Chapter Three

My eyes roamed over the many faces walking about, the sky was dark but the luminosity of the moon allowed me to see clearly. As I got closer to the bonfire, where even more people were gathered, the sound of laughter filled my ears and the smell of alcohol and food wafted into my nose. I kept my head low in hopes that no one would recognize me whilst I continued the search for a certain male wolf. In my engrossment, I bumped into someone and stumbled to the side. The person didn't bother trying to catch me. 

Excuse you."

"I'm sorry." We both say simultaneously while I try to right myself, I look up and my eyes widened in recognition,

"Judy?" I say in disbelief at the woman in front of me, it had been a while since I last saw her but nothing had changed. She still looked the same, only that there was a youthful countenance to her now.

The last time I saw Judy was over three years ago when I was still coming to terms with my disability. Judy was the only person in my pack who had supported and helped me get through the days of recovery after my cleansing.  But a short while after she disappeared and all I heard was that her family relocated to the West. I owed Judy more than my life because if it wasn't for her, I probably wouldn't be standing here today. So I did the first thing that came to mind,  

I wrapped my arms around her, pulled her close to me and buried my face in the crook of her neck,  "You're back! When did you arrive? I mean why did you come back? I heard you moved far from here." I moved back to examine my friend.

"I came in yesterday ." Her tone was detached and I noticed how her eyes were darting around nervously.

I forced a small smile on my lips, taking a careful step forward, "I've missed you. Everything hasn't been the same since you left." 

She stiffened in my embrace and pushed me away as if I burned her, "Emma, I think we should talk somewhere else-" Her eyes were still flickering about and when they landed on mine, I saw it. "Maybe somewhere private?" Her tone was pleading and I had to hide the hurt on my face.

It was then I noticed it. Everyone now had their attention on us, their expressions ranging between curious and hostile. I took a step back, letting the hand on her arm fall limply to my side.

"Emma?" Her eyes closed apologetically like she had no choice in this. But the thing was, she did ....they all do and yet they choose this.

I shook my head, letting her know that she didn't have to explain. It had always been this way. "Goodbye, Judy." I walked away from her without looking back.

Home.

I was going back to my room, the only place I felt completely safe and free from people who could only see me as a freak, and not as a person who can feel. I wanted to be alone. Tears blurred my sight but I kept pushing onwards, knowing I had to reach the door before I fell apart, I would never survive if the pack found out.

"Emma!"

I ignored the voice, not wanting to deal with any of them at the moment. 

"Emma!"

I blinked back the tears threatening to spill and turned to face whoever was calling my name. Black and silver hair framed a heart-shaped face. A familiar scent hit me,

"George?"   

He enveloped me in his arms before I was able to register what was happening. We stayed like that for a minute until he pulled back from the hug, he grinned down at me before grabbing my hands in his, "I was hoping you'd come.."

Despite the pain simmering in my chest, I found myself smiling at him,

"I-"

"Where did you keep the drinks, Silver?"

Dahlia's voice echoed behind George as stopped in front of me, her gaze resting momentarily on us before turning towards him again,  "They are getting agitated, Silver."

George playfully rolled his eyes and let go of my hand,, "Did you check the top drawer?" 

She rolled her eyes at him,  "You know my hands can't reach that high, I told you already."

George chuckled, turning to look at me momentarily, "Always the charmer, this one."

I looked at my sister but her gaze remained steadily fixed on the man by my side.

"Come on, I'll help you.." George turned to me, a light expression on his face, "Have fun Em, if you need me you know where to find me." He ruffled the top of my head before making a swift exit.

Dahlia's gaze pierced through me, her blue eyes burning as bright as fire as she continued staring at me with an intensity that caused my stomach to turn. 

I swallowed hard and averted my gaze. 

"Have fun, Em." She drawled in a mocking tone. And with that, Dahlia too vanished into the crowd, leaving me standing alone, my feet rooted firmly to the spot.

My throat bobbed up and down convulsively, my fingers dug deep into my palms to try and stop the trembling. My body quivered uncontrollably and I felt dizzy, I needed to sit down before I collapsed. With shaky legs, I made it to the back of the pack house. It was relatively empty tonight, most everyone was enjoying the party outside. No doubt because of the large number of guests.

I found my way to a bench situated near the corner and sat on it, pulling my knees against my chest and wrapping my arms around my legs so tightly they began to ache. I stared ahead blankly at my shoes. 

Judy's terrified face flashed through my mind and a shaky breath escaped through my mouth. It didn't surprise me anymore, if my own family could cast me aside then it wouldn't be so difficult for who I thought was my best friend.

My head ached terribly and all I wanted to do was lie down and sleep the night away. I should have known coming here tonight was a mistake. With that in mind, I rose to my feet, the bench creaking loudly as I stood. I was so focused on trying to ignore the sharp pains pulsating from every inch of my body that I didn't notice the tall figure approaching until he spoke.

"Hey, mutt!" The voice startled me and I whipped around to confront the newcomer. Kevin Garnett's fiery head shone red against the dark backdrop of night.

I turned to follow the other side but another figure emerged. They morphed into two and my heart dropped when the face of Judy and Shaun came into view.

I staggered back, my breath hitching with the realization that I was now trapped.  My gaze flitted between the three faces. Shaun was the first to speak, "Hello Emma."  

"Please guys, I can't...I can't deal with this today. I'll leave, I'll leave your bonfire so please -"

Judy's loud laughter interrupted me, "Did you hear that? She can't deal with this today?"

Kevin joined in her laughing and they suddenly advanced towards me, my back colliding painfully with a large rock. Judy and Shaun encircled my arms and pinned my upper body against the rock with their arms, trapping me in their tight grip.

Shaun smirked and said, "Well, well, well. Let's see if your prince charming will come to your rescue again princess." 

"Please ..." I whispered, the side of my face digging into the cold rock, unable to move, to struggle.

"Oh don't worry princess," said Kevin, "We just want to have a little fun with you,"  His smirk grew wider as he glanced at Judy who was practically glowing with excitement.

"Grab her leg." He commanded and as if it were rehearsed, Shaun grabbed my left ankle, dragging it towards him.

I struggled against their grip, opening my mouth to let out a piercing scream. "Help me!" I tried to push their hand away from my body but my efforts were futile against their metal-like grip. I screamed again, louder this time, my heart pouring erratically.

"Shut the dog up." Judy snapped angrily. I turned to plead with her but her face was twisted in a demonic snarl.

Before I could react, something hard hit the back of my head and my world fell black.