Return Of My Wolf

Chapter Two

I've never been in the woods when its dark. Isn't that when the monsters come out to play? Well, that's what my parents always told me when I was little, and I guess the fear I felt then has always stayed with me.

Its peaceful, not that that is necessarily a good thing. Especially when walking with a bunch of wolves, or as I prefer to think of it, being escorted, it sounds better.

It feels like we have been walking forever, but that could be because my feet and legs are screaming at me in agony. Guess that's what I get for running what must have been for miles.

But, one good thing is that I've had time to think.

I realise that I don't want to die, don't want to disappear without a trace. I guess those feelings are normal though when you've just lost your entire family.

At this thought, silent tears start to slide down my cheek. I've lost him. My big brother is dead, gone. I'm never going to have one of his over protective lectures again, and as much as they irritated me, I'm going to miss them, miss the terrible jokes he would make, just to see me smile, miss the way that I felt safe with him, no matter the situation. I'm going to miss him more than I can ever say.

I wipe my eyes and face at the same time as I let out a small chuckle as I realise that I could still die anyway. Oh the irony!

This earns a nudge from the familiar wolf and sideward glances from the rest. I'd completely forgotten they were there.

After walking a bit longer, we have wandered onto what appears to be an estate of some kind. A gasp escapes my lips at the sight before me, its stunning.

A beautiful victorian style mansion, with lights illuminating the front, showcases the ivy that cascades down, the moon creates an almost halo like ring over the roof, which highlights the features of the old building.

As we reach the base of the stairs that lead up to the front door, I bump into something soft. I look in front of me and there is one of my wolf escorts looking less than impressed. Is that even possible for a wolf?

"Sorry", I mumble. Guess this where I need to stop.

I start to fiddle my thumbs as I'm waiting. I don't know what I'm waiting for, but I'm starting to feel unsettled. Surely, if they wanted to kill me, they would have.

Just then, a loud booming sound pierces the silence, followed by a creak. I look up and notice the front door of the mansion is opening. All I can see is darkness, why is there no lights on? Its weird, but maybe they just eat loads of carrots. I hold back a chuckle at that thought, not knowing what would happen if I let it out.

My eyes stay focused to the entrance as a man appears. I'm sure my mouth drops open, he is an absolutely gorgeous silver fox. The muscles on his arms trying to escape the hold the sleeves have on them. The strong, defined jawline looks so sharp, like it could cut through metal. His silver hair reflects the moonlight as he walks.

He makes his way down the stairs and from the corner of my eye, I can't help but notice that all the wolves bow their heads. As I look at them, I'm sure I see a swirl of hurt flit through the familiar wolfs eyes, and I'm hit with a sense of sadness.

A throat clearing snaps my attention away and towards the man in front of me. With a raised eyebrow and a wave of his hand, he dismisses the wolves and they obey, leaving and moving round the corner of the house.

"Let me introduce myself. I'm Aldrich, alpha Aldrich". He states proudly with the most confidence and authority I have ever heard and seen.

My body starts to shake, palms go sweaty, eyes goes wide, throat goes dry and my voice strains, as I stammer, "alpha".

Alpha as in werewolf, as in big bad wolf, as in the over protective, possessive territorial creature of the books I read.

A deep chuckle fills the silence, dragging me away from my thoughts. "Bit stereotypical, don't you think?" An amused look laces his face.

My jaw drops as realisation hits me that I spoke aloud. I was just about to apologise when he holds up his hand to stop me, "its okay. I guess there's a lot to talk about. But first, come in and clean yourself up". He gestures to the cuts on my face as he says the last part.

I wince at the pain when I move my hand to my face, and let out a hiss. I forgot about the cuts that laced my body.

I start to take step back, contemplating whether or not I could run. Silly idea, I know.

The man in front of me, that claims to be an alpha, simply raises his eyebrow, almost like he knows what I'm thinking.

Before I get chance to go any further, the rationale side of me kicking in, realising I won't get far at all. Plus I don't want to be wondering around the woods in the dark.

A curt nod of my head is all it takes for him to lead the way into the darkness before me.