Chapter Two

I gasp loudly the moment I reach the surface, my fingers threading into the wet strands of my hair. The water felt cool against my skin, making me shiver despite myself and a smile broke across my lips at the feel of the liquid running down my face. 

I slowly open my eyes, allowing myself to enjoy this wonderful feeling. It was like waking up in the morning when all your worries seemed to be erased for one day.  It was like having all your problems melted away by an invisible sunbeam. This kind of sensation is what makes me wish that maybe...just maybe, things would work out okay.

It was why I loved staying on the cliffs, hidden from the rest of the world. This place gave off such a comforting aura, almost like it knew how to soothe my soul. I always came here when I needed some time alone. Sometimes where I didn't have to think about anything else but just the beautiful scenery around me. 

I squeeze off the excess water from my hair, letting my blonde locks fall messily over my back as I begin swimming to shore. Once I got to land, I quickly shrugged on my dress and then slipped into my sandals. 

 My feet made little sounds as I trotted through the gravelly path, weaving my way back through the woods. It wasn't as dense as you would expect a forest to be, there also wasn't any wild animal roaming about except for the occasional deer or rabbit.  So the silence made for a good ambiance but also added a mysterious air that made for an intriguing and enjoyable atmosphere.  I liked to explore this part of the forest with no other company than the birds chirping and the squirrels scampering around me.

I halted in my tracks, my head turning to where I had heard the sound from. There was something...off. Like someone was walking behind me. 

"Who's there?" I call out, spinning  around in a slow circle, "Show yourself!"

Suddenly something jumped out at me, making me jump in surprise. My hands shot out to grab onto whatever it was. However, before my fingertips could brush against its body I felt something wrap around my wrists. 

I came face to face with Shaun Castor, my breath hitched at the familiar menacing smirk on his face.

"Boo."

He let go of my hand, and I fell backward onto my butt, mocking chuckles followed me as I rubbed my sore wrist. I looked up and sure enough, the trio were standing above me, looking down at me with their usual smug grins. 

Judy wore her usual black apparel, her hair tied up in two pigtails. Shaun stood to her right, smirking arrogantly, his black jacket looked two sizes small. And then there's Kevin, the redhead, who stood to Judy's left, wearing similar clothing to her own, but a lot more casual.

"I was hoping we'd run into you." Judy spoke first, a small twinkle in her eyes as she stepped closer, "We were wondering why you didn't attend my birthday party last night." She crouched low and I instinctively scrambled away from her, "I was really expecting you, Em."

I wince at the nickname, not used to hearing it from anyone besides my family.  "Leave me alone." I manage to utter, trying desperately to get away from her. I tried to stand, but she trapped me by grabbing my face in her hand forcefully, her sharp claws digging into my skin. I squirmed, attempting to get away from her grip, only to be pulled back towards her, "Stop!"

My voice shook, tears starting to form in my eyes as I struggled harder against her. 

 Her green eyes looked dark and angry, "You're so pathetic..." She sneered, "You walk around feeling like you're special but you're not. You're weak. And stupid."

"Please!" I cried out, tears leaking down my cheeks as she dug her nails further into my skin, making them bleed slightly, "Let go." I sobbed, fear and something akin to fury building in my chest, "I didn't do anything!"

I lashed out before thinking my actions through, my hand swiped across her face, and she yelped in pain, clutching her cheek. She looked utterly shocked, her eyes widened in disbelief. 

Shaun and Kevin, were no better, they had drawn out their claws, prepared to strike. 

 I held my hands in front of myself, shaking violently. I couldn't believe that I had hit her, it was such an uncharacteristic act of violence from me.

"You bitch!" Judy growled, raising her clawed fist, aiming straight for my face, "You deserve everything I'm going to give you." She hissed viciously, her eyes flashing maliciously.

I clenched my eyes shut, waiting for the impact but it never came. I refused to open my eyes, my chest rising and falling rapidly.

"And what do you think you're doing?" A new voice spoke, making my eyes snap open.

"George." His name tumbled out of my lips before I'd realized. 

His grey eyes met mine and he offered me a kind smile before turning to my bullies. "I believe I asked a question."

If I didn't think it was possible to make Judy, Shaun, and Kevin cower in fear, I certainly did now. 

George Silver was the heir and future Alpha to the pack, unlike his father who ruled with an iron fist, George was a gentle yet intimidating male. He was also the strongest wolf I had ever encountered, George had never lost a duel to anyone...including his father.

But what made him special was that he was different. He didn't treat me like I was some form of cursed or defective creature. Instead, George treated me like I deserved respect, a position I never thought was possible for me until George had presented himself to me. George was the perfect gentleman, even though he appeared distant. I had learned to appreciate the gentleness in his actions and words, 

"We were just talking," Shaun stammered out, backing up into the trees behind him.

George's back was to me but I imagined he was frowning in response to Shaun's statement. "And talking includes your claws?"  He questioned, his voice sounding dangerous, "I asked a question pups?!"

They shared a look, their expressions fearful, before turning to look back at George. "No sir." They replied simultaneously. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself as they shook fearfully. George was more strict when it came to discipline.

"You are dismissed. Please leave my sight." His tone had changed dramatically from threatening to warm and comforting. They scampered quickly past us, scurrying out of the clearing, leaving me alone with George. 

My heart pounded against my chest nervously, I slowly pushed myself to my feet, trying desperately to avoid his gaze as I dusted myself off.  

"Are you alright, Emma?" He questioned softly.  It sounded like genuine concern.

I bit my lip anxiously, staring at the ground. "Yes, Sir."

He nodded and I heard a soft sigh escape his lips. He lifted my chin gently, his eyes meeting my own. I watched quietly as his brows knitted together in perplexity, his thumb brushed against the marks I was sure Judy left on my skin.

My entire body flushed at our proximity, his eyes boring into my sapphire ones with intense attention. The warmth radiating off his body made my stomach churn.  

He released a weary sigh, dropping his hand from my chin. "You have got to stop letting them walk over you." He motioned with his head for me to follow him and I obeyed. "If you keep letting them treat you like that, their actions will only get worse. I know you don't want to hear this but you need to stop giving these people power over you. They won't stop their torture, so please, try to defend yourself." He stopped walking, turning to look at me fully. He looked almost worried.

I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, opening and closing my mouth several times. I knew I should say something then, maybe agree with him, but at the moment my brain had gone blank. All I could muster was a nod.

He smiled, his silver-like eyes crinkling as they shone brightly, and something fluttered in the pit of my stomach. Despite myself, I managed a trembling smile.

"Good. And you're going to start now."

I frowned, "Now?"

"Yes! There's a bonfire outside the pack house tonight. I want you to come."

I froze, my breath seizing in my throat. Memories of the last time I was invited to a party flooded my mind and my fingers started to tremble. I could almost hear their raucous laughter, the way I kept calling for help yet they ignored me...including my sister.

My skin prickled and I turned my face away from him, "I-I can't. I'm sorry I can't -" I moved to run but he was quick, grabbing my arm and pulling me back, stopping me from escaping his grasp.

"It won't be like last time, I promise. I'll be there." 

"I-"

"Please, Emma. Do this for me." His eyes were begging. 

That statement broke through my resolve and I sighed in defeat, slumping against his hold.

"Alright." 

His sudden grin took me off guard once again as he released my arm, and turned towards the road. As I watched him walk away, I tried to convince myself that I would be fine. George would be by my side and no one would hurt me.

But deep down inside I knew that wasn't true. The only person who could protect myself was me.