leaving this behind." Placing my hand on a tree trunk for support, I steadied myself and continued deeper into the woods.

The sooner I moved away from the area, the quicker my scent would dissipate, making it harder for them to find me.

"Hey, wait up," Crew called out, running back towards the river.

There was no way I was waiting. Even with my slow pace, he'd catch up to me in no time.

No matter how much I pushed myself, my speed never increased. A turtle could have beaten me.

"Of course she didn't wait for me," he grumbled. "She's too damn headstrong, like Olive." He trudged towards me.

In a matter of seconds, he caught up, his fishing pole slung over his shoulder. He bit his lip. "So, where are you headed?"

"I shouldn't tell you," I replied, wary that if they discovered he had encountered me, they would torture him for information. "The less you know, the safer you'll be."

"Okay, so if you don't know who, do you at least know why they're after you?" He slowed his pace to match mine.

"Once again, it's best if you don't know." Why all the questions? "So, where exactly am I?"

"You don't know?" He pursed his lips. "How long were you unconscious?"

I couldn't help the venom in my words. "If I knew that, I wouldn't be asking where I am now, would I?" I grimaced, immediately regretting my sharp tone. I blew a raspberry. "Look, I'm sorry."

A fleeting smile appeared on his face."Wow, just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, life decides to throw another punch," I muttered, wincing at the memory of the physical altercation that had taken place moments ago. "But let's focus on the verbal lashing this time, shall we?"

He chuckled, his amusement contrasting with the pain still throbbing in my gut. "Fair enough," he conceded.

The comfort I felt around him was unusual. Normally, my anxiety would skyrocket whenever I was in the presence of other wolf shifters, fearing that a slip of the tongue would reveal my true nature. But with him, it was different.

"Is this your way of punishing me? Withholding information?" I asked, my voice betraying a mix of curiosity and vulnerability.

"Maybe," he teased, raising an eyebrow. "But in all seriousness, welcome to Shadow Ridge."

Relief washed over me, my shoulders sagging. Could it be that luck was finally on my side? After the day I've had, I deserved a break. "You mean the neighboring wolf shifter town to Shadow City?"

"The very same," he confirmed, tilting his head. "You seem relieved."

"I am," I admitted, deciding that it was time to confide in him. Perhaps he could help me. "I was instructed to come to Shadow City, so all I need to do is find a way in."

A flicker of worry crossed his face as he wrung the hem of his shirt, as if he could squeeze out the excess water and improve his situation. "You do realize you can't just stroll into the city without permission, right?"

"Cameron Patterson will see me," I said confidently, recalling my father's mention of the alpha's name. He must be my ticket inside.

"Uh," he hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. "Cameron won't be able to help you."

My heart sank, a knot forming in my stomach. Something must have gone terribly wrong. It would explain why my father hadn't heard from him in years. "Is he in trouble?"

He cleared his throat, avoiding eye contact. "That's one way of putting it. Cameron passed away almost two years ago."

My entire plan crumbled before my eyes. I had relied on getting into the city and seeking Cameron's guidance. It never occurred to me that my father's instructions could be flawed. The worst part was that I no longer had him here to guide me through this uncertainty. "That can't be possible," I protested, my voice laced with desperation.

"I assure you, it is," he replied, nibbling on his bottom lip. "Shadow City residents attended his funeral, saw his lifeless body. It was an open casket."

"You didn't attend?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper, my stomach tightening with dread.

"No," he shook his head, regret etched on his face. "I'm not allowed inside yet. They're slowly opening up the city."

"How did he die?" I asked, knowing that the answer wouldn't change my situation, but needing to know nonetheless.

"Heart attack," he stated matter-of-factly.

I must have misheard him. "But wasn't he young? Shifters live for over a hundred years, and my father made it sound like Cameron was only a few years older than him. A heart attack seems highly unlikely."

"That's what made it so shocking," he explained, taking a few steps forward. "Being the alpha in Shadow City is no easy task. The stress of navigating pack politics, representing all shifter races while working with the council members, it took a toll on his heart."

I stopped in my tracks, feeling utterly lost. I had nowhere to go, no plan to execute.

Nothing.

My heart pounded in my chest, my head spinning, and my throat constricting.

"Hey!" he called out, concern etched in his voice. "What's wrong?"

I couldn't find the words to respond, my body frozen in panic. Breathing became a struggle, as if the air had turned to molasses.

"Damn it," he muttered to himself, frustration evident in his tone. "I don't even know her name."

Bending my knees, I crumpled to the ground, unable to stand any longer. I had to regain control of this panic attack before I passed out again, but I didn't know how. I had never felt so helpless before.

"This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you," he warned.

A sharp slap snapped me out of the suffocating haze. The sting on my cheek cut through the fog, allowing me to take a breath, filling my lungs with much-needed oxygen.

"Are you okay?" he asked, leaning over me, his eyes searching my face for any signs of distress.

"No, I'm not," I confessed, the weight of the truth crashing down on me. It was difficult to admit, but lying would have been pointless. "Cameron was my only hope. I have no money, no clothes, no idea what to do." It felt strange to pour my heart out to a stranger, but somehow it felt right.

