Chapter 2

Jade's pov

Curled up in a ball I continued to cry but soon it was too painful to continue due to my body aches. Blinking my eyes I attempted to sit up and gauge exactly where they had dumped me.

My best guess was I was on an old logging road used by humans and knew I had to get somewhere safer. Standing on my wobbly legs I shuffled myself down the road after kicking off my high heels.

“At least I wasn't raped, only pawed and beaten,” I hissed feeling pain in my chest certain that a few ribs had been broken.

My once-white dress was torn, dirt-stained, and bloody from my broken nose that was dripping down my front.

Doubting that I would be seen by anyone I was shocked when a truck hauling a trailer full of goods slowed past me and parked along the side of the road blocking my way. Holding my sides I took a cautious step around the trailer to continue my journey and paused seeing the door open on the truck. What appeared to be an older tan-skinned woman stepped out and told me to hold up.

Her eyes fell on the sight of me and she gasped.

“Oh my Goddess you poor thing,” she cried and I was startled by her use of the word Goddess.

As she approached me my arm hairs rose and I instinctively lowered my head as a form of respect. She was a Lycan and way more powerful than a mere werewolf.

“You don't have to do that, dear. I'm not royalty. Now tell me who did that to you so I can kick their butts,” she said with a feisty grin.

Still leery about her I shook my head and began to weep again as thoughts of what had occurred filled my head

Oh crap, I hate seeing young pups cry,” she said softly and attempted to wipe off my cheeks with her fine silk handkerchief.

Breathing in through my mouth I moved away from her afraid she was going to strike me.

She straightened up and sighed.

“Listen little one, my name is Monica Rex and I'm a Lycan. I am employed by the Noatak River Pack and can help you if you'll allow me,” she said firmly.

In embarrassment, I pinched my mouth closed and lowered my eyes from hers.

“I'm Jade Pinkerton…well just Jade now. I'm a wolf-less female who has been banished from my father's pack, beaten severely, and discarded like trash on the side of the road. I didn't do anything wrong!” I was stressed emotionally and I watched her nodding.

“That's fine, let's get you to my place to heal and get cleaned up. I give you my word that nothing nefarious will happen to you. I got your back, young she-wolf,” she asserted and I shook my head vigorously.

“I don't have a wolf nor any means to pay you, Monica,” I growled, causing her to chuckle.

“Let's just work on getting you healed, you look like you've been run over by a logging truck carrying a full load,” she chided again while leading me to the passenger side of her vehicle.

Once we were both seated she glanced over at me.

“It's a miracle that I drove down this specific road. I normally take another obscure way when I volunteer to pick up monthly supplies. Someone must be looking out for you Jade,” she proclaimed, making me shake my head.

“No one is looking out for me, not that I don't appreciate the help but I'm far past believing in anything being a miracle in my life.”

Pffting at me she snorted, “And here I thought Lycans were the cynical species.”

“They are, You're the top of the wolf chain and full of pent-up aggression,” I relayed verbatim what I had been taught all my life.

Shaking her red curly hair Monica started the truck and pulled back onto the road.

“Guess you will learn once we return to my pack,” she declared and I grew withdrawn as I watched the forest and my past rolling by but I knew that the road would end soon.

Glancing over at Monica I chewed on the inside of my lip.

“How are you going to transport your cargo because no roads lead up to the river,” I mumbled.

Gasping in mock horror Monica giggled as she side-eyed me.

“Surely you have heard of ATVs and snowmobiles? Plus our pack owns a plane and helicopter when needed.”

“Your pack is much more wealthy than my father's,” I muttered and she nodded.

Grabbing a thick flannel shirt from the back of her seat she handed it to me and said, “It's cold where we are headed so bundle yourself up. I'm sorry about your exposed legs since I don't have any extra pants but you can cover yourself with the blankets on the sled that'll be pulled behind the ATV.”

Taking the worn work shirt I thanked her as I winced and struggled to put it on. She watched me with a concerned brow.

“When we get there I want you to stay in my room and heal,” she asserted then added, “I will deal with any suspicion that may arise.”

“I don't want you to be in trouble on my account,” I said softly, causing her to laugh lightly.

“There won't be any trouble, miss, just think of me as your fairy Lycan Grandma,” she laughed and my busted lip curled.

I liked this female and she gave me a great vibe.

“I will work off any costs I may accumulate.

Smiling, Monica nodded and said, “That seems fair but getting healthy is the first goal and that won't cost you anything. Now be a dear and rest your pretty eyes, get rest before I get to the meeting point with the others.

Swallowing nervously I asked, “What other's?”

“Not to worry, dear. No harm will come to you as long as you're with me.”

Too weak and hurt to make a fuss I sighed, laid my head back against the seat, and drifted off into a fitful sleep. I would trust the Lycan because my wolf senses told me that I could.