The Latent Sentinel

ALIVE BUT ALONE 3

Ella POV:

Aria always tells me stories about her pack. She has tall tales about what’s happening in the pack, who got scolded, new developments regarding new mates, and such. It keeps me entertained. She tells me all about the young alphas and their mischievous nature. How it drives Connor and Blaze crazy when they hide somewhere unexpected. This time they covered themselves in flour when they hid inside the kitchen dry store. It’s hilarious how ruthless alphas everywhere are just normal people here.

I am not fooled, though I know of their reputation. They are known as one ruthless and unforgiving pack. I heard what happened to those people who tried kidnapping the Alpha's mate last year. When I was crossing the small village near the river stream, a lot of people were talking about the headless dead bodies, so I got curious and went looking for them. What I found was horrifying and a very deadly challenge to anyone who decides to go against this pack.

She tells me all about Doctor Ethan. She calls him Doctor E. How doctor Ethan is training more people in nursing and medicine. Ethan always intrigues me and for a very good reason. I have seen him from afar. He is always helping people. He is diligently working whenever I see him. He makes my heartbeat go faster. He is like those stars who shine brightly in the night sky so close yet so far.

I am lost in my memories of him when Aria interrupts me. She tells me about the new plants and vegetables they have planted in their summer garden. She keeps talking about her new training schedule. How she has started training with Don and Dimitri now. How Luke trains her in mental strength with all the other pups. She likes Luke and Oliver; they are fun according to her. They always find time to play with them in the kindergarten. Oliver is always teasing Luke in a fun way. I haven’t met anyone, but I feel as if I have known them for a long time. They are characters in her stories that are brought to life in front of my eyes.

After a few hours, when I noticed the sun going down, I knew it was time. I guide Aria back to the safety of her pack and wait for her to cross the threshold safely. I waved her goodbye and waited for her to disappear inside the tree line. I always wait here. Taking one step into the pack grounds has been difficult for me. For the first time in my life, I want to go there more than anything else. But I am afraid of what curse I might bring upon the pack if I join them.

I have always been alone, punishing myself for something I don’t even remember. My family disappeared one day without a word, leaving me all alone with unanswered questions. Disappearance is as good an explanation as any. I don’t want to think about the reason behind their disappearance as it would kill me. I need some hope in my life and reality is not something I want to remember. I remember they used to tell me that I was unique. But I don’t know what’s so unique about me. I am afraid that my uniqueness has made them disappear. They will tell me that I need to train to control my power. Again, I have no clue what powers they meant. I don’t have any special powers, as far as I know. I hate the last memory I have of my family. I would never forgive myself till the day I die because of that.

I fought with my parents as I was upset about something that happened that day. I hardly remember what it was. Only the hurt I felt. I was young and naïve; I was barely a teenager at thirteen years of age. I ran away from home to the lake near my pride territory. I was hiding there, away from everyone. And suddenly a storm started, and I stayed hidden in the rundown cottage for the night. I was a young cub who couldn’t fight against the forces of nature. When I got back, everyone was gone and nothing was left behind. My sister, who was at death's door, told me to run and never look back. She told me to protect myself and never trust anyone. I didn’t know what my sister meant exactly, protecting from whom? Who killed my family and friends? Who keeps finding me? Who is following me? I have all these unanswered questions but no one to answer them. But I have been doing what she told me to do, running and protecting myself. I want to honor her memories. I can’t lose my focus now. Even though these people are good at heart, I can’t trust them. I have to treasure and respect the last memory of my family.

I remind myself why I should stay away. I have stayed away from everything, even something I really want and need. I am sure I won’t survive losing it again. My most precious treasure, whom I am trying to protect by staying away. My treasure ‘my mate’. I have known him for the past year. I know who he is, but I can’t accept him. I remember the most beautiful and dreadful day of my life. The day I lost all my hopes of ever finding happiness. The day I lost him. I know he won’t ever forgive me for what I said and did to him. But his safety is more important than his forgiveness.

I don’t know how I walked back from the border, but I am home. I am sitting on the porch wallowing in my self-pity. I am like a robot not knowing what to do. When I can’t find any comfort in the dark night, I get up and walk inside. I gaze at the dying fire in the little fireplace and try to keep it alive. I am restless and nervous looking for something. I don’t have any appetite left, so I try to sleep, but it evades me. I get up and open the window, waiting for something to happen. I fall back on the bed when the beautiful memory and divine scent that makes my heart flutter waft inside my little cottage. Lemongrass and Bergamot envelop me in a comforting cocoon. It lulls me to sleep as if he is whispering kind words in my ears. I feel comforted as if I am sleeping soundly in his warm embrace. I remember his soft smile and his warm hands.