Stranger

ELEA

I was again being taken to another room, with my blindfold on, roughly being dragged to unknown hallways and three flights of stairs. I could sense that I was made to walk the same place twice because I caught a distinct scent several times, all thanks to my unique gift of Alpha genes. 

Our genetic characteristics were always superior to any other average shifters, giving us an edge over others. 

The idiot who was dutifully trudging me around had no idea that I was no ordinary rogue. I carried alpha genes in my veins, and it would probably take me a few good seconds to pin him down on the floor and beat the hell out of him.

But I was no fool either.

My energy was reserved for something better. 

After tedious long minutes of dwindling, I was delivered into a room and the blindfold was removed.

“Liam!” I hollered, rushing over to the couch where my son happily played with noisy video games and whatnot. 

“Mama!” He screamed giddily, crashing into my arms.

And everything in the world felt right when I hugged my son. Those few seconds made me forget what a precarious situation I was trapped in as soon as I was certain that Liam was safe. 

“Liam, are you okay? Did anyone hurt you?” Frantically, I looked over, scanning his arms and legs in search of any bruise or scar, not trusting anyone from Landon’s pack to treat my son better, but to my utter astonishment, he was unharmed. A sigh of relief slipped past my lips. 

“No, mama. I am fine,” Liam cheerfully said. “In fact, look at these,” he said, trotting over to a basket. “They gave me so many toys to play with and told me that I should not disturb you since you were resting. And Landon even sent for my favourite doughnut cake. Do you want a bite?” He asked innocently, holding it up for me.

I shook my head with a smile. “No, baby.” And then it hit me what Liam just called him. “Landon?” 

“Yes.” My son nodded. “I know you told me to be respectful, and I did call him uncle, but he told me to call him by his name because we are friends. And friends call each other by name. Isn’t it right, mama?”  

My insides roiled at the thought. 

In a few hours and just one meeting, the man used his charm on MY boy and got close to Liam. What could he possibly do if Liam continued to live here under his nose? I could not lose Liam—he was my life. I have been unlucky enough in one lifetime to lose everything I ever held dear, but I was not ready to lose Liam.

But, at the same time, it felt good to have a male figure in his life. Liam was the son and heir of an alpha, and even though I could say it out loud, his genes were quiet skin to his father. 

“Yes, baby. You are right. But he is not your friend. He is still a stranger you have just met,” I reminded Liam. 

“I know, but I like him.” He pouted, fidgeting with the Rubik’s Cube he picked up from the toy basket. 

Getting down on my knees and to his level, I took my son’s shoulder and turned his attention to me. “Liam, listen to me, baby. Do you know the way out of here? Have you seen any large door from where they brought you inside?”  

“Why are you asking?”

The thing is, they blindfolded me and not my son. And as I said earlier Liam carried the alpha genes from both sides of his parentage, he was far stronger and sharper than average kids. Without trying, his senses were acute and if I had to escape this place, I needed to know the way out. 

“Liam, remember I told you that we were playing a game? Well, this is the best part now. We got to sneak out of here without anyone finding out about it and get to the treasure chest. Do you think you can help your mother win it?” I asked.  

Liam tilted his head quizzically. “But, why? What if Landon comes looking for me?” 

“See, that’s the game.” I smiled brightly. “No one can find out about it until we get to the treasure chest.”  

“But Landon told me to stay here,” Liam whined. “He’d asked me to dial 555 from that phone if I needed anything.” He pointed at the phone on the bedside table.  

“That is because Landon does not want you to win,” I said in a raised whisper. “Liam, you and me, we are a team, remember baby? Whatever we do, we do it together. Do you want to stay here with Liam without your mother?” 

“No, mama!” Liam cried out. “I can’t stay without you.”  

Rising on my feet, I kissed his forehead and smiled encouragingly. “Good, baby, because I am never leaving you.” 

Liam told me briefly after what happened when he was separated from me. Apparently, the prison cells were in the basement and at present, we were on the second floor. I would have to take care of the guard on the door, sprint for the staircase to the left and then make a run for the door. 

And then I’d have to trust the Moon Goddess.

“Right, so here is our secret plan,” I told my son. “The moment we are in the clear and out of the big door, I will shift. You will ride on Hazel just like you used to do as a child and hold on to her tightly. No matter what happens Liam, do not let go of her. Have you understood, baby?” 

“Okay, mama!” He acquiesced. 

“That’s my brave son.,” I praised, kissing his cheeks. 

Trotting over to grab the lampshade from the bedside table, I hid it behind my back. When I knocked on the door the guard was stupid enough to peer inside, giving me the perfect opportunity to strike the item against his head. Immediately, he groaned and fell to the ground. 

I grabbed Liam and scampered out of the bloody place, and as soon as we saw the entrance, I ran for the door. Outside, it was dark and nightfall. A few men patrolled near the iron-clad gate but the situation was nothing that my wolf could not handle. 

“Elea, do not do this, please,” Hazel pleaded with me. “He might forgive you.”

“No way. Alpha Landon was nothing if not ruthless and unforgiving. He will shackle us forever and make my life a living hell.”

“Give him a chance!”

“I can’t.” I shook my head. “I can’t take a risk with Liam. I can’t lose him, Hazel.” 

Much against my beast, I blended into the darkness and summoned Hazel to take over. As soon as I wolfed out, Liam climbed over. He had done this a hundred times since he was two. And he loved riding on Hazel.

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting an eerie glow over the pack house. Hazel’s paws pounded against the ground as she gained momentum. At that instant when she was about to jump off the high wall, out of nowhere, a majestic figure of a wolf leapt out of the shadows. Hazel lost control, almost injuring her hind legs as the wolf let out a ferocious howl.

It was Luke, Landon’s wolf, as recognised by Hazel.

And I swear by the Moon Goddess, he was spectacular. Covered in deep, earthy brown fur, the beast has glowing eyes of amber. With a wild spirit, enormous in size than an average wolf, he was majestic and primal in appearance. 

Hazel took a few steps back, baring her canines and was just about to pounce when something sharp stung my wolf’s neck. She let out a painful cry, howling, as both of us began to lose consciousness. 

“I…can’t…Elea…” was the last thing I heard before everything blacked out.