Chapter 3 - Leo

River knows I’m hiding something. I feel terrible about it, but I can’t risk even texting them what is going on. First, how can I tell River that my parents are essentially trying to make me some creepy thirty-something’s child bride? Cause that’s how a human would see it. And I know River would freak. I don’t want them to freak out and act irrationally.

I know them. So I understand that when River lets their emotions run the show, they do things that place themselves and others in danger. Like when they got into that fight with a neighbor kid and the kid’s mom before they moved. It landed them in trouble, and they had to stay in a psycho ward. I don’t want them to do anything dangerous. I don’t want River or their family to get hurt. Me running away is hazardous enough. If my parents and pack find out I’m running to them, it will get a lot worse.

And that thought makes me apprehensive even now as I’m packing to escape when the fireworks start. Am I doing the right thing? Shifting alone is dangerous. Being a rogue is dangerous. And I’ve never had a day of formal training in my life. Silvermane only trains the males how to fight. I’ve done some training on my own. But I don’t know how much of a chance I stand against anyone in a fight. I would have to depend on my wolf.

My wolf is another factor. I don’t know how they’ll handle me running away and being rogue. I’ve been trying to focus and connect with them since I turned sixteen, but it’s been radio silence. This worries me because I know for a fact I should start hearing my wolf, at least in my sleep. So why can’t I hear my wolf? Does my wolf not want to talk to me? Am I a disappointment already?

“Marybeth!?” My mom’s voice shouted up the stairs. I sighed, knowing there was no going back. I shoved the wad of cash I’d been saving for years into my knapsack. It wouldn’t look too suspicious as I threw a blanket over it. I usually bring it with some drinks and snacks for watching the fireworks.

“It’s about time you got down here. And what are you wearing?” Mom huffed at seeing me in baggy jeans and an oversized hoodie. “I put a cute outfit out for you. Why aren’t you wearing it?”

“This is comfy and warm. The outfit you picked isn’t even my size.” I rolled my eyes. Of course, she doesn’t know what size clothes I wear. She doesn’t care. She has a set size she feels I should be, and nothing else is okay. “Can we just go already?”

“We need to wait for your brother and father. They had some last-minute tasks to handle.” Mom waved a dismissive hand at me. “Which gives you time to change into something feminine. You’re a girl, and you need to dress like one. You’ll have your wolf soon and be able to have a mate. No male wants a female that dresses like that.” She wrinkled her nose.

I let out a sigh of relief when the door opened, and dad walked in with Oscar. This may be the first and last time I have been relieved to see either of their dumb faces. Dad is a stickler about being prompt, so I’m banking on his OCD to get me out of having to go back upstairs to change into something stupid.

“What are you two standing around for? We need to go. People are expecting us.” Dad barked, gesturing us to move. Mom quickly jumped to attention and practically shoved me out the door, with Oscar snickering as I almost slipped on some ice.

“Don’t break your neck yet, klutz. You haven’t even been useful to the family, let alone the pack.” Oscar scoffed, shoving past me to get into the car. Fucking asshole. I would bet money he’s aware of dad’s plans for me. I still can’t believe they want to sell me to Fucker Prickface.

As we drove to the field to watch the fireworks, I reminded myself of the plan. Just before the fireworks begin, I will say I’m going to use the bathroom. While in the bathroom, I will spray myself with the scent masking spray, then I sneak out the back using the distraction of the fireworks to make my escape. Then it’s only a three-mile run to the bus stop. Then I spend three days on a greyhound till I reach Portland. I am leaving my family and ass-backward pack chasing their tails trying to find me. Fucker Prickface can find a new mate to force himself on.

It was all going according to plan until Fucker showed up as I stood up. “Where are you going, Marybeth?” He questioned. I could tell he wasn’t thrilled by how he looked at me. I’m not the sort of person he wants. Maybe he should be reconsidering his choice.

“Leo. My name is Leo.” I barely contained my growl. I hate when people call me Marybeth. I swear as soon as I’m eighteen, I’ll legally change it, and until then, once I have my wolf, I’ll rip out the voiceboxes of anyone who calls me that eww name. “And if you need details, I’m going to take a shit. So why don’t you get out of my way.”

Was it the best idea to get mouthy with Tucker? Probably not. He is over a foot taller than me, older, stronger, and the Beta of the pack. The only person here who wouldn’t jump to obey his command is the Alpha and Luna. I don’t need him to be paying any closer attention to me tonight. It will throw off my schedule, and I cannot miss this bus. There won’t be another until morning, and I can’t wait that long.

“Marybeth, do not be disrespectful,” Dad growled, raising his hand to slap me. Just before his hand would connect to my shock Fucker stopped him.

“No need to mar such a pretty face, Theodore.” Fucker smiled and reached with his free hand to try and touch me. I quickly stepped back and ducked around him. No way am I letting that creep touch me.

“Yeah… while thanks for stopping child abuse, keep your hands to yourself.” I scoffed as I hurried in the direction of the bathrooms. I didn’t even look back. I didn’t dare. I’m sure they were watching me with narrowed eyes.

I locked the bathroom door and ensured no one was hiding in any of the stalls before I felt safe to take out the scent masking spray bottle. “Here goes nothing. This better be worth the money I spent at that witch in town.” I muttered as I sprayed myself from head to toe, my bag and everything in it.

“Goddess, if you’re listening. Please help me. Please help me escape. You can’t want this for your people. To have the females of our species forced to be marked and basically become sex slaves to a male you didn’t intend her for. So while I make my escape, protect me.” I prayed, pulling my hood up as I crept out of the bathroom.

The first booms of the fireworks exploding in the sky were my cue. With everyone looking at the sky with their ears covered to not deal with the intense sound, I made my way out of the park. I kept a leisurely pace at first, not wanting to draw attention. But once I knew I was away from the park, I started to run. To run like my life was on the line because it is.

I only slowed when my lungs started to hurt. Fuck I need to run more. When I have my wolf, I’ll run more. I’m sure they’ll want to go for runs nightly. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, feeling someone watching me. Cautiously I looked around and saw eyes watching me from the forest edge. Pack patrol! I kept my head down and started walking again, fingers and toes crossed, hoping they wouldn’t scent me and just let me keep going.

I let out a sigh of relief when I realized they weren’t following me. The masking spray was working. Patrol doesn’t care why a human would be running. Even if a human were in danger, they wouldn’t have intervened. The fewer humans in the world, the better. That’s how the pack sees it. I walked for a while until I caught my breath and started to run again, not stopping until I got to the bus station.

I didn’t relax until I was safely seated and the bus was in motion. I’m sure I looked suspicious as fuck to people at the bus station as I kept looking around, fearful that I was going to be found. I don’t care. I’m not taking any chances. I’m getting away from Silvermane, and I am NEVER coming back.

I ignored the person next to me as I dug out a pen and a postcard on which I’d already filled our River’s address. I can’t tell them via electronic means what’s happening, but I can send this at our next stop and hope it reaches them before I do. If not, I’ll explain in person why I’m there and haven’t responded to calls, texts, or emails for days.