Rouge to Freedom

Five years later

“Kaylee!” The voice jolted the young woman from her sleep. She cracked one eye open and saw her adopted mother standing in the doorway of her bedroom, “Am I late?” She mumbled from beneath the covers.

“You will be if you don’t get up soon.”

Kaylee reached across to her phone, peering at the time on the locked screen, “You’re early!” She moaned rolling over.

Cate laughed, “I know. We’ve invited a few people over for breakfast, so I thought you would appreciate the extra time.”

Kaylee sat upright then, “Thank you! I’ll be down soon.”

Showered and dressed within fifteen minutes, the teenager prepared to head downstairs, where she could already hear voices. She could also smell delicious food smells wafting up the stairs which made her stomach grumble in anticipation.

Before she reached for the door, Kaylee glanced in the mirror at her outfit and look for the day, where she saw a flash of the silver, indicating that her wolf, Briar approved.

Briar could often be silent, sometimes she would show or express emotions, rather than talk. But it worked. They were a team.

Briar had appeared on the days leading up to Kaylee’s sixteenth birthday, first it was a simple communication. But, that night, Kaylee had shifted for the first time.

And since then, although she used little words, her emotions Kaylee had adapted to. It quite often helped when Kaylee was being trained, especially fighting. In human form, Briar helped her keep calm, focused and determined. As a result, Kaylee was no one of the best fighters in the pack, both human and wolf form.

She didn’t look like it though. Which her parents had always said was an advantage.

Standing at barely 5’5 and shy of 120 pounds, she was petite. But she was strong and agile. She kept her chocolate brown hair just below her shoulders and quite often braided half of it so it was out of her face.

Blinking, the glint of silver disappeared, leaving behind her green eyes, “Let’s do this.” Kaylee said and headed downstairs.

Appearing in the large open kitchen dining room, there was already quite a few people in the room, one of whom was quick to move, “Lee!” Came a squeal then a tackle and hug.

Which Kaylee expected of her best friend. She returned the hug to Maia, who at the same age as Kaylee, but a good few inches taller. The pair were going off to college together.

As Maia stepped back her grin was cheek to cheek, her hair was tied back in dual braids, one of her favourite styles and it held back her often-wild curly red hair. Her personality could be as wild as her hair on some occasions.

“What time did you wake up this morning?” Kaylee questioned.

“Way too early.” Came a voice from behind the pair, looking over Maia’s shoulder, Kaylee spied her older brother Riley. His hair was darker than his sisters, more red-brown. He gave a roll of his eyes, but then gave a grin, he and Kaylee exchanged a fist bump before Kaylee looked behind them, to where their mother, Helena was seated at the kitchen bench drinking a cup of tea, but she turned to greet Kaylee, “Good morning Kaylee.”

“Morning Luna.”

In the privacy of her parents home, Kaylee could kiss and hug the woman, which she did. Her husband and Alpha, Jack was standing with her adopted father, “Good morning Alpha,” Kaylee greeted, before hugging Jared.

“Do I get a hug?” A voice boomed and Kaylee smiled, Alejandro, third in command stood near them. He was certainly one of the largest in the pack, where as her Dad although tall, was not a bulky. But Alejandro was extremely kind.

“Only since you asked nicely.” Kaylee responded before she hugged him. He picked her up off the ground, like he always had. Beside him stood his wife, Angelica whom she greeted just as warmly.

“No Elliot this morning?” Kaylee questioned looking around.

“He was, busy last night.” Jack remarked.

“Entertaining.” Riley grinned and Kaylee shuddered,

“That’s more than enough information thank you.”

Elliot was the last and oldest of the three children of the Alpha. He was the future Alpha and compared him to Asher, Kaylee had a lot more confidence in him. Although five years had now passed since she had seen Asher.

For a moment it took her back. How things had changed in those five years. Cate and Jared were well and truly her parents.

Upon arriving at the pack, she was introduced to Jack and Helena, the Alpha and Luna. As she was introduced to them she also swore loyalty to the pack and Cate and Jared swore to protect Kaylee as her adopted parents.

In the time the journey had taken to reach their pack, Lignorum Campi, meaning valley of trees, Kaylee had come to learn a lot about each of them. Jared, was the Beta of the pack, something he had inherited from his father, but in the same way, had earned it. He was always one to assess the situation and not just dive in. He preferred to think on a decision, but could make split second decisions, with a feeling in his gut. Which were often right.

One of those decisions had been requesting to take Kaylee.

When he didn’t have duties, he was always helping Kaylee. With everything from homework to showing her new techniques or teaching her his mother’s secret pie recipe.

Cate was kind, there was a part of her that terribly missed her son, she certainly showed it more than Jared did. Together, the family travelled in hopes of a new lead, but often came up short.

Kaylee hoped one day, they would find him.

As Kaylee had grown, so did her confidence and her skills. Within six months Kaylee did not recognize herself looking in the mirror but as time went on, she was proud of whom she had become. Kaylee knew that both her parents, the Alpha and Luna as well as Maia had hoped that upon Kaylee’s eighteenth birthday, she had been the fated partner of either son of the Alpha.

However, it was not to be.

Maia was like a sister to her and the boy’s were like brothers.

Both girls now were going to be sharing a place on campus, which both were excited for. There were three others from their pack who were also attending, starting this year.

