The Transfer novel Chapter 7

When I got back from my run, I felt better. I had run until my legs gave out, and then I hauled myself to the river and slid into the water. I washed away the sweat and blood and then found some clothes stashed away in a hollow tree. I slipped on the clothes and walked back to my cabin.

Upon entering my cabin, I smelt the wolves that were sitting inside. As I pushed the door open, I already knew who I was.

I walked into the dining room where everyone was sitting at the table. Lila got up the moment she saw me and rushed over to me. She embraced me in a tight hug and rubbed my cheek with hers.

I calmed my beast only a little. But it was enough to keep me relaxed.

Brayleigh and Kade sat next to each other at the table. Kade had his arm around her shoulders and had her close to him. I looked at them longingly before tearing my eyes away.

I met eyes with Alfie and smiled weakly at him. Then I did the same with Ezra.

They were all sat, drinking wine and beer with a large box of biscuits in the middle. I sat down, Lila sitting next to me at the table.

"Hungry, Ali? I can make you a sandwich," Ezra asked me. I nodded at him and my belly grumbled as if on cue. He smiled at me and got up from the table. He kissed the top of my head before he started to make me something to eat.

"You did the right thing, going for a run to cool off. It takes a lot of strength to make a decision when your mind is clouded with anger the way it was," Alfie told me as he pushed a beer towards me. I muttered my thanks and then nodded at him.

"I felt like I could've ripped someone's head off," I chuckled lightly. Kade smiled knowingly at me.

"Alison, your brother, Beckett called Ezra after you left and he told us about you and what happened in Terialta," Lila told me through our private link. I widened my eyes at her as she slipped her hand into mine and smiled sadly.

What? They knew?

My insecurities swallowed me whole and I suddenly felt vulnerable and weak. I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out. I was speechless.

"Eat up. You need to get your energy back after your run," Ezra said as he pushed two sandwiches in front of me. I said nothing and I ate.

The others all talked with each other whilst I ate. They didn't necessarily try to speak to me, and I was glad. I didn't feel like talking to anyone.

Especially now that they all knew my biggest secret.

Alfie had to leave a short while later. He stood up and smiled at me before leaving the cabin. I feel his blood humming as he walked away. Soon after, Kade and Lila left too. They exchanged worried glances with Brayleigh and I before they walked out.

Then, Ezra left the cabin too. He claimed that he needed to help some other wolves hunt, but I knew he was lying.

It was just Brayleigh and I.

"You know... you're not alone in all of this," Brayleigh told me suddenly. I looked up from my lap and at her. I saw the sadness in her eyes and I frowned.

What was she talking about? I knew I'm not alone. I had a lot of people to help and support me. Although, I didn't really want help. I didn't want people to know. Especially this early in the friendships that I've made.

"I was fifteen when I was raped by a man in the forest," Brayleigh said. I could hear the pain in her voice. I felt a sharp pang in my chest, and it hurt.

Her too?

"Really?" I whispered. My voice couldn't go any louder. I felt like curling up into a ball for the rest of my life.

I felt miserable.

"Yeah... he was a rogue. I was on a run. I hadn't even had my first shift yet. I wasn't strong enough to fight him off. My mother found me shoved into some bushes a few hours later. We never found the rogue that did it," Brayleigh explained. I noticed how confident she sounded. She didn't sound at all ashamed of what had happened to her.

I envied her. How could she be so strong? Why wasn't she as weak as I was?

"It's okay to be upset about it, Ali. I swelled on it for years until I met Kade... he helped me get over it. Obviously, it still bothers me, but it's easier to think and talk about now," Brayleigh continued. I stared at her in awe.

I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe that I had met someone who had something that brutal in common with me. It was hard for me to wrap my head around.