"Well then, I guess it's a damn good thing I found you," he said, brushing his fingers against my cheek where he had slapped me. His touch was rough yet oddly comforting.

I expected a surge of emotions, but they never came. "What do you mean?" I asked, my voice tinged with confusion.

"My best friend might be able to help you," he replied, winking at me. "And lucky for you, I have a huge house all to myself."

"You own a house?" I asked, disbelief coloring my words. He didn't look much older than me, but appearances could be deceiving. Living situations were probably vastly different outside of our hidden little world.

His face bore the weight of grief and loss. "I inherited it when my family died three years ago."

Tears welled up in my eyes. "I'm so sorry. I lost my family too." If I didn't start moving, I would break down completely. The poor guy had already witnessed my anxiety and weakness from nearly drowning. I didn't need to add emotional brokenness to the mix. Perhaps I could delay my breakdown for another hour.As the trees thinned out, revealing the backside of a quaint neighborhood, he effortlessly matched my pace. Craftsman-style houses came into view, and I couldn't help but notice one of them had a sizable pool in the backyard.

His brows furrowed. "How long ago?"

"Earlier today." My voice trembled with sorrow. "The men who were after me—they killed everyone. My dad told me to run and find Cameron. That's why I came all this way, and why I thought you were chasing me."

"Well, that settles it." His smile was forced, failing to reach his eyes. "You'll be staying with me."

"I couldn't." I didn't want to impose. "That's asking too much."

"Firstly, you didn't ask." He held up a finger before adding another. "And secondly, you have nowhere else to go. You're not in the best shape after nearly drowning, and you don't have any money. Plus, there are people hunting you down." He gently touched my arm. "And honestly, it gets lonely in the house, but I can't seem to bring myself to leave. You'd be keeping me company."

The word "yes" hovered on my lips, but I didn't want to take advantage of him. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah." He waved his hand dismissively. "Besides, you're drenched. You won't be able to go anywhere without attracting attention."

He was right. I wouldn't be able to slip away unnoticed, especially since I had no money. "Okay, but I don't want anyone to know about me or what happened to my family." If news of that got out, it could aid whoever was hunting me in finding me.

"Got it. You can trust me." He led me towards a yard with an impressive in-ground pool, complete with a diving board and water slide. "This is where we stop."

"You live close by." His fishing spot on the riverbank was only about a mile from his house.

He walked past the pool and ascended a set of brick stairs that led to a covered back porch. Thankfully, the porch floor was made of cement, so I wouldn't leave any puddles behind.

"Let me grab you a towel, and I'm pretty sure my sister's clothes will fit you." He opened the unlocked door. "Your sister?" I winced at the thought of wearing his deceased sister's clothes. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah. It's not doing anyone any good just sitting there." His shoulders slumped, and he smiled sadly. "I'll be right back." With that, he disappeared inside, leaving me alone.

A shiver ran down my spine, and I turned to face the woods. I rubbed my arms, surveying my surroundings. I needed to familiarize myself with the area and come up with an escape plan in case they found me here. I couldn't stay and put innocent lives at risk.

The house next door had a similar layout, though instead of Crew's hunter-green, it was painted pure white. A large fire pit had been dug out back, surrounded by scattered beer cans. Whoever lived there must be a drinker, or maybe they frequently hosted gatherings. That could work to my advantage—it would mix my scent with several others, making it harder to track me.

Crew's footsteps grew closer, and I turned as the door swung open.

He had changed into a white shirt and jeans. After handing me a large beach towel, he gestured towards a pristine kitchen, past a wide-open living room adorned with a picture of him and his family hanging above the couch. "If you go to the second room on the left, that's Olive's room. You can go through her closet and find something to change into. When you're done, come out, and we'll grab something to eat."

"Thank you." Even if I wanted to protest, I couldn't. He was being generous and helping me. I dried myself off as best I could and hurried to the bedroom.

Inside, I closed the door and pressed my head against it. I expected grief to wash over me again, but instead, I felt numb.

Good. First step, get dry. I peeled off my wet clothes and made my way to the white queen-size canopy bed with a plum comforter, taking note of the matching end tables and dresser. The walls were a soothing lavender, almost the same shade as my eyes. The shaggy cream carpet felt heavenly beneath my feet as I approached the closet beside the bed.

As I surveyed the room, a picture on an end table caught my eye. It depicted a younger Crew and a girl who must have been his sister, fishing together near an embankment. They could almost pass for twins. Crew had his arm draped over her shoulders.

The fact that he had lost his own family and now found me had to be fate. We both understood the pain of loss.

Deciding against wearing her undergarments, I slipped into a thick black shirt and gray sweatpants. My stomach rumbled, and I grabbed my wet clothes and towel before making my way back to the kitchen.

Crew was nowhere to be seen, so I placed my clothes on the circular glass table and used the towel to wipe away the water I had dripped onto the hardwood floors. As I crouched down to finish cleaning, I heard his voice from the back porch.

"Hey, man," he whispered. "Yeah, I won't be able to make it tonight. Something came up."

Great, I was already interfering with his social life. I should have felt guilty, but he had insisted on me staying.

