Chapter 0003

CARLA

I kept driving for I didn't know how long. All I knew was I had to go away as far as possible so no one from Lake Pack, especially Ian would find us.

But my option was limited. I couldn't possibly go to other packs. Who was I? I wasn't part of their packs. Also, they would recognize me as Luna of Lake Pack and would definitely tell Ian. Then all my effort to run away was in vain.

What about my old pack?

Well, I had thought about it. My family would undoubtedly accept me back if I told them everything. However, it was too far from here as I was from a different continent. Besides, it was a small pack. We were too fragile to fight Ian's wrath.

Then, where should we go?

I let out a heavy sigh. The only choice was to keep driving until... I didn't know.

"Mommy." A small voice came into my hearing. "Have we arrived at the theme park?" It was my daughter. She was awake.

I looked at the mirror above the dashboard and saw Cherry rubbing her eyes with both hands. She was still lying, covered by the blanket. "Morning, sweetheart." I greeted cheerfully. Looking at her was like erasing the burden on my shoulders. "Not yet. But we'll arrive there soon." Her question reminded me to stop in the nearby city to keep my promise.

She was trying to get up, causing the blanket to fall, and now revealing her full small figure. "I'm hungry, Mommy."

Right.

I must have been too focused on how to escape as soon as possible that I forgot to bring food, even water. I gazed around, hoping to find a restaurant. If not, just a food truck was okay, too.

But nothing. There was only a road and a forest.

"Can you wait? Mommy will find a restaurant soon." Just a convenience store was enough as long as it sold food.

And I found one. A pretty big restaurant that was already open in the early morning.

I slowed down the car as we approached the place and parked in an empty spot. Turned out it was pretty crowded. There were few cars, and I could see people coming and leaving.

And I knew why the moment I stepped out of the car. I smelled unfamiliar wolves.

We must have been near a pack because they smelled the same. Or I unintentionally crossed the border.

I swallowed hard. I shouldn't have been here.

I turned around, only to feel a tiny hand on mine. Cherry was already outside, clamping Choco in her arms.

"Choco is hungry too." She chirped, her eyes twinkling.

I swallowed an invisible lump for the second time. There was no turning back. My child needed to eat.

Therefore, I continued the plan.

"Let's go."

We walked hand in hand toward the building. I could smell butter, toast, egg, coffee, milk, and more as we were getting closer. I subconsciously licked my lips.

It seemed I was also hungry.

I opened the door, and all eyes instantly fell on my daughter and me. Some had a frown on their foreheads, and others just glanced at us, but I knew they had their guard on.

After all, we were an outsider.

"Cookies!" Cherry exclaimed excitedly, slipping from my grip, and ran to the counter displaying cake and cookies. "Mom, can we have a cookie?" She asked, but her sight was set on them. Cookie was always her favorite.

I lowered my hat so it would cover my eyes from the surrounding. If I wanted to do this, I needed to be bold, and setting my focus only on Cherry was the best way. "Yes, honey," I responded as I took steps closer to the counter. The staff was waiting for me. "I want two sets of breakfast and milk," I told the staff. "And cookies, please."

She was silent for a few seconds as if scanning me before finally answering. "You want to eat here or takeaway?"

I looked at my daughter, whose eyes were still on the cookie. "We want to eat here."

Less than ten minutes later, my order came. Cherry was chewing sausage, causing both cheeks to puff while I ate mine. It was, indeed, nice to see her enjoying the food.

But it didn't erase my nervousness, which was getting more potent. My skin felt like burning from the people's gaze. And the smile on my face completely disappeared when I sensed a strong aura. It wasn't from an ordinary wolf or warrior.

"Honey, can you eat faster? We need to leave soon." I said as I began putting my food—I lost appetite—inside the cookie bag. It was better to resume eating in the car instead of here.

"Is the theme park already open?" Cherry answered with a full mouth.

"Yes. We will have much time to play around if we arrive soon."

Cherry looked excited, which made her take a big bite of toast and try to chew quicker.

However, Goddess knew how fast a child could finish their meal. It almost spent the whole mealtime.

"Can we save the rest for our ride? You can finish it later."

She nodded her head at the exact time I heard a voice.

"Hi, there."

My body stiffened, recognizing it was from the strong aura.

"Do you mind if I join?"

I was silent, but the male still did what he asked for. He sat next to my daughter.

"This is the first time I see you around here. May I know you?"

Still no answer. I continued doing what I was doing and now put Cherry's food into the bag.

"Hi, lovely." But he didn't give up. He greeted Cherry instead. "What's your name?" He asked, which caused Cherry to be confused and shift her attention between him and me.

I wanted to stop her from replying to him. But I also didn't want to make scenes that would disadvantage our situation more. Hence, I let Cherry answer him.

"Cherry." My daughter said softly and hesitantly.

"Nice name, Cherry." He showed a wide smile. "Why are you and your mom here? Do you know where you're from?"

That was it. I couldn't take any longer.

"We want to go to the theme park. And-"

I abruptly stood up and, in an instant, went to Cherry's side, hugging her as I hurriedly walked toward the entrance.

"I only want to know where you're from. Nothing will harm you if you just tell me that."

But I didn't give a shit. We were in the running, and if the male knew where we were running from, he might call Ian. Then there would not be a chance like this anymore.

I kept striding my way in faster and longer steps, completely ignoring him. Soon, I heard a growl behind me.

I must have been annoying him.

The door was only a meter ahead when it suddenly opened. A male came inside, and the world was fading away the moment I saw the most beautiful blue eyes I had ever seen. They were so clear, like a clear blue sky and glowing, although we were not in darkness.

But then, something hit me hard and forced me back to reality. I felt a powerful aura stronger than the male behind me. And it was Alpha aura.

Shit!

We were in trouble.