(0.3): The Encounter.

In the land of the Black Shadow Pack.......

Nothing could have prepared Alpha Tristan of the Black Shadow Pack than the events from last night. As he sat behind the large oak wood desk, he pondered over the message her received and kept hidden from everyone.

The past and present have knocked at your doorstep, this time, do answer. The answers you seek are in the one meant to be protected. If you look hard enough, your questions will no longer remain in your dreams.' The Message had said.

The sender had been anonymous, a mystery just like the note.

He'd always been a man prepared, though he knew one could never be too prepared. Last night seemed to prove that.

He would have thrown the note away, opting to not entertain all this but something gnawed at him to keep it.

The past, the present, but mostly the past had a way of letting him know that it wasn't done with him. He was not perfect by any means and in his journey to the position he occupied, a position earned and claimed by desiring and fate, nothing was a walk in the park. There had been blood shed, loss, betrayal and harsh lessons which placed him in uncomfortable positions. He'd seen a lot over the years and yet this message which he held between his fingers felt anew, raw and eerie in some sense.

Sleep never came easy and he felt relieved that his mate was not there to witness him so troubled, by something he had yet to confirm its relevancy. It was no foreign thing for him to recieve anonymous messages, such which 80 percent of the time proved to be from an enemy or threat to his pack.

A part of him hoped that it would be the case this time too, but something at the back of his mind disagreed. His other half, his wolf felt the same confliction. What heightened the level of confliction within him was a disturbing dream that he had. It took him back to the past, where a certain wound had not healed and it was due to the memory of losing someone he held dear to his heart.

It had been so long since he'd talked about that chapter of his life, the guilt in which accompanied the memories of how him as an alpha but a friend had failed.

It made looking in the mirror difficult at times.

No amount of praise seemed to level up to the vividness of the pain of loss. His mate, his Beta and friend knew that he had not gotten over that time, there were questions that he'd not received answers for and it bothered him even years later.

Last night opened up those thoughts he wished stayed at hidden parts of his mind.

He should have known that the calm was a preparation of an incoming storm.

In what form? He wondered.

' The answers you seek are in the one meant to be protected.' That line stuck out to him more than the rest of the words.

' Who is this person in which holds all the answers?'

'And who am I protecting them from?'

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Casey's P.O.V ...

' A bit of air will do us some good.' My mother had said earlier.

Her intention was clear, she wanted us to leave the house.

Now here we are, in her car as she drives us into town. We haven't spoken much since the morning and I think that bothered her. She won't say it but in her eyes she has expressed.

The animal attack had opened up the gates of torment. I became sick with stress, paranoia and fear carried me in a dark hole and anxiety had its way with me. We never knew how bad things had gotten until the first episode of sleepwalking. When my mother had informed me about it, it freaked me out. No amount of reassurance of things getting better could calm me down, not when we didn't know what possessed my body that way.

' It's the attack.' That became the excuse until it sounded like a mantra.

Something was the cause and within me, I thought different from the others.

It's been a month since last it happened, that's what my mother and Ethan told me and I have believed them. No more did I wake up with a burning fever after an episode.

That has relieved me.

A part of me understands where her concern about earlier comes from. I left without notice but still, I left that night with reason. I needed air and to be away from a space that triggered the troubling thoughts.

I didn't mean to worry her, truly I didn't.

However, I can't deny that I felt a little disappointed that she assumed the worst, when it's been a month passed since last. She even involved uncle Johnathan, who wanted to talk to me, but I hid away. I let her handle that conversation.

It's not that I didn't want to talk to him ever, but my mood wasn't as welcoming for any form of conversation.

*lets talk later, when you are feeling better.* That was his message to me.

Later could mean anytime in my books. I wonder whether he wants me to call or he will do the honors. I prefer he calls honestly.

When we finally make it into town, mom decides that it is a good idea to drive around a bit and without making a stop first. I take that time to admire the sight of the mountain ahead, peering down at the town. Buildings are a little close to each other, leaving very little room for places to walk in between. With it being in the middle of the day, I am not surprised to see a little more activity than yesterday. We arrived quite late yesterday. Therefore, I didn't see a lot of people walking outside.

Crystal Valley is alot more prettier than my last town that's for sure.

A small smile lifts on my face when I see families and little children occupy the park, the sight quite comforting. To think mom would drive around more, she decides to cut the trip short and make the first stop.

I accompany her the first few times before I grow tired and decide to do a little exploring myself. I had almost gotten away without a word until she reminded me about where to meet, later.

After my nod of confirmation, we separated.