After a moment of silence, he spoke again. "Yeah, there's this girl I want to tell you about."

No. He promised he wouldn't breathe a word.

Chapter 4

Chapter Four
It was high time to escape this place. If word had already spread about me, those men would have no trouble finding me. I left the towel on the floor, grabbed my wet clothes, and made my way towards the front door, my footsteps echoing on the hardwood. But then I abruptly halted.

Damn it. I wasn't wearing any shoes.

Should I leave without my soaked tennis shoes or take the extra time to grab them?

The longer I pondered my options, the greater the chances of him catching me before I could make my escape. I needed to decide quickly.

Walking around barefoot would attract too much attention, so it was best to take the time and retrieve my shoes.

I sprinted back to Crew's sister's room, trying to focus on one task at a time. Dad always said, "If you get too far ahead, you'll make mistakes on the most important steps." I could almost hear his voice.

Almost.

And with that thought, my heart cracked a little more.

Focus, Sterlyn, I chastised myself as I slipped on my shoes. Water seeped through, swirling around my toes, causing me to pause.

Then, the back door swung open, and Crew stepped inside.

There went my plan of sneaking out unnoticed. Nevertheless, that didn't change the fact that I needed to leave. I had been hesitant about staying here from the start, and now that I couldn't trust him, the decision to go was even easier. It pained me that my instincts had been wrong, but I would deal with that later.

Evolve and learn from your mistakes.

His footsteps echoed towards the room. "You're not changed yet?" Crew chuckled. "I thought you'd be pacing the floor out here."

Dread settled in my stomach. I had already faced too many confrontations today, but I couldn't avoid this one. Delaying it would only make things worse.

I clutched my clothes tighter against me, the dark shirt soaking up more liquid. It seemed changing had been pointless after all.

"Uh..." He paused. "Dove?"

Dove? Maybe he hadn't been talking to me all this time. Was someone else here? I sniffed, but all I could smell was him.

He knocked. "Are Olive's clothes not working for you?"

"Yeah, they're fine." I pushed my cowardice aside and opened the door.

His eyebrows shot up, a smirk playing on his lips. "The point of changing was to get dry," he gestured to my wet clothes.

"And the point of asking you not to tell anyone about me was for you to keep my secrets and not call someone at the first opportunity." My voice rose, anger seeping through. I shoved past him, marching towards the front door.

"Hey, wait," he said, following me and gently grabbing my arm. "It's not what you think."

"Oh, so the whole 'there's a girl I want to tell you about' wasn't actually about me?" I lifted my chin, daring him to deny it.

"Give me a chance to explain." He raised a hand, giving me puppy dog eyes.

And the craziest part was that it worked. My resolve crumbled. "You've got one minute."

"You know how you said you didn't feel right staying here?" He got straight to the point.

"Yes." This had to be some kind of trap, and I was walking right into it.

His dark eyes turned into pools of milk chocolate. "What if you staying here helps me too?"

"How?" I hated to admit it, but I was intrigued.

He rubbed his hands together. "Date me."

I recoiled. "What?" I must have misheard him.

"Date." He pointed to himself. "Me."

"You seem fantastic." He must have lost his mind. Perhaps when I punched him, I caused a brain injury. "But my family and pack were slaughtered this morning, and I'm running for my life. Dating isn't high on my priority list." I edged towards the door, not wanting to startle him. I had heard that sudden movements could aggravate insanity.

"There won't be any strings attached, only exclusivity." He motioned between us. "You need a place to stay, and I need the pressure to date someone to go away. It's a win-win."

"So, you don't want to date anyone, but you're asking me to date you?" My head spun, and it wasn't from nearly drowning.

"I understand why you're inching towards the door." He shook his head. "But it's not as crazy as it sounds. Like I said, we would date and be exclusive, but we'll be friends dating without any romantic expectations. There's this girl who's interested in my best friend, and she's trying to set me up with her best friend. I'm not interested, but Fiona won't leave me alone."

Wow, that was a lot of information to process all at once, but I had nowhere else to go. "So, you want to date me for real, but we're just friends. Nothing is expected from me... physically or otherwise."

"Exactly." He exhaled sharply. "I mean, you're stunning, and you're strong and direct, which reminds me of Olive. My sister. It's nice being around you. It almost feels like she's still here."

Some of the unease dissipated from my chest, and surprisingly, his words didn't hurt my feelings. He was attractive, but I wasn't interested in him that way either. "If I agree, what does that have to do with the conversation you had earlier?" If he thought his bizarre proposal would distract me from that, he was mistaken.

"Well, this is where it gets awkward." He tugged at his ear. "I did mention you to Louis, my best friend, in the sense that I couldn't go out with that girl tonight because I was with you."

"You assumed I would say yes?" My emotions were all over the place, unable to settle on one. I felt horrified, angry, and flattered all at once. It was a trifecta of conflicting feelings.