The college they were attending was designated on what was known as neutral ground and each year, representatives from multiple packs attended as well as humans. It allowed for them to come together and quite often, held with finding one’s mate.

Luckily, the non-humans living accommodation was designated near the forest, so it was easy for them to transform and run.

Kaylee and another pack member, Christine were both studying medical science. Maia was studying business and the remaining two, Harper and Taylor were studying finance.

Riley was in his final year at the same college but wasn’t returning for another few days after them.

“Well look who showed up!” A voice called, catching most of the attention of those in the room and heads turned, as Elliot entered the house.

“This day isn’t about me.” He answered, “So let’s not focus on me.” He shot a look at Riley who simply grinned, “I wouldn’t even think about it.”

Elliot gave Kaylee a quick hug, he towered of her with his tall size but Kaylee had always found him to be an incredibly warm person. He was quieter than Riley, but he was logical and a good future Alpha. “You’re going to look after Maia aren’t you?” Elliot quietly questioned.

“And Riley.” Kaylee added and he laughed,

“Hey! I have been just fine up until now thank you.”

“Final year, it’s the most important one.”

“Spoken with wise words.” Jack said with a nod.

“Are you ganging up on me?” Riley said with a pout, though he was entirely joking.

“Yes.” Helena said before she planted a kiss on his cheek, “But we wouldn’t have you any other way.”

“Let’s eat!” Cate called.

Breakfast had been a marvelous affair. Loud and full of laughter. After they had finished and cleared up, Kaylee was taking a moment on the back patio, staring out. It was the same way her bedroom window looked and she spent many days looking out of that at the same view.

How she would miss it.

She heard the door open and turned her head, spying Elliot, she gave him a smile, “Time to go?” She questioned.

“Almost. Mum’s crying.” He gave a quick smile, “You’re usually thinking when you’re out here.”

Kaylee gave a small laugh, “Just how things are about to change, and yes, I did choose this but still.” She paused,

“You are a different person now Lee. Most importantly you have your wolf and you two are ready. You are surrounded by friends and family going into it. The rest of us are just a phone call away.” Kaylee looked to Elliot, “Spoken like a true Alpha,” But she gave a smile, “Thanks.”

“How are you feeling about the possibility of seeing them?” Elliot asked and Kaylee looked to him,

“A million emotions, perhaps worry more than most.” She admitted.

“You shouldn’t be, they won’t recognize you. That’s for sure. You are not who you were when you left that pack and you won’t be again.”

“Part of me wants to rub it in their face.” She said with a laugh,

“Them seeing you again will do that. But you know, anything over and above that is on you.”

“Kaylee! It’s time to go!” Cate called from inside.

“Okay!” She replied and looked to Elliot, “Time to find out?”

He put an arm around her, giving her a quick hug, “You’re more than capable. Worse case, Riley is there.”

As the pair headed inside, Helena was tightly squeezing Maia, who looked less than pleased. Jared and Jack were loading their things into the car so Kaylee sought out her adopted Mother.

Cate stood quietly and Kaylee knew, so she hugged her, “I’m just a phone call away. Any time.” Cate’s arms circled around her and hugged her back. Though she didn’t say anything.

Which was what happened on occasion.

Kaylee knew it was best just to hug her back until she was ready.

Cate shifted after a while and Kaylee stepped back, “You’ll let us know you got there?” Cate asked quietly.

“Of course. And send pictures.” Cate smiled, caressing Kaylee’s cheek before she stepped back, Angelica appeared at Cate’s side and Kaylee hugged her quickly, “Keep an eye on her.” She whispered before she stepped back, “Have a good time.” Angelica said with a nod.

Kaylee moved outside then, where the others were gathered, Helena indeed was in tears, but Jared was watching with Jack,

“Car’s packed, you’re driving I hear?” Jared asked and Kaylee nodded.

“Probably a good thing, I feel like Helena will be chasing the car,” Jack remarked, although he wore a smile.

“Call me if you hear anything,” Kaylee said to Jared who gave a nod,

“We will. But, don’t focus on us, try and enjoy yourself.” He gave her a hug, “And if you see any of them, you show them who you’ve become.”

Kaylee smiled quickly and hugged him back, before she stepped back, “Bye Alpha.”

“Take care of each other.” Jack said with a nod, he glanced at his wife, “I better rescue Maia.”

Kaylee smiled and moved towards the car, glancing at Helena who was tightly hugging her daughter. However before she could get int, Kaylee was picked up off the ground from behind, “See you in a few days Lee!” Thankfully she was back on the ground as quickly as she was off it. She turned, giving a small eye roll at Riley’s antics, “Yes and don’t be late.” She remarked.

“That’s Elliot’s job.”

Kaylee shook her head and climbed into the car. Maia shortly joined her, her own eyes a little teary. Starting up the car, the pair gave a final wave before Kaylee drove off. Helena waved until she was out of sight and Kaylee looked to Maia, “You okay?” She asked.

Maia gave a nod, “I thought she might keep me.” The pair gave a small giggle. As they headed towards the main road through the pack territory another car fell in behind them, giving an enthusiastic beep of the horn. Christine, Harper and Taylor were taking another vehicle. Simply because one was not enough to carry everything. Maia and Kaylee both waved out of the window, receiving waves in return.

After fifteen minutes of driving, they hit the road they would take them down to the highway. It was also a safe distance to crank the music and the pair could sing their hearts out as they headed towards college.