3: Trespassing

JENNA

It was early morning, probably five in the morning, when I finally felt like I’ve gone far.

I reached a highway, though there were no signs of life or a car. I’m hungry and tired and my clothes are ruined with dirt from the woods.

Pausing on the side of the road, my shoulders give out and my duffel falls to the floor. My knees wobble and soon I find myself following my belongings.

The ground is cold and hard, but it was a great relief. I lied down until I was on my back, then I breathed out through my mouth.

Tears rolled down the sides of my face, hitting the ground beneath me. Thoughts of my life, the luna and alpha, and even Jason makes me miserable.

Leaving had been painful and hard. But I knew it was the best thing for me.

I stayed lying there for hours, probably. I was still there when the sun came out. There was still no sign of a car or a living being on the road.

One on hand, it was good. It meant I wouldn’t run into rogues and risk being hurt. While on the other hand, I just see how deserted the road is.

And I was dumb to not have taken food or water with me.

I was lucky to find a tree with some fruits which I had, without water. My throat was parched, my lips chapped.

It took three more hours but I found myself in a small town.

There was a small inn and I headed in, grabbing a seat randomly.

An elderly woman walks out of a door and she offers me a nice smile.

“Hi sweetie, what can I get you?” She greets, picking up her tab and walking to me.

“Water.” My voice comes out hoarse.

She eyes me with worry in her eyes before nodding. “Do you want anything with that water? We have the best tea in town.”

Her smile was suggestive, looking like she would plead with me to accept the help. I nodded, licking my chapped lips. I fought the urge to wince when I felt a burn.

“Okay, thank you.”

She turns and walks off. I exhale a breath of relief, looking around the place. It was homey and simple.

She returned with my tea and water, and a slice of pie, “on the house” she’d said. I thanked her and wolfed the food down in record time.

I was almost done when I heard the jingle of the bell as the door opened and a tall man walked in. He went straight to the counter where the lady was still standing.

They speak in low hushed tones so I couldn’t make out what they were saying, but she smiled and nodded when they were done.

My body shuddered in apprehension when the man started walking to me.

He has dark blond hair and a bulky build. He looks a few years older than me. Maybe in his mid twenties.

“Hey, can I join you?” His question was polite. Though he had an air of confidence around him, he didn’t seem forceful.

I’ve never been out of our pack, so I don’t know how the outside world works. But I don’t think agreeing to let a guy sit with me is smart.

“I won’t disturb you, I promise.” He smiles.

I shrugged and he slipped into the chair opposite mine.

I ignored him and focused on looking outside. You could see a few people walking. A mother pushing her child in a stroller. A father walking with his daughter.

The place seemed domesticated. I could picture myself living there.

That thought left a pang in my chest.

“You know you’re trespassing right?”

My head snapped up at those words.

My eyes narrow when what he says registers in my head.

He still looks gentle with that calm look in his eyes.

“I’m sorry.” I whispered. “I didn't know there was a pack here.”

He eyes me up and down slowly, like he wanted to see if I was telling the truth.

“I promise, I’m not trouble and I’ll leave right now.”

I started to get up. I tucked my hand into my jeans pocket to pull out the cash I have so I can pay the nice lady.

“I didn’t say you have to leave.” He nods to my duffel. “You look like you need a place to stay, but first, we have to let the alpha know of your presence. He isn’t a big fan of rogues.”

I didn’t blame him, knowing most alphas would go berserk if they found a rogue in their territory.

“But you don’t look like a rogue.” He says, sounding so sure.

I keep standing awkwardly, not sure of what to do.

“The alpha will be here in a few minutes, I’ll stay with you until he gets here.”

My hands start trembling when I think of what would happen when the alpha gets here. He would either suggest that they lock me up, or he’ll try to find which pack I belong to.

The man is right, I don’t look like a rogue and that is because I haven’t been away from my pack for long, so I’m still linked to them.

What if he calls the alpha and I’m forced to go back? The luna will want to know why I made this decision and I don’t want her to force Jason to take me back as his mate.

Will she even want me to be her son’s mate? I’m a nobody from no pack and he is their future alpha. Whatever she feels for me is not as strong as the loyalty she would feel towards their pack.

She must want the best for them, and I don’t need anyone to tell me I am not that. I know I am not.

“Will you stay here before I get back?” The man spoke again.

I jump, not expecting his voice.

I hadn’t noticed before but he has an aura of power and importance. He might be the beta or gamma at least.

“Yes.” I lied.

I already plan on running away the second he leaves.

“Don’t do anything smart. The entire pack is under surveillance.”