The moment I left mom in one of those furniture shops, I knew that it wouldn't take me long to come back. There just isn't much for me to look for and I've settled for window shopping, most of the time.

A certain cream white sweater catches my eye from the window display, pulling me to a stop as I was about to walk past. I don't even need to think twice before heading in the clothing boutique.

One colour doesn't seem enough to influence a final decision. My mind is changed as soon as the shop assistant pulls out other colours.

A soft green colour makes the sweater look even pretty and so I pick it, along with a matching male version one. I might not be into couple matching stuff as other people, but these sweaters are too pretty in my eyes.

Besides, I think the colour will compliment Ethan really well.

I literally force myself to leave the boutique, when I see more pretty clothes. This place has tempted get more than what I came for.

I had to hold myself back a couple of times.

I prefer to save up money as much as possible.

Another round of window shopping leads me to visit two more stores, before I call it quits. The last place I'm certain to visit is a place to eat, but I rest my feet on a public bench close to a park. The short break proves to have been a need, because I'm feeling mighty relaxed now.

Ping!

The sound coming from my phone interrupts the calm moment.

I pull it out of my jacket and instantly my lips pull into a smile.

* I'm thinking of you.* Ethan.

* Same. Wish you were here right now.* Me.

* You should have packed me in your suitcase.*

I chuckle at that, shaking my head in amusement.

* Should I hire some people to come and kidnap you instead?* Me.

When he sends a laughing emoji, my smile widens. I can already hear his laugh, the one that makes my chest light.

* Please do, I won't even resist.*

A little more texting back and forth with Ethan puts me in a much better mood. I miss him already.

Knowing that everything has changed with distance being the main reason, saddens me a little. It was one of the reasons I was hesitant to move. Being away from him in such a manner feels weird, there was comfort in knowing that we lived in the same town.

Now things have changed.

I know he's reassured me many times that the long distance won't affect us, but still, I can't help but overthink at times.

Maybe my mom and I aren't so different after all.

Speaking of mom, by the time she sends a text letting me know that she's done and ready to meet up, I've already left the bench and am aimlessly walking around the park.

I notice a flea market spot on the opposite side of the park, at a little corner close to a cute pond. I let her know then that she can find me there.

The moment I enter the area, I know for sure that I won't walk away without something. Each stall has something unique, cute and quite tempting to get.

'I'm bringing uncle Johnathan next time.' The thought amuses me because I can't picture him at a place like this.

He'd definetly look out of place, given his taste.

Tall, handsome with an age not matching him and the 'I can afford anything' vibe he gives off. Yeah, I can't see him here at all.

But it would be fun to drag him here.

My upcoming birthday seems like the perfect day. He won't miss it.

I expect him to be here.

Like I said, he spoilt me.

I don't take fault in that.

Glances and stares from people I walk past are things I try to avoid, and excuse it for the fact that I'm new around here.

I bet everyone knows everyone and I'm possibly the odd one here.

Just mind your own business and they will too.

I walk around, admiring almost every stall and fighting against myself to not buy every thing I see.

'Don't overdo it, just get what's nice. Something you will not lose but use.' I tell myself.

It relieves me to know that my willpower to resist most things works. In the end, I end up getting a few things. This time, I end up buying with my mom, Ethan and even uncle Johnathan in mind.

That man will have no choice but to accept.

He never leaves room for me to get him anything. Rather he is the one who buys stuff for me.

' If only you knew how much more she deserves.' He'd said once on one of my birthdays, at the dinner table.

I had excused myself for a short bathroom break and overheard those words. What had struck me about what he'd said, was the way in which he delivered them.

His voice had softened yet with a hint of sadness.

There was something in that, which pulled at my heart. I felt cared for, by him. He wanted better for me and I received that.

His back might have been facing me but whatever expression he had on his face, seemed to affect my mother. She had quickly looked away but I saw her fighting to hold back tears.

One thing was for sure, uncle Johnathan had his moments.

The necklace he'd gifted me on my 16th birthday, is one of those moments.

It is the second necklace he's given me. I had lost words the first time I saw it.

'Its something I've kept for a long time and it's been waiting for its owner to claim it.' He'd said.

I've never felt so undeserving to wear something of that weight. It's a half crescent designed piece with a ruby red stone, placed in the middle of the shape. Smaller royal blue coloured stones decorate the crescent shape, bringing out its uniqueness. What makes it even more special is the little button on the top. It's almost unnoticeable but when you look hard enough, you can see it.

When one presses on that small button, the outer part changes the shape of the whole necklace.

