Chapter 5

BETSY

When I noticed that he wasn't awake yet, I opened the door and slipped out quietly. I hailed a cab and told the driver to take me to the train station. I didn’t care where I was going, as long as it was far away from here.

I bought a ticket for the next train, without looking at the destination. I boarded the train and found a seat. I put my backpack on the floor and leaned back. I closed my eyes and tried to relax.

But the train didn't move immediately as I thought it would. I opened my eyes and looked around. The other passengers seemed restless and annoyed. I checked my phone and saw that it was already past the scheduled departure time. I felt a surge of anxiety. Why was this train delayed? What if somebody recognizes me? I had all sorts of thoughts on my mind

Suddenly, a voice came over the loudspeaker. "Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the delay. We are waiting for a signal clearance from the control room. Please remain seated and patient. We will be moving shortly. Thank you for your cooperation."

I groaned and rolled my eyes. How long would this take? I hated waiting. I wished I had never bought this ticket.

As the train jerked into motion, a sense of relief washed over me. Perhaps this unexpected journey wasn't such a bad idea after all. Maybe it was an opportunity to embrace something different, a chance to leave my troubles behind.

With a resolve building within me, I made up my mind to give it a shot. I closed my eyes once more, allowing myself to relax as the rhythmic hum of the train filled the carriage. Surrendering myself to the journey, I placed my trust in fate, hoping that wherever the train led me, it would be to a place of new beginnings and fresh possibilities.

“Hi, there. Is this seat taken?” a voice asked me, interrupting my thoughts.

I opened my eyes and saw a girl standing in front of me. She was young and pretty, with shiny black hair and blue eyes. She was smiling and friendly, and she was holding a backpack.

I looked around and saw that there were plenty of empty seats on the train. Why did she want to sit next to me?

“No, it’s not. You can sit here,” I said, politely.

“Thanks. I’m Amber, by the way. What’s your name?” she said, as she sat down and put her backpack on the floor.

“I’m Melissa. Nice to meet you,” I said, lying.

“Nice to meet you, too. So, where are you headed?” she asked, casually.

“I don’t know. I just wanted to go somewhere far away,” I said, vaguely.

“Really? Why is that?” she asked, curiously.

“I just wanted to start a new life, a fresh life,” I said, truthfully.

“I see. Well, I hope you find what you’re looking for. Maybe the Moon Goddess has a plan for you,” she said, sincerely.

“Maybe,” I said, nervously.

“So, do you have a pack?” she asked, casually.

“No, I don’t. I’m a lone wolf,” I said, lying.

“Really? That’s a shame. You know, being in a pack is much better than being alone. You have a family, a home, a purpose. You have protection, support, love and you also have a mate,” she said, enthusiastically.

I felt a pang in my heart. I knew what she was saying, but I also knew what she was not saying. Being in a pack was not always better than being alone. Sometimes, it was worse. Sometimes, you had a tyrant, a prison, a curse. Sometimes, you have violence, fear, and hate. Sometimes, you had a monster.

“I’m fine, thanks. I don’t need a pack. neither do I care about having a mate,” I said, firmly.

"Are you sure about that? You know, you could always join mine. We're the Brown pack, one of the best in the country. We're strong and loyal, but we're also nice and fair. Our Alpha is amazing, wise, and generous. Oh, and by the way, he's single," she said, giving me a playful wink.

“No, thanks. I’m not interested. I’m happy being alone,” I said, firmly.

"Come on, don't be shy. You'll really enjoy being part of our pack. You'll have a new family, a new home, a whole new life. Plus, you'll have a mate who'll love you, cherish you, and keep you safe. You'll have everything you've ever dreamed of. Just give it a chance, please," she pleaded.

Her words stirred a sense of uncertainty within me. Perhaps she was onto something. Maybe trying out her pack wouldn't hurt. Maybe I'd find a sense of belonging, a place to call home, and someone to share it all with. Maybe I'd truly have everything I ever longed for.

Maybe the Moon Goddess had sent her to me. She could be my helper.

“Okay, fine. I’ll give it a try. I’ll join your pack.” I said, reluctantly.

She smiled and hugged me. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. You won’t regret it, I promise. You’ll love it in our pack.” I smiled back, but I felt a twinge of fear. What had I done? What had I agreed to? What was going to happen?

We arrived at the Brown pack’s territory, and she took me to her house. She showed me my room and helped me settle in. She was nice and friendly, but I felt uneasy. I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know what to do.

I hoped I had made the right decision. I hoped I had found a new life. I hoped I had escaped him for good.

But I was wrong.