CHAPTER 003
1014 Words
Last night, I hardly slept at all. Liam continued to yell at Silas, and he continued to howl. I've got to deal with this mess after what seemed like an eternity. Even though I'm not in the mood to get out of bed, I find myself stuck. I'm already dreading my birthday, which is today.
I sit up blearily and rub my eyes. I must leave this place. Last night, just in case, I concealed my bag by Clearwater Lake. When I get a chance to get away tonight, I'll go get it.
I'm still contemplating everything when the door knocks. Connor is standing there when I open it.
He smiles slightly and says, "Happy birthday, bug."
Still half asleep, I mumble, "Thanks, Connor."
I apologize for last night. He looks down at his arms and remarks, "Silas was a pain." I see some scratches and bruises.
It's alright. He isn't significant to Luna. She is aware of our mate's presence. I speak softly to prevent overhearing. " When should I do it? And now, where is he?
Connor laughs. "Luna? She will definitely meet Max someday. After giving me a brief glance, he nods. "Do you recall the time the Crimson Moon Clan attacked us? That's when you met Max. A few years have passed since then. I saw him when you and your mother were taking the younger children to the cellar. He is much larger than Silas's wolf.
"I recall," I mumble. "I'll just go ahead and finish it now."
I get a quick hug from Connor. "This is the only way out, even though I know it's not easy. Please keep in contact with me.
"I will; you know that. I pull away from the hug and say, "You're all I have." "Is he in his office?"
Yes, he is most likely inside. "Let's go," Connor says as he moves down the corridor.
I can't help but hear some of the pack members whispering behind my back as we walk down the hallway. They're not saying anything kind, and I can tell. I make an effort to ignore them, but it's challenging.
"Hold on a minute," Connor says abruptly, beaming. "So, last night, Silas was yelling at you? I believed he was going insane.
I chuckle quietly, feeling a little better. Yes, I was that person. I apologize for that.
We arrive at the corridor close to Liam's workspace. From inside, I hear loud voices. "I promise, Liam, if you don't stop—" Dylan is most likely shouting at Liam.
"Give me a chance!" The next sound is Liam's sharp growl.
When we reach the door, Connor opens it. Dylan appears to have been through a lot as he sits inside with his arm wrapped. Liam is glaring at him from a nearby position.
Connor helps Dylan up and says, "Let's get you to the Clan healer."
As they pass, Liam hardly gives me a glance. All he does is glare at the ground. I keep my distance from the door so as not to interfere with whatever is happening.
After Dylan and Connor depart, I enter Liam's office and close the door. Liam slams me against it before I can even speak. His breath touches my ear.
"Why did you have to be the one?" His voice is tense as he growls.
My wolf Luna doesn't give a damn about him, so I mutter, "I'm not sure." I have no feelings for him, and I'm not sure why. I feel as though I don't know him at all.
Liam's body quivers as he takes a deep breath. He murmurs, "I can't do this," and presses me more firmly against the door. I can feel his breath because his face is so close.
I inhale deeply before shoving him away. "As the daughter of Kat and Aj Hughes, Emma Hughes, I refuse to mate with you, Liam Grey, Alpha of the Twilight Clan."
Saying it doesn't hurt me doesn't bother me. All I feel is a sense of emptiness. However, the bond breaks, and Liam yells in response. As soon as he falls to the ground, I don't waste any time. I open the door and dash outside.
I hear Liam calling for someone to catch me as I dash through the house as fast as I can. The air is filled with howling. I storm through the front door and make my way directly into the woods. I can't stop, even though I know they'll be after me.
When I get to Clearwater Lake, I pick up my bag from where I concealed it and fasten it to my back. I hear the warriors approaching. I turn to see Dylan and Connor running after me in their wolf forms. They meet my eyes, but I continue. I must continue.
I'm getting tired, but I'm running as fast as I can. My legs feel like lead now. I simply must leave this place.
At last, I come to the boundary between the Clan's territory and the Forsaken Lands. I'm not sure how, but I sense the boundary. A black wolf leaps in front of me, blocking my path as I cross it without turning around.
My heart is pounding as I freeze. I sense an odd pull, and the black wolf's eyes are silver. I can't stop staring at him, but I'm not sure what it is. I can't take my eyes off of the wolf when it transforms into a man.
Two grey wolves come forward behind him, staring at me. Although they appear prepared for battle, the black wolf appears to restrain them.
My body fails me, causing me to collapse onto my knees before I can take any action. The blood loss makes me lightheaded, and everything begins to haze.
I feel myself slipping as the three wolves get closer. Just as I'm about to faint, I hear a clear but faint voice in my head.
The voice says, "Hold on, Emma." It's not Luna. Something else is involved. I lose consciousness as my vision deteriorates.
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