a's

nimal. The moment she saw me, she rushed forwar

u alright?" she asked, her hands flutter

across my face for the first time in what felt l

? What are you talking ab

pearance, his shocking claim, and his offer of protection. As I spoke, Vicky's expr

g my hands tightly. "He's a good Alpha, Debra. Strong, honorabl

e," I added. "He said to meet

"Of course, I'm coming. Did you t

he few belongings I truly cared about. I carefully gathered the clothes my mother had made for

carefully in a soft piece of velvet and tucked them into a small wooden box. I would not leave the

hopeful energy buzzing between us. No one disturbed us. It seemed my father and M

oom. The guards were gone from the hallway. We moved like ghosts through the silent corridors, my

sed, my hand hovering near the doorknob. A part of me, the little girl who still c

it was pointless. He had made hi

oor and followed Vicky t

inks and oranges of sunrise. A sleek black car was parked just beyond the pack line

. He pushed off the car as we approached, his sil

, a hint of a smile

" I asked, a newfound conf

ed. His gaze fell to the fo

ing that matt

driver, emerged from the car and quickly loaded our lug

I felt a pang of sadness for the life I was leaving, for the mother

s leather seat of the car, Vicky beside me. Ezekiel got i

cloud of dust. I was heading into the unknown, but for the fir