Chapter 3: Her Conditions

We fell silent once again. As our pack crumbled, the sounds coming from them grew fewer and softer. I turned to Sara and said, "I'm sorry about your pack."

Sara shook her head, her voice filled with rage. "They deserved what was coming to them."

I was taken aback by the intensity in her voice. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know if this is true, but I heard Alpha Jason joined forces with a bunch of rogues. Some of our pack members have gone missing since then. I overheard him saying that sacrifices need to be made for a brighter future. I don't understand it, but it sounds off," Sara explained, biting her lower lip in thought.

My anger flared at the revelation. Madcrest Pride was associated with Swiftmane Pack, led by Alpha Jason. "That f*cker," I hissed, the pieces fitting together.

"He's a terrifying man," Sara chimed in.

"There are people scarier than him, trust me. But at least that filthy wolf is dead now," I replied, my voice tight with determination.

After two hours, Austin and Ray returned, wiping blood off their bodies. I spoke up, halting Ray as he reached out to grasp Sara. "I have a question."

Austin raised an eyebrow, seemingly amused. "What is it? I'm in a good mood to answer you today. Will you ask me why I attacked your pack?"

I changed my mind, raising a brow in response. "Yes."

Austin rubbed his chin, thinking, blood still staining his hand. "Because Jason didn't follow his part of the deal we made. And you know what he offered us? Half of the pack, to be... something."

"No, the Alpha really did that..." Sara whispered, utterly dumbfounded by the revelation.

Austin laughed amusedly. "So we were ordered to wipe that bastard's pack."

I wanted to rip his head off his body. I pursed my lips, not falling for Austin's filtered words. I knew they demanded half of the pack from their test subjects.

"The Alpha King will kill all of you!" Sara suddenly yelled, tears streaming down her cheeks.

In an instant, Austin slapped Sara, causing her head to turn and her lips to bleed. "Shut up, b*tch, or I will kill you right at this second."

Interrupting them, I pressed on with another question. "I have another question. What do you mean by 'auction' earlier?"

"Simple. You will be auctioned as a mistress in one month in exchange for a large amount of money. And I will not hurt your little friend here," Austin explained.

Sometimes, I hated how good I was at guessing. "No need. You will not bring the girl to your house. I want her to be alive and free right now."

Austin laughed, his cruel voice resounding through the woodland. He forcefully gripped my hair and yanked it harshly. "Why do I need to follow your terms, slut?"

A grin formed on my lips. Beauty could be a powerful weapon. "Because you need me for more money. If you don't accept my demands, I'll kill the girl and myself. It seems you need me alive more."

Austin shoveled me onto the ground. "Such a clever woman. Agreed. I will let the girl go."

Licking my bleeding lips, I smiled. He cast a quick glance at the intruders observing the chaos. "Alive. No one will pursue her. Not your troops or anyone else. You will not order anyone to chase the girl or give such orders to your officers. I want you and your men to forget that she ever existed."

"I have agreed," Austin

 growled.

"I want your word," I gritted, narrowing my eyes. "Repeat it to your men. You won't go back on your earlier statements, will you?"

Austin glared at me before reciting my conditions once again. He then grabbed my chin tightly, glaring into my eyes.

"It's a good thing you have such seductive beauty because if not, I would tear away the dignity you have left in your body," he said before releasing me roughly.

Suddenly, a man came running. "Austin, someone managed to escape the borders."

Austin bellowed, "Then f*cking chase them, idiots," as he and his men began to run.

Sara, who had remained silent during the discussion despite her mental chaos, looked at me. "Why can't we ask for the Alpha King's help? Or why isn't he coming to help us?"

I wasn't sure if it was a good idea, considering I was a wanted person. But if it meant sparing some people from this pack, I figured it was worth a try. Though it wouldn't happen.

"He won't arrive, and no other pack will come to help us either," I replied.

"What do you mean?"

Before making a deal with this pack, I had checked their background. "Swiftmane Pack had an unfavorable connection with other packs and vehemently resisted the Alpha King and the Werewolf Council. If Alpha Jason indeed had ties to these guys, it's likely that the Alpha King is unaware of what's happening here. Also, this place is distant and isolated from other packs."

