Chapter 4: CAUGHT OUT OF SIGHT

Mate!

My eyes snapped open from that erotic dream, his scent, his voice, and his touch replaying in my mind. I was unable to sleep, nor able to calm my pounding heart.

My lips quivered, licking them slowly as I stared up at the ceiling. I could still feel his arms around me, I could still sense the lingering thrumming of his heart.

The way his wolf growled, each growl promised that he would claim me soon. All these sensations and emotions overwhelmed me, leaving me feeling breathless and wanting more.

No! It can't be, I whispered into the darkness. I shook my head in denial, but the wolf inside me knew the truth. 'He is our mate!' my wolf whispered, and I felt my body respond in agreement.

I wanted him desperately. I wanted his touch, his kisses, his body, his thrusts, and I wanted him to mark me as his own. I wanted him, and I wanted him forever.

I sat up on my elbows, breathing hard. I couldn't. I couldn't afford to want those things. I had to avenge my family, my pack.

I had to find my sister. The thought of me out there somewhere, alone and vulnerable, filled me with a determination I had never felt before. I had to find myself, and I had to do it soon. No matter what it took, I was going to make sure I was safe.

"Are you looking for something specific? Or maybe a gift for someone special?" the old man asked, his voice laced with concern.

Amelia was startled out of her thoughts, her body freezing in fear as she had just caught the scent of wolves nearby. She knew there were at least four of them, and that they were higher rank than her. She had to get out of there before they noticed her.

"Yeah...I am fine..." Amelia said, her voice shaking. She quickly grabbed the ceramic cat from the table and said, "$50" before making my way out of the shop. I was determined to get away from the wolves before they noticed me.

My eyes darted toward the glass-paneled window again, searching for whoever was looking for me.

I quickly turned back to pack the ceramic cat in a box, not daring to look out the window again and praying that they would go away. After a few moments, I heard the man leave and I walked over to the counter, where Danes were looking at his account book.

I cleared my throat before speaking, asking if I could leave early so I could look at an apartment for rent. I tried to keep my voice neutral, not wanting to reveal the fear that was coursing through my veins.

Danes agreed, understanding that I was still looking for a stable place to live. I thanked him, relieved that I had been able to get away from the situation.

Relief flooded through me as I stepped inside. My chest felt lighter as if a weight had been lifted off of me. I was thankful for the chance to take a break from the outside world. The smells of the room were strong, and I looked around in awe.

Danes looked at the door and said, "Before you leave, could you please serve those gentlemen? Thanks, hon." My heart sank and my lips trembled as my body shook.

I wanted to sob, I was so frightened. I knew the wolves had tracked me down and most packs were hostile to rogues. I was going to die, not right now, but eventually.

I should have never stopped in this wretched town. I tried to fight the panic and tightness in my chest as I calmly and humanly walked toward them.

I was foolish to think that I could hide from them. If I could scent them, then they could surely scent me as well. It was obvious that they had. In the small shop, two men stood before me.

The one with brown eyes was staring directly at me, while the one next to him had blonde hair and was taller than the other.

He looked menacing and I knew that he could kill me in an instant. The other two had dirty blonde hair and were standing outside the shop, likely guarding the entrance to prevent me from escaping.

The wolf's eyes were piercing into my skull as if he was ready to take my life as soon as he could. I was an unfamiliar female and I knew that I was in danger.

I fought furiously against the desire to just turn and run as the silence progressed. I swallowed again, but forced myself to speak out without showing any signs of fear, "How can I help you, gentlemen?" Again, this time watching my words carefully, "How can I help you, gentlemen?" Silence.

The mere presence of these wolves made me shiver. I was fighting a losing battle with my quivering legs. 'Please.....just order something,' I prayed, an involuntary tear rolling down my cheeks. 'Just buy something and leave.'

"I want that locket," The blonde finally uttered pointing toward the display in the background. I was relieved, but I still felt a chill of fear lingering in my heart.

I tried my best to keep my composure as I faced the two strange figures in the shop. I knew that as long as I kept up the pretense of being calm, I would be safe. "Coming right up," I said with a small nod, before turning to grab the trinket from the display.

I placed the box down steadily, but my hands still shook from fear. Their eyes stared at me intently as their smiles wavered. I forced myself from flinching, knowing that if I did, they would do something.

Swallowing slightly, I took a step back in surprise when the customer didn't say anything else. After they paid for the trinket and left, I watched until they were out of sight.

Quickly, I grabbed my coat, beanie, and scarf, wishing there was a backdoor in the shop. Knowing there wasn't, I had to go through the front. "S-sorry, Danes. I'll see you tomorrow," I called out, finally noticing my anxiety. "Y-yeah. Are you alright, hon?" Danes asked.

"I'm fine," I said a little too quickly, "I'll...I'll see you later, Danes." Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked out of the door and into the cold winter night, trying to remain as calm as possible.

But I was nowhere out of harm's way yet. I walked briskly, the cold air not fazing me. All I wanted was to run away from them as fast as I could, thankful for my werewolf's speed and the darkness. But the lack of human bodies around me was a red flag. As I turned another corner, I heard the sound of running footsteps behind me. I whimpered in fear, my heart beating erratically.

I felt a wave of panic wash over me as I ran, desperately trying to escape the danger that was quickly approaching. "I don't want to die!" I thought to myself, regretting my decision to stop in this town. If only I had been smarter.

The sound of the footsteps closing in snapped me from my mental regrets, reminding me that I had to focus on the present situation if I wanted to survive.

I kept running, not stopping for anything. I rushed across the street and into the Town Square, passing through the archway.

As I ran, I almost tripped over something in the snow, but I managed to catch myself in time. Suddenly, I felt a pair of strong hands grab me and throw me down into the snow. I screamed out, "No! Let me go!" as I tried to break free from the vice-like grip.

Before I could do anything, I was grabbed by another person and thrown into a tree. A sharp yelp of pain escaped my lips as I came face to face with the blonde man. His large hand tightened around my throat, threatening to cut off my air supply completely.

He growled at me, "Who are you, wolf? Why are you here?!" I was terrified, my heart racing as I tried to think of an answer. "I...I'll be leaving soon! I promise! Please let me go!" I sobbed, but the blonde growled at me again. "Answer the question!" he demanded. I took a deep breath and blurted out, "Amelia Henderson...My name is Amelia Henderson.

" I was shaking, tears blurring my vision. "I...I didn't know this was a pack territory. I didn't intend to trespass. I will leave soon..." My voice trailed off as I realized the gravity of my situation.

The brunette standing in front of me spoke through gritted teeth, "You trespass on our pack's territory, stay here without permission, and expect to just leave?" I whimpered in response, knowing there was no escape.

I was trapped, surrounded by three of them, and one standing behind me. What could I do? They were stronger and they were right. I was going to die. It was the werewolf law.

I felt the cold hands of the blonde man around my throat, squeezing tightly. I gasped for breath, my eyes wide with fear. But then, in a moment of resignation, I closed my eyes, accepting my fate. The man's grip tightened, and I felt my life slipping away.