Chapter 1
Erica
Theancient,creakingfloorboardsof the old house groaned beneath my feet as I paced around the small room. The city's polluted air wafted through the cracked window that overlooked a bustling street. It had been two years since we moved into this crumbling relic of a home, but it never felt like mine. The walls were painted with secrets and memories, some tainted with pain, while others whispered of love long forgotten. It seemed pointless to even bother to decorate when at any moment we might need to pack up and leave. The joy’s of living in hiding with the threat of being hunted down at any moment.
It didn’t help with my own personal circumstances. Being a werewolf who couldn't shift was like living in a prison within myself. My body yearned to run, to feel the wind blow through my fur, to taste the freedom that came with four legs instead of two. But my wolf wouldn't come forth – she remained dormant, hidden beneath layers of guilt and trauma. And so, I was stuck in this human form, unable to protect those I cared about most.
"Erica," Trenton's deep voice called from the doorway, snapping me out of my thoughts. His piercing blue eyes softened when they met mine. "You're overthinking again." "Am I?" I mused, keeping my gaze level with his. The Alpha of what was left of our pack had been both my rock and my shield ever since tragedy struck us all. Trenton Hughes was more than just a leader; he was family.
"Come downstairs," he beckoned, turning to leave before pausing. "We have much to discuss." His words hung heavy in the air, like the weight of an unseen storm. I followed him down the rickety staircase, taking in the familiar sight of Becca, his human Luna, standing by the fireplace. Her kind grey eyes flickered with warmth as she smiled at me. She had taken me in when my parents were killed, and despite everything she had lost, our friendship had only grown stronger.
"Imogen and Beck are on their way home," Becca informed us, her eyes momentarily drifting towards the door as if she could sense their presence.
"Good," Trenton replied, his strong arms folding across his broad chest. I noticed the worry etched into the lines of his face. "Is everything alright?" I asked, unable to quell the concern in my voice. "Let's wait for the twins," he said, settling into a worn armchair. "We'll talk then."
Moments later, Imogen and Beck burst through the door, their cheeks flushed from laughter as they chatted between them.. They were twenty years old, young, spirited, and fiercely protective of their family. Their resemblance to both Trenton and Becca was undeniable; Imogen with her father's striking blue eyes, and Beck with his mother's warm smile.
"Imogen, Beck, take a seat," Trenton instructed, his tone heavy with authority. I met the twins' gazes as both of them reacted to their father’s tone, and I knew that whatever news he had wasn't good. As the twins settled onto the sofa opposite us, I clenched my fists, anger boiling beneath my skin. This never-ending cycle of fear and danger felt like a noose tightening around our necks, threatening to strangle the life from us. It wasn’t long before we were joined by Marshall, Trenton’s beta and his wife Charlene. I knew now for sure that what Trenton had to say wasn’t good.
"We've received news that our pack has been found again," Trenton said, his voice almost a whisper. My heart skipped a beat, and an icy chill washed over me. Fear clenched at my chest like a vice; the possibility of another attack was terrifying.
"Are you sure?" I asked, my voice trembling.
"Unfortunately, yes," Marshall confirmed, his expression grim. "We have reliable sources who've reported that there have been some people asking around about us. They're closing in on us."
"Then we need to act immediately," Beck declared, his eyes lit up with fierce determination. "We must plan our next move and ensure the safety of our family."
"Agreed," Trenton nodded. "We've survived this long by relying on each other, and we'll continue to do so. No matter what it takes."
As the room fell silent, I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. Despite our determination and courage, the knowledge that our enemies were drawing near threatened to shatter the fragile peace we had built. But we would not go down without a fight. I owed that much to those who had given their lives for ours. The weight of responsibility hung heavy on my shoulders as our pack's future teetered on the edge. I looked around at the faces of those who had suffered so much already. Nineteen years ago our, then thriving three hundred plus, pack had been attacked, it had resulted in a horrifying massacre. My parents had been among those killed, as had Christian, Trenton and Becca's oldest son. He'd died protecting me, and the weight of his sacrifice weighed heavily on my heart every day. Marshall, our pack's Beta, had also lost his first wife Amy in that brutal attack. What was once a powerful pack was reduced to nothing more than a small group of rogues, since it was the law that a pack could only be established if they had their own land to claim. As far as I remembered, ours was a wasteland of the spilt blood and burnt-out buildings of our home. The guilt gnawed at me like a relentless beast, for I knew that each person here had experienced loss and pain and couldn’t help but think that it was because of me.
"I've been considering our options," Trenton said, breaking the silence that had settled over us like a dark cloud. “There is a potential location for us to move to."
"Where?" I asked, anxiety curling its tendrils around my heart.
"More north, near the coast," he continued. "It’s remote and well-hidden. We've never lived there before, so they shouldn't be expecting it."
"Sounds promising," Becca chimed in, trying to sound upbeat, but I could see the worry etched into the lines of her face.
"Is it safe?" Imogen asked with a tremor in her voice.
"Nothing is truly safe anymore, sweetheart," Trenton replied solemnly. "But it's the best option we have right now."
"Then let's do it," I said with determination, clenching my fists to steady myself. "We can't afford to sit here waiting for them to find us."
"Agreed," Trenton nodded. "We must prepare ourselves and make this move as quickly as possible."
"Leave that to me," Marshall said.
“I can help,” I offered, drawing on my resourcefulness and adaptability. It wasn’t the first time we had to act quickly, and it sure as hell wouldn’t be the last either. Trenton nodded with pride in his eyes.
"Thank you, Erica" Becca smiled warmly, her eyes filled with gratitude. "We are lucky to have you with us."
"Believe me, the honour is mine" I replied, though the guilt still gnawed at my soul.
"Erica," Marshall said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "We can do this. Together."
"Right" I nodded, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "Let's get to work."