Sara regarded me with a mix of admiration and horror. "How did you find out all of this?"

I winked at her jokingly. "I have ways. If we meet again, I'll tell you."

Sara nodded and fell silent for a moment. "I... I don't believe I'll make it through the woods, so I think it's best if I wait for you in their lair. If they lock me in a cell, then I'll just wait for you there."

It was much less likely that she would survive if she stayed with those men than if I left her in the woods. Austin and his men, members of Mad Crest Pride, used rogues and werewolves as test subjects for genetic experiments. Sara would not be excluded from that fate.

"Listen, Sara, I'll let you in on a little secret," I said, turning to face her. "Those men abduct shifters like us for experiments. By sticking with them, you've sealed your impending demise."

Sara gasped, her voice shaky. "What? Oh my god."

I continued, knowing my next instructions were crucial. "Listen carefully. Once we leave, go to my house. Go directly to the floor under the sofa in my living room. There's a secret passage. Open it, take the black bag, and run away from here."

Sara, tears streaming down her face, asked, "Why are you saying this?"

Ignoring her question, I pressed on. "Can you shift?"

Sara sniffed and nodded. "Yes."

"Good. Today, when you start running, don't stop until your lungs burn. Create as much distance as you can. As a new shifter, your wolf can run for about 8 to 10 hours. Take the path north from here. Don't deviate, just keep heading north until you reach Sandbreach Town. There are no packs along that trail, so you won't be trespassing. Stop for a drink at nearby lakes when needed. Your wolf will know where to find them. They're built for that. Hunt a rabbit for the first two days and eat as a wolf”

I looked at her comfortingly as I continue, “If you crave human food, learn to gather wood and build a fire. It'll be safer to sleep on tree branches that can support your weight. And you can use the money in the bag for supplies."

While tears were running down Sara's cheeks, she listened attentively.

As I spoke, I wanted to include all the information she needed. "If you encounter rogues or other predators, run. Don't fight, just find a way to escape. Remember, there's always a little opening for you to get away. Always."

I looked at Sara seriously. "This part is very important, Sara. With your capabilities, you should reach Sandbreach Town in four days traveling north. Once you're there, find a man named Quin Horton. Say my name, Florence Lancaster."

Sara frowned as if she recognized the surname. "Lancaster, what's your connection to the infamous psycho Alpha—"

I winced bitterly at the question. "Nothing. Just find him. Deliver the message that it's time for the favor Florence asked. He'll know what to do. He'll keep you safe until I get back to you, okay?"

That is if I was still alive.

Sara looked down, her voice trembling. "I'm scared, Florence. What if I can't do what you said? What if I die—"

"You'll die if you continue to doubt yourself, Sara. I know it's hard, but you're on your own now. You're alone, and every action you take will be your own. Believe in yourself and your wolf, and you'll be able to stay alive."

Sara's lips trembled, and she nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Is your wolf listening?" I asked, my voice filled with wistfulness.

Sara nodded, her voice shaky. "Yes, since earlier."

"May I know her name?"

"She goes by Andra."

"Courageous," I commented.

Sara looked confused. "What?"

"That's the meaning of your wolf's name," I explained, looking into Sara's eyes. I knew her wolf was listening through those irises. My voice changed as my wolf, Amaris, resurfaced. I needed to connect with Andra, just as I felt the need to protect Sara.

"Andra, I know you can hear me. Trust your instincts. I know you're new to the outdoors, but the forest is our natural world. Trust your sight, your smell, and your paws. Trust the wind and the trees around you."

Since the chain no longer constricted our hands, I held Sara's hand, squeezing it for reassurance. "Trust your intuition and your wolf. The forest is her home, and she'll know what to do. Trust each other, and you'll be able to survive."

Sara nodded, her lips trembling. "I'll wait for you, Florence. Please make sure you come back, okay?"

I only smiled, not wanting to make a promise I couldn't keep.

I could see Sara wanting to ask for a response, but Austin and his men had already returned, cutting her off. Whatever the future held for me, I was content knowing that I had saved an innocent girl. It was enough for me.