After a few minutes, I rose from the floor and made my way to the sink, splashing cold water on my face. My wolf was unwilling to remain here at the pack house; she was eager to depart. I understood that the agony of witnessing Elijah and Jane together would be unbearable. I knew I had to gather my strength and leave, but the thought of seeing them together was like a knife twisting in my heart.
As I pushed open the swinging door of the kitchen, I was confronted by several pack members who had overheard everything. Ignoring their judgmental looks, I lifted my chin defiantly, refusing to succumb to their whispers of disbelief, ridicule, and hateful comments directed at me.
"She’s just an Omega. What did she really think would have happened?”
“The Omega and the Beta? What were the fates thinking? Absolutely horrible match up”
"Good for him. Jane is a much better option."
"The Omega was his mate? Not the Alpha and Luna's daughter? What in the world is going on?"
"She doesn't deserve a beta."
“I can’t believe he rejected his mate! Who was it? Let me see. Oh, it was her, I would have rejected her too.”
I entered my cozy room, leaning against the door and gathered my thoughts. I sighed and shook the comments away from my mind. I moved to swiftly fill my backpack with three sets of comfortable clothes, some soap, and other essentials for the journey ahead. As I prepared to leave the pack house, I glanced down the usually bustling hallway, only to find it completely deserted. Intrigued by the quietude, I ventured into the kitchen to gather essential supplies: refreshing bottles of water, savory dehydrated meats, and a delicious assortment of trail mix. My eyes then rested upon the junk drawer, where I stumbled upon a sizable pack of matches. I carefully tucked the matches into my jean shorts, before finally closing the drawer.
Unnoticed by others, I stealthily returned to my room. I intended to stay hidden until evening, patiently biding my time until the sun vanished from the sky. To occupy myself, I skillfully packed all the items into my backpack, utilizing every last inch of space.
“Make sure you put the items in bags, so they will be waterproof. We will need to utilize the river.” Autumn reminded me.
I did as she instructed and noticed I had a bit of room to spare. I seized the opportunity to add an extra layer of comfort: a cozy pair of shorts and a soft t-shirt.
As night fell, I glanced at my cellphone. Rarely did anyone bother texting me, except for the pack members commanding me. I decided to obliterate it. Approaching, I grabbed one of my school books and repeatedly crushed the delicate screen of the cell until it ceased to function. Feeling a mixture of relief and satisfaction, I watched as the shattered pieces of the phone scattered across my bedroom floor. It was a small act of defiance, a rebellion against the constant control and surveillance.
“We should get moving.” Autumn urged me.
“So soon, do you think it is dark enough?” I asked her.
“Yes. Be sure though to take care of what you’re wearing and change out of it before we leave. I don’t want to shred more of our clothing than what needs to be shredded.” She told me and I agreed.
I made the decision to switch to a fresh, pristine outfit in order to maximize its durability during our escape. It was crucial that we made swift progress tonight and reached the river. Our plan was to swim downstream as far as possible, ensuring that my pursuers wouldn't be able to follow. If we were caught we would be in so much trouble, probably whipped and thrown into the dungeons.
I felt my heart race as I pulled on the backpack. I couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation as I prepared for the journey ahead. Standing at the doorstep, my mind filled with a mix of fear and excitement, I took a deep breath, ready to step into the unknown. The weight of the backpack reminded me of the challenges I was about to face, but I was determined to embrace them with every ounce of courage I had. I ventured out of the pack house and onto the nearby pack trail, which led me all the way to the river bank. As I glanced around the darkness of the night, I was astonished by how clearly I could see.
“Can I see this well because of you?” I asked Autumn.
“Yep! It is my night vision that has enhanced your vision.” She responded.
“Cool.” I stopped at the river edge, looking all around me. I slipped off my clothes, folded them up and stuffed them into the waterproof bag inside my backpack. My shoelaces were used to tie around one of the straps. I wasn’t too worried about them getting wet; they were old anyway. I took one more nervous glance around before shifting into my wolf.
After completing the shift, she eagerly leaped into the river. We gracefully swam downstream for nearly three hours, allowing the current to carry us effortlessly. After another hour, we successfully left the pack territory behind. With a decisive move, she headed to the opposite bank and skillfully pulled herself out of the water. Shaking dry, droplets of water flung in every direction. The cool breeze kissed her damp fur as she stood there, momentarily reveling in the refreshing feeling. She scanned the unfamiliar land ahead, ready to embark on a new adventure beyond the territories we had known.
We carefully navigated through the dense forest, our senses on high alert for any unfamiliar sounds. In the distance, a haunting howl echoed, causing us to freeze in our tracks. As the silence enveloped us once more, we continued our journey. After hours of relentless running, we stumbled upon a small cave just as the sun started to rise. With fatigue and hunger creeping in, we both knew it was time to rest and replenish our strength.
After Autumn cleared the cave, she allowed me to take control again. I lit a small fire, enjoyed my water, and had a bite to eat. The day's travels left me feeling weary. But the thought of finally being free made it all worthwhile. Despite the risk of being labeled a rogue, it was still better than my previous life.
After eating, I transformed back into my wolf form to ensure better protection. In case of any danger, not having to shift would keep me safer. We lay down and gazed out at the cave entrance. The forest gradually began to brighten with the rising sun. The warmth of the sunlight spread across the forest floor, casting long shadows that danced among the trees. The stillness of the morning was interrupted only by the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. It was as if nature itself had paused in reverence of the new day. I closed my eyes, surrendering to the serenity of the moment, gradually drifting into a peaceful slumber.
As I slept, my dreams carried me away, whisking me to far-off lands filled with endless possibilities and untamed adventures. In this ethereal realm, time seemed to stand still, allowing me to explore the depths of my imagination without limitation. With each step, I ventured further into the unknown, encountering fantastical creatures and breathtaking landscapes beyond anything I could have conjured in my waking hours. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of pink and gold, I knew that this dream would stay with me long after I awoke.