The other half of the shape shoots out and closes in on the red stone, to make it circle shaped instead.

Instead of royal blue stones, the other part is adorned with red pink stones.

Unique seems more fitting to describe the creation of the piece of  jewellery.

The necklace holds years to it, proving to be a treasure. With that in mind, I've sworn to take it out of its box, on special occasions.

I never want there to be a chance where I may lose it.

It's irreplaceable in my eyes.

What had stuck out to me, was when he'd mentioned that someone else, had a hand in its creation. Until today, he's never disclosed that person's identity.

I had been curious then, unfortunately not enough because as soon as mom called for me, I forgot about it. We never spoke about it again, but a part of me feels like there will come a time when I mention this to him.

It's among the things to be mentioned, when I finally speak to him about all I've known but kept to myself.

" Young lady." A tap on my shoulder, gains my attention.

I turn around with a curious frown. A middle aged woman, covered from head to toe stands before me. The scarf she's covered herself with, is navy in colour and doesn't give a peek to what's underneath.

We are the only two present. I've just realised that I've found my way to the far end from the stalls. We are almost out of sight due to the mini bushes around us.

How did I even end up here?

Was I distracted again?' I wonder.

" Um hello?" My voice comes out unsure.

Her neutral facial expression changes. Her dark brown eyes now shine with humour and her lips twitch into a small smile.

" You're new around here, aren't you?"

Is it that obvious?

" Yes." I nod.

" I see."

I shift side to side on my heel, feeling slightly uncomfortable when her dark eyes look me over.

" Um-can I help you with something?"

" I won't take much of your time, I simply wanted to come up to you and chat for a bit."

Why am I entertaining a stranger?

It's my lenient heart towards the elderly, that's it. There is no other reason.

" I'm sorry but I can't stay, I have someone to meet." I explain as politely as I can.

Hopefully she'll take the hint that I'm not as calm and comfortable as I seem.

No time is better than this for my phone to ring. It's sound, breaking into the silence that has taken over between the older woman and I.

" You're troubled." Those words stop my movements.

" Sleep doesn't come easy any more."

How does she know that?

I open my mouth to question her but her next move stuns me.

She grabs my hand in hers and now her fingers press on my palms.

My surprise lingers and it takes a moment for me, to snap out of it. Once I do, I try to pull my hands back, but her grip tightens just a little.

The words she speaks next, make my heart to stop beating for a while.

" Your desires come with a price. So much hangs over your head and you have no clue."

" W-what are you ----"

" Don't run away from it. Let things be. Those dreams aren't always dreams, there lies a message."

I feel my chest begin to tighten and my palms sweat. I back away from her, feeling really uncomfortable with not only her words but the look she wears.

Her eyes are sharp, but there's something so grave and painful deep within them.

My feet are rooted in place, immobile, being demanded by her gaze.

My phone stopped ringing a while ago.

I take a sharp breath when she closes the distance yet again but with so much speed, it has me blinking in disbelief.

Did I just imagine that?

Did she?...

" A little rest without the noise wont hurt anybody, hmm?" Her voice has softened now, along with her expression.

She pulls something out from a pocket I had not noticed. I blink in surprise when she holds out my hand for me to take it.

" Whom you encounter from here on out matters. Be careful hmm?"

What she places in my hand is a brown woven bracelet with a chain, on the ends are leaf shaped stones. I've never seen something like that before.

My cell phone rings again, knocking me back to my senses.

" Sorry but I can't take this, I don't even know who you are. S-sorry but I can't." I pull my hand out of her hold.

My action results in the bracelet dropping on the ground.

Not wanting to be rude despite how shaken and disturbed I am, I crouch down to pick it up.

" Sorry."

" Ah!" My head snaps up when I hear a soft gasp.

" It's you!" The woman says behind her hand, eyes widening.

" I'm sorry?" I rise to my feet again, giving her a quizzical look.

" You're here." I hear her mumble to herself as she looks at me differently.

The look in her eyes claims me as someone new, as if she's seeing a whole different person.

The one who has been standing before her is gone.

" I don't understand(I shake my head.) What are you- wait!" I huff in frustration when the woman literally turns around and bolts out of there, while my ringing cell phone demands I answer.

This is the third time mom has called and I don't want her to call again, she'll worry more if I don't answer.

I choose to give attention to my mother's call despite the urge to go after that strange woman.

" Mom?" As I answer the call, something bothers me, a question poking at the back of my mind.

What did she mean by ' it's you?'

Who am I to that woman?