Chapter 2

The following days was a blur of emotions for Helena as she tried to keep up appearances. Why would an adopted Beta’s daughter attract attention from a huge pack like White Forest? She must be descended from one of their family lines, but in that case why now? As Celeste presented emerged from the changing rooms Helena did the necessary, nodding and adding the required “ooohs” as Celeste twirled around in ever-prettier dresses.

Helena had her dress at home already, originally purchased for her upcoming eighteenth. It was a deep, mysterious ruby red with a thigh-high leg split, a clingy body leading to a high neck halter top fastening. It wasn’t covered in cheap sparkle like the other dresses, the vivid red did all the talking.

The exposed back of it was unlike anything she had ever worn before, she had felt like a different, more confident person when she stood in the mirror with it on.

The idea of the White Forest Pack lingered in her mind and she realised that instead of fear, she was almost excited to start a new life. The fact someone had paid specifically for her confused her, if this was her mate there would be no need to pay, she would naturally travel to their pack anyway. To be bought suggested a slave, some Beta’s plaything, not a soulmate. A grimace coloured her otherwise happy features.

/There might be more at play than we know/ Fyre deliberated. The alterative thought, that there was an error and she wasn’t going to getting out of Five Lakes made her stomach sink more. Fuck it she thought, then realised Celeste was waiting for another approving nod and smile as a huge candy pink ballgown poofed and wriggled its way into the room straining through the changing room door breaking them both into peals of laughter.

“it’s got to be the white one surely?”

“Of course, but I couldn’t resist trying this monster on, I might buy it for your eighteenth!” which only made them laugh even more. Celeste didn’t know her news and it was better that way, why weigh down their last days together when they could giggle like this.

Leaving the shop together they both stopped in their tracks as Caleb, Jack and a few of their Beta cronies appeared round the corner. The sheer width of the men took over the whole sidewalk, forcing the two women to stop in their tracks. Caleb and Jack stopped too, looking at each other with a raised eyebrow for a second. They then pulled huge fake bows and swept their large toned arms along to gesture them along and Celeste and Helena got smart slaps on the behind from both brothers leading to loud guffaws from the group of men.

“See you at training this afternoon!” Caleb called brightly while Jack snorted, “make sure you’re warmed up and limber!”

Helena flashed an angry look back towards them as she strode down the street, troubled by the smirk on their faces as they kept watch on her as they went their separate ways.

/They’re trouble/ Fyre grumbled, /they’ve not attended training in months, why now?/

Celeste didn’t even keep the thought internal “Ooh Helena, do try not to get partnered up with them, I’ve heard they can be so mean!”

Just wait Fyre snapped back, we’re no pushover now

“Yeah I’ve heard that too, but don’t worry they won’t have any time for me,” and she gave Celeste’s shoulder a squeeze whilst mentally ticking over defensive manoeuvres for bigger opponents.

Leaving Celeste at the crossroads, she made her way to training and got changed into her gear. Knee length tight grey leggings, black sports bra, and a neon tank top. It was a large baseball diamond, no longer used for fun but drills and suicide sprint exercises. The woodland at the back of it were perfect for shifting and really stretching the legs into the night all the way to the nearest lake.

At present Helena’s father, Beta Dawes was leading a sweaty, tough training session forcing the pack to climb as fast as they could up the bleachers before an assault course of tyres, swinging and climbing before finally taking on an opponent. “Very few fights occur when you’re full strength and poised, it’s those down in the dirt fights where you summon your reserves that a true fighter comes through.”

Helena was keeping her own side up, completing her circuits repeatedly, this time to have a 5 minute spar with Jason, the visiting nephew of a shop owner in town. He had a kind face and light blue eyes with a trimmed blonde beard with similarly clipped blonde hair. He wasn’t the biggest build there which made him more of a challenge to fight for he had the speed along with powerful long limbs. Helena enjoyed sparring with him because he took her seriously and didn’t go easy.

She dodged his first jab, ducking low to try a shot at the abs, however he’d anticipated this, swooping down and took her out with his leg just before the punch landed, sending her to the dust. He’d just relaxed into a smile at his victory when she’d leapt from the floor like a tigress, wrapping her legs around his waist as tight as she could whilst pummelling him relentlessly until he’d had to drop to the ground while he rolled away from her gasping, conceding defeat with a raised hand and smile.

“Dibs,” called a rough voice making the dozen or so sparrers stop in their tracks. Calebs shadow loomed over the pair, “I’ll have a bit of that next.”

“Complete the course and see who you end up sparring with like everyone else” Helena snapped, offering Jason a hand back up. He stood next to her protectively with his arms crossed sternly which she deeply appreciated.

“I won’t be challenged by a silly bitch who thinks she can beat down an Alpha.” His eyes flashed with menace, but Helena maintained her stance, merely tightening her ponytail.

Beta Dawes came over to enquire but Caleb shot him a look and barked “I’ve come to spar, I’ve picked a partner. Keep out of it.”

Helena didn’t want to cause Beta Dawes any problems “Fine, I’ve no problem taking you on, defensive or offensive Alpha Caleb?” with a hint of mockery in her voice. /Careful now/ Fyre warned.

That smirk appeared again, his sandy hair had been clipped short, drawing attention to his mossy-green eyes and high cheekbones. He knew Helena didn’t find him attractive and it burned through him like a fire. He found her hostile gaze too much to bear and so without replying to her question he simply threw his first punch towards the side of her face, the contact making a sickening thud.

From within the forest in the distance a figure watched as he saw Helena’s delicate form crash into the dust with puff of air encircling her. His wolf raged within and he struggled against every instinct to not sprint across and rip out the throat of the vile thug who dared to even touch her. His large, rough hands gripped tightly onto a tree trunk either side of him. But wait! She was up, legs shaking and that magnificent hair flying everywhere, he could tell even from this distance she was furious. This fight was on. Despite his wolfs vehement protests he whispered, “you’ve got this.” His whole body tensed as he held his breath and kept his distance, the dark cloak over his head and body concealing him within the trees from being noticed, yet ready to kill all those in front of him should another blow land.