Survival of the Bloodline

Ch. 5

2 years have past since I happened upon the sleepy little town of Fruita, Colorado. But its the first time in 10 years I've had a sense of home. I did all that Aggie asked of me. As soon as I got settled into the little apartment, she drove me to the school to get registered. She claimed to be my aunt to make life easier. I was up every day at 5 am to grind the coffee beans and start baking all the pastries that plagues my nose my first day in town.

    It grew into a routine. Get up for work, get ready for school, back to work until Aggie kicked me out to do homework, close the shop, off to bed. It was mundane, but it was perfect to me. And as time went on, I grew to trust Aggie like family. Even Noel trusts Aggie like a pack member. And of course I still shifted when I could to keep the bond strong between Noel and me.

    It even got to the point I told Aggie the truth about my existence. I told her the ancient story about the wolves, about my pack, about my family, the kidnapping, everything. She sat for a while stunned, trying to process the fact that all mythical creatures actually exist and we're really good at hiding. After a while I thought she was gonna call me crazy and kick me out, so I went to start packing me things. She stopped me, she wrapped me in a hug, and said, "well now I know why the shop never got robbed." And it's been great ever since.

    As weird as it is, Noel and I still haven't sensed another wolf. After 2 years, it's nice to know I have my own slice of heaven where no one can find. But like all good things, everything must come to an end.

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GRADUATION DAY

    "I can't believe I did it. Literally im in shock," I turn circles in my graduation dress in the mirror beaming that this day had finally come. 

    "Why are you in shock? You're a goddamn genius who chooses to hinder your abilities for the shake of others," Aggie shouts from the kitchen. I hear giggles coming from the living room.

    I made friends whilst my time in Furita. As close as pack members but definitely not ready for the big revealing secret. Don't get me wrong,  Allie and Kat are the greatest friends a girl could ask for. But this is one secret they'll never be ready for. Granted I would've been lost without them.

    "I'm more impressed with the fact she volunteered to wear a dress," laughs Kat.

    "Facts,"  chimes in Allie.

    I come out and shoot them a stank eye, "Just because I have the personality of an old soul, swear like a sailor live in jeans and yoga pants does NOT mean every once in a while I can embrace my feminine side." 

    Annnnnnd they start laughing again. I roll my eyes. "You girls should be lucky to have her in your life. You three should be grateful you made in through together," Aggie joins us in the living room with fresh cookies.

    "She's right guys. I AM grateful for you two. If I hadn't met you, i'd probably be batshit by now," I say taking a cookie.

    Allie sighs, "Yeah. Not gonna lie, I thought you were a closeted murderer just because you seemed completely un-phased by any sort of bullying from literally EVERYBODY. But then I started talking to you and realized you literally didn't give a single s**t about what the world thought. AND YOU," She turns to Kat. "YOU ARE JUST A BUNDLE OF JOY AREN'T YA!"

    I start laughing. "Weellllll since you asked," Kat smiles her devilish smile and jumps up on the couch and starts screaming 'Freaky Friday', my song to her. We all burst into laughter and then realize the time.

    "Well girls, it's been a pleasure watching you grow and become young adults. Now lets see you graduate to young woman," Aggie wraps us in a hug with tears in her eyes. Then we begin to head downstairs.

    Suddenly I feel a chill shoot down my spine. Something you only sense when....

    "GET DOWN!!!!!!!" I lunge and knock over Aggie, Allie, and Kat as a bullet wizzes by my head. I turn and I see... HIM!!! My eyes fill with fear and angry as they lay upon Knox Featherwood.

    "Hey sweet cheeks. Miss me??" He grins that hyena grin. I look into his now eye? Damn I'm helluva shot.

    "You're gonna pay for my eye, and going to pay for ruining my compound," He climbs through my window closer. "And I'm going to absorb your bloodline."

    I'm now on my feet. I look over my shoulder at Aggie and nod. She now understands who stands before me and what she's suppose to do next. She herds my friends into the hallway and slams the door shut. And waits for my signal. I had a feeling I would be found and I told Aggie about Featherwood and how his bloodlust will never cease until all the chosen packs are dead. So just in case I was ever discovered by hunters or by f**k face standing front of me, we formed a plan.

    I take a defensive stance, not uttering a word. Noel, how many do we have and ETA?

    "ETA 20 minutes out and only about 5. Easiest option out run them until we find safe ground again or another pack."

    Alright. Guess it's decided. I mind link with Aggie, (Since my wolf accepts her as a pack member I can do that another special wolf feature) "There are letters in my room for each of you. THank you again Aggie. FOr everything. You're the only family I have left and for that I have to protect you."

    Without missing a beat, I dodge Knox's attack, grab him by his shirt and throw him out of the window. I walk up to now giant ass hole and look down. Knox sits there, dumbfounded and trying to figure out whats going on. I jump out and shift midair, my silver fur reflecting in the late evening sun's rays. when I land, I take off, again, like a speeding bullet. Right past his cronies who are to slow to shift to catch up. I sense a dark presence following but fading fast as I travel farther and farther. 

    I bob and weave out of the trees on the side of the Rocky Mountain range line.

    Earth to Alys. I sense a pack one click north and I feel Knox catching up. We're losing speed and fast.

    "Note taken. Time to kick it into overdrive." With one final burst of what energy I had left, I adjusted course and took off toward the pack. Faster and faster. Over the territory line and somehow I made it to the pack house without raising alarm. I shift and before I can knock, a tall, muscular man opens the door. I stand stunned and my eyes go wide. So does his.

Noel screams MATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and I collapse in the doorway.