Dark Moon Rising

Chapter 2

Running through the woods, I couldn't help but wonder how my life had become so messed up. Just six months ago, I was as safe as I could be with my mother. We were still running from that monster, moving from one pack to another, searching for a place to rest our heads at night and, more importantly, a place to finally call home.

Now I was alone.

I ran without knowing where I was or where I was going. Every shadow made my heart race. Every sound in the distance made me wonder if I was being followed. The worst part wasn't being lost—it was not knowing what had happened to my mother.

I couldn't even remember the last time I had seen her.

I did remember our last night together, though. At least, I thought it was our last night together.

Flashback

The fire crackled and popped as we sat beside it.

"I think if we can make it to the Blue Moon Pack, we'll be okay," Mom said. "Your father was best friends with their current Beta. Even though it's been years since we've spoken, he should give us a safe place to stay. Maybe not permanently, but long enough for us to regain our strength and plan our next move."

I simply nodded. I was too tired to respond, and I had heard this same hope too many times before. Every time we thought we had finally found a place to belong, we were turned away at the gates or rejected by an Alpha who didn't want trouble brought to their pack.

"If we leave early, we should make it there by noon," she continued.

I looked up and caught the hopeful expression on her face. She wanted me to be excited. She wanted me to believe this time would be different.

I couldn't.

"Megan, I want you to promise me something."

The calmness in her voice sent a chill through me.

I looked at her and nodded.

"No," she said firmly. "I need you to use your words. Promise me before I tell you what it is."

An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of my stomach.

"I promise, Mom."

She took a deep breath.

"If, for any reason, we get separated, I want you to run. Don't stop. Don't look back. And do not come looking for me."

My chest tightened.

"If I'm not dead," she continued, "I will find you, baby girl."

Tears immediately filled my eyes.

"I need you to survive. I need you to be safe and loved. You're too special..." She paused and sighed heavily. "I've already lost your father. I refuse to lose you too."

"Mom, I can't leave you," I whispered. "You're all I have left. Our whole pack was killed by those monsters, and Dad died..." My voice broke. "I can't help feeling like their deaths were my fault."

She stared into the fire for a moment before turning back to me.

"Did I ever tell you about the day you were born?"

I shook my head, trying desperately not to cry.