It has always been you

Prologue

I fled the Amber moon pack at midnight. I was only sixteen years of age. I took nothing with me, I just ran. As a "late developer" I had not yet had my first moon, and so I could not transform like other members of the pack, which also meant I hadn't developed their other skillsets either; I couldn't heal fast as they could, I couldn't run fast, and I didn't have a heightened sense of smell like the others did. But that didn't stop me. 

my unruly, waist length Auburn hair fluttered in the cold autumn wind, my new baby pink dress, that I had saved up for months to buy for the school dance was torn and shredded, my feet bare as I had left the only pair of heels I owned at the sight of the assault so I could run. My body was bloodied, battered and covered in mud, but I still ran. I ran for miles. My chest heaved breathlessly, but I continued. Through the deep woods, feeling the branches of trees assaulting my bare legs and feet as I ran.

Eventually, I reached Mystic River. I knew if I could cross the river I would enter the boundaries of the Blood Moon pack. The largest pack in all of the South with an army larger than the whole of the Amber moon pack. But there was no way to cross the mystic river; no bridge, no boats and the river ran for miles. If I wanted to get across, I would have to swim 1650 metres across. But I was so tired. every part of my body ached. I knew there was a risk of drowning if I became too tired whilst attempting to swim across, but I also knew if I turned back and headed home, I'd also be dead.

I had to try.

Didn't I?

I lowered myself into the ice cold river and gasped. I guessed it would be cold based on the chill the cold October air gave, but the river was so cold it pained every fiber of my body instantly. I spent a few moments gathering my breath before pushing off of the side and starting to swim, firstly large energetic strokes, but after 20 minutes, and a quarter of the way across, I knew I needed to reserve some of my energy, so I lightly paddled. Another ten minutes in, and not over half way I was exhausted. I knew she couldn't carry on and tears began to steam down my face. This was it. I was going to die. Cold and alone in the river. Probably never found. I rolled onto my back and began to float slowly. 

I closed my eyes.

so tired.

But I knew she couldn't sleep.

So I tried to keep myself awake, floating lightly across the river, thanking the Luna Goddess that the winds were in my favour and pushing me closer to the river bank. I was not even half way across.

'I can do this' I said to myself.

I rolled back onto my stomach and continued to swim. I swam and swam until two thirds of the way across the lake I saw a light, scanning the evening sky.

Border patrol.

I took a deep breath.

"HELP" I began to scream.

"PLEASE! SOMEBODY HELP ME!"

I saw the light beaming closer to me, and then I heard the footsteps. and then a voice.

"There's someone in the river!" one of the guards yelled.

They muttered between themselves briefly before one of the men, Shifted into a beautiful large grey wolf and jumped into the lake, swimming over to me. Within seconds the wolf neared, and I stretched out my arms to take hold of the wolf. I draped her arms around him, his wet fur brushing against my milky skin. Holding him like I've never held anything in my life. Literally holding on for dear life.

As we reached the river bank, two other patrol guards grabbed my arms and pulled me out.

I was shivering uncontrollably.

The wolf behind me shifted back into his human form and draped a thick woolen jacket over my shoulders as he pulled on his pants. he shifted his arm around my waist and quickly guided me into a pack car.

"I'm Zander" he introduced himself. I gave him a half smile but I didn't answer him.

"You're not from our pack are you?" my eyes widened and I slowly shook my head.

"Don't worry. whatever happened? You're safe now"

Zander placed his arm round my back and another under my leg and carried me to one of the pack cars; a large black SUV with tinted windows. Another guard opened the door and Zander placed me into the passenger seat and fastened my seatbelt. He closed the door and walked round to the other side. He turned the heating up full and I closed my eyes.

"HEY" he shouted. 

I jumped up, opening my eyes and stared at him.

"s**t, sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I just don't know what your injuries are, if your concussed or worse" 

I nod, and look at him. Zander is tall he's muscular, and of average build. His blue eyes glitter like diamonds, reflecting the street lights. The car has a strange smell; a mixture of the bubblegum air-freshener hanging from the rear-view mirror, and stale greasy takeout. But I'd assume that that's because when they are pulling the night shift on boarder patrol, they call to a drive through for supper.

The pack house is only a five minute drive away from the river and soon I'm ushered towards a large Edwardian-looking manor. we step through the front door and into the large foyer and are greeted by three faces, who are stood waiting. one of the pack members must have alerted them. They look sleepy, after all, its 4am. They each look me up and down and I see the pity in their eyes.