Reclaiming Her Heart

Chapter 11 - Escape

Jadea

I stayed tucked in the corner of my room for hours. I didn't move until the sounds of the ceremony completely died and the flames of the bonfires were snuffed out.

My knees were drawn up to my chest, my heart racing as I fought off the panic.

I had to stay calm.

I had to be as clear-headed as I could be.

The fear would make me reckless. I would make mistakes if I allowed myself to react to it.

As much as I wanted to run, tonight wasn't the time.

Not with Keb here.

I would get caught. And it would be over.

I hadn't spent the last couple of months biding my time just to be reckless and waste my opportunity.

And I would only be provided with one opportunity, I reminded myself. I couldn't jump the gun. There would be an opportunity. I just had to wait a little longer.

A few days passed. Keb and his pack left. All quieted down. Until one evening, Silas called me in to speak with him.

"You have surprised me, Jadea," he started, those intense eyes studying me from behind steepled fingers. "I didn't know what to expect when I brought you here. I didn't know my sister well, and Hans even less. But the rumors I heard of him, and his offspring... Let's just say they were nothing to be desired. I didn't know if you would mesh well within our pack dynamic. Yet, you have done that and more. I would like to offer you a place within my pack. A chance to be with your real family," he added. "Here you will always have stability. Loyalty. Love."

I nodded, trying to keep my expression neutral. "It has been nice here," I agreed, even though the lie burned the back of my tongue.

"I was thinking of throwing a small celebration for when you complete your oath? It is a small thing in return for what you have and will bring to our pack."

"And what do I bring to the table, Silas?" I asked seriously.

"You will bring great fortune to this family, as you have already done. You will bring pride and glory to our name."

I knew what he was referring to. That I would be used as a pawn in the larger picture of a war that was being waged between good and evil. Based on the company Silas had earlier in the week, I had a feeling I knew who he supported. And it wasn't the good side. "And how will I do that, Silas?"

"By uniting the primitive wolf packs behind his majesty."

His majesty. "Cerberus?" I asked for clarification.

"Yes."

"And how would I unite the primitive wolves behind him? They are all in turmoil. All waging wars within their own families."

"Not anymore," he responded gently. "You, Jadea, have already created peace with so many of them. They all respect you and would follow you into battle."

Hmm. "I have no recollection of this." Again, the gaping holes in my memories were hindering me. I hated how much I didn't know, didn't remember. And, I was sure if Silas had it his way, he would fill in those holes with lies or half-truths in order to sway my fealty to him and Cerberus.

"After the oath ceremony, we will discuss at length what amazing feats you have accomplished."

I didn't like the sound of that, but nodded my agreement. "I look forward to it."

"It won't take long for the preparations to be made. We will hold the ceremony this Saturday evening."

I only had two more nights if I was going to make my escape, I mentally noted. "Yes, that sounds great," I smiled, praying he didn't hear the lie in my voice.

That evening, I took to the perimeter. I could feel the presence of Silas's wolves as they followed me closely, worried I might change my mind and bolt. I didn't try to escape the first night, hoping and praying they wouldn't be as vigilant the second night. Praying I had tricked them into thinking I was here to stay.

My patience paid off. The second night, there weren't as many of Silas's wolves. It was just me and the two others usually out on patrol.

This was going to be the best opportunity I had.

I bided my time. I ran the perimeter religiously. I allowed all of us to get into a routine. I waited until it was way after midnight, after everyone else was sound asleep. It would give me a few extra precious moments to put distance between me and Silas because they would all have to be roused to give chase once the alarm was raised.

As I came to a specific spot in the perimeter, I made my break. I was going down the same path Mateo and I had taken when we went hunting. When we ran into the Lykaios alpha. I knew his compound was nearby. I just prayed I found it in time before Silas caught up with me.

Yes, it could incite a war, but if what Silas said was true, and I indeed united the primitive wolves, then the Lykaios would be willing to aide me. Especially if what the alpha said was true, and I was his daughter.

One could at least hope for such an outcome.

When I heard the alarm sound, I was many miles away. I had a good head start.

I picked up my pace and kept running. When I got to the hunting grounds, it took a moment for me to pick up on the Lykaios scents. They had been here recently, possibly hunting for game themselves. Without further ado, I followed their trail and came upon their territory.

I didn't wait for an invitation, I sprinted onto their land, knowing their guards would sound the alarm soon enough. And when they did, Silas would know where I was. It was a risk I was willing to take. I didn't know how far out Silas was, and I wasn't willing to sit and wait for one of the Lykaios wolves to come across me. Or, wait long enough for Silas to catch up and re-capture me.

It was curious, then, when I neared the heart of the Lykaios compound, I didn't hear any wolf's lone cry sound in the night. My stomach knotted at this, and I cautiously slowed down and took in my surroundings. There were werewolves on the compound. I could hear them moving. Maybe a silent alarm had been sounded? Maybe this was their way of defense?

"Jadea!" a man's voice shouted from just beyond the treeline. It startled me. I hadn't been expecting them to know who I was just yet. "You can come out. We know it is you. You are safe, here."

I wouldn't necessarily say I was safe. Not until my memories returned, and I was far away from this place. Taking a deep breath, I moved out of the line of trees and into a clearing. There stood the Lykaios alpha in his human form. His pack spread out around him, some in their wolf form, others in their human form. All looking around, trying to spot me.

"Ah, there you are," the alpha murmured gently, soothingly. He knelt down on the ground before me and held out his hand. I cautiously walked into it, and he scratched behind my ears affectionately. "Everything is going to be alright now, my daughter," he breathed. "Allen, is here. He has been trying to figure out a way to rescue you."

"Allen?"

"Yes, the lone wolf from Nikolai's pack. He is an extraordinary tracker."

Ah, yes. I remembered him. Nikolai was one of Constance's close friends, and someone who was part of her guard. Which meant Constance had been searching for me! I couldn't describe the relief and happiness spreading through my chest.

"Speaking of the devil," the alpha murmured aloud. "Here he comes."

"Ariat, is everything alright..." Allen's voice trailed away as his gaze landed on mine. "Jadea," I heard relief in his voice as he stepped closer and knelt next to Ariat. "I'm glad you are safe, and you were able to escape. There are a lot of people waiting for your safe return," he added. "I've let Nikolai know we have you. Constance will be sending someone out here shortly to teleport us to the demon stronghold."

"Silas isn't too far behind me," I stated. I didn't want them to be taken by surprise.

"I know. I have some scouts keeping an eye out for them. So far, they've reached the hunting grounds. I'm sure they realized by now which direction you fled. Silas would be a fool if he attacked us," he added. "Though desperate wolves have risked so much more."

As much as I wanted to delve into the specifics of Ariat's defenses, I could feel the exhaustion coursing through my body. It was a deep-rooted exhaustion. The kind that came from just trying to survive. I was safe. My body, mind and soul knew it.

Ariat was keen and sensed this exhaustion coming on. "You need blood, Jadea. I can tell you haven't been well taken care of. And they've been keeping you under control with..." he took a deep breath, as if smelling out the toxin they used on me to keep me compliant. "Demon's blood." He sounded disgusted and horrified. "Come, daughter. You can feed and rest inside until it is time for you to go."