"It kind of slipped out, and I'm hoping you'll say yes, or else I'm screwed." He gestured towards the house. "But this place is big enough for both of us. You can stay in Olive's room.""This is insane," I muttered, though 'insane' was hardly an adequate word to describe the situation. "I have absolutely nothing to my name—"

"Which is why this plan is perfect," he interrupted, plucking the clothes from my grasp. "As the alpha of Shadow Ridge, I have connections. I can get you a fake ID and a job at the Shadow Ridge University coffee shop. You'll have a secret identity, money, and a place to live."

At his young age, it was surprising that he held such a leadership role. But sometimes fate dealt unexpected cards. His offer seemed too good to be true. "If you're the alpha, won't there be others around? I'm trying to blend in." Unless...perhaps having his pack around would actually help me with that. "And why don't you just tell that girl you're not interested? It would be a lot easier than going through all of this."

"Don't worry about the pack. I tend to keep my distance from them. Even though I technically hold the title of alpha, I'm taking a break, and my dad's beta is filling in. They're giving me space to go to college and grieve for my family. So, you'll be off the radar here more than anywhere else." Sadness tinged his voice. "As for the girl, I've tried. The problem isn't her—it's her best friend, who keeps pushing for us to date. She's close with Louis because her dad works with him. Louis doesn't see that she's trying to force his hand into settling down. So, if I have a girlfriend, it'll make things easier and less dramatic than constantly rejecting them."

He had no idea how girls worked. This would only escalate the drama. Girls like that didn't back down so easily. But a fake ID would be incredibly useful, and maybe his chaotic life could distract me from my own. "And I get to keep the fake ID?" With that, I could get a plane ticket or whatever else I needed when verifying my identity was necessary.

"Absolutely," he said, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. "I know we're keeping this secret, so I haven't even asked your name yet. But is there a particular name you want on the ID?"

"Um..." I chewed on my lip, overwhelmed with everything on my mind. "Surprise me?" I managed to squeak out.

"Consider it done." He scratched his neck. "Is there any other information I should know?"

"Nope." I understood his curiosity, but I had divulged enough for one day. "I'm all facted out at the moment."

"In that case, let's make it official." He dropped down on one knee and extended his hand. "Will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?"

Somehow, he didn't look completely ridiculous. "Yes, I will. But why me? You're attractive. I'm sure you could find someone to date without bribing them."

"I'll be honest. Like I said, I lost my entire family too. I know what it feels like, and maybe by helping you, I'll find some peace. Because I still can't look in the mirror." His eyes glistened, and he turned away, sniffling.

He sought absolution. If I hadn't been leaning towards saying yes before, that would've sealed the deal.

Pretending to scratch his nose, he wiped under his eye before facing me again. "Our group is pretty tight-knit. Not many new faces, so having a girlfriend will be more believable with a newbie in town. Especially since I've slept with most everyone here already."

Of course he had. "Well, lucky for you, sex is off the table." I wanted to make him smile again. "Who knows what kind of STDs I could've gotten otherwise."

"Ha. Ha." He glowered. "We can't catch STDs."

"So...you've tried?" I bantered back, feeling an odd sense of ease.

"I believe in trying anything fun." He winked as he headed towards the kitchen. "Now, go change again. I need to take a picture of you for my friend to make your new ID. And then I'll start cooking some burgers. We need to get you fed."

* * *

An alarm blared, jolting me from sleep. My eyelids felt heavy, and I had to pry them open with my fingers. I had slept deeply, but not restfully, throughout the night.

Dreams had plagued me.

I had lost count of how many times I had killed the man behind my house. Each time, the pain felt fresh. As a protector, I had grown up knowing that killing was always a possibility. But actually doing it was different than I had expected.

When I wasn't dreaming about the killings, the images of my slaughtered pack haunted me.

So much blood.

So much hatred.

Everyone I loved was gone. It was as if they had never existed.

And the scariest part was that someone was hunting me, and the only clue I had was when Goatee mentioned breeding with me. The thought of being forced to bear more silver wolves terrified me.

The memory of my father bleeding out while ordering me to run played on a loop. Every time, it was the final blow. The last straw that shattered me.

Without them, I didn't know who I was anymore.

A rogue wolf with no one to turn to. The connection I had with my pack was now cold. Completely cold. No survivors. If I didn't find a pack to connect with soon, insanity would creep in. From what I had heard, it could be a matter of weeks before the madness consumed me. But finding a pack meant revealing my secret.

That wasn't possible. At least, not yet.

The realization pierced my already fragile heart.

I didn't have time for this. Life moved on. The world continued to turn. And my heart still beat, even if it felt like it shouldn't.

Summoning strength from within, I reached over and silenced the alarm. Though my eyes remained heavy, I forced myself out of the comfort of the bed.I was ill-prepared to confront those haunting dreams once again. Determined to keep the negativity at bay, I made the bed, finding solace in the routine task. With meticulous care, I smoothed the bedspread into place before turning my attention to the closet, contemplating what to wear for an interview at a local coffee shop.

To my surprise, last night hadn't been as torturous as I had anticipated. Crew, understanding the depths of my turmoil, knew exactly how to help me process everything. Instead of prying into my family or pack, he shared stories of his own, stories that included the tragic deaths of his parents, sister, and fellow shifters.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he recounted the nightmare in vivid detail. They were supposed to investigate some strange occurrences near a nearby lake, but the timing coincided with a senior high school party. Crew, foolishly, chose the party over his family, and tragedy struck. Everyone who attended the party was mercilessly attacked and killed. By the time their pack received word of the danger through their telepathic links, it was too late.

