Hiding from the Beta

Chapter Four

Tahlia’s pov

I looked at the window, a green sign on the road that said there was only twenty miles to Bemidji. I sighed, soon I could get off this damn bus. It’s been nice talking to CJ on and off on this drive. He helped distract me some. “I would feel a lot better if you at least came to town and spent a few days in the motel we have. It’s not much but it would at least keep you comfortable until you figure out a plan.” He said as he sat back down.

I sighed and looked back over at him. “You just don’t quit do you?” I asked.

He smiled at me, he has been hounding me more and more since we entered Minnesota. “I appreciate the offer but I think I will try and find my own way.” I told him with a smile.

“Well the offer stays open, if you need anything just give me a call.” He said as he handed me his business card. I smiled and opened my bag, tossing the card inside quickly.

“Thank you, it’s nice to know there is a friend out there. I just need to stay away from wolves for a while.” I said.

He took a heavy breath, “just don’t stay away so long that you go crazy. I would hate to be the one to have to put you down.” He attempted to joke.

I half heartedly laughed. I looked out the window, “Minnesota is beautiful.” I said softly.

He chuckled, “you think it’s beautiful now, just wait until fall. Colors everywhere, crisp air, perfect sweatshirt weather. Plus the constant smell of bonfires from everyone sitting outside next to one doing their best to soak up any outside time they can get.”

I shook my head and laughed, “okay, whatever you say.” The bus slowed and turned into another bus depot.

Once the bus had completely stopped I stood up and slung my bag over my shoulder. I couldn’t wait to get into the forest and go for a run. I needed to release my emotions before my top blew. I climbed down the stairs of the bus and out into the humid air.

Instantly I started sweating, as the wet air clung to my skin. I looked around my new surroundings, everything was gorgeous, the trees were full of green leaves, birds were chirping. Other than the humidity it was a really nice day out.

I sighed and started to walk towards the building of the bus depot when I spotted a group of men. They were all tall, well built, and looked as if they were looking for something. Suddenly I felt someone wrap their arm around my shoulders and turn me the other direction. I looked over and saw that it was CJ. ”Sorry, but this way is better.” He said quietly into my ear. “Those wolves are a bad group to be around.”

I looked at him confused, “what do you mean?” I asked him.

“I will explain later, I am bringing you back to my town, from there you can figure out what you need. I am not leaving you here on your own with that lot hanging around.” He said as we neared an old pick up truck. “Climb in.” He said as he opened the door.

I did as he said, I glanced back at the group of wolves he was talking about and saw that they were walking this way. “Grab that hat.” He whispered just before he closed the door. I looked to my left and grabbed a baseball cap that was bright orange. I pulled it onto my head and put my bag onto my lap tightly.

“Yo, CJ. What you doin’ all the way out here?” One of the men asked, his voice was deep with a slight growl to it.

“Official police business. None of your concern.” CJ growled back, he could definitely pass as a wolf if he didn’t have the strong scent of human.

“Who dat?” The other man said, I looked into the mirror on the side of the truck and could see the man that was asking questions. He wasn’t extremely tall, maybe five foot eleven inches. He was wearing a plain t-shirt, and camouflage cargo shorts.

“None of your concern.” Movement caught my attention and I saw another wolf standing in front of the truck. He narrowed his eyes at me, I could feel my heart rate increase. I pulled my hat down over my head.

“It is my concern, she is a wolf, not a human. Your laws don’t mean s**t to us.” The wolf said. “Give me the damn girl.” His voice was quite aggressive.

“Richie, it’s not your business. It is confidential, I legally cannot tell you anything about why I am here.” He said loudly. “So unless you have a court order in your hand stating that you have the rights to the case that I am working, I won’t be saying s**t to you. Plus, she doesn’t want to go anywhere with you.” CJ said loudly.

I jumped when another man jumped up by the window. I quickly turned my attention to the dash. I am thankful that the hat covered my hair and the bag covered most of my face. “Really? Is that right?”

“Really, that’s right. Now get your pals out of here before I call my buddies and have them arrest you all for interfering with a case.” He growled loudly.

“Shoot, fine. Let’s go guys.” He said.

I kept my eyes on the dashboard doing my best to ignore them wolves as they walked away. The driver’s door opened and CJ climbed in. I could see the men standing off to the side, watching us.

CJ didn’t waste any time turning on the truck and putting it in gear. Once we were a few miles away Cj said, “you need to lay low for a few days.”

“What was all that about back there?” I asked.

He sighed, “they’re a group of rogues. My alpha had set up a deal with them. They stay off of our territory and the town, he would ensure their safety in Bemidji. He just didn’t realize how much of a thorn in the side they would be.” He said.

