5: Tragedy strikes again!

CAMERON

“We were so close to leaving the hellhole behind us.” my sister whispered, and I couldn't help but nod. We had almost gotten out of freedom if my insufferable mate hadn't caught us. “What is his deal anyway? I thought he rejected you because he doesn't want you. He should have been glad you were leaving.” Juliet added, making me shrug. Though I didn't tell her, I know Carlos' reason for keeping me around. After all, he did sag the last time we talked. His wolf cares deeply for me. And I am sure Carlos is worried it may withdraw if it loses his mate and sees, and there is more hope. That would be awful, especially for an Alpha because it is their wolf entity that is actually strong. 

“For now we have to stay put.” I sighed, making Juliet grunt in discontent. “He will be watching us.” 

“I know.” She breathed, discarding her jacket, and climbed onto the bed next to me. I cuddled her closely, promising that it was just a matter of time before another opportunity presents itself and I will be able to get us the life that we deserve. If only I had known how wrong I was…

********

We woke up the next morning like nothing had happened the night before and got started on our chores. Carlos popped in the kitchen, perhaps to ensure we hadn't escaped after all. He skipped out as fast as he came. 

“He likes you,” Juliet stated with a frown.

“It's his wolf,” I argued. Luckily, she didn't dwell on it for long, and we were able to go about our day. It was past noon when we heard a loud scream go up in the air. Juliet and I exchanged a curious gaze, but after a while of silence, we shrugged the whole thing and kept preparing lunch. We didn't want to risk the warriors coming back from their hunt and not find lunch ready. 

Another scream went up. Followed by multiple howls. It was alarming, and we couldn't ignore it any further. Curiously, Juliet and I decided to go outside and see what was up. The sight that met our eyes is something neither of us anticipated. A group of more than a hundred rogues were in the compound and warriors were trying to fight them off as civilians ran to safety. I guess nobody was thinking of us, 'cause no one even alerted us. “What are we going to do?” Juliet asked, looking around desperately. It was just a matter of time before the rogues scent us. It didn't help that we were the only ones around. 

“For now, nothing.” I rasped, pulling her tightly by my side. I steered her back slowly as our watchful gaze scanned the compound. And then we heard it. A dangerous growl behind us. I dreaded turning, but there was no way I could not. We came face to face with an angry, ugly-looking rogue snapping its canines, ready to lunge. I pushed Juliet behind me and shifted. The last thing I heard was Juliet's chilling scream and my mate's frightening howl.

******

I attempted to open my eyes, but I couldn't. And every part of my body ached. I groaned painfully and felt a presence beside me. “Cameron,” a shaky voice whispered hoarsely and in relief. Who is Cameron? I wondered.  I know I have heard that voice before, but I couldn't place it. “Cam, baby, please open your eyes.” The same voice begged, caressing my face gently. I got more confused. It felt like it was me the voice was addressing, but my name is not… Wait, what's my name? Fuck! I can't remember.

I needed to open my eyes and get some answers. After a struggle, I opened my eyes and I found a rather gorgeous fella towering over me.  “Who are you?”  I asked. He seemed taken aback by my question because he blinked, once twice, and then whispered. 

“It's me, Carlos,” 

“Carlos?” I frowned, darting my gaze around the room. I saw the Carlos guy beckon some woman. 

“Why doesn't he know who I am, Doc?” She stepped past him and came to hover over me instead. She had a tiny flashlight that she used to cause discomfort in my eyes before she began asking a million questions.

“What's your name?”

I could feel it at the back of my mind, but I just couldn't articulate it. So, I shook my head sadly. “Your name is Cameron Walker.” She said kindly. “I am sure it will come back to you in time.” She added just as my eyes began to water. 

“What do you remember?” 

Again nothing! And it was frustrating. The Carlos guy asked the doctor to let me rest and that perhaps I will regain whatever memories I had lost. “Who are you?” I asked him. He gazed at me for quite a while without saying a thing, and then I heard his voice in my head. 

“I am your mate, little one.”  I jerked, wincing in the process. Surprisingly enough, I knew what a mate meant. But still, it didn't explain how I got into the position I am.

“What happened to me?” Carlos looked away uncomfortably.

“I didn't protect you.” He whispered shame-faced. “I almost lost you to the damn rogues.” Another term I was familiar with. 

“You were with me?” 

He shook his head sadly. “You were with your… yo… your… friend.” He stuttered. 

“Where is he?” I looked around the ravish room we were in, hoping to see this friend.

“She died, Cameron.” He whispered. “Your friend died. I couldn't save her.” 

A heavy sadness settled in my heart. Indeed, I didn't remember who my friend was, but I felt pain. Immense pain. 

“What was her name?” 

“Juliet.”