No one survived.

His story mirrored my own.

Guilt consumed him. If only he had gone with them, maybe things would have turned out differently. It was this failure that prevented him from assuming the role of leader for the Shadow Ridge pack, a position meant for his father, Orion. Instead, Crew distanced himself from the pack, attending meetings only when absolutely necessary and entrusting his beta, Billy, with the day-to-day responsibilities. He felt he had already failed them.

A part of me yearned to console him, but how could I when I shared the same burden? If anything, I understood his pain all too well.

When I fell silent, Crew popped some popcorn and put on a lighthearted comedy that revolved solely around the complexities of relationships. No bloodshed, no triggers from family tragedies, just a simple story of two individuals finding their way to each other.

Pursing my lips, I perused the contents of the closet. Crew's sister had a completely different fashion sense compared to mine. It was filled with dresses, skirts, and flowy tops, a stark contrast to my usual jeans and shirts. The rest of the items were old, worn-out shirts that seemed perfect for lounging around the house.

While a college coffee shop would likely be casual, I couldn't bring myself to wear baggy clothes. I sighed in resignation. It seemed I would have to compromise and wear something I wasn't particularly fond of. The best option I found was a ruffled apricot dress. Its three-quarter length sleeves suited the spring season, and the hem fell several inches above my knees. I paired the dress with black flats that were slightly too big for my feet.

Once I received my first paycheck, I would go shopping for clothes that truly resonated with me.

Avoiding dwelling on my misfortunes, I glanced at myself in the mirror. To my surprise, it didn't shatter upon seeing my reflection. My hair was an unruly mess, my eyes bloodshot, and dark circles marred the skin beneath them.

The state of my hair was entirely my fault. I had taken a shower and fallen into bed without bothering to dry it properly. Now, I had to put in some effort to present myself somewhat decently.

* * *

A few minutes later, Crew knocked on my door. "Dove?"

That was the second time he had called me that. What on earth?

I took one final look in the mirror, relieved to see that my hair looked almost normal after untangling the knots. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door to find Crew leaning casually against the wall.

"Why do you keep calling me Dove?" I inquired, genuinely curious.

"You never told me your name, so I improvised," he explained, gesturing to my hair. "And your hair has a grayish hue, reminiscent of dove feathers. I can imagine it's quite the task to maintain that color."

My real name lingered on the tip of my tongue, but I refrained from uttering it. The fact that he believed my hair was dyed made things easier for both of us. It was safer if he didn't know my true identity. "That works," I replied, accepting the nickname.

"Do you like it?" Crew asked, a smile tugging at his lips. "It's unique, just like you. In my mind, you've already become Dove, so even if you were to tell me your real name, you'd still be stuck with it."

In my pack, everyone treated me as their leader, even though I had yet to officially assume the position. The only person who had treated me like an ordinary individual was Zoe, but she never went so far as to give me a nickname.

The image of my lifeless best friend consumed my thoughts—her beautiful espresso hair disheveled and blood seeping from her mouth. How I wished I could have saved her. To hear her teasing me once more.

"Hey," Crew's voice rasped, jolting me back to reality. "Are you with me?"

"Uh... yeah," I stammered, taken aback by the question. "I'm right here in front of you."

"I meant mentally," he clarified, lightly booping my nose. "You seemed lost in thought."

That wasn't good. I needed to at least appear present. By allowing myself to drift away, I was already failing in my role as a protector. "Yeah, I'm ready to go," I assured him, masking my inner turmoil.

"Then your chariot awaits," he declared, gesturing towards the kitchen. "The garage is this way."

In the garage, I found a sleek black truck that looked brand new. Within moments, we were on the road, heading towards Shadow Ridge University.

Glancing in my direction, Crew noticed my restless leg bouncing against the smooth black leather seat. I forced it to stop and shifted my focus to the truck's interior. It was a newer model equipped with all the latest features. On a cold day, the seat warmer would feel like heaven.

As we drove through the charming downtown area, I observed the various buildings that lined the streets. Two lanes, parking meters, and brick shops extended for a couple of miles. There were restaurants, banks, and even a movie theater. Everything one would expect to find in a quaint town.

At a red light, the door of a breakfast restaurant swung open, revealing a man dressed in all black with an auburn goatee. My heart skipped a beat as his eyes locked onto mine.

Chapter 5

Chapter Five
The car enveloped me, squeezing the air out of my lungs. The morning transformed into a surrealist painting, its colors bleeding into each other. If those attackers were truly on my trail, logic dictated that they would have followed me straight to Crew's house, not stopped for breakfast at a diner in the heart of town.

What was their endgame? Did they need to refuel before launching another assault?

My strength was slowly returning now that the new moon had passed, but it provided little comfort. They should have struck while I was still weak and vulnerable.

Crew's voice broke through my haze, but his words were lost in the chaos of my mind. My focus remained fixed on the man I was certain was Goatee. Our eyes remained locked, and a shiver ran down my spine. Could we settle our differences in the middle of the town square?

