Don't be afraid to start

all over again. You may like 

your new story better

~Unknown

Chapter 4.

The pounding heart echoes through the forest as I race through the woods, my body in wolf form. Every muscle in my body aches, and I feel the exhaustion weighing me down. I've been running for hours and lost track of time. The woods are dense and unfamiliar, and I'm lost. I need to find a place to rest, but I have no idea where to go. The thought of spending the night out in the open, alone and vulnerable, fills me with dread.

I remind myself that danger is all around me. The woods are full of rogues and wild animals lurking in the shadows and unsolved missing cases. I have to be careful, or I could become another statistic. But I can't stop now.

Suddenly, I speak my mind, "Can we take a break? I'm exhausted, and we've been running for hours."

Astra knows I'm right, but we both know that I can't afford to stop now. "Just a little bit further," I tell her reassuringly. "We're almost there."

I push myself harder, forcing my tired legs to run faster despite the pouring rain and the slick, muddy ground. It's insane to think that I'm doing this. I've always dreamt of leaving my old life behind and starting over, but I never thought I'd have the courage to do it.

I think about my parents, and I know they would be proud of me. They always wanted me to be happy, and I know that's what I'm doing now. As for Liam, my mate, I don't care about him anymore. Not after everything he put me through.

Suddenly, Astra interrupts my thoughts, "Look! There's a town up ahead!"

I can hardly believe my eyes. I had no idea there was a town out here. I pick up my pace and head straight for it, but I stop before entering, slipping back into my human form behind a tree.

That's when I smell it—the scent of werewolves.

We've stumbled into a pack's territory, and I know we need to get out of here before we're caught. But it's too late.

"Stop, rogue!"

I spin around to face them, my heart racing. Most are well-built men in workout clothes, and I can tell they're warriors. But the ones in front of me are more powerful and ferocious than the warriors from the Blue Moon pack.

"Drop your bag and put your hands above your head," the man in front of me orders.

My wolf refuses to obey, and I don't know why. It's happened before, but never like this. I've been in wolf form for hours - I couldn't be closer to my wolf if I tried.

I submit to their order, suppressing Astra to the back of my mind as I carefully place my duffle bag a few centimeters in front and raise my hands above my head.

"State your name and the reason you're in our territory."

To lie or not to lie? That's the biggest question.

"You can trust them," Astra states confidently.

"Do you know who these people are?"

"No clue about their identity, but they give off a trustworthy vibe. Go ahead and I'll take full responsibility if things go south."

Astra is taking on a crucial risk for strangers.

This is my life, but I feel like a bystander in it. Things are occurring, and I'm left in the dark, but Astra knows more than she's letting on. I'm too understanding for this. I would have forced her to admit everything if I didn't understand she had her reasons. Because Astra doesn't take unnecessary risks, I'm willing to trust her this time.

"My name's Ava Rey and I'm seeking refuge."

The men freeze in their places while chatter rises in the crowd we have attracted.

They're acting like this is the first time someone wants to join their pack. I thought this was a common thing. At least it was in my previous pack. This is a different pack. I guess they're running this pack differently.

"We'll bring you to our Alpha after we have searched you for dangerous weapons." The brunette man informs me before ordering two men to come and search me.

"May I know the name of your Alpha?"

Now he looks shocked. "You don't know?"

He stares at me in disbelief as I shake my head. "It's Alpha Redstone."

My eyes are almost about to pop out of their sockets. Redstone is one of the most powerful packs in the country, and they pride themselves on never letting strangers in and efficiently taking down rogues.

Luck has lost me and never found me.

"She's clear." The two men report to the man who holds the most power here.

The man swings my bag over his shoulder and beckons me to follow him.

I follow him with a heavy heart, knowing I'll be deported to the Blue Moon pack.

I don't mean to judge a book by its cover or make baseless assumptions based on rumors, but it's been a long time since I've heard about someone joining their pack that had not a mate that belonged there.

It would be a blessing for me if I were to join their pack.

I stand before the Alpha, my head hanging down, waiting for him to address me. "State your name and the reason for your trespassing," he demands, locking eyes with me.

"My name is Ava Rey. I'm originally from the BlueMoon pack. I left in search of a better life after my mate rejected me. I was traveling and unknowingly entered your territory," I reply.

Going through all this, I realized there was no point in hiding the truth, as they would eventually find out. It'll only harm my credibility.

"You're from the BlueMoon pack?" he questions, and I nod. "Who was your mate?" he continues.

Revealing my mate's identity will provide me a ticket straight to the BlueMoon pack. I prefer to die rather than return to those people. "The dead should be left with the dead because that man is as good as dead to me."

"I'm sorry for my mate's inconsideration. I'll teach him better in the future. My name is Zoey, by the way." A brunette petite woman barges in, greeting me with a friendly smile. That smile eases my nerves, and I return it wholeheartedly, trying hard to stop my laughter. The last thing I want is for them to assume I'm mocking the Alpha.

She nudges him harshly, and he yelps. "What?"

They have a staring contest, and she's the first to look away, frustrated.

"Why did I marry your stupid ass?" She complains silently, but everyone hears it and laughs because of it. "My mate meant to say that if you were to join our pack, we would welcome you with open arms."

"Zoey," he scolds, "you don't even know her intentions. This could be a facade and put us in harm's way."

This back-and-forth feels refreshing like this is how loving couples behave. It somewhat makes me feel regretful that I'll never experience it. If I could get a second chance at love, I'd do things differently. That requires a better mate, but I doubt I'll be the exception. Not many people get a second chance. What makes me different?

"I don't mean any harm. I didn't lie to you, especially with my mate's identity. I want to leave everything behind and start afresh. That's my sole intention. I didn't mean to cross your border. I was only looking for a place to settle in. You're the Alpha, so I'll comply with whatever you say."

He appears pleased with what I'm saying.

He takes a moment before he says, "We don't usually accept new members, but due to your circumstances and astounding behavior, I'll agree with my mate. We'll gladly take you in if you were to join our pack."

What do I do?

I might come off as hesitant, but I'm a white wolf. If the wrong people were to find out, I might be a weapon in someone's hands.

'Astra, what do you say? Do we or do we not join?'

'I say we join. Being a white wolf and a rogue is a dangerous combo. They seem like people you can trust. They'll back you up if anything happens. But that's my opinion. You have the final say.'

"I would love to have you as an Alpha. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity."

Zoey cheers, "Yes! Finally, someone I can talk to! The women here are stuck-up bitches."

"Excuse my mate," he laughs. "I'm Alpha Xavier. Welcome to the Redstone pack."

We shake hands, and I scan the room for reactions.

Besides the Alpha couple, the Beta is here, and he appears passive. From before, I can't seem to read that person. I guess time will tell.

"Zoey will show you your room. If you have anything you need, tell me and I'll have someone get it for you."

Zoey yanks my hand, forcing me to follow her as she strides out of the room and down the hallway.

I believe in gut feelings, and my instincts tell me I made the right decision. Maybe this is how I'll get the life that I deserve.

I desire to become stronger and wiser. That way, if I and the BlueMoon pack were to cross paths, I'd

show them what they lost.

I feel powerful in the new path I'm following. 

Edited: 1/12/2023

Words: 1576