My New Life

Annabella's POV

Sweat streamed down my face as I kept running. I had managed to pass the distracted guards and successfully crossed the border. Even though I had no idea how long I had been running, I knew I had covered quite a bit of distance from that hell hole I once called home, but I couldn’t stop, not now. Fatigue was slowly beginning to set in, yet, as the sweet fragrance of freedom filtered into my nose, it filled my lungs, giving my hopeful heart enough energy to endure.

My legs kept moving, and with every twig snapping and bush rustling, my adrenaline spiked boosting my will to keep running....

Until I physically couldn't.

All so suddenly, my legs gave out and I finally dropped to the ground in the middle of nowhere. I looked around and nothing looked remotely familiar. I took a deep inhale of my surroundings, but without Stella, there wasn't much I could pick up. I was surrounded by an endless sea of green and decided to crawl into a corner to replenish my energy. I rested my back against a tree and took out an energy bar and water to feed my tired, weary soul. Hopefully, I'd have some strength soon, even if it was to go just a little bit further.

However, my body had other plans as exhaustion breathed into my face, fanning me to sleep. My eyes suddenly became too heavy to keep up and the energy I had hoped to gain never found its way to me.

I sighed, knowing I couldn't fight it and soon, I succumbed.

"I don't know who it is....."

"Just be careful...."

"Stop! Don't you dare...." A hash tone snapped.

There were voices in the distance and they were gaining closer. My heart thumped wildly in my chest and I fought to awaken myself, but my worn-out body refused to budge.

I could sense them hovering over me but it was as if my eyes were sown shut and my mouth remained clamped under the restraints of fear.

"Shh!" The hushed voice whispered as a finger stroked gently along my cheek. It appeared to be the same deep voice that had previously demanded whomever he was with to stop. Yet contrary to his once cold tone, his touch was warm and soothing, calming my panicked heart.

Then I felt myself being whisked into the air and cradled against his hard chest and I could swear he released a low deep growl on impact that made my semi-conscious body shudder. It appeared he was a wolf and without mine, I was defenseless, yet strangely, I wasn’t scared.

The heat from his body engulfed me, and I heard as he breathed in deeply as if to savor a scent.

Was it my scent?

Then he released a satisfactory exhale as he pulled me impossibly closer, wrapping his arm around me like a cloak of security.

My heart swelled, giving me a sense of peace that I hadn't felt since my mate died and Stella left, and instinctively I snuggled closer, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart as I once again entered the land of the unconscious.

*beep beep beep*

I pried my eyes open to the sound of a machine echoing within the confines of wherever I was. The room was dimly lit, proving great difficulty to see. Nevertheless, after a few minutes of squinting, I could make out certain details, like how huge the room was, or the chair positioned considerably close to the bed, within reach, which meant someone probably had been sitting in the room with me. There was even a TV in the room.

The room smelt of sweet fragrance and as I tried to sit up, my hands slid against the silky bedsheet. Everything about where I was screamed expensive.

But where was I exactly?

I had no idea, but something told me, this wasn't the human realm. But that was where I wanted to be. As nice as here was, I wanted nothing more to do with the werewolf world. I had suffered enough. I needed a fresh start far away.

I unplugged myself from the machine, searching the room for my belongings, but it was nowhere in sight. Giving up, I just decided to escape without it. I crept to the door, cautious not to draw any attention to myself. The hallway was empty and I walked slowly against the wall.

"Hello, miss..." A soft voice suddenly called from behind me making me jump. "Is everything alright?"

I slowly turned around and an elderly face, kind and full of concern greeted my sight.

"Yes yes..... I -I was just looking for... the bathroom." I nervously replied, unsure of what she'd do next.

She seemed to believe my poorly executed lie as she smiled warmly at me. "Oh OK, follow me."

She led the way and after a fleeting second, she turned to speak with me. "You know, each bedroom has a bathroom."

"Really?" I reigned shock. "I didn’t know, I'm new here." I quickly added.

"I know, you were found in the wood just on the skirts of our territory."

"Really, so where am I?"

"You're human" She stated subtly, ignoring my question.

With a nervous chuckle, I looked at her. "Aren't we all?"

I knew if I gave her the slightest hint that I knew of the wolf world she'd know I am one– well, was. And then things could get more complicated and I could be charged for trespassing, but as a human, I'd probably just get released with a warning.

She simply nodded. "In some way or another, we all are." She agreed.

"So when will I be discharged?" I asked as we stopped by the door of the bathroom.

"I can arrange for that bright and early tomorrow morning."

I smiled, thanking her with a polite nod before entering the public bathroom. I waited a minute or two before walking out with wet hands, and knowing that I'd be freed without needing to escape, I willingly followed her back to my room.

"It seems like your body was drained from exhaustion, so rest up and tomorrow we'll give you something to eat for your journey back."

The kind lady who was probably a nurse switched the lights back off as I settled into bed and with the darkness surrounding me, I closed my eyes, enjoying the close of the night in comfort.

"Good morning, are you awake?" A voice called from beyond the door as it was slowly pushed open. The same lady from last night proceeded in, a tray in her hand that smelled like heaven.

My stomach grumbled and she chuckled, placing the tray over my lap as I sat upright.

"Enjoy." She smiled as she turned to leave.

"Wait, will I be getting my bag back?"

She paused as she turned to me. "Well... it seems like the Alpha took those with him so..."

"Alpha?" I whispered to myself wondering which pack this could be, but my whispered word caught her attention.

"Oh, Alpha is just what we sometimes call our leader, like how we'd say Prime minister or President or King." She tried to explain in an attempt to hide the truth about werewolves from this "human".

"Ohhhh" I reigned ignorance, deciding to play along. "I understand."

"But since he has your stuff, we'll pack you fresh supplies and even provide transportation to get you home safely."

I smiled, liking the sound of not having to run or walk anymore. "I'd greatly appreciate that."

"Alright then, I'll see you later." And with that, she left.

I quickly ate, and true to her word, I was soon all packed up and in a car on my way to my new life.