Help

Liana POV 

With shaking hands, I pulled my phone from my pocket. Thank goodness they hadn't taken it away. I quickly typed a message to Kaden, my friend at college, and Beta of the Midnight Claw pack.

"Please help. Need to talk. Emergency."

The minutes felt like hours as I waited, but it seemed he hadn’t read my message. Considering that it was midnight, he must be in his bed with at least three girls. I tried calling him, but my call didn’t go through. Guess, my stars were really horrible. But I couldn’t stay here. Quickly, I washed my wound and applied healing lotion. 

I paced my room, grabbing my backpack and stuffing it with clothes, my savings, and some food I had hidden in my drawer. Living with an Alpha like my dad had taught me to always be prepared. I headed towards the secret passage behind the kitchen pantry that only the alpha family knew about and was closed for ages. When I opened the door, it creaked on its hinges, making my heart beat faster. The narrow passage was filled with cobwebs and critters. Since I had great vision as a werewolf, I managed to get out of it safely. 

As soon as I was out, I dashed to the surrounding forest towards the area where there were no guards at this time. My legs burned with each step, but I pushed through the pain. 

Suddenly, I heard shouts behind me, my father yelling for the guards to stop me. Goddess, how could they find me missing so soon? But I didn’t look back. 

The cold night air hit my face as I burst into the forest. I kept running, my feet pounding against the dirt. The forest was dark and thick, but I didn’t slow down. I knew if I stopped, they would catch me, and I couldn’t let that happen.

The trees whipped past me, scratching my arms and face, but I didn’t care. I could still feel Rowan’s mark burning on my neck, reminding me of what had just happened. Tears ran down my cheeks, but I kept running. The moonlight barely lit the forest path, and my breath came in short, painful gasps. My vision was blurring fast after all the damage that silver ropes did to me.

I had no plan, no idea where I was going. I just knew I had to get as far away as possible. I stumbled over roots and rocks, my body aching, but I pushed myself forward. I could hear howls behind me, the sounds of wolves chasing me. They were coming after me, but I couldn’t stop. I wouldn’t let them take me back.

My vision blurred, and I tripped over a fallen branch, falling hard onto the ground. Pain shot through my arm, and I bit back a cry. I lay there for a moment, trying to catch my breath. The forest was quiet, except for the distant howls. I knew I didn’t have much time.

I forced myself to stand, ignoring the pain in my arm. I could see a stream ahead, its water glimmering in the moonlight. If I could cross it, maybe I could throw them off my scent. I stumbled toward the water, feeling the icy coldness seep into my shoes as I waded in.

The cold water stung my skin, but I pushed through, gasping as I crossed to the other side. I climbed up the bank, my clothes soaked and heavy. I glanced back, listening for the sounds of pursuit. For a moment, there was silence. Maybe I had lost them.

I took a deep breath, leaning against a tree. My whole body hurt, and I felt so tired I could barely stand. But I couldn’t rest yet. I needed to find help, someone who could protect me from Rowan. I had no idea where I was, but I knew I couldn’t go back to my pack. My father had betrayed me, given me away like I was nothing.

I wiped the tears from my face and started walking again, slower this time. The forest was dark and quiet, and every little noise made me jump. I was scared and alone, but I had to keep moving. I had to find a way out of this nightmare.

I walked for what felt like hours, my feet numb and my body aching. The moon was high in the sky, lighting up the path just enough for me to see. I had no idea where I was going, but I kept moving forward.

Finally, I saw a clearing up ahead. I stumbled into it, feeling like I was about to collapse. I looked around, my vision blurry with exhaustion. That’s when I saw him — a man standing in the middle of the clearing, looking at me with curious eyes. He was tall, with a strong build. 

His scent was different. Of leather and sweat and… pine. I felt a sliver of hope. Maybe he could help me.

"Please," I said, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I need help."

The wolf stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the mark on my neck. "You’ve been marked," he said, his voice deep and urgent. "By Rowan."

I nodded, tears filling my eyes again. "I didn’t want this. He forced me." Howls from the other side of the river pierced the silent night, making me crawl towards him. “Please help me.”

The man’s expression hardened. He looked like he was thinking about what to do. "I’m from the Midnight Claw Pack."

Oh, thank the goddess. Midnight Claw Pack. "Please," I begged. "Take me to your Beta. He’s my friend. I can’t go back. I need protection. Help me."

He studied me for a long moment, then nodded. "Alright," he said. "But you need to move quickly. It won’t be long before they find you."

Relief washed over me, and I nodded. "Thank you," I whispered. He stepped aside, and I followed him into the forest. However, my legs gave way, and I collapsed. The next I knew was that strong arms scooped me up against a very hard chest. I clutched his shirt’s collar, as we moved through the trees, and I felt a strange sense of calm settle over me.

I didn’t know what would happen next, but I had no choice than to trust him. It was my only hope of escaping Rowan’s cruel grip. I was scared, yes, but I also felt a small spark of hope. Maybe I could find a way to fight back. Maybe I could find a new path — a way to take control of my own life.

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt like I had a chance. And I wasn’t going to let anyone take that away from me.