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Chapter 22
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Echoes of the Pack Chapter 23
I'm back at the piano once more, while my parents are away as usual. My father had the foresight to install an alarm system before they left, which eased some of my worries, but not all. I've expended a good deal of nervous energy by thoroughly searching the house. Azura's room has been my frequent haunt, and each time, I've come up empty-handed. I keep hoping to stumble upon hiding places I haven't considered, but so far, no luck. The piano, however, remains largely unexplored. I stumbled upon her journal here once, so I'm hopeful for another discovery. After removing the back panels, I uncover dried herbs and stones, much like in her room. As I reassemble the panels, a revelation strikes me. "The bench," I move toward it, tugging at the cushion until it finally pops off. And there it is! I can't contain my excitement—another notebook! I eagerly flip through it, realizing that this is what I've been searching for all along: a journal detailing her thoughts, not merely a catalog o
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 24
His neck feels incredibly smooth as my fingers graze it, triggering a sudden tremor that courses through his body, causing his muscles to tense. With closed eyes, it's as if I'm offering him a soothing massage, bringing him a sense of tranquility. "Stop," he murmurs softly, his eyes fluttering open. We recline in the open fields, bathed in the warmth of the sun. These days are a rarity in our elevated abode, so I relish the opportunity. Leaning down, I plant a gentle kiss on the sensitive spot on his neck, eliciting more shivers. He playfully responds by rolling us over, my fingers tracing a path along his neck. He displays defiance as our lips meet, his fingers trailing down my collarbone and tracing my body's contours. A gasp escapes my lips as his hand ventures beneath my skirt, and his name escapes my lips, met with a growl. The wind picks up, causing goosebumps to form on his skin. As he unzips his pants, I hear my name once more. I glance at Lucien, and he locks his lips with
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 25
Finding Lupinus Oreganus is a real challenge. It typically grows in prairies and forest outskirts, but I've yet to find it nearby. The only one I found was in the Siuslaw. I'm holding a travel map, comparing it to Azura's journal sketch, marking where she found the plant. Lupines are usually animal feed, but Azura used this poisonous herb for scrying, and its name, Lupinus, Lupine, intrigued me. I'm not sure what I'll do with it if I find it. Maybe use it for scrying, but I'm skeptical, especially since my boyfriend is a werewolf. If not for that, I might have given up on this quest. Then there's the man who broke into my house and bit me. I carry Azura's belongings with me and hide them around my property to keep him away. The troubling part is that I haven't seen him for weeks, except in my dreams. I can't understand why he's taking so long to return, given his desperation for Azura's possessions. For now, I'll focus on finding this elusive plant, which proves more challenging th
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 26
"These are some peculiar plants you want, Alora," Dorothy remarks as she rings me up at the cash register. "Do you need help getting them in your car?" "No, I think I got them," I say, handing her the money I owe her and pushing the cart to my car. At the end of my shift at the nursery, I decided to purchase some of the herbs Ariella had gathered. Her counsel resonated with me, and I resolved to keep some plants with me rather than continuously foraging for them or purchasing them from stores. As far as I can see, I do not need anything but the plants. Ariella has some tools in her bedroom that I can use. I drop off the plants at home before driving to Skyler's place to pick him up. On our drive to dance practice, he fills me in on the latest school gossip. Apparently, I am no longer a part of it, which is a relief in many respects. Still, I am upset that people have moved on so swiftly from Ariella's death while I continue to feel the effect of her absence. "You never told me that
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 27
When we arrived at the studio, I instantly joined the other dancers who were stretching. Skyler called me over and grabbed my one foot as I stretched, rubbing it with his thumbs. "This is the first time you have been late for dance in a while," he said, wagging his brow at me. I handed him the other foot and extended that leg. "I know—Hendrick is quite a catch." "Do you do any warm-ups yet?" I asked, rolling my eyes. "I don't mind doing a couple more." ... I have met seven prospective Wolves. I know two folks who are clearly wolves. I threw the keys inside my backpack and placed it somewhere on the floor near the entryway. Every limb of my body protests as I move, so I decide to make myself a cup of tea. After dance practice, I went to the docks and looked over them for a few hours to give the lone manager a rest. I don't mind because being near the sea is usually calming (as long as I'm not in or on a boat), but I am fatigued right now. I will have to leave Ariella's belongings
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 28
The GPS instructs me to turn off at Exit Twenty-Six. As I activate my indicator, it adds, "Take a left at the traffic light." My latest investigation into Ariella's background has led me to Bothell, Washington. In her notebook, she describes attending an open mic to listen to a woman named Sashi, a priestess of an alternative religion to whom Ariella seems to be devoted. I am eager at the prospect of finally learning the specifics of Ariella's belief system, as she was notably unclear in her writing about it—the one topic she had not fully addressed. However, Ariella spoke extensively about Sashi Naidoo, who apparently resides in France with her religious order. I realized she is no longer in the United States. Her open mic companion, however, lives nearby, and I had requested a meeting with them. I try not to smile as I drive along the main arterial road leading to the older part of town. I started driving after school last night and drove all night to get to our early meeting. I a
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 29
The coffee cup warms my palms as I sit in the neighborhood Starbucks. Cars pass by, and I observe the Bothell nightlife. Several pubs are present, and people spill out of the doors onto the pavements. Thomas's voice comes through my headphones as I listen to the voice memo capturing our entire chat. My mind is still bursting with the knowledge I have discovered, but I am starting to grasp things a bit better. Ariella was correct, though: I needed to join the Pack. I am already acquainted with a few of the Wolves, but I am stuck until they let me in. Ariella does not seem to have come so far, and the only Wolf she knows is Hendrick. But it does not imply someone from the Palawan Pack did not kill her. If there is one thing I have learned from Thomas's account of Sashi and the Wolf cult, it is that they are fiercely private. The recording concludes, and I finally pocket my mobile. My coffee is almost drained and ice cold. It is time to go home. I chuck away the cup, nearly missing so
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 30
I rub my palm over my face, attempting to soothe the worry that threatens to erupt from my chest. There is so much to take in. I want to meet this pack, but after my meeting with the Wolves last night, I am much more cautious. If their actions are any indication, they do not welcome outsiders. How have they survived in my forest for so long without being discovered? When I glance around, I am surprised by how familiar the surroundings seem. Tall conifers with an absence of streetlights or urbanization. The concrete road is changing into gravel and dirt. I can practically smell the fresh air of the outdoors or feel the dirt beneath my boots as I stride forward. Looking out the window, I realize that the cramping in my gut is not due to fear. It is a want to go outside in the fresh air, to be here in the vast expanse that stretched for kilometers. Freedom. Freedom. "Do not go jumping out of the car just yet, little wolf," Kennedy interrupts my contemplation. I look down at my hand,
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