Thorne

5

I sat on my bed and looked at the stack of books on my nightstand. I picked up the first one, a mystery novel with a dark cover, and flipped through the pages. But as I read, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had read it before.

I sighed and set the book down, feeling frustrated. I had hoped that reading through these books would help me remember something, anything, about my past. But as the minutes ticked by, I was no closer to discovering who I was.

Just then, I heard a knock on my door. It must be Rachel coming to pick me up.

"Come on, Ana, we have to hurry!" Rachel said, tugging on my arm. "The sale at the clothing store is almost over, and I don't want to miss out on any of the good stuff."

I laughed, letting Rachel lead me through the pack village towards the store. Rachel and I had become good friends over the past few days, and I had come to enjoy her bubbly personality and infectious enthusiasm.

We arrived at the store just in time, rushing through the doors and making a beeline for the sale racks. Rachel started pulling out dresses and tops, exclaiming over each one and urging me to try them on.

I shook my head, laughing. "I don't know, Rachel. I'm not really a dress person."

She pouted. "Come on, Ana, you have to try something on. You can't just stick to jeans and t-shirts all the time."

I hesitated, but eventually gave in, trying on a few dresses and tops that Rachel picked out for me. I have to admit, it's fun to try on different clothes and see how they look on me. It had been a long time since I've had the chance to shop like this, and I started to feel more like myself.

"See, I told you!" Rachel said triumphantly as I twirled in front of the mirror in a flowing red dress. "You look amazing, Ana!"

I smiled, looking at myself in the mirror. Rachel is right – I do look good in this dress. It's been so long since I've felt confident and attractive, and it's a nice feeling.

"Okay, I'll take it," I said, grinning at Rachel. "Thanks for pushing me out of my comfort zone."

She grinned back at me. "Anytime, Ana. Now let's go find some shoes to match."

As we continued shopping, Rachel started pulling out clothes that were more practical and work-appropriate. "You're going to need some clothes for your job at the library, right?" she said. "I know Genevieve, and I'm sure she'll be happy to see you in something a little more presentable."

I nodded, grateful for Rachel's thoughtfulness. She was right – I did need some work clothes, and I didn't want to show up for my shifts looking like I had just rolled out of bed.

We spent the next hour trying on different outfits, finally settling on a few pairs of jeans, some comfortable blouses, and a couple of cardigans. Rachel even helped me pick out a cute scarf to wear around my neck, and I had to admit, I was starting to feel more like a professional librarian.

"Thanks for all your help, Rachel," I said as we headed to the checkout. "I really appreciate it."

She smiled, looping her arm through mine. "Anytime, Ana. I'm just glad I could help."

As we continued shopping, Rachel suddenly got a mischievous look in her eye. "You know what we should do next?" she said. "We should get your hair cut!"

I hesitated, running a hand through my long, tangled locks. My hair was starting to look a little wild. But the thought of cutting it all off makes me a little nervous.

"I don't know, Rachel," I said. "I'm not sure I'm ready for a big change. I only have so much of my past to hold onto, and whoever I was, I chose this hair."

She rolls her eyes. "Come on, Ana. It'll be fun! I'm sure you trimmed your hair previously, judging by how healthy it is. And you can just ask for a little trim. Trust me."

I finally gave in, letting Rachel lead me to a nearby salon. As the stylist snips away at my hair, I can't help but feel a little nervous. What if I don't like the new look? What if it's too short or too different?

But as the stylist finishes up and hands me a mirror, I can't help but gasp in surprise. My hair looks amazing – shorter, but still with plenty of body and bounce. It frames my face perfectly, and I can't stop touching it, marveling at how soft and smooth it feels. She styled my long blonde hair with curtain bangs, and then curled it. Previously, it had gone down to my waist but now it was just a few inches shorter.

"Rachel, it's perfect," I said, turning to her with a huge smile. "Thank you so much for suggesting this."

She grins back at me. "I knew you'd love it, Ana. You look amazing. AND..." she emphasized, "It will be perfect for when I take you out tonight in that hot red dress."

I gasped. "Rachel!" I squealed, knowing she had been planning this from the beginning.

As we left the salon and headed back to my apartment, I couldn't help but feel grateful and happy. It's been a long time since I've had someone to share these kinds of experiences with, and it feels good to have a friend like Rachel.

As the evening approached, we headed back to Rachel's house to get ready. She took me into her room and started pulling out makeup and hair products.

"I'll do your makeup, if you want," she said, holding out a tube of mascara. "I'm pretty good at it, if I do say so myself."

I agreed and sat down in front of the mirror. As Rachel worked on my makeup, I watched in the mirror as she transformed my face. She started by applying a light foundation, smoothing it over my skin to even out my complexion. Then she added a pop of color to my cheeks with some blush, and finished it off with a dusting of bronzer to give my skin a sun-kissed glow.

Next, she moved on to my eyes, starting with a base of creamy eye shadow. She blended in a few different shades, creating a smoky, sultry look that made my eyes look bigger and more defined. She finished it off with a few coats of mascara and a swipe of black eyeliner, and I couldn't help but feel like a totally different person.

