OUTSIDE AT LAST WITH HIDEOUTS

Rick was speaking the truth, there was a way out of the den.

He led her towards a lone path that had been abandoned for years and they came face to face with a gate.

He tugged the gate and the lock gave way. He then handed her a brown gown to wear.

“It's to fit in, we can't go around looking like this. I'll wait here, go and change.” he informed her.

She went off and found an abandoned building to change. When she got back, she saw that he had changed too.

“You are beautiful, Princess” he complimented her with his eyes scanning her in the gown. Taking her hand in his, he led her into a forest and away from the den.

You will never know what you have until you lose it, and you will never appreciate freedom until it's yanked from your grasp.

This was the case for Carly, as she observed the trees, she inhaled a large amount of fresh air and expelled it, like she was trying to purge her insides free from the air that once existed inside her.

Rick led her down a path until they arrived at the bustling town.

She removed her hand from Rick's and observed the kids that ran around and the lovers that had their tongues shoved into their partner’s throats.

Parents called out for their kids and some traders still had their goods set in their carts as they wheeled it and called out for buyers.

The town felt alive and so did Carly. 

“The expression on your face is worth it” Rick said with a satisfied smile.

“It's magical.” She replied wistfully.

“Now let me show you real magic” he took her hands on his and led her to a building that had loud music coming from it.

“What's this place?” She asked.

“A tavern, mi lady,” He grinned. 

They got in and with her mouth wide open in awe, Carly stopped to take in the serene.

“Wow!” She exclaimed, earning a smirk from Rick.

They got in and took a free table, soon a server came to take their drinks.

“A big glass of beer for me and a soft drink for the lady” Rick placed the order for both of them, which Carly was grateful for because she had no idea what to order before.

The server left to prepare their order for them and Carly, still wanted to have a full scan of their environment. 

The entertainers played their instruments and the singer amongst them had long locs that would be the envy of every female.

There were some dancers that were scantily dressed and they swayed their hips effortlessly to the beat of the music.

The lead dancer had pins on her navel that left Carly wondering how they stayed without falling off, the urge to go over to the dancer and ask her “Does it hurt?” was so intense that she dragged her eyes away and brought it back to Rick.

“Thanks for bringing me here.” She was touched, wondering what she did to deserve such a kind soul in her life.

“It's nothing, girl.”

The server came with their drinks and extra snacks, she shoved it to Carly’s direction and with a wink she said, “On the house, your hair is very pretty”

“Thank you” Carly blushed, not used to getting compliments unless it's from Mandy or Rick.

Rick saw the exchange and laughed.

“What?”

“Did you just blush for your fellow female?” He asked, amused. 

“She was kind and sweet,” she shrugged.

“Okay, princess,” He drawled.

He took a swig of his beer and muttered “This is soo good!” 

“Can I have a sip?” she always wondered how it tasted

“Not tonight, I need you sober for the other part of our adventure” He answered. “Maybe another time?” he offered.

“Okay….. what other part? You only informed me about the tavern.”

“The other part is a surprise, princess”

“Why do you do that?” She asked, breaking the silence that had descended between them.

“Do what?” He asked, confused.

“Call me princess,” She whispered.

“You scream royalty and beauty. The only name that befit you is royalty, Carly is a sweet name, but I like the name I gave you more” He answered and smiled. 

They heard a loud bang and turned to see two lovers making out at the far corner of the tavern.

Carly curled her lips “Are they allowed to do that here?”

“We are wolves, we don't confine our emotions…. Same goes for sexual activities” Rick taught. “They might be on heat.”

“Oh..” she felt heat rising to her face and she bowed her head to stare at her drink.

“We have to go if we are to meet up for your surprise” Rick said.

“Of course, give me a minute.” She chugged down her remaining drink and stood up. “im ready!”

They both exited the tavern and he led her through a narrow part into another forest. Carly kept wondering how he knew about all the places they passed and even, the secret passage. 

“What I'm about to tell you cannot be revealed to any one. Not even your friend.” Rick suddenly broke the silence between them as he slowed down. His voice had gone serious, unlike the Rick she was accustomed to.

