Chapter 5

AVA

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, the forest blurring around me. I couldn't shake off the fear that gripped my heart, fear of being caught by the pack, fear of being punished for injuring Liz.

My wolf, Spark, growled and snarled, still fuming from the confrontation.

But it wasn't just the pack that had me running. Cane's words echoed in my mind. "Be my mistress, and I'll take care of you."

The audacity. The nerve. I felt like an object, a plaything for him to use and discard. I expected more from my mate, but it seemed he only saw me as a convenience.

The anger and hurt simmered beneath my surface, threatening to boil over at any moment. I pushed myself to run faster, the trees whizzing by in a green blur. I didn't know where I was going, but I knew I had to get away.

As I ran, the forest grew denser, the trees closer together. The canopy overhead filtered the sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. I felt a sense of freedom, of release, as I left the pack's territory behind.

But freedom was short-lived. My stomach growled, reminding me that I'd been running for hours without food or water. I slowed to a stop, panting, and looked around. The forest was unfamiliar, and I had no idea where I was.

I spotted a stream in the distance, its crystal-clear waters glinting in the sunlight. I made my way towards it, my thirst and hunger driving me forward. As I reached the stream, I dropped to my knees and cupped my hands, taking a refreshing drink.

The water was cool and clear, and I felt my parched throat relax. I drank my fill, then splashed some water on my face, feeling the coolness seep into my skin. I sat back on my heels, taking a moment to breathe.

As I sat there, I realized that I had no idea what the future held. I'd left the pack, and Cane's proposal still lingered in my mind.

I knew I couldn't go back to the pack, not after what I'd done to Liz. And I certainly couldn't accept Cane's offer, not after the way he'd treated me.

I decided not to ever go back to my past, I decided to do better for myself. I knew my worth.

I stood up, brushing off my knees. I had to keep moving, and had to find a way to survive on my own. I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination rise within me. I would make it, I would survive, no matter what.

As I walked along the stream, I noticed a small clearing up ahead. In the center of the clearing stood a small cabin, smoke drifting lazily from the chimney.

My heart skipped a beat as I wondered who lived in the cabin, and whether they would be friendly or not.

I walked towards the light, my heart pounding in my chest. As I approached, I saw a group of men sitting around a fire, eating and laughing.

They seemed rough, but they looked like they might be kind. I took a deep breath and approached them, hoping for the best.

One of the men whistled, attracting the others' attention. They turned to me, their eyes scanning me from head to toe.

The leader, a burly man with a thick beard, stood up and grabbed my arm. "What do you have for us?" he asked, his voice firm but not unkind.

I shook my head, trying to pull away. "I have nothing," I said, trying to sound pitiful. "I'm just a poor, lonely slave girl. I've been running away from my pack."

The leader's grip on my arm tightened. "A slave girl, huh? What's your name?"

"Ava," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

The leader's eyes narrowed. "Well, Ava, you're coming with us. We might be able to use someone like you."

I tried to struggle, but he held me firm. I didn't know what these men wanted, but I knew I had to be careful.

I looked around, trying to take in my surroundings. We were in a small clearing, surrounded by trees. There was a small cabin in the distance, and I saw a few horses grazing nearby.

The leader, whose name was apparently Ryder, started to question me about my skills and abilities.

I told him about my experience as a waitress and a baker, and he seemed interested. But I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was in trouble.

As we sat down to eat, Ryder told me that they were a group of travelers, on their way to a nearby city.

They were merchants, and they were looking for someone to help with their business. Ryder offered me a place with them, in exchange for my work.

I hesitated, unsure of what to do. On one hand, I didn't know these men, and I didn't trust them. On the other hand, I had nowhere else to go, and I needed their help. I decided to play it safe, and agreed to join them.

As we finished our meal, Ryder stood up and gestured to one of the other men. "This is Marcus," he said. "He'll show you a place to sleep. You'll be staying with us for a while."

Marcus nodded, and led me to a small tent on the outskirts of the camp. I followed him, my heart still pounding in my chest. I didn't know what lay ahead, but I was determined to make the most of it.

As I settled into the tent, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Would I be able to trust these men? Would I be able to find a better life with them?

It was past midnight but I couldn't even sleep because I was worried and my wolf Spark was restless.

I started hearing whispers, apparently they thought I was asleep.

“What should we do with her?” Marcus seemed to ask Ryder.

“Well I lied to her that we are merchants, by now she should have trusted us. We cannot get anything from her, we should use her.” Ryder replied.

I felt my stomach churning, I was so scared. I covered my mouth with my hands, to avoid making noises that will make them know that I am still awake.

They came closer to me and Ryder slapped me with a force that made me jolt.

“If you don't have any money or something valuable, I am going to get what I want through another way.”

He grabbed me and threw me to the ground.

I was scared and I said a silent prayer to the Moon goddess, and just immediately I heard a familiar voice telling him to stop.

I turned to see CANE.