Never Surrender

Chapter One

Jogging up the front porch steps after taking an all morning and afternoon run, I entered the large 3 story pack house that had been our home for the past few years. The scent of fresh food wafted out as I opened the door, while children chasing one another laughed and screamed in delight. Sweat dripped from my forehead, my clothes had been slightly soaked and my once bright flaming hazel green eyes were now darkened from my long run. I didn't stop to ask any questions or for any small talk, heading straight for my bedroom for a long relaxing shower. I made my way through the house, towards the grand staircase and took it two steps at a time. My room was on the very top floor, down the hallway and the 7th door on the right. After the stair climbing, I turned down the hall and made a straight beeline for my room.

My room was a place that I could always feel safe and content in. It was a very large space with its own en-suite. I had enough shelving units and bookcases due to my love of history and books. My bed was a large king that had been hanging from the ceiling near my French door windows that lead out to a medium sized balcony. I had chosen this specific room for it's amazing view of the mountains. My room faced the Northern side of our territory which was surrounded by majestic mountains.

My body was now bare of sweaty and dirty clothing and was now tossed in a hamper that rested just inside my bathroom. I then walked over to the counter where I turned on my cd player and pushed play, seconds later the sound of relaxation music filled the room. I bent down and opened the cabinet doors before glancing over my multiple different bath salts. Once I had decided on what I wanted I grabbed them and set them on the counter, before walking over to my large jetted tub and started to fill it with hot water. Once the tub was filled, I turned on the jets and added my salts and scented oils to the water and inhaled the soothing scents. My body instantly relaxed as I settled myself down into the tub and closed my eyes.

An hour or so later, I emerged from my en-suite completed refreshed, relaxed, and wearing my sky-blue silk robe. I made my way towards my over-sized walk-in closet and looking through the clothes that I had. A soft knock sounded at my door, alarming me that I had a visitor. I walked out of my closet and headed over to my door and answered it. Adele. My younger sister.

Opening the door wider, I allowed her into my room, before closing and locking the door again. Wordlessly, I made my way back into my closet. Adele sat down at my vanity and spoke loud enough so I could hear her in my closet. "You missed yet another meeting sister. This one was a very important one, might I add. Where did you go this morning? You were gone for quite a while." My head popped out of the doorway, and I scowled as I answered, "I couldn't sleep very well, so I decided to go for a much needed run. I hunted and patrolled as well, before returning home. The Alpha knows this very well. He knows where to find me, if he needs me. I'm not really needed at every single meeting he throws."

Adele watched her sister closely as she disappeared back into her closet and she spoke once more "This meeting was to inform us that tonight we are combining another pack with ours. Seeing as there are only a few packs left across the world now. The Alpha decided to throw a large celebration. He has yet to give away the packs name, which has many of us wondering. Choose a dress that is fitting for tonight. I plan on wearing the blue long sleeve crochet skater dress that you gifted me on my birthday. Once you're dressed, I'll do your hair. Who do you think is joining us?"

The room was silent for a few moments as I gathered this information and was skimming through the dresses that I currently owned. Minutes later, I stepped out wearing a light pink 3/4th sleeve, high neckline, lace dress with matching lingerie underneath. My sister grinned up at me and stood from her seat and gestured for me to take her place. I sat down and my sister began her magic on my hair.

I finally broke the comfortable silence. "I'll go ask the Alpha myself who we are expecting tonight. All I will ask of him is that they show their respect and don't go asking or looking for trouble. This pack is our last home, I don't want to jeopardize that." Pain, sadness, and loss were now burning with such a passion in my eyes and my sister gave out a small whimper in agreement. The memories of our past were still fresh in our minds. Adele continued her work and spoke very slowly.

"I'm sure it won't happen again, sister. This is the safest place that I know. We can always put them in their places and straighten them up. I'm sure we're not the only ones who feel this way. Trust and respect must always be earned on both ends. It won't be easy. I'm not even sure I like or agree with Alpha's decision to have another pack living here." Fifteen minutes of silence later, both of us smiled softly but warmly at each other through the long mirror that rested on my vanity.