Finally, Rachel focused on my lips, applying bold red lipstick that gave me a confident, sassy look. I couldn't stop staring at myself in the mirror, amazed at how different I looked.

"Wow, Rachel," I said, turning to her with a huge smile. "You're amazing. I can't believe how different I look."

She grinned back at me. "And now for the dress!"

Rachel hands me the beautiful red dress we got at the mall, and I slip it on with a pair of black heels. I can't help but feel a little self-conscious as I look at myself in the mirror – I'm not used to wearing such fancy clothes.

But Rachel reassures me, telling me that I look amazing and that I'm going to have a great time tonight. She puts on a sleek black dress and some heels of her own, and we both take a few selfies to document the occasion.

As I look at myself in the mirror, I can't help but feel a little self-conscious. I'm not used to wearing dresses like this – it's been a long time since I've dressed up and gone out for a night on the town. But Rachel assured me that I looked amazing, and I have to admit that I do feel pretty.

The red dress hugs my curves in all the right places, and the black heels make my legs look a mile long. My hair is curled and styled in soft waves, and my makeup is done to perfection, with smoky eyes and bold red lips. I can't help but feel a little bit like a movie star as I take in my reflection.

I take a deep breath and remind myself that tonight is all about having fun. I'm not here to impress anyone – I'm just here to let my hair down and enjoy myself. And with Rachel by my side, I know I'll have a great time.

As we headed out into the night, I couldn't help but feel a little nervous. But I push those nerves aside and focus on the present moment. I'm excited to see what the night has in store for us, and I can't wait to see what adventures we might have.

We spotted Ethan and Marcus sitting at a table in the corner, and we made our way over to join them. As we approached, I could see the surprised looks on their faces as they took in my appearance.

"Wow, Anastasia," Ethan said, his eyes widening. "You look amazing."

"Thanks," I said, feeling a little self-conscious. "Rachel did my makeup."

"Well, she did a great job," Marcus added with a smile. "You look beautiful."

I could feel my cheeks flushing as I thanked them both, and we sat down to join them at the table.

The bar was a cozy, intimate place, with dim lighting and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The walls were adorned with all sorts of knick-knacks and mementos, giving the place a homey, lived-in feel. The music was soft and mellow, and the air was filled with the sound of laughter and conversation.

We ordered a round of drinks and settled in for a night of chatting and laughter.

As the night wore on, Rachel turned to me and asked about how I found that little house in the forest. "So, Ana," she said, her voice filled with curiosity. "What was it like out there? How did you walk all the way to that cabin?"

I hesitated for a moment, not sure how much to reveal. I didn't want to worry anyone, especially since I still had no memories of my past. But at the same time, I didn't want to keep anything a secret.

"It was pretty rough out there," I said, trying to be as honest as possible. "Thankfully, I found that house. It wasn't easy, but I made it through."

'How do you think you hiked all the way there?" She pressed. "I mean the nearest town is like 100 miles away, and we know you aren't from here."

Ethan shifted uneasily in his seat, his eyes darting back and forth between Rachel and I. "We should probably let her talk to her therapist this weekend first," he said, his voice laced with concern. "I mean, I just feel like she might benefit from that, before we interrogate her too much."

Marcus nodded his head, and gave Rachel a look that I didn't miss.

I shook my head, trying to reassure them. "I'm okay," I said. "I don't remember anything about my past, and I have no idea how I ended up in that forest. I just woke up there with no memories, and I had to find my way back to civilization on my own."

Ethan and Marcus nodded, but I could see the worry etched on Ethan's face. I couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind – it seemed like he started acting strange ever since I mentioned the man in the cave. Or was he really just concerned about my well-being? Whatever the reason, I knew that I needed to find a way to put his mind at ease.

At some point, Ethan signaled to the bartender to bring us a round of drinks. I hesitated for a moment, not sure if I had ever been drunk before. But then I shrugged it off, thinking that one drink couldn't hurt.

The bartender brought us our drinks, and we clinked our glasses together and took a sip. The alcohol burned a warm path down my throat, and I felt my head start to swim.

Once we had a private moment, I turned and tapped Ethan on the shoulder.

"Ethan?" I said softly, "you seem worried about me, but I want you to know that I'm not going to break down crying or anything. I don't mind talking about what happened, and I actually find it helpful. Like maybe talking about it will help me to get my memories back."

His expression softened, "I know Anastasia, but I thought that tonight you deserved a break from all of that."

I nodded, smiling, "Yea, I guess maybe your right. But don't worry so much about me, okay?"

"Of course I worry about you," he said, carefully, "You just need to let me."

I nodded and rolled my eyes playfully. After our conversation, the bartender came and interrupted us with the new drinks Ethan had ordered everyone. I knew I shouldn't have kept drinking, but I couldn't help myself. The atmosphere was electric, and I was having so much fun that I didn't want the night to end. So I kept drinking, laughing and chatting with my friends, and before I knew it, I was completely and utterly wasted.

"Ready for another round?" Ethan asked again, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

I hesitated, feeling a little dizzy. "I don't know, Ethan," I said. "I think I've had enough."

Ethan leaned in closer, his breath hot on my neck. "Come on, Anastasia," he whispered. "Let's have some more fun."

I pulled back, feeling uncomfortable. "Ethan, I don't think this is a good idea," I said.

But Ethan wasn't listening. He leaned in, his lips inches from mine. "Come on, Anastasia," he said, his voice low.

I turned my head, avoiding his lips. "Ethan, no," I said firmly. "I'm sorry, but I don't think this is a good idea right now."

Ethan looked disappointed but didn't push the issue. "Okay, Anastasia," he said, holding up his hands in surrender. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

I nodded, relieved that he had backed off. I was feeling so dizzy and disoriented that I could barely stand up. I knew I needed some fresh air, so I stumbled out of the bar and into the cool night air. I heard Ethan call after me, but he didn't follow me.

I took a few deep breaths, trying to clear my head, but it was no use. I was completely and utterly drunk.

I stumbled along the sidewalk, my feet feeling like they were made of lead. I had no idea where I was going, but I knew I needed to get away from the noise and the crowds.

As I walked, I felt a strange sense of familiarity wash over me. It was like I had been here before, but I couldn't remember when.

Suddenly, I heard a rustling in the bushes. I turned to see a wolf staring at me, its blue piercing eyes glowing in the darkness.

I froze, unsure of what to do. The wolf seemed to be watching me, as if it were trying to communicate something. I felt an urge to go towards it.

I took a step back, my heart racing with fear. And then, I heard the door to the bar open behind us. Startled, the wolf disappeared as if it had never been there at all, vanishing into the night.

"Ana!" I heard Rachel call.

I stood there for a moment, my head spinning and my heart racing. And then, with a sudden surge of clarity, I turned and stumbled back towards her. I knew I needed to get help, and fast. Everyone was sitting at the bar, and as soon as they saw me, they stood up.

"Anastasia, are you okay?" Ethan asked, a look of concern on his face.

I nodded, trying to focus my eyes. "I saw a wolf outside," I said, my words slurred. "It was a giant black wolf, and it was staring right at me."

Rachel's eyes widened with shock. "Was it all black?" she asked, her voice laced with fear.

I nodded, feeling a sudden surge of anxiety. "Yes, it was completely black," I said, my voice shaking. "What does that mean?"

Ethan looked at me gravely. "It means we need to leave," he said, his voice low and urgent.

I looked at my friends, confused. "What are you talking about?" I asked, my head spinning.

Ethan took my arm and helped me to my feet. "We need to get out of here," he said, his voice urgent.

I looked at my friends, feeling a sudden sense of panic wash over me. I had no idea what was going on, but I knew that we had to get out of there fast.

Together, we rushed out of the bar and into Ethan's car, my heart racing with fear and uncertainty.

As we drove to the office, Ethan was quiet, seemingly lost in thought. I wondered if he was regretting what had happened at the bar, or if he was just feeling the effects of the alcohol.

When we arrived at the office, Ethan turned to me, a serious expression on his face. "Anastasia," he said, "about what happened at the bar..."

I held up my hand, cutting him off. "Ethan, let's not talk about it," I said. "It's in the past and it's best if we just forget about it."

He nodded, looking relieved and then got on his phone to make some phone calls. Shortly after, people began trickling in and speaking in hushed tones.

As the leaders and elders discussed their plans, it became clear that they believed the black wolf was an 'alpha wolf' who had come to scope out the pack to see if he could invade. The atmosphere in the room was tense and serious, as everyone knew that this was a major threat to the pack's safety and security.

"We need to gather all of our resources and be ready to defend ourselves," Ethan said, his voice grim. "We have to stand strong and united."

"But, Ethan, who could it even be? We have peace treaties with almost all the packs on this side of the globe!" Rachel exclaimed.

I was starting to get the picture that I was in the dark about a lot more than I thought. Alphas, invasions, peace treaties.. I was lost as to what everyone was going on about. And how could an animal signal an invasion?

The conversation carried on, but I stopped Rachel privately. "Rachel, what is going on?" I tapped on her shoulder, " I don't understand. How you guys are getting all of this based on a wolf!"

"Anastasia, that wasn't a wolf. It was a werewolf." She said gravely. " Your amnesia must have extended beyond the wolves revealing themselves to humans, but, at this point, it's just dangerous to keep you in the dark."

I stood silently staring at her. "Wait, what?" I whispered. "That was not the answer I was expecting."

"Look, we don't have time for this now." She explained. "We'll talk later, and for now just sit and observe, okay?"

I nodded, and sat down to listen, but as the meeting went on, I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. There was something familiar about the black wolf that I had seen outside the bar, something that made my heart race and my stomach twist.

And then it hit me. The black wolf was someone I knew.

I couldn't believe it. I had no memory of my past, but somehow I recognized this wolf. I turned to Ethan, my eyes wide with shock. "Do you know who the wolf is?" I asked.