Chapter 1: A walk in the woods.
I grabbed the box off the truck “This is the last one, George.” I said, as I placed it neatly into the storage unit.
George looked at me, a solemn expression on his face “You sure you want to do this kiddo?” He questioned me.
George was my father’s best friend and has been so good to me, ever since my parents passing. I don’t know what I would have done without him, he has been the support system I didn’t know I needed in order to get through this. I stood there, staring into the unit, glancing around at my whole life, that was now neatly packed into boxes.
I inhaled deeply “Yes, I am sure. I need to do this, for myself and for them.” This was a decision I had struggled with for some time, but in the end, I decided it was the best thing for me to do.
George placed a hand onto my shoulder and lightly squeezed “I understand.” He smiled reassuringly, even though he was against me doing this, I know he would never stop me.
I glanced once more, than quickly slammed the door shut, before I did change my mind and backed out.
After what felt like an eternity of driving and every song that was downloaded to my phone, I had finally arrived at Killarney Provincial Park, my first destination. This was the most important destination and was the first on my list because of that. I stepped out of the car, stretching my muscles and limbs. I began to feel overwhelmed, that I was actually here and here without them, it felt a bit surreal. I gazed around at the park, it was so beautiful and lush. The trees stood tall and proud, as far as the eye could see. My goal was to reach Killarney lake, it was a long and treacherous hike through the Crack trail, but I was determined to make it.
I grabbed all of my gear, locked the car and began my journey. I took my time as I walked through the trails, admiring the beauty that surrounded me and capturing photos of anything that stood out. It was so peaceful and calming here.
I had been on the trail for a few hours now and the sun was beginning to set, making me realize that the day had slipped away from me and soon, darkness would be upon me. Thankfully, I was prepared and had brought a small tent with me, just in case.
I walked a bit further and noticed a small opening in the trees, almost like a path. I was a bit hesitant to go off the trail, but I wanted to set up somewhere that I would have coverage. I veered off the path and into the clearing, it was clouded with brush for a few feet, but then cleared up a bit, revealing a clearing that was just off the path and was perfect for setting up my tent. I had set down my things and gazed around me at the beautiful view. I truly was astonished at the scenery here. I began to get everything together, taking my time and setting things up how I wanted it, when I heard a loud growl come from behind me. I instantly froze, as my heart began to race and my breathing became ragged. I knew there were large animals out here, I had just hoped to not run into any of them, luckily George, gave me some bear spray. I did my best to remain calm, trying not to make any noise or sudden movements. I bent down and slowly reached into my bag to grab the can of spray. I stood back up and gradually glanced around, staring into the trees around me, looking for any signs of an animal.
Another lethal growl resonated off the trees, but this time, if came from my left and sounded much closer. I looked all around me, but couldn’t see anything and I was rapidly losing light, making it harder for me to see. The sound of branches cracking flooded my ears, as a vicious snarl came from behind me. I turned around and was horrified at the sight before me. A large reddish-brown wolf stood before me, I wanted to scream, but nothing came out. The wolf was massive and broad, but also beautiful in all his glory, I was shocked and scared half to death, however I also admired the beast before me. The wolf now stood in an attack position, his large ears folded back and deadly sharp teeth bared.
Panic was rising quickly within me, I gripped my spray tightly and pulled the trigger, aiming it directly at him. The wolf whimpered loudly and stumbled backwards. I took this as my opportunity, not wasting a second and bolted in the opposite direction. I ran as fast as my legs could take me, but within mere seconds, a loud howl rang throughout the forest, rattling me to my core, knowing I had now pissed the beast off even more. The sound of the wolfs paws, began to pound against the forest floor, echoing all around me and informing me, that he was coming and fast! I continued to run, dodging branches, leaping over rocks and fallen branches. My chest and legs began to burn and ache. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a small cave, big enough for me to hide in. I picked up speed and dove in, burying myself into it, so not to be visible. I took some mud and leaves from the ground and rubbed it all over my body, hoping to mask my scent.
I covered my mouth and closed my eyes. Never had I been so scared in my life before, my heart felt like it was going to blow out of my chest. I could hear the wolf pacing around outside of the cave, growling and snarling.
After a few minutes, I didn’t hear him anymore. I peeked out slightly and the coast was clear. I slowly emerged, looking all around me and just when I thought he was gone, he leaped in front of me, causing me to stumble over a rock and fall flat on my ass.
My breath hitched and my body trembled with fear, as he closed in on me. I thought for sure I was going to die, I closed my eyes, waiting for him to tear me to pieces, but something firmly gripped my arm and yanked me off the ground. I whipped my head around to see what had ahold of me, not expecting to see a large man. The man towered over me, he was so large and muscular, with light brown hair and bright brown eyes. He grinned down at me, before everything went dark, as I felt something hit me hard on the head.
Damon POV:
I sat at my desk and slammed my fists down, cracking the wood “We need to increase border patrols, I want those f*****g rogue’s heads on a spike, understood!” I boomed at one of my warriors, he was a newly recruited warrior, but he knew his obligations and duties.
He nodded rapidly “Of course, Alpha.” He then quickly scurried out of my office.
For the third time this week, the rogues had infiltrated my territory, putting my pack at risk. They had managed to kill two of my warriors and I had enough of this s**t, they had to be taken care of, sooner than later. If my father found out about this, he wouldn’t hesitate to strip me of my Alpha title for failing to protect the pack and fulfill my own duties and obligations.
A knock came at my door “WHAT!” I snapped.
My beta, Luca entered “Alpha, we have a problem.” He said quickly.
I groaned “What now?” I seriously don’t think I could handle anymore s**t right now.
“Brian and I, were doing our rounds, when we came across an intruder. She had attacked Brian, minimal injuries. We have her in custody, down in the holding cells.” He explained cautiously.