My hands clenched as the door to the diner swung open, revealing three more men joining Goatee on the curb.

"We need to go," I managed to say through clenched teeth, my voice barely audible. Goatee looked away, directing his attention to his companions.

This was the moment he would warn them, and they would attack. I cursed myself for not bringing my knife, hindered by this ridiculous dress. I was defenseless against these bastards, proving my training right. We were always taught to be prepared.

"Go!" I shouted, frustration lacing my words. We were still sitting at the red light, immobile like a pair of statues.

"I can't," Crew replied, gesturing to the pedestrians crossing the street in front of us. "I won't risk hurting someone."

Of course, we would be trapped at a red light. It felt as if the universe was conspiring to push me towards these men, and I couldn't fathom why. I had already lost everything. Wasn't that punishment enough?

All I could do was sit and wait.

Wait for the gestures and shouts.

Wait for them to drag me out of the car.

Wait for them to finish what they started and, hopefully, put an end to my misery.

I would rather die than be forced into a loveless union meant solely for procreation. Could I even love children born out of such a forced relationship? I feared that the answer would be yes, which would mean watching them grow up to become monsters would be the final torment inflicted upon me by my would-be captors.

"Dove?" Crew leaned closer, his gaze fixed on the four men who were now casually walking away.

My breath hitched in my throat. They were walking away. I shook my head, trying to process this sudden turn of events, finally able to draw in the breath I had been desperately craving.

The fog in my mind began to lift as I blinked. If those were truly my attackers, they wouldn't have simply walked away like that. The people pursuing me had been relentless and determined. They would have struck without hesitation.

I was being paranoid. Surely there were more than one redheaded man in the world sporting a goatee.

As my body relaxed, the truck inched forward, breaking free from the stalemate.

Crew's touch on my arm was gentle, but his voice carried an edge. "Did those guys do something to you?"

"No." If he hadn't thought I was losing my mind before, he certainly would now. "But the one who walked out first reminded me of one of the attackers. I thought—" My voice trailed off, leaving me with my mouth hanging open.

"Hey, you're going to see their faces, maybe even your pack's faces, randomly," he said, pain lacing his words. "Believe me, it's part of the denial process, or maybe it's just the trauma speaking. And I wasn't the one who discovered my family dead. You're going to have it worse than me."

"So, this is normal?" I grimaced, not wanting this to become my new normal as a survivor of trauma. But no one would willingly choose this path.

My dad used to say that our trials made us stronger. I always believed him... until now. How did the decimation of my pack make any of us stronger?

They were gone.

There was no rhyme or reason to what had happened, only brutality. It was a fact that made my blood boil hotter than any moonlight ever could.

"Yeah, it's normal," Crew replied, placing both hands back on the steering wheel. "It fucking sucks. It's one of the reasons Louis tries to avoid going back to Shadow City. The memories of his dad and all the plans they made for the packs are too painful."

"Louis?" The realization hit me like a lightning bolt. "The person you were talking to last night."

"The very same." Crew chuckled, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "His dad passed away not long after mine, leaving him with a heap of responsibilities, just like me. We only met a few years ago when Shadow City reopened, but our losses brought us together quickly."

"But why do you feel the need to help me?"

"I don't feel obligated," he said, tilting his head towards me. "I want to help you. There's a big difference. Besides, you're helping me in return, so it's a mutually beneficial arrangement." He waggled his eyebrows playfully.

I laughed, the sound feeling foreign and strange after the turmoil I had just experienced. It was as if he had magically lifted the weight off my shoulders. Maybe I was losing my mind. "No wagging eyebrows at me. This is strictly platonic dating, albeit exclusive."

He huffed and rolled his eyes. "You're no fun."

"No, I'm not." And just like that, the sadness returned, settling deep within my chest. "I've lost too much to be fun." And on top of it all, my dad had groomed me from birth to be the perfect alpha. He always said that if I were a boy, things would have been easier. Times were changing, with more women leading packs, but not fast enough. To avoid challenges, I had to be even stronger and more composed.

Because of that, no one had ever approached me for a date. They either thought I was too perfect or were intimidated. Zoe had been my only true friend, the one who saw past most of the facade. Though not all of it.

"Hey, it's going to be okay," Crew said, his grip on the steering wheel tightening until his knuckles turned white. "It has to be."

Silence settled between us, each lost in our own thoughts. Thoughts I didn't want to entertain but lacked the strength to push away. Enzo and Cassie Knight had been incredible parents, even when they pushed me hard. My mom had a way of making everything better whenever the weight of expectations and training became too much.

But now, they were gone. And there was no reason for their deaths other than sheer brutality. It was something that made my blood boil hotter than any moonlight ever could.

"They deserve justice," I whispered, my voice filled with determination.

Crew nodded, his gaze steady. "And we'll find a way to make sure they get it."And Dad instilled in me a newfound strength and belief in myself. Because of their guidance, I managed to escape capture and elude the enemy's clutches.

As we turned towards the woods and the meandering river, a cluster of grand brick buildings emerged into view about a mile away. They possessed an air of novelty.

"That's the university," Crew answered my unspoken question, his voice filled with pride.

It was a picturesque sight, with ample acreage for my inner wolf to roam freely. The lawn in front seemed almost artificial, boasting a vibrant green hue. "This place is absolutely stunning."

Crew smiled, his eyes gleaming with appreciation. "Indeed, it is. All the buildings were constructed simultaneously, giving the campus a cohesive and branded feel."

"Do humans attend this university too?" I inquired, my knowledge of Shadow City and its surrounding towns limited.

"No," he shook his head. "It's exclusively for supernaturals. However, to maintain appearances, we allow humans to apply. But rest assured, our screening process is thorough. We want to ensure that this college provides supernaturals with the education they need for their future endeavors, whether that be leadership, combat, healing, or any other pursuit."

"So there aren't any humans in Shadow Ridge either?" The thought of being surrounded solely by supernaturals unnerved me. Whenever I visited the small town near my pack's home, humans were always present. Other supernaturals had to tread carefully, refraining from asking certain questions. Here, it would be difficult to conceal my true heritage. Running in my animal form was out of the question, as anyone with a vague memory of silver wolves would easily identify me. It would be a challenge to remain human, especially since I was accustomed to shifting daily. Shifting was an integral part of our training regimen, preparing us for battle in both wolf and human form. But I would adapt. I had to.

"No humans reside in Shadow Ridge, but tourists frequently visit," Crew explained, his lips pursed. "Their presence is beneficial for local businesses, as they spend quite a bit of money. Besides, having them around helps us retain our connection to our human side."

His choice of words struck me as peculiar, but I brushed it aside. The buildings grew closer, revealing a wrought iron gate encircling the campus.

As we approached the main entrance, the wrought iron fence came into view. Etched onto it was an emblem depicting the city of Shadow Ridge, with the words "Shadow Ridge University" beneath it.

"Is that a representation of Shadow City?" I asked, observing the modern buildings, paw print, and symbol adorning the emblem.

"Indeed it is."

"You've been there?" I inquired eagerly, hoping to find another contact who could assist me in my quest to uncover the truth behind Cameron's replacement.

"Oh, no. There's a massive wall and dome that conceals the city from view. To gain entry, you need permission from one of the council members. Residents can now freely exit, but it's still challenging to enter if you don't already reside there," Crew explained as he slowed the truck, approaching a guard shack positioned between the entrance and exit lanes. "But I've been told that skyline belongs to the city."

The gates to the university were closed, prompting Crew to roll down his window and present a card key. He swiped it against the reader, and the gate clicked open, allowing us passage.

"Doesn't traffic get congested if everyone has to stop and scan in?" I glanced over my shoulder, noticing the absence of any vehicles behind us.

What time did classes commence? It was nearly nine in the morning, and I had anticipated a busier scene.

"Half of the students reside in the dorms here," Crew explained, accelerating and rolling up his window. "The other two hundred or so, like myself, live off-campus in Shadow Ridge, Shadow Terrace, or even Shadow City itself."

"Shadow Terrace?" I had never heard of such a place.

"Yes, it's the city on the other side of the river. Initially, we didn't have a large enough population to protect both sides, so the vampires claimed it as their own," he shrugged. "The wolves protect our side, Shadow City, since all the shifter council members are wolves. The vampires require human blood, and safeguarding the other side allows them to remain inconspicuous and funnel blood into our area."

"Wait..." The thought turned my stomach. "Are you saying that you all permit the vampires to kill humans?"

"No, not at all," Crew vehemently denied. "They compel visiting humans to donate blood under the guise of a local blood bank. Directly feeding from humans is strictly forbidden, as it leads them down a path of losing their humanity and attracting unwanted attention to our territory. The whole point is to blend in."

So much remained unknown to me. "So only wolves serve on the council?" I found it surprising, given the presence of various supernatural races.

"No, there are twelve representatives in total. Three from each race," Crew clarified. "Three vampires, three angels, three witches, and three wolves, representing all the shifter races."

I pondered this information as we continued down the tree-lined road, approaching a sizable brick building stretching at least a hundred yards in length and boasting two stories. In front of it, a grassy greenway welcomed students who sat with breakfast and books, while others strolled into the building.

As we drew nearer, the road veered to the right, leading us to a large parking lot that appeared mostly full.

This was more in line with my expectations.

Crew parked the truck beneath a tree in the parking lot. "I have a battle strategy class at ten o'clock, so let's hurry to the coffee shop."

"How far is it?" I didn't want to complain, but these shoes were hardly comfortable.

"It's in that building," he nodded towards the adjacent structure. "Towards the back, so not too far. I want to introduce you to Carter, the coffee shop manager. He's a member of my pack and owes me a favor since I helped him with his English paper." He exited the truck.

At least it wasn't on the opposite end of campus.

I turned to open my door, only to find Crew already there, waiting for me.He gingerly opened the truck door and extended his hand towards me, a gesture of chivalry that I found unnecessary. "What are you doing?" I snapped, fully capable of stepping out of the vehicle on my own.

His gaze darted towards the building, then back to me. "Remember, we're dating," he murmured. Taking my hand, he helped me down. "So I'm treating you like I would a girlfriend."

I nodded, the irritation melting away. "Oh, right. So that begins now?"

His chuckle was warm and infectious as he intertwined our fingers. "Yeah. That's the arrangement, isn't it?"

I hesitated, realizing that admitting I had forgotten wasn't the smartest move. But honesty won out. "I know. I forgot."

Closing the truck door, he led me towards the building. "Well, let's try not to forget around people, okay?"

He was counting on me. I couldn't disappoint him. "You've got it." I moved closer to him, our arms brushing. I hoped I was doing this right; I had never dated anyone before. What if he went to hold my hand and I ended up shaking his? There were endless ways for me to mess up.

It surprised me that his presence was comforting but lacked any deeper desire. He was undeniably attractive, perhaps the most good-looking guy I had ever seen. And he was kind. So why didn't I find him more alluring?

A tingling sensation danced across my skin, its origin unknown. Anticipation, perhaps? Or maybe it was just nerves. Things had been getting strange lately, so maybe this was my new normal.

A gust of wind swept by, lifting my skirt. With quick reflexes, I used my free hand to catch it before my borrowed panties were exposed to the world. Wearing someone else's underwear was not ideal, but with a dress, I didn't want to risk revealing too much. "How many classes do you have today?" I grumbled, glaring at the mischievous air around me.

"First off, I don't think the wind is scared of you," he teased, a wide smile revealing dimples on both sides of his cheeks. "And I have two classes: Battle Strategy and Supernatural History. They're expected of me since my pack is responsible for defending Shadow City."

I couldn't tear my eyes away from those dimples. No wonder so many girls fell for him. "And what am I supposed to do while you're busy?" The thought of being surrounded by supernaturals on my own alarmed me.

"Trust me," he said, winking.

We passed by a girl who audibly gasped. Curiosity got the better of me, and I turned my head to see what had caught her attention.

If looks could kill, I'd be dead.

My attempt at an internal joke fell flat. Death wasn't funny.

"You okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

"That girl is giving me a hateful look," I replied, nodding towards her. "I have no idea what I did to make her dislike me." I sniffed each shoulder, wondering if I smelled bad.

He burst into laughter. "You don't stink, and I hooked up with her last weekend, so that's probably why. I don't want to be tied down, you know?"

"Really?" No wonder she was pissed. If I were in her shoes, I would've beaten him to a pulp. "How the hell are we going to convince everyone that you've drastically changed your ways?"

"When you know, you know," he said, his voice filled with tenderness as he brushed his fingers against my cheek.

"Save it for everyone else," I replied, wrinkling my nose as I fought back laughter.

We reached the large double doors, and he held one open for me.

This time, I knew to wait. When he gestured for me to enter, I stepped inside and took in my surroundings. The walls were a mundane beige, and the floor was tiled in a deep forest brown. To the left, a hallway led to various administrative offices for admissions and financial aid. Straight ahead was a back entrance that opened to picnic tables and a river. And to the right, a bookstore with an attached coffee shop, while immediately to the left was a cafeteria with indoor seating.

"This way," Crew said, taking my hand again and leading me into Shadow Ridge Coffee.

There was an evident theme here.

Inside, it resembled any standard coffee shop. A few tables were already occupied by students, and in the center, two espresso machines hissed and sputtered while someone took orders. The line extended out the entrance and into the cafeteria.

Crew tugged me along, bypassing the line until we stood in front of an attractive guy who appeared to be close to twenty. His shaggy brown hair fell into his eyes, and beads of sweat dotted his forehead. He chewed on his bottom lip as if it were a piece of gum. The earthy musk scent that clung to him identified him as a wolf shifter, which put me at ease.

"Carter," Crew greeted, leaning his hip against the counter.

"Dude, I don't have time right now," Carter grumbled, pressing buttons on the espresso machine with a frown. "It's rush hour, and that bitch Deissy called in sick. Now I have to work the cash register, and there's a demon living in it."

"A demon?" I leaned forward, but nothing out of the ordinary seemed to be happening. I hadn't realized demons lived on Earth.

Carter smacked the buttons as if it would magically fix everything, then paused. His gaze shifted to our joined hands. "Uh... this has to be some kind of messed-up nightmare. You're holding hands with a girl?"

"Well, yeah, but I didn't come here to declare my relationship status. I need a favor," Crew explained, nonchalantly draping an arm around my shoulders. "Dove needs a job, and you owe me one."

"Her name is Dove?" Carter's forehead creased in confusion.

The girl in front of us crossed her arms and tapped her foot impatiently. "Are you going to get my coffee or what?"

Carter's moss-green eyes focused on me. "Do you know how to work a cash register?"

"It shouldn't be too hard to figure out," I replied, eyeing the buttons adorned with words.

"Then you're hired," he declared, extending his hand towards me. "It's not like I could say no anyway since Crew is my alpha. Give me your ID so I can enter your information, and you can start working."

Shit, I hadn't thought this through. I didn't have anything to give him, and if I left now, people would grow suspicious. Any normal person looking for a job would have their ID with them.

How the hell did I get myself into this situation?

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