The Alpha's Runaway Queen

Chapter 13 - The figure

Jasmine POV

From the pack lands, I walked to the east, staying off-road. Eventually, after following the flow of a stream, it led me to a crossroads. Closing my eyes, I imagined myself as Reagan. I knew even if I told him not to look for me, I was sure he would. Opening my eyes, I took a deep breath and sprinted across all the roads, my heart racing with the fear of being seen, before remembering to drink the potion I made for myself. It would dampen my scent, making me…untraceable.

I continued to walk further east and then found myself in the next town. It was quiet, most of the houses dark and the streets empty. I stuck to the shadows, making my way towards the center of the town. I needed a place to rest and regroup.

As I walked, I noticed a diner still open. The neon sign flickered, casting a dim light on the deserted street. My stomach growled, reminding me that it was almost breakfast. I thought of grabbing a quick bite and then heading out before the dawn breaks. I pulled the hood of my jacket up, hoping to blend in, and made my way inside.

The diner was nearly empty, save for a couple of early patrons and a perky waitress behind the counter. I slid into a booth at the back, trying to keep a low profile. The waitress approached, and I ordered a cup of coffee and a sandwich.

As I waited for my food, I couldn’t help but think about everything I’d left behind. My parents, Aunt Kendra, Uncle Sam, Kaia, and Reagan. Especially Reagan. I could not imagine the look on his face when he found out I was gone. I knew he would be furious, but I couldn’t let that stop me. It was just…we were not…I was not meant to be there. I needed my freedom. I had to find my own way.

When the waitress brought my food, I thanked her quietly and dug in. The coffee was hot and bitter, and the sandwich was simple but filling. It was a small comfort in the midst of the chaos inside me. I ate quickly, knowing I couldn’t stay long. The longer I lingered, the higher the risk of being found.

I left some money on the table and slipped out of the diner, pulling my hood tighter around my face. The early morning air was cool, and I shivered as I waited in front of the diner. There was supposed to be a bus coming that way going west. My plan was to go to the city four hours away and then fly out. I had booked a flight to another country. I planned to stay there for a couple of weeks before I flew to another country. It was my dream to travel, to see the world, and I would make the most of it before I pursued studying.

My wait came to an end when the bus finally arrived. I climbed on, keeping my head down. I found a seat at the back and settled in, hoping to go unnoticed. The bus was nearly empty, and I kept my gaze out the window, watching the scenery change as we left the small town behind.

The ride was long, and I dozed off a few times, waking with a start each time the bus hit a bump. Bridget remained silent, but I could feel her presence, a comforting weight in the back of my mind. She was upset, I was sure of it, but she didn’t say a word to me. I wanted to ask her, but I knew whatever she would say would hit me hard.

Finally, we arrived in the city. The bustling streets and towering buildings were a stark contrast to the quiet town I’d just left. I stepped off the bus, feeling excited and scared. That was it. My new beginning.

I wandered through the city, taking in the sights and sounds. It was overwhelming, but I felt a strange sense of freedom. No one knew me there. I could be anyone. I could start over.

But I knew I couldn’t let my guard down. I needed to stay alert, to be careful. My flight was still the next day, on my birthday. I booked it that way because I didn’t want to be shifting mid flight in case of delays. I would be shifting that night and I wanted to be on the ground. If I shift on the plane, that would give the people on the flight a huge scare, which could make me a news sensation.

I found the cheap hostel I booked online, grateful for a place to rest. The room was small and cramped, but it was clean and safe. That would be fine for a place to stay for one night.

As I lay on the narrow bed, I thought about what my next move should be. I only have a few clothes with me. I would dispose of them eventually, including the kicks Reagan bought for me, the one with us matching.

After a long nap, I decided to leave the room and get something to eat. It would also be a good time to be out as it was already dark outside.

Dinner was buffalo chicken wings and fries. I was so full after the dessert that I decided to walk around the big park nearby. The entrance was well-lighted. There were a lot of people going here and there. I went in and was mesmerized by how they could have that grand nature in the middle of the city. There could be a good spot where I could shift. There were trees everywhere and I could hear the sound of a stream. Walking further, I felt a strange sensation. Bridget stirred, and I could sense her unease.

“What is it?” I asked, looking around. I had walked into the dark part of the park. It wasn’t strange to me as I was accustomed to it with all the patrol duty I did back in the pack. However, I should remember that I was not in our territory anymore. I could be in somebody else’s territory.

“We’re being watched. Let’s go back,” she replied.

I scanned the area but saw nothing out of the ordinary. I shook off the feeling, but Bridget remained on edge. I walked back, my senses on high alert.

As I walked back, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being followed. My heart raced, and I quickened my pace. I turned a corner, glancing over my shoulder but saw no one.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me. I spun around, but it was too late. A figure emerged from the shadows, the face hidden by a hood. My heart pounded in my chest as I took a step back. Bridget growled, ready to defend us. Defend us? But how? I had not had my first shift yet.

“Who are you?” I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.

The figure didn’t answer. Instead, it lunged at me. I dodged to the side, but it was fast. Too fast. It grabbed my arm, and I felt a sharp pain as its claws dug into my skin.

I fought back, using what I had learned from my years of training, using every bit of my strength. I managed to break free. Bridget surged forward in my mind, lending me her power. Wanting to get back at the creature, I did a quick jump and then kicked the face of the perpetrator, making it stagger backward, eventually falling to the ground.

I waited for a few seconds to see if the figure would stand up, but it didn’t. Bridget nudged my mind and urged me to run. There might be others in the park who could ambush us. My wolf didn’t have to say anything further. I had dreams and I still wanted to live through my eighteenth birthday. Not wanting to wait anymore, I took off running, my heart racing.

I didn’t know where I was going, only that I had to get away. The city streets were a blur as I sprinted through them. I rounded a corner and ducked into an alley. I pressed against the wall, my breath coming in ragged gasps. It came as a shock when I heard footsteps getting closer. I took a sniff and smelled burnt wood, which I connected to the smell of the figure from the park. I knew then that I had to move. Spotting a fire escape, I scrambled up it, my hands shaking as I climbed. I reached the roof and looked around, searching for a way out. The city stretched out before me, a maze of buildings and lights.

I heard a noise behind me and turned to see the figure emerging from the fire escape. There was no time to think. I ran, leaping from rooftop to rooftop. The chase seemed to go on forever. My muscles burned, and I felt like I couldn’t keep going. But I couldn’t stop.

Finally, I reached the edge of a building and looked down. There was a narrow alley below, and I knew I had to jump. I took a deep breath and leaped, praying I would make it. On the way down, I jumped from ledge to ledge. When I was about two floors up, I jumped down. I hit the ground hard, pain shooting through my legs. I scrambled to my feet, ignoring the pain, and took off running again. I didn’t look back. I couldn’t.

I finally reached a busy street and blended into the crowd, hoping to lose my pursuer. I ducked into a convenience store, trying to catch my breath.

“We’re safe for now,” Bridget said.

I nodded absently, trying to steady my racing heart. I didn’t know who that was or why it was after me, But I knew one thing for sure: I couldn’t stay there. I had to keep moving.