A vice-like grip clutched at my heart at the thought of finding Crystal like the werewolf in the photo. Lying dead in the forest, mud mixed with blood with its amber eyes. The last sight would have been their executioner.
Crystal
I grimaced at the slight prick of pain as the needle pierced the skin on my arm. I pushed the wolfsbane into my vein, needing to disguise my scent until I could get out of the territory and away from my mate, who was determined to find me.
I had stayed here long enough and it was time to move on. That part of me that wanted to be able to stay in a familiar place I had called home for nearly my whole life was strong but the fear of the repercussions made me push it aside. Staying wasn't an option and I was only making it harder by entertaining ideas of it.
A slight unexpected noise outside the small cottage made me hurry to the window in the small bedroom I had called my home for the last two weeks. I peered out into the surrounding forest. It was dark but I could still make out the silhouette of two people walking to the door.
From the height and build of the two forms, I could tell they were men.
Panic slammed into my chest. I stepped into the hallway when there was a slight knock at the door. Claire's gaze found mine as she mouthed the word 'hide.'
Back in the room, I slid under the bed as quietly as possible. If I made any sudden sounds they would hear me. Despite my pounding heart in my ears, I strained to hear what was being said.
Had Kyle discovered my hiding place? Panicked thoughts flitted through my mind as I tried to figure out what two men would be doing knocking on Claire's cottage at this time of the night.
I heard the door open and Claire greeted her unwanted visitors. Scouts patrolling around the edge of the territory occasionally stopped by to check on her but there was something ominous about this particular visit.
"You have to come back to the compound." I recognized the raspy voice belonging to Michael.
"But I don't want to leave," Claire argued. I felt my heart speed up. Why were they making her leave?
"It's only a temporary move until the danger is eradicated," another voice explained, and I recognized it as Sean's.
They were only a few years older than me so I knew them well.
"What danger?" Claire asked, sounding breathless and a little frightened.
"There is someone murdering rogues on the edges of the territories," Michael explained.
Someone is murdering rogues. The thought echoed in my mind. I tried to keep as calm as I could. If I overreacted I would draw attention to myself. If they found me they would make me go back to the compound. I couldn't let that happen.
"You'll need to stay within the safety of the compound until the person responsible for the killings has been captured or taken care of."
My mind was reeling from the information.
"Can I at least pack some clothes?" Claire asked.
"Sure," Sean said. "Just don't take too long."
I heard the footsteps as they left the house and waited on the patio outside. Then I heard the hurried lighter feet of Claire drawing closer as she walked down the hallway.
She appeared in the doorway. I slid out from under the bed as quietly as I could. Her eyes were wide and panicked.
"Come with me," she whispered so softly I could barely hear her. I grabbed her trembling hands in mine and I was already shaking my head. Going back to the compound wasn't an option for me. If I did, Kyle would find me and then there would be no escape.
I wouldn't be able to hide my gifts. And it would only be a matter of time before that meant death for me. I wasn't supposed to exist. My presence would only bring death and destruction to him and the pack members who were my family and loved ones.
"I can't," I mouthed, not wanting to risk the two werewolves waiting outside overhearing.
Claire looked at me with sadness before she hugged me like it was going to be the last time she saw me. For all I knew it would be. There was no guarantee for my safety once I left the small cottage that had been my refuge.
I felt the sting of tears but refused to allow a single one to drop down my face. I hugged her close before I released her. Not wanting them to come back inside to see why Claire was taking so long, I helped get a bag out of her closet while she grabbed some clothes from her dresser.
A few minutes later she had packed everything she needed, and I zipped up her bag.
"Keep safe," she whispered softly before giving me a kiss on the cheek and hugging me tightly. I breathed her in and the peace it gave me for a moment before I released her.
