CHAPTER 3: WARMTH

Elaine's POV

“Who are….” 

Before he could finish, a blur of black slammed into him. Bones cracked, his head was lifted off his body.

He was…..dead.

The weight on me disappeared. 

I gasped, choking as the other rogues stepped back, shifting into wolves.

They didn't stand a chance 

Before they moved, they were thrown flying into the trees. Blood stained the leaves. The forest went silent except for their whimpers.

The whimper stopped. Four lifeless bodies lay cold on the ground.

When it was over, he stood over me tossing a jacket I hadn't noticed towards me.

He stepped away into the dark before shifting. “Don't ever wander into the forest if you have no defense” He said. Then he disappeared into the darkness like he belonged to it. 

“I'm alive” I whispered more to myself.

I pulled the jacket around my bare skin, wincing from the bruises of their grip. Then I limped back home. 

“Where are you coming from?” My stepmother Nina barked, her voice laced with anger. Olivia stood beside her.

I kept my head down, refusing to meet her eyes. “From Finn's residence” I replied. I've had enough trouble in one day. I don't need more.

“Why didn't you finish the chores I gave you?” She queried, circling me.

“I'm sorry” I whispered, trying to slip past her into the house, but was sent backwards with a slap.

“I heard what happened, slut,” She said, yanking my chin up to meet her gaze. “He was never yours to begin with. You are just a toy.” Her eyes never left mine. “Get that into your thick, pathetic brain.” 

She shoved me back and wiped her hands on her dress, like it had come in contact with dirt. Leaving with Olivia trailing behind her.

I limped into the house and dragged myself to my room which was on the left side of the hallway. 

I slammed the door shut and collapsed onto the bed. The day's events replayed in my head like a movie clip. Finn's betrayal. The rogues. The pain. 

I curled myself up on the bed, letting the tears I held back fall.

  Moments later, I dragged myself to the bathroom and turned the shower on.

I flinched in pain as the water flowed through my body touching the open wound. I stood there anyway, letting it wash over me, trying to drown out the pain.

I stepped out, wrapped a towel around my body, grabbed my phone to call Clara. Then I stopped immediately not wanting to give her a panic attack. With that I dropped my phone back on my table and laid on the bed. 

I closed my eyes trying to get some sleep, but the image of the rogue attack kept rushing in, jolting my eyes open. My eyes then landed on the jacket the stranger had given me. It brought an unusual warmth I hadn't felt in years. I brushed the feelings off and finally drifted to sleep.

Sometime in the middle of the night, a sharp heat flared on my neck. 

I reached to touch it but nothing was there. No mark, No cut.

But it burned.

The jacket on the chair seemed to glow faintly. I brushed it off believing it was my imagination.

*****THE NEXT DAY******

Olivia wore a smug smile as the maids fussed around her. Her blonde hair was pulled into a ponytail, a few loose strands were left on her face. She stood in a short purple gown that clung to her body, with a lilac tail fixed to the waist of her dress, paired with gold heels.

“Make it quick,” Nina snapped, stamping her foot. “We don’t have all day.” The maids nodded and hurried, smoothing the last folds of Olivia’s gown before slipping out of the room.

“And you, why are you still standing there?” Nina turned to me, eyes cold. “Back to your chores. Now.”

“Don’t give her chores today, Mum,” Olivia cut in. “Finn asked her to be at the mating ceremony. He wouldn’t want her showing up a mess when he rejects her.” A wicked grin spread across her face.

“That’s true,” Nina replied, her gaze shifting over to me. “Go get ready. And make sure it’s something befitting your status. Don’t try to draw attention you’ll never earn.” She linked her arm with Olivia and left, leaving the air heavier behind them.

I dragged myself back to my room, my shoulders heavy from the weight of everything happening to me. I stared long at my mother's picture sitting on my table, looking for any form of comfort.

“Mom, if you were here all this wouldn't be happening to me. I miss you so much.” I muttered, hugging the picture like my life depended on it. 

My phone buzzed drawing me back to reality. “Clara,” my subconscious yelled. Oh no. She’s going to tear me apart. I swallowed and answered.

 “Hi, babe,” I said, forcing steadiness into my voice.

“Elly, is it true?”  

Her voice was tight. She didn’t finish the question, but she didn’t have to.

“You heard?” The words hung in my throat.

“Yes. Cassandra and Kylie told me.” There was a pause. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I’m sorry. You were on patrol and I didn’t want to bother you.”

“Is there anything else you’re hiding?” I could hear it in her voice — anger, but underneath it, the hurt.

“Yes. But I can’t say it over the phone.” I held my breath. “We’ll talk after the mating ceremony, Please.”

“Fine. I’ll be waiting.” The call ended before I could respond. Her silence felt worse than a shout.

The door slammed open, causing my shoulders to shudder in fear.

“Why aren’t you dressed yet? What have you been doing?” Nina’s voice was sharp. “You’ve got five minutes.” She turned and walked out without waiting for an answer.

I grabbed a simple white flower dress and a pair of flats. I pulled my hair into a neat ponytail, tucked my phone into my pocket, and headed for the door.

Nina’s eyes raked over me from head to toe, her lips twisting with jealousy and disdain. “No matter what you wear, you won’t outshine my daughter. She’s ten times

better.” She stepped closer, voice low. “Now pack the basket of fruits and dessert. We’re leaving.”