Chloe, the 18-year-old daughter of Alpha Taylor and Luna Kathleen, was a mysterious figure in the pack. Two years younger than me, she had always been kept under lock and key, never allowed to attend Werewolf High or any other school outside the pack's territory. I had never understood why, but it had created a rift between her and her parents.
Chloe's parents were overprotective of her, and she felt suffocated by their rules. She was not allowed to go anywhere outside the pack's territory, and her parents refused to explain why. This led to Chloe becoming rebellious, often sneaking out of the house to explore the world beyond the pack's borders.
Whenever Chloe retaliated against her parents, I was the one who got punished. It wasn't fair, but I had grown accustomed to being the scapegoat. I had never been treated fairly in my life, so I didn't expect anything different now.
I knocked on Chloe's door, but there was no response. I opened the door and peered inside, calling out her name. But the room was empty, and the window was wide open. I quickly ran to the window and looked out, and my worst fears were confirmed. A tied rope dangled down the side of the house, and I knew Chloe had sneaked out again.
I felt a sense of dread wash over me. Now I would be the one to bear the brunt of her actions. I knew I had to find her and bring her back before her parents found out. I sighed and began my search, knowing that I would have to face the consequences of Chloe's actions once again.
As I searched for Chloe, I couldn't help but wonder why her parents were so overprotective of her. What secrets were they hiding? And why did they refuse to let her attend school or leave the pack's territory? I knew I would never get the answers, but I couldn't help but feel that there was more to the story than I knew.
I continued my search, determined to find Chloe and bring her back home before things got out of hand. But as I walked through the forest, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. And I knew that I wasn't the only one searching for Chloe.
As I descended the stairs, my body grew colder with each heavy step. Beads of sweat formed on my temples in anticipation of the punishment that was soon to befall me. I could feel the weight of Luna Kathleen's gaze upon me, her eyes boring into my skin like icy claws.
"Why are you coming down alone? Where is Chloe?" Luna Kathleen queried in a stentorian tone that sent chills down my being. Her voice was like a whip, cracking with anger and impatience.
I hesitated, my mouth dry and my heart racing. Josh was already at the dining table, his eyes fixed on me with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Alpha Taylor, too, was watching me, his expression stern and unforgiving.
Why aren't you saying anything? Cat got your tongue, Lorraine?" Alpha Taylor questioned, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I tried to speak, but my voice caught in my throat. I stuttered and stammered, my lips shaking with fear.
"Speak before I rip out your tongue with my claws, Lorraine! Luna Kathleen bellowed, her eyes blazing with fury. I flinched, my heart racing with terror.
Chloe...Chloe isn't...she isn't in her room, I managed to stammer, my voice barely audible.
Did she sneak out again? “Josh asked”, his voice laced with amusement.
Chloe isn't in her room?! Alpha Taylor sprang up, his face darkening with anger.
Yes, Alpha, it...it seems she sneaked out again, I stammered, my eyes downcast.
I told you, didn't I, Lorraine? Always keep an eye on Chloe, but you never listen. Now she's sneaked out again! Luna Kathleen fumed, her voice rising to a crescendo.
I'm sorry, Luna, I uttered, my voice barely audible.
Sorry? Sorry, don't bring my daughter back to me! Luna Kathleen bellowed, advancing angrily towards me. Alpha Taylor held her back, but I could see the fury in her eyes.
We'll find her, dear, Alpha Taylor assured, his voice calm and soothing. I'll send some pack warriors to look for her, and we'll find her.
But Luna Kathleen was having none of it. You will also go and look for my daughter, Lorraine, she fumed, her eyes blazing with anger. And do not dare return without finding her, because if you set your filthy feet into this house and my daughter isn't here yet, I will make you suffer miserably!
As I stepped out of the mansion, I heard Josh's voice calling out to me. Lorraine, he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. I'm surprised you're still here.
I turned to see him standing by the door, a smirk plastered on his face. I'm...I'm sorry, Luna, I stuttered, before quickly dashing out of the house.
But Josh's words followed me out into the night. If only you had made me happy back there in the bathroom, then maybe I'd have been able to put in a favorable word for you and prevent Mum from sending you out in the middle of the night. But you remain so overly stubborn, and this will be your punishment. Next time, make your choice wisely, Lorraine, because yes, there will be a next time, and I haven't had my fill of you yet.
I shuddered at his words, feeling a chill run down my spine. I knew I had to find Chloe and get back to the pack's territory as soon as possible.
As I trudged down the lone pathway, the moonlight casting eerie shadows on the ground, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The wind was picking up, and the trees creaked and groaned in the darkness. I squinted my eyes to see properly, my heart racing with every snap of a twig or hoot of an owl.
Where would I possibly find Chloe in this weather? I thought to myself, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. She couldn't have possibly strayed farther from the pack's territory, could she?
I knew the dangers of being a wolf outside of our pack's territory at night. I had heard stories of wolves being beaten up and molested by other wolves from high-ranking packs. I didn't want to think about what could happen to Chloe if she was out here alone.
Chloe!!! I called out several times, my eyes scanning the surrounding area. But there was no response.
I knew I had to keep moving. I had to find Chloe and bring her back to the pack's territory before it was too late. I took a deep breath and proceeded into the dark, stormy night, muttering a silent prayer as I went.