CHAPTER 3

LIORA BROOKS

DUSK CAME QUICKLY and I found my opportunity. Neither Natalie nor my uncle Sylvester was back, so it was easy for me to sneak out without any issue. I grabbed some snacks from the fridge before I slipped out the door.

The hard part was trying to avoid the people of the pack and the patrol guards, they would definitely seize me and take me back to my uncle to be punished, which I knew he would do with glee. Avoiding being noticed in a werewolf pack was harder than it sounds because you don’t only have to remain visually hidden, you also have to make sure that you remain on the opposite side of the wind to prevent your scent from being carried to the people – and they would investigate and find you. That was the hardest part as I crept through the woods. I kept my head down, occasionally crawling on all fours.

I went on for long minutes, but I knew that I was not even close to getting to the border. The Blackspire pack had a very large land size, but I was determined even if it was going to take me hours, I was not going to stop.

The moon rose quickly, illuminating the whole woods in its pale blue rays. I could see clearly now and I sped up my movement. The patrol guards would soon start patrolling more often so I had to – a loud exploding sound shook the air, I immediately plastered myself to the floor in fear.

I heard shouts of panic and yelling. The night sky was suddenly enveloped in an orange glow. Something was burning, and it was burning fiercely.

What was that? I wondered to myself as my curiosity piqued, but I could not allow myself to be distracted. I took one last glance at the direction of the glow. Perhaps this was a good thing, the pack would be too busy trying to put off the fire that they would not notice my disappearance.

I had barely moved a few meters when a yell echoed the air, making me freeze and my blood went cold. It was the voice of my uncle, “The silly girl set my house on fire!”

What? Who? Me?

Those questions dissipated from my head as soon as I heard his next words, “FIND HER AND BRING HER BACK TO ME!”

That could not happen. I didn’t do anything except trash his office unless that had somehow triggered the fire… but it should have happened while I was still there waiting for dusk, not after all these hours. I crept into a hollow tree as the shrubs beside me rustled. The men were getting closer to finding me, but I could not let that happen. I clamped a hand over my mouth and held my breath, grateful that the pungent smell of woods and humus hid my own scent so the men walked by obliviously.

I crept out of my hiding place and broke out into a run. The border was just a few yards away, if only I could reach there, it would be easier to hide from everyone. I can even make my way to the human town and live my life as a human. My redemption was only a few metres away and I was running with all my might to get there when I was suddenly jerked from behind and thrown to the floor. I cried out in pain, but still scrambled towards the borders.

I felt strong fingers wrap around my ankles and pull me back. My gown rode up my thighs exposing my flesh, and I was flipped over on my back. My uncle stood over me with a wild look in his eyes. His gaze roamed my thighs and he licked his lips. “You think you can ever leave here?” he laughed. “You want to escape this you stupid bitch? Even after setting the house on fire.”

“I did not do it,” I cried. “I did not…”

“Oh I don’t expect you to admit to your crimes,” he grinned. “But be assured that you are going to suffer the punishment while I enjoy you. In fact, why don’t we start now?” he laughed, gripping my arms and holding them over my head. “You know what?” he said as his other hand caressed my belly. “When I’m done here, I don’t care what you do next, you can get lost.”

Was this the price I am going to pay for my freedom? I asked myself. Was it a price I was willing to pay?

“Don’t worry, Natasha,” he said. “We are going to enjoy it.”

That was my mother’s name. He had just called me by my mother’s name. I bucked against his weight as he started undoing his zipper to free his erection.

“Let me go!” I thrashed under him. “Help!!”

“Shut the fuck up!” his palm connected solidly against my chin. “No one is coming to save you. No one knows you are here.”

That did not deter me as I still fought but I could feel my strength draining out.

“Beta Sylvester, is that you?” a man’s voice called from the distance.

He cursed under his breath as he zipped up and arranged his pants before clearing his throat and saying, “Yes, I found her as she was about to run away.”

The two guards rushed forward. “And you subdued her like a proper Beta,” they said. “Nice work, sir.” One of them grabbed my upper arm and hoisted me to my feet. “You have a lot to answer for, young lady.” He growled.

I looked at my uncle. He had a bitter look on his face as the guards led me away. I have been saved again, but I don’t think I would be so lucky the next time as long as I remain here. I have to find a way out.