That voice

WINTER'S POV

I had lost track of time, crying on the floor until the sound of knocking and Linda's voice snapped me back to reality. Wincing, I stood up and rubbed my numb backside.

Dragging myself towards the bathtub, I tested the water's temperature with my leg before easing in. The lukewarm water embraced my body, providing a fleeting sense of solace amidst the storm raging within me. I closed my eyes, allowing the water to soothe my weary muscles and wash away the exhaustion that consumed me, both physically and emotionally.

For a brief moment, my eyes fluttered shut, and Slade's image invaded my mind. Memories of our first encounter flooded back—the moment he had rescued me from Kendall and Summer. His captivating smile, the way his eyes gazed at me, and the subtle flirts he would send my way, claiming me as his, even when no one else was watching.

I missed it all. The more I reminisced about him, the more impossible it seemed to let go. I couldn't. Slade would forever remain a part of me, and no one could force me to think otherwise, not even my mother, who entertained the idea of a second chance mate for me.

Exhaling deeply, I immersed myself in the water, allowing its embrace to linger until it turned cold. Wrapping a towel around myself, I stepped back into the bedroom.

As soon as I entered, the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread, veggie omelette with whole grain toast and various other scents filled the air. But my senses could only grasp a fraction of it. Linda had prepared a meal and set it on the small coffee table at the centre of the room. She glanced at me, concern engraved on her face. "I think you might be hungry."

Though my hunger seemed nonexistent, and I doubted my appetite would return, I nodded nonetheless. "Thank you, Linda." Her presence and unwavering support were reasons to be grateful she was my friend.

"Oh, it's nothing," she dismissed, gently taking the towel from my hand as I dabbed at my hair.

"Let me," she murmured, guiding me towards the chair. I sat down and rested my hands on the table, my gaze fixed on my reflection in the mirror.

"How are you?" I asked after studying her for a moment. "How are you holding up?"

"What do you mean?" she replied with a giggle.

"Slade was your family, too," I mumbled. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Linda shook her head, and I could see the tears welling up in her eyes as she bit her lip, trying to suppress her pain. Although she and Slade hadn't been close until recently, he was still her family. And losing Damien and even her mother on the same day—I couldn't fathom a more profound pain. She had lost three loved ones, yet she was holding it in much stronger than I was.

"Jed is helping me through the pain," she said.

"That makes sense," I replied.

"You should find someone to confide in too. Talk to someone...," she trailed off and sighed. "I know it will be difficult to open up, but I believe that sharing your feelings will ease your pain."

"I doubt that," I shrugged. "I appreciate your concern, but I don't think I need to speak with anyone to feel better. I'll do it at my own pace."

"Very well," she said, then added, "Kendall was here. He mentioned that the two of you had an appointment."

"Oh, shoot!" I cursed, jumping to my feet. "I completely forgot."

Running a hand through my wet hair, I hurried to the window, momentarily forgetting the melancholy that had consumed me just moments ago. Kendall and I were supposed to visit a neighbouring pack outside of Copperborrow. It was a six-hour journey from here, and we had made reservations in advance. I presumed that was why my mother was in the pack.

The Eclipse Pack, as I learned, was filled with rogues. Rogues rarely integrated with existing werewolf packs and were often killed on sight due to their intense hatred and bloodlust. The fact that they were part of a pack made it even worse, as it was uncommon among rogues. I also discovered that this pack was well-versed in rituals, prophecies, and arcane arts. Although I didn't understand why visiting these rogues was relevant to me, the seer insisted that I would find the answers I sought.

Fortunately, Kendall volunteered to accompany me. I knew he was doing it to redeem himself from the past, and I was grateful. The last thing I wanted was to unthinkingly enter the territory of a group of rogues who wouldn't hesitate to kill me.

"I presume you forgot?" Linda's voice startled me from behind, making me jump.

"I did!" I exclaimed, rushing to the wardrobe. I flung it open but stopped when Linda spoke again.

"Kendall explained it to me, so I helped you pack," she said.

For the first time since she arrived, a smile spread across my face. "Thank you," I mumbled.

"Anything for you," Linda smiled back, her eyes shimmering. "You can eat while on the road. I packed some food in the box that's currently in the car. It will sustain you."

"I'll only be gone for a few days, and it's enemy territory; getting too comfortable shouldn't be what I feel," I said.

"I know, be careful," she said.

I quickly put on a loose-fitting pair of jeans and a red polka-dot top. Planting a brief kiss on Linda's cheek, I hurried out of the room to meet Kendall.

"Good to see you again, sister," he greeted. "You look as beautiful as ever."

"Likewise," I rolled my eyes. I doubted I looked beautiful with the dark circles under my eyes, but Kendall didn't seem to mind.

Ever since our conversations grew more frequent, he had showered me with compliments and made efforts to bridge the gap created by our time apart. Although I held no grudge against Kendall initially, the thought of his past cruelty suggested that Summer might have orchestrated it all. But why?

I understood that I had assumed her position upon entering the household, a rightful claim. Yet, it couldn't be solely about the position. There had to be more to the story, hidden from my knowledge.

"What's on your mind?" Kendall asked, gripping my hand. "Are you having second thoughts? You don't have to go, even though I doubt the seer's prophecy about finding answers in a pack of rogues, and..."

"I want answers," I declared. "So I have to go. I won't back down."

Though it might not lead to my sought answers, I still yearned for understanding. I needed to unravel what had gone awry and why things had unfolded the way they did.

It wasn't until we arrived at our destination that the weariness settled in, leaving my bones aching and my backside numb. I ran a hand through my hair, pushing aside a matted strand that clung to my forehead. Turning to Kendall as he unloaded our belongings, I inquired, "Shouldn't we survey the pack before unloading? What if we come under attack..."

A gasp escaped my lips as an arrow whizzed past my head. Reacting swiftly, I dodged, only to witness an arrow piercing Kendall's shoulder. He fought off another incoming arrow with a dagger in his hand.

"Damn it!" he groaned, pulling the arrow from his shoulder and scowling.

Glancing at me momentarily, he asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yes," I mumbled.

"We're under attack," Kendall stated matter-of-factly.

I nodded, regretting my previous words. "Thanks to my big mouth."

"Do fight them? Hopefully, we're both skilled in combat.... or we surrender or, perhaps, run? I don't think we can take them on," Kendall whispered, and I rolled my eyes.

That was the worst suggestion I had ever heard. Running from a group of ten formidable rogues ready to turn us into pulp? No, thank you.

Before I could respond, a voice interrupted, sending shivers down my spine. "I wouldn't advise that if I were you."

That voice!

My heart raced, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, and a rush of heat surged through my body. I moistened my lips, turning to face the source, and nearly fainted as I locked eyes with the figure standing before me. "Slade!"