The Alpha's Runaway Queen

Chapter 15 - New begginings

Jasmine POV

When I first left, fear was my constant companion. Every shadow held a potential threat, every face a possible tracker. The nights were the worst. Alone in my hostel room, I could feel the presence of the creature that had haunted me since that night in the city. Sleep was elusive, and when it came, it brought nightmares.

However, as the days turned into weeks, something began to shift. The sun, the sea, and the friendly faces of strangers started to work their magic on me. I found myself smiling more, laughing even. It was like a heavy cloak of anxiety was slowly being lifted off my shoulders.

I spent the first month hopping from one beach to another. Each day started with the sound of waves crashing against the shore and ended with spectacular sunsets that painted the sky in shades of pink and orange. The ocean became my sanctuary, its vastness a reminder of how small my problems were in comparison.

I made a habit of jogging along the shoreline, the salty breeze filling my lungs and the soft sand cushioning my steps. It was different from the regimented training I was used to. There was no one to impress, no goals to meet. It was just me, the sand, and the sea. Sometimes, I’d run into locals who were always curious about the girl who seemed to never tire. “You have so much energy,” they would say, and I’d just smile and shrug.

During one of those runs, I met Luca, a surfer with sun-bleached hair and a permanent tan. He taught me how to surf, and we spent countless hours riding the waves. I have unlocked another achievement.

“You’re a natural,” he said one day as we paddled back to shore.

I laughed, feeling the kind of happiness that had been foreign to me for so long.

But the beach wasn’t only my destination. After a month of sun and surf, I craved a change of scenery. I headed to the mountains, seeking the solitude that only nature could provide. The air was crisp, the landscape rugged and beautiful. I hiked for miles, exploring trails that would through dense forests and up steep cliffs. It was a challenge, but one I relished. Bridget seemed to enjoy it as I let her run around as much as she wanted to.

The mountains also gave me time to research about the figure who attacked me back in the park. I spent hours in small-town libraries, poring over texts and folklore. The stories were varied and often contradictory. My mind would think it was just a rogue. I never encountered one, but from the stories that I heard, they smelled of rotting flesh. The one who attacked me smelled of burnt wood. It was unsettling, but also fascinating. Nevertheless, I was grateful that I was able to escape.

After a month in the mountains, I decided to explore a historical city I had learned about in history class. The city was a living museum, its streets lined with centuries-old buildings and monuments. I wandered through cobblestone streets, visited museums, and soaked up the rich history.

The historical city was a treasure trove of knowledge. I spent hours in its libraries and archives, learning about its past. It was a reminder of how much there was to discover in the human world. But it was also a reminder of how different I was. I missed the physical challenges of pack life, but I didn’t miss the pressure, the constant need to prove myself.

For the time I had been with humans, I could say it was a stark contrast to the life I had known. Humans moved at a slower pace, and seemed to lack the vitality that was second nature to werewolves. I had to constantly remind myself to blend in, to not draw attention. I also had to stop using magic in front of people.

After a few weeks in the city, even though I love the sights I had seen, I flew to an island. I loved the beach life. That time, I decided to stay longer. I found a part-time job as a lifeguard and a server at a beach front shake shack, roles that allowed me to stay active and enjoy the ocean. The jobs were straightforward, but it gave me a sense of responsibility. Plus, they kept my mind occupied, preventing unwelcome thoughts from creeping in.

One day, while on duty, I saw a young boy struggling in the water. Without seconds thought, I dove in, my muscles responding instinctively, I reached him just in time, pulling him to safety. His mother ran up to me with tears in her eyes.

“Thank you,” she said, hugging her son tightly.

“Just doing my job,” I replied, but inside, I felt a surge of pride. It was a small reminder of the protector role I had been born into, and it felt good to be able to use my abilities to help someone.

Life on the beach was idyllic. I made friends with my coworkers, spent my evenings around bonfires, and even learned how to play the guitar. But as much as I enjoyed it, I knew it was time to think about the future. The academic year was approaching, and I needed to decide what to do next.

I had applied to several universities and was thrilled to learn that I had been accepted to all of them. Now, I just had to pick one. I wanted a place far enough from home to truly feel free, but also somewhere I could build a new life. Studying my options, Viden City became the top choice. It was known for its wealth and opportunities, a place where I could reinvent myself. Moreover, it was about sixteen hours worth of land travel from the Royal Pack. It was far enough for me.

Sitting on the beach one evening, I made my decisions. Viden City it was. I sent in my acceptance and started making plans. There was a lot to do, but I felt ready for the challenge.

As my departure approached, I took one last look at the beach, the place that had given me so much peace and joy. I knew I would miss it, but I was also excited for the new adventure ahead.

My flight to Viden City was uneventful, but as the plane descended, I got excited and nervous. This was it, a new chapter in my life. I was ready to embrace it, to make the most of the opportunities ahead.

As I stepped off the plane, I took a deep breath. The air was different, filled with the promise of new beginnings. I smiled, ready to face whatever came next.