“Wait, what are you talking about Rick? Where you are taking me to…. Is it safe?” She asked, scared and wondering if she had made a bad choice about leaving the den. It might even be a kidnap. 

“No, it's not safe, Princess,” He replied.

Carly went pale. “Then I don't want to know, take me back, now.” She turned back immediately, moving further away from where Rick stood. 

“It will help you avenge your father, do you still want to go back” Rick asked loudly. Since it was just the two of them. There wasn't any need to talk with a low tone. 

Carly went completely still at the mention of her father. She only lived for revenge. So yes, if it involves taking revenge, why won't she be interested. 

“How can it help me avenge him?” she could not help but ask.

“Will you come with me? You will find out then. I will keep you safe, I promise.” And he looked so innocent. 

She hesitated then took his outstretched hand, he clasped it and led her further down the part.

There was a hut secluded deep in the forest and as he led her there, she prayed to the goddess to keep her safe.

“We're here.” he announced in a low tone the moment they got to the hut.

She could hear voices inside and turned to look at him, “Is this an ambush? You did not tell me anything about a crowd waiting for us” her eyes pierced at him, accusingly. 

He chuckled “A crowd is an exaggeration, princess”

He opened the door and stepped inside. After a moment of thinking, Carly cautiously stepped in.

She observed everyone. They seemed to know Rick a lot as they hugged him and patted his back

The lady in their midst walked up to her. “Hi, I'm Sarah. Don't mind these brutes, they can be unnecessarily loud” she said, rolling her eyes at others.

“I'm Carly” She said with a smile and stretched her hand for a handshake.

Sarah ignored the hand and hugged her instead. “Welcome Carly.”

“Thank you,” she replied.

“Everyone, this is Carly.” Rick introduced her to the others as their noise reduced.

“Hello Carly.” They responded.

“What's your story, Carly?” A male with jet black hair asked.

Carly turned to look at Rick.

“It's fine, you can share. This is a group for people who had lost their loved ones because of the Supreme Alpha's cruelty.” He assured her. “We meet like this to share our story and plan how to get back our freedom. We also help fight injustice and prevent other people from falling into circumstances like this.”

“Oh...” Carly exhaled a deep breath she didn't even know she was holding. “This is so nice, Rick” she was close to tears.

“It's fine, princess” he consoled her while patting her hair.

“I'll go first, it will give you courage to share yours too” Sarah offered.

“It's fine. She can share another time, when she's ready” A guy that had a blue tunic on offered.

“Okay.. thanks” She muttered.

“We have an urgent issue to tackle, Rick. Jack's father will be executed the day after tomorrow.” Sarah informed, backing Carly.

“No, this can't be happening so soon. How can we prevent Jack from being killed as well? It's too late to save his father.” Rick asked, running his hands through his hair.

“We have a plan in mind, we will execute it tomorrow.” The jet black haired male announced.

“What's the plan, Matt?” Rick asked.

Matt glanced at Carly, wearied of her presence

“It's fine, we can trust her.” Rick assured him.

“We plan on kidnapping him. We will give a hut to hide. Till we can think of something permanent.” Matt replied.

“Who's in charge of his beheading?” Rick asked.

“Lord Ralph.” Sarah replied. 

“Well, we won't have much of a problem then. Let's meet early tomorrow, once the moon rises.” Rick told them, looking at their faces to check if they were okay with the time. And, they nodded.

“I'll take my leave now, be safe.” Rick said as he hurried took Carly's hand. 

They both left the hut and went past another route.

When they arrived at the boundary, Carly took off to the building where she kept her work attire. There was water there and she used it to wash off scents on her body. 

After changing, she met Rick already on his clothes back.

“How do you change so fast?” She asked curiously.

“Magic, princess.” He winked at her.

They both got close to the den and paused.

“Hope you had fun?” He asked her. 

“Yeah… and it's all thanks to you” she smiled, appreciative about the chance to connect with other people.

“My pleasure. See you later, princess. We part ways here” He said before waving as he walked on. 

“Take care” she responded and followed the opposite direction.

Carly slipped quietly, hoping there was no one awake. Just as she was about to take a bend to the corridor that leads to the slaves quarters, she heard his voice.

“You reek of a thousand scents, where have you been?” He growled at her.