Werewolf Compilations novel Chapter 67

Panicking, I shoot up and hurry back down the street, bumping into a few people and getting groans and muffled curses in return. I want to apologize, I want to fit in, but I can't think straight anymore. My head can't focus on anything and before I know it, I'm leaning against the wall with the car painted on it, staring out at the road, trying to make my decision.

I can try and go back, or I can stay here.

I can't stay here, who am I kidding? I have no money, no friends, no shelter, no purpose? But I don't have a purpose back there either. At least there's a bed and food and a shower and my books and the diary.

But he's there. Alpha Grant. My pain is there. She's there—that beautiful woman who creeps into his bedroom. What am I doing? I have nowhere. That woman has my place in that world, the space in his bed, in his heart, in his pack—I wouldn't be surprised if he keeps me hidden and announces her as Luna.

How long have I been gone? Maybe he has already forgotten about me. Maybe he doesn't need me to keep him strong after all. The sun begins to lower into the mountains and my eyes fall to my feet. I've been gone for an entire day and no one has noticed. Swallowing hard, I drift down the road as if I am walking towards the gates of Hell, preparing for the kiss of death. What else am I going to do?

I could use a drink, that's for sure. I could use my mother right now, too. Sure, she pushