I gasp loudly the moment I reach the surface, my fingers threading into the wet strands of my hair. The water felt cool against my skin, making me shiver despite myself and a smile broke across my lips at the feel of the liquid running down my face.
I slowly open my eyes, allowing myself to enjoy this wonderful feeling. It was like waking up in the morning when all your worries seemed to be erased for one day. It was like having all your problems melted away by an invisible sunbeam. This kind of sensation is what makes me wish that maybe...just maybe, things would work out okay.It was why I loved staying on the cliffs, hidden from the rest of the world. This place gave off such a comforting aura, almost like it knew how to soothe my soul. I always came here when I needed some time alone. Sometimes where I didn't have to think about anything else but just the beautiful scenery around me. I squeeze off the excess water from my hair, letting my blonde locks fall messily over my back as I begin swimming to shore. Once I got to land, I quickly shrugged on my dress and then slipped into my sandals. My feet made little sounds as I trotted through the gravelly path, weaving my way back through the woods. It wasn't as dense as you would expect a forest to be, there also wasn't any wild animal roaming about except for the occasional deer or rabbit. So the silence made for a good ambiance but also added a mysterious air that made for an intriguing and enjoyable atmosphere. I liked to explore this part of the forest with no other company than the birds chirping and the squirrels scampering around me.I halted in my tracks, my head turning to where I had heard the sound from. There was something...off. Like someone was walking behind me. "Who's there?" I call out, spinning around in a slow circle, "Show yourself!"Suddenly something jumped out at me, making me jump in surprise. My hands shot out to grab onto whatever it was. However, before my fingertips could brush against its body I felt something wrap around my wrists. I came face to face with Shaun Castor, my breath hitched at the familiar menacing smirk on his face."Boo."He let go of my hand, and I fell backward onto my butt, mocking chuckles followed me as I rubbed my sore wrist. I looked up and sure enough, the trio were standing above me, looking down at me with their usual smug grins. Judy wore her usual black apparel, her hair tied up in two pigtails. Shaun stood to her right, smirking arrogantly, his black jacket looked two sizes small. And then there's Kevin, the redhead, who stood to Judy's left, wearing similar clothing to her own, but a lot more casual."I was hoping we'd run into you." Judy spoke first, a small twinkle in her eyes as she stepped closer, "We were wondering why you didn't attend my birthday party last night." She crouched low and I instinctively scrambled away from her, "I was really expecting you, Em."I wince at the nickname, not used to hearing it from anyone besides my family. "Leave me alone." I manage to utter, trying desperately to get away from her. I tried to stand, but she trapped me by grabbing my face in her hand forcefully, her sharp claws digging into my skin. I squirmed, attempting to get away from her grip, only to be pulled back towards her, "Stop!"My voice shook, tears starting to form in my eyes as I struggled harder against her. Her green eyes looked dark and angry, "You're so pathetic..." She sneered, "You walk around feeling like you're special but you're not. You're weak. And stupid.""Please!" I cried out, tears leaking down my cheeks as she dug her nails further into my skin, making them bleed slightly, "Let go." I sobbed, fear and something akin to fury building in my chest, "I didn't do anything!"I lashed out before thinking my actions through, my hand swiped across her face, and she yelped in pain, clutching her cheek. She looked utterly shocked, her eyes widened in disbelief. Shaun and Kevin, were no better, they had drawn out their claws, prepared to strike. I held my hands in front of myself, shaking violently. I couldn't believe that I had hit her, it was such an uncharacteristic act of violence from me."You bitch!" Judy growled, raising her clawed fist, aiming straight for my face, "You deserve everything I'm going to give you." She hissed viciously, her eyes flashing maliciously.I clenched my eyes shut, waiting for the impact but it never came. I refused to open my eyes, my chest rising and falling rapidly."And what do you think you're doing?" A new voice spoke, making my eyes snap open."George." His name tumbled out of my lips before I'd realized. His grey eyes met mine and he offered me a kind smile before turning to my bullies. "I believe I asked a question."If I didn't think it was possible to make Judy, Shaun, and Kevin cower in fear, I certainly did now. George Silver was the heir and future Alpha to the pack, unlike his father who ruled with an iron fist, George was a gentle yet intimidating male. He was also the strongest wolf I had ever encountered, George had never lost a duel to anyone...including his father.But what made him special was that he was different. He didn't treat me like I was some form of cursed or defective creature. Instead, George treated me like I deserved respect, a position I never thought was possible for me until George had presented himself to me. George was the perfect gentleman, even though he appeared distant. I had learned to appreciate the gentleness in his actions and words, "We were just talking," Shaun stammered out, backing up into the trees behind him.George's back was to me but I imagined he was frowning in response to Shaun's statement. "And talking includes your claws?" He questioned, his voice sounding dangerous, "I asked a question pups?!"They shared a look, their expressions fearful, before turning to look back at George. "No sir." They replied simultaneously. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself as they shook fearfully. George was more strict when it came to discipline."You are dismissed. Please leave my sight." His tone had changed dramatically from threatening to warm and comforting. They scampered quickly past us, scurrying out of the clearing, leaving me alone with George. My heart pounded against my chest nervously, I slowly pushed myself to my feet, trying desperately to avoid his gaze as I dusted myself off. "Are you alright, Emma?" He questioned softly. It sounded like genuine concern.I bit my lip anxiously, staring at the ground. "Yes, Sir."He nodded and I heard a soft sigh escape his lips. He lifted my chin gently, his eyes meeting my own. I watched quietly as his brows knitted together in perplexity, his thumb brushed against the marks I was sure Judy left on my skin.My entire body flushed at our proximity, his eyes boring into my sapphire ones with intense attention. The warmth radiating off his body made my stomach churn. He released a weary sigh, dropping his hand from my chin. "You have got to stop letting them walk over you." He motioned with his head for me to follow him and I obeyed. "If you keep letting them treat you like that, their actions will only get worse. I know you don't want to hear this but you need to stop giving these people power over you. They won't stop their torture, so please, try to defend yourself." He stopped walking, turning to look at me fully. He looked almost worried.I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, opening and closing my mouth several times. I knew I should say something then, maybe agree with him, but at the moment my brain had gone blank. All I could muster was a nod.He smiled, his silver-like eyes crinkling as they shone brightly, and something fluttered in the pit of my stomach. Despite myself, I managed a trembling smile."Good. And you're going to start now."I frowned, "Now?""Yes! There's a bonfire outside the pack house tonight. I want you to come."I froze, my breath seizing in my throat. Memories of the last time I was invited to a party flooded my mind and my fingers started to tremble. I could almost hear their raucous laughter, the way I kept calling for help yet they ignored me...including my sister.My skin prickled and I turned my face away from him, "I-I can't. I'm sorry I can't -" I moved to run but he was quick, grabbing my arm and pulling me back, stopping me from escaping his grasp."It won't be like last time, I promise. I'll be there." "I-""Please, Emma. Do this for me." His eyes were begging. That statement broke through my resolve and I sighed in defeat, slumping against his hold."Alright." His sudden grin took me off guard once again as he released my arm, and turned towards the road. As I watched him walk away, I tried to convince myself that I would be fine. George would be by my side and no one would hurt me.But deep down inside I knew that wasn't true. The only person who could protect myself was me.My eyes roamed over the many faces walking about, the sky was dark but the luminosity of the moon allowed me to see clearly. As I got closer to the bonfire, where even more people were gathered, the sound of laughter filled my ears and the smell of alcohol and food wafted into my nose. I kept my head low in hopes that no one would recognize me whilst I continued the search for a certain male wolf. In my engrossment, I bumped into someone and stumbled to the side. The person didn't bother trying to catch me. Excuse you.""I'm sorry." We both say simultaneously while I try to right myself, I look up and my eyes widened in recognition,"Judy?" I say in disbelief at the woman in front of me, it had been a while since I last saw her but nothing had changed. She still looked the same, only that there was a youthful countenance to her now.The last time I saw Judy was over three years ago when I was still coming to terms with my disability. Judy was the only person in my pack who had suppor
I'm running. The ground keeps moving under me but I don't know where to run to or what I running from. I try to look for an escape route, but there is no way out. The shadow is closing in on me but my feet don't stop moving. "Run, Emma. Run. run!" A voice yelled and I woke with a startled gasp. My chest rose and fell rapidly with the effort. It was dark, too dark for me to see anything and the smell of earth was thick in the air. I could only hear the steady patter of water dropping against the roof and floor of wherever I was. I wasn't home anymore. This wasn't my bedroom at all. It was then the memories of last night rushed back to me. And the fear that had woken me up came right back. I scrambled to my feet to get away from the darkness of the room. The sudden motion jostled something inside of me and I felt nauseous. I leaned over and vomited on the ground. My hand remained on the jagged rocks of the wall for support as I tried to control my heaving stomach. The taste of
I pushed the door open, and walked into the house, locking it behind me. My hands were still trembling, and I couldn’t seem to get my breathing under control. I needed to sit down or something, I was so afraid—my whole body ached from it. “It’s going to be okay,” I said quietly to myself. I had no idea who I was trying to convince—me or whatever was in my head. I made my way to my room, my eyes glued to the wooden floorboards beneath my feet. All I wanted to do was sleep and forget what had happened earlier. I knew the repercussions, once the Alpha found out about what I had done, he would likely throw me into the cave again. "Emma?"I stopped dead in my tracks and whipped around. My father stood in the doorway leading to the living room, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes narrowed at my appearance, specifically at the blood staining the length of my arms. "Father, I can explain-"He raised a hand, silencing me, "Follow me." He ordered, walking back into the living room and
'Dahlia is pregnant.''And I'm the father.'Those words ring repeatedly in my ears. I feel numb and hollow like there is a gaping hole in my chest. I couldn't bear to look at any of their faces, my legs trembling underneath me."But- how…I mean how did she-""Isn't it obvious? They fucked." My mother's shrill voice cuts through the room, her blue eyes misty with tears. "They fucked and now she won't get the chance of being the Lycan Queen." If I could vomit right this second, I would've done so. My mother was right, I completely forgot about the selection and how much Dahlia was excited about getting picked. What I didn't understand was why George slept with my sister. Yes, they were friends, everyone in the pack knew that, and I assumed that was the height of their relationship.But I was wrong. I was so so wrong.My eyes flitted to their conjoined hands and something in my heart stirred painfully. I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see the Luna looking at me, a contrite ex
I stared blankly at the wall in front of me, my mind still too numb to register what'd happened in the last week. My eyes flickered to my sister, watching how her lips and hands moved animatedly as she moved the clothes from the drawer into the suitcase on the bed. I I couldn't help but notice how happy she looked at the moment, her sapphire eyes had a twinkle in them. "Emma?" She crouched in front of me, both hands on my thighs, "Are you okay?" I continue to stare at her, wondering if she couldn't see it. The sadness that settled within. The fear. The uncertainty. Everybody assumed that I was fine with their plan but I was scared, more afraid than I was that night. I would be going to a strange place, meeting strange people and I had to pretend to be someone I was not. No one noticed, not that they cared enough to. "Do I have to leave now? I heard you can skip the preliminaries until a day before the competition." Dahlia chewed on the bottom lip, musing thoughtfully. "It'll be
The car ride took four hours, driving straight east, across the country, past rolling hills and thick forests that stretched on into the distance. We drove through the night, stopping periodically in small towns, sometimes for gas, sometimes because we needed to eat. By the time we arrived in the city, I'd already lost track of which road we were traveling along.I marveled at the scenery as we rode past rows of houses, shops and tall buildings lining the roads. The city bustle was strange in contrast to the mundane simplicity of Silver Spring."Where are we ?" I asked for the umpteenth time, watching as George pulled into a parking lot next to several others and turned the car off."This is Coral Dew, a pack in the eastern region. It's the second largest following the Capital. All the nearest packs around will assemble here for the preliminary tests before heading to the capital city."As we exited the vehicle, I felt the wind rush past my body, refreshing me slightly from the heat
My fingers twirl the device in my hand as I stare at it. The loud chatter of the people around me is almost deafening, I look upward at the crowd in front of me, sighing as I slowly trudged forward.After George had left last night, I was left to myself. In the large hall, we were assigned various rooms and I had to share one with four other girls. The experience was less than splendid, to say the least, one of the girls snored so loudly, I swore the walls shook. I had to sleep on the balcony, on the cold hard floor with only the buzzing of the mosquitoes to accompany me.I barely had any sleep, I was hungry, sleepy and tired."Come on! Move into your vans!" A paunchy man dressed in uniform bellowed loudly causing me to jump in shock. I eyed him in distaste before turning to face the queue in front of me. I moved as they moved, and stopped when they did as well. The phone in my hold buzzed loudly, startling me yet again. I looked down at the screen, seeing Dahlia's name. My brow furr
"Really?"My brows shot up to my hairline in disbelief, watching as Paige nodded in affirmation, her fingers twirling the ends of her sun-coloured hair,"Yeah, he's tried to force me into marrying his best friend's son, but when that didn't work out he used my mother's cousin!" "Wow." I blew out a breath, "That's..."Paige shook her head with a sigh, "I know, crazy how one can get selfish even when it's their own daughter involved."I bit the bottom of my lip, my eyes crinkling slightly. I didn't want to reveal that I understood how she felt, my family had been thoroughly selfish for years now after all. They still were, I wasn't stupid. I knew the only reason they were suddenly acting nice was because of Dahlia's situation."So he forced you to do this, as well?" I asked, cocking my head to the side."Yup, I had to pretend I was sick but it didn't work out."The van jumped slightly, causing us to bounce on our seats, and screams of shock echoed through the small space."Forgive me,