“Why did he give them the deal?” I asked, “I have never heard of an alpha to allow that?” I said as I leaned back enjoying the air conditioning coming from the vent.

“It’s a long story, but the quick version is that they saved his 2nd chance mate once. So he decided to make the deal and ensure that they stay off his land at the same time.” CJ said with a smile.

“I guess that would do it.” I said before leaning my head back on the window.

“I will have to tell the alpha of your presence in the town. They won’t be too thrilled if they learn of you by stumbling upon you.” He said as he repositioned himself in his seat.

“You can’t!” I all but screamed.

He looked at me with wide eyes. “What do you want me to do then?” He asked, turning his attention back to the road.

I shook my head, “I don’t know, just don’t tell them.” I said, fear and worry bubbling up into my chest.

“Things could get really dicey if they run into you in town. The alpha doesn’t like trespassers on his land.” He said.

“But the town isn’t his land, right?” I asked.

He sighed, “well not technically, it is just very close to his land.”

“See, I won’t be trespassing, plus I won’t be there for very long.” I told him as I hugged my bag to my chest.

“How are you going to let your wolf out?” He asked me.

I sighed, “I will only be there for a few days, she won’t need to run in that time frame.” I said as I pulled my bag closer. My wolf had receded extremely far into my mind. I can feel her, I still have my wolf abilities, but her presence has dissipated.

He glanced at me with a confused look. “Don’t you guys normally need to run at least every couple of days?” He asked.

I nodded my head, “yeah, normally, when your wolf is healthy.” I told him. “Mine just took a huge loss, it will affect her not only mentally but physically as well. Haven’t you been around wolves who have lost their mates?”

He nodded his head, “never a young wolf, our pack is pretty large. We don’t get attacked very often.”

I looked at him curiously as he continued to keep his eyes on the road, “which pack is that?” I asked.

“Oh, it’s the Night Shadows Pack.” He said, sounding quite proud.

“What? I thought they were in Canada.” I told him.

He nodded his head, “the territory is actually really large, it spans all the way up to Winnipeg. There are multiple wolf settlements throughout it. He checks in on them once every two weeks, and has a group of warriors settled at each one to guard. There are some human cities that are in there too, but he just makes sure the wolves know to steer clear of them.”

“They absolutely cannot know that I am here. Their alpha has always refused to become allies with my pack.” I told him as I pulled my legs up onto the seat, in an attempt to make myself smaller.

“Look, you’ll be fine. Okay, I will just inform him that there is a refuge staying in town and to steer clear. Okay?” He asked.

I shook my head, “no, as soon as I can I will get out of there. You don’t need to tell him.” I told him. He sighed but didn’t say anything else.

The rest of the drive was mostly quiet, he asked a few questions here and there but it wasn’t long before a small town could be seen in the distance. As we got closer a green sign said, ‘Forest Pine Hills Population six hundred and ten.’

I sat up a little straighter and looked around, the town was small but there were a ton of businesses lining the main road. There was a dress boutique, a diner, that obviously sold milkshakes based on the sign hanging off the building. There was an auto mechanic shop, a clothing store, a second hand store, a cute little bank, and a fairly large grocery store all on one side of the road. The other side had a gas station, a motel, another restaurant, a shop called ‘toys, books and more’ and a small library. “Now if you’re going to stay more than a few days, let me know.” He said pulling into the parking lot of a small motel.

I jumped out, “okay, thank you.” I said.

“Call me or just walk over to the police station. It’s behind the library, it’s in the same building as city hall.” I nodded my head and closed the door. He drove off honking his horn as he jumped back onto the main road.

I sighed and looked around, I jumped when a voice sounded from behind me. “Can I help you?”

I whipped around and was met by a man a couple years older than me, roughly. He wasn’t super tall, max six foot, he had black hair that was a mess, sticking out oddly all over his head. He had the most gorgeous baby blue eyes. He was wearing a grey button shirt with matching pants, the shirt said Timothy, on one side, and Maintenance on the other side.

“Sorry, I was just looking for a room.” I told him.

He smiled, his bright white teeth almost glowing in the sunlight. “Well come on in, Doris can get you set up.” He said with a big smile.

I quickly followed after him, he held the door open and I walked through the door leading inside the dark blue building. As soon as I walked through the door I was blasted with the cold air conditioning. There was an odd smell of incense and something baking, something with bananas. “One moment, I will be with you.” A voice called out from behind a curtain that was hung over a door. My guess is that it led to the back room.

“No worries Doris, take your time.” He hollered back.

