Chapter 2

Aaron get’s up, then pauses for a moment. “Aren’t you guys supposed to serve food today in the Pack house?” he asks.

“Oh, sh!t.” Zain jumps up and grabs my arm to help me up. My arms and legs are heavy, and, in all honesty, I don’t feel like doing anything at all. We were the last ones to move into the Pack house, considering we used to be right in the house next door to it, with our parents it was pretty pointless moving in anyway, but everyone moves in there once they reach a certain age and maturity.

Mom was against it, but Dad said it would do us good building friendships – which is yet to happen. Zain hurries ahead and I watch the wind mess around his silver and wild hair like it did with mine earlier. Funny to think we are Twins when really, we are so different. He is very tall and build to perfection. Zain has always loved training and you can tell by his muscles and athletic figure. Often, he takes on extra training hours with our uncle Ches, they both got a thing for sweat. I only train when I must, both of my brother’s tower over me. Aaron is different in many ways; he is tall but like me only does what he must. Light Brown, short Hair. An artist. He is amazing at drawing, they literally come to life. That is his passion, he loves his canvas and water colours.

“Are you coming already? Hurry up Zara!” Zain shouts towards me as I am now walking at snail’s pace. I cannot even be bothered to shout back, waving him off with my hand, as if I were swapping a fly out the way. Aaron is walking a few steps behind me. He bumps into me as I suddenly come to a stop. Staring at the Pack house from a short distance… I never noticed how much of a daunting feeling it causes me. Aaron carries on walking without me. My heart starts racing, and my legs feel like jelly. Something is happening and I can’t quite put my finger on it, but this is where it all changes, the decision has been made. Like waking up from a dream I run towards the house overtaking Aaron and as if he knows what is happening, Zain steps out of the Door looking at me. No words spoken; he grabs me to hold me tight. One big gush of wind blows leaves all around us and even Aaron gasps at the sight. I look at Zain and the smallest of nods gives me the strength I need, to let go. I run up the stairs into my room. Grabbing a bag that’s next to my bed, I stuff the bare basics into it before hurrying back down. Zain stops me one last time at the door, hands me a small brown paper bag with food to put into my bag then turns around. Still not a single word from him, no attempt to change my mind. I can feel him breaking into a million pieces in front of me. Tears running down his face. I try to make it more bearable for him using my ability to ease the pain but if I don’t leave now … I never will. Forever trapped in a life that I don’t want.

“I love you.” I whisper as I walk out of the door closing it behind me. Aaron’s big chest is blocking my way. “Make sure you are safe. We will always be your Brothers, no matter what.” He pulls me in close and it nearly makes me rethink my decision. I can feel the pressure of tears chocking me, gasping for air, Aaron loosens his grip on me and lets me go. I can’t look back; it hurts so much. In an instant my body feels like it’s on fire. I drop my bag down and let my wolf take over. Changing into a Wolf in an instant but the pain I feel is weighing me down, I need to fight it. I can’t be weak right now, there is no time for a wobble. One step after the other, I pick up pace and before I know it, I am running that fast every tree I go past is just a blur. The Alliance is big, so I know I will have to run for Days before I am out of reach, mentally preparing myself - knowing it’s far from over, this was actually the easiest part. My best bet right now is to avoid any contact to anyone. Just as I arrive at the borders of the pack territory, I hear a painful howl. Zain. The pain has hit him now harder than before as I can’t keep it any longer away from him. Not once in all the eighteen years of our life have, I been this far away from him.

One last glance over my shoulder as I leap forwards into a completely new life. Whatever lays ahead of me, I am sure all this pain will be worth it.

I am convinced by now my parents will have been alerted by the Howl and me breaking the bonds with the Pack. I need to be careful and stay out of sight. We have so many Packs in the Alliance, they will happily hand me back over to my Family and I can just about imagine how disappointed my Parents will be. There is no turning around now, I need to carry on running even if my legs feel like giving up already. All these years of training with Zain will now surely help me get through this. As the day ends, I can’t think about resting. I need to keep going, no rest for the wicked. The darkness of the night helps me blend in and for now I don’t need to stress too much about hiding. Slightly glad I was the Black twin and not the Silver one. It might be a little harder to hide in the day but if I stay alert, I should be okay.

Any noise is making me jump but reminding myself that I am doing this for my own sanity and that this is my only chance fuels me with enough energy to carry on. I hear footsteps coming closer, someone is running close by... so I act fast, and I dash towards a small hill that I came past a few minutes ago. Knowing there are a few bigger bushes covering most of the ground. Laying myself just behind them. In sheer panic I try to control my breathing and console myself, hoping whoever this is won’t catch my scent. If they find me, I highly doubt I ever get another shot at escaping my day-to-day nightmare.  After a few minutes I can’t feel or hear anyone around me. So, I decide to carry on running… passing a little river, it’s time for a short rest just to drink and eat something. Luckily, the moon shines bright which helps as I am looking for the food in my bag. Sitting there watching the light of the moon sparkle in the water as I take bites out of my bread. Flashbacks in front of my eyes over and over. Zain. I miss him so much already. His eyes and how hurt he was. The nod. He knows me. He knew it was a now or never situation, but I am sure he will be quite hurt by me leaving and now I am a real outsider. I mean who wants to have a Twin Sister that is now classed as a Rogue. I haven’t even thought about what I will be doing. Not sure how to stay alive or where I will sleep but one thing is certain… I get a fresh start.