For f**k sakes, this is not what I need right now. I pulled at my hair in frustration and stood to my feet, prepared to go down to the cells and take care of things.
Luca didn’t move, he remained where he was and put a hand up, stopping me “There’s one more thing?” He said hesitantly.
My brows pulled together and I raised an eyebrow at him in question.
He sighed heavily “She’s a human.”
I growled loudly “What? You brought a human here! To our pack!” I was beyond angry at my Betas decision to bring a human into our pack, this could put our kind at risk.
I stood quickly from my chair, causing the chair to fly into the wall “What the f**k were you thinking Luca?”
He took a step back “She had attacked Brian, Alpha. We thought she may be a threat and that it would be best, that she be captured and brought back here.”
I rubbed my hand down my face, beyond frustrated at this point “Do you understand the s**t you’ve just caused me?”
He lowered his head in shame “I apologize Alpha. We thought she may be a hunter. Should I release her?”
I shook my head quickly “No, she can’t be released. She must be executed, in order to protect our pack and our kind.”
Luca pursed his lips and didn’t respond for a moment “Of course, Alpha.” He finally agreed.
I pinched the bridge of my nose “Take me to her, I want to speak with her, make sure she isn’t working with hunters or that anyone else is with her. I don’t need or want anyone coming here looking for her.” I rounded the desk and stormed out of the office, rage coursing through my blood.
Amelia’s POV:
The smell of blood and metal flooded my nostrils, making me groan in distaste. I opened my eyes and tried to sit up, but my head began to throb. I raised my hand and held my forehead, causing the chains on my wrists to rattle, then the memories came back. I began to panic, as I looked around the room, only to find myself chained up in a make shift cell. I tried to stand, but the chains restricted me from doing so. I yanked on the chains as hard as I could, but they didn’t budge and just dug into my wrists.
What am I going to do?
My heart was pounding out of my chest, as fear took hold of me. Suddenly, I heard voices and footsteps nearing the cell and then two very large figures appeared before me. One of them was the man that had knocked me out and the other man, I didn’t recognize. I froze, staring at the strange man, he was taller than the other and built like a s**t brick house. He was wearing a tight-fitting shirt, showcasing his muscles and jeans that hugged his curves, like they were made for his body. He had short dirty blonde hair, bright blue eyes and a sharp jaw line. He was beautiful and built to perfection, I was so entranced by him, that s****l arousal between my thighs, causing me to squeeze my legs together.
He stood there staring at me, before leaning down slightly and unlocking the cell door. He bent down, as he entered the cell and closed the space between us, he was even bigger up close, as he towered over me. He now stood in front of me, his scent was intoxicating, I closed my eyes and inhaled it, letting it calm me, why the hell is my kidnapper having this effect on me. I opened my eyes and stared deep into those blue orbs of his, as his eyes roamed up and down my body, taking in every inch of me. The large man lifted his hand and moved a piece of my hair away from my face, his touch sent tingles down my spine. A slight smile began to form on his face, but just as fast as it appeared, it was gone and his eyes had now turned pitch black. The same hand that was so gentle a moment ago, was now tightly gripping my throat, as he slammed me against the wall, making me gasp in fear and in pain.
I struggled to breath and began to claw at his arm, trying to get him to let go of me, but it was pointless, he was too strong and my scratches clearly had no effect on him.
His blue eyes stared into mine “Who the hell are you? And what are you doing here?” He sneered.
I gasped for air “I…I..ca…” My vision was becoming blurry now and my chest began to burn from the lack of oxygen. Realizing this, he dropped me onto the floor and bent down, so he was eye level with me. I coughed and took in large gulps or air, trying to regain myself.
“ANSWER ME!” He shouted in my face.
I glared at him for a second, then cleared my throat “I…I was hiking.” I managed to get out.
He raised an eyebrow, a bewildered look on his face “Hiking?” He asked, curiously.
“Yea, you know that thing that people do sometimes. I came here to hike through the forest, when that guy.” I pointed towards my capture “Hit me on the head and brought me here.” I motioned around me.
He furrowed his brows “What’s your name?” He questioned.
I scoffed “What does it matter? You’re probably going to kill me, so why introduce myself.” I spat.
“I asked you a question, now answer me.” He said, in a lethal tone.
I groaned “Amelia, my name is Amelia. Now can you please let me go? You have no right to kidnap me and keep me here, when I was just f*****g hiking.” I yelled in his face, I was becoming angry now.
He raised his hand and backhanded me across the face “Do not raise your voice at me! And I will do as I please.” He stood to his full height and towered above me, snarling down at me. He turned on his heels and towards the door.
He glanced back at me “Keep her here……for now.” He said to the other man and he nodded in response.
My eyes widened in shock and horror “No, let me go. You can’t f*****g do this.” I hollered at him. I stood up, as much as I could and struggled with the chains, pulling on them with all my strength. I could feel them digging into my skin even more, as blood began to drip down my fingers, but I didn’t care, my panic level was now in overdrive. Tears began to prick at my eyes, as I feared for the worst, he stopped in his tracks before exiting the cell, but didn’t look back at me.
“Please, I’m begging you, don’t do this.” I pleaded with him, as tears were now streaming down my face.
He straightened himself and continued out of the cell, locking the door behind him and disappearing from my sight.
“f**k!” I screamed aloud.
I came here to Killarney park, just to go hiking, as a tribute to my parent’s memory. I just wanted to relax and enjoy myself, try to ease the pain I was dealing with, the heartbreak I was enduring and now, I was completely screwed. I collapsed to the ground and began to sob, thinking about the fact that my life was now over, I was going to die or rot in this cell for the rest of my days.