“Timothy, is it just you, sweet heart?” Her accent was thick, obviously from the south.

“No Doris, there is a new guest for you, but you’re okay, I can distract them for you.” He said as he smiled and winked at me.

I couldn’t help but smile in return. “Okay, one minute, I just can’t get this darn box open.” The voice sounded strained as she must really be fighting with that box.

He smiled and shook his head with a small chuckle, “how long will you be staying?” He asked.

“Oh, um, just a few days. Just passing through.” I said as I pulled my bag further up on my shoulder.

“Just a few days? Where are you headed?” He asked, what is with all these people asking questions?

I looked towards the curtain, “nowhere in particular, what is with all of you guys asking questions all the time? CJ was asking every question he could think of..” I said.

“Well, before you go you should try The Diner, their milkshakes are to die for.” He said with a smile. He turned and started to leave, “it was nice to meet you-“

“Tahlia.” I told him.

“Well Tahlia, it was a pleasure, and for the questions, it’s Minnesota, it's what we do. ” He said before he turned and walked from the room back out into the heat.

I jumped when the sound of metal on metal bounced around the room. I turned to see that Doris had pulled the curtain back. She was wiping her hands on a towel, “now darling, what can I do for ya?” She asked, keeping her head down as she continued to wipe her hands.

“I need a room, if you have one.” I said softly.

She looked up at me and she eyed me up and down. “Oh my, aren’t you just the cutest thing to ever walk through these doors.”

I looked down at my muddy clothes and knew my hair was probably a mess. “Excuse me?” I asked her.

“Darling, you’re gorgeous. There is no way you’re walking around here alone, do you need one bed or two?” She asked me with a big smile.

“Just one, and yes I am alone.” I said.

She looked at me, slightly surprised. “Alright, one bed,” she said as she started to flip through the computer on the counter. “Here you go, that would be sixty dollars a night.” She said as she started to fiddle around with keys.

I grabbed the envelope from my backpack and pulled out two one hundred dollar bills. She looked at me as I laid the money down, “you really shouldn't be walking around alone with that much cash sweetheart.”

I quickly took the twenty dollar bill back from her and shoved it back into my bag. “Thanks, I think I can manage.” I said as I grabbed the key off the counter.

“I just need to see identification before you go.” She said softly.

I sighed, “do you really?” I asked.

She nodded her head, “sadly I do. Do you have any?”

“Is it going to go into a computer system?” I asked.

“It won’t.” She said, I dug through my bag for my wallet. I pulled out my ID and she took it. “Who are you running from?” She asked.

I bit my lip, “I don’t want to talk about it. Can I have my ID back, please?”

She sighed, “okay, I live in the apartment above the motel if you need anything.” I snatched my ID and took off out the door. I looked at my key and it had the number five on it. I looked up and saw my door nearly at the end of the building. I quickly walked over to the door and slid my key in. I turned it and walked in as quickly as I could. Once I was in I slammed the door and heaved a sigh. The air conditioning was on and the room was cool. I locked the door and then collapsed onto the floor.

Finally all the pain I had pent up was finally making its presence known. I cried and cried, my body shook from the pain, my wolf howled in my head. We were both hurting more than we would ever like to be. I wish I would have died too, it would have been better than dealing with this heartache.

After a while I sat up and pulled out the picture of all my friends. Andy was in there, he was dead, my mate was gone forever. My father will be looking for me, I know that much. He still expects me to marry Nathaniel. He killed my mate. That’s all I could think about right now, that horrible man killed Andy. I so desperately wanted to be with him, he was the man I had fallen in love with years ago.

“We will avenge him.” My wolf growled, her grief now being replaced by anger.

I shook my head, “no, we will never go back. I can’t go back there.” I cried out as more tears washed down my face. She began to whimper as another wave of pain hit my chest like a freight train.

“We need to get vengeance, the man that was supposed to be our father killed our mate. He killed our mate while his back was turned and with a poisoned blade. He deserves death, he deserves the harshest of deaths there are.” Daphne, my wolf, cried out.

“I know, I know you think that, but that’s not vengeance. Staying on the run for as long as we possibly can is what we need to do. The longer we are on the run the angrier that alpha, he wants us to marry, will be.” I told her as I held the picture to my chest.

“Fine, but if we get a chance to take him down,” she said, but I finished her sentence for her.

“We take him down. I promise.” I told her.

“Good. I want to know that someday I may get to taste his blood.” She growled.

I sighed and closed my eyes, imagining that my mate was lying next to me. Tears silently padded down my cheeks as I thought about Andy. Daphne receded further back into my mind, I could feel how weak she was. After a while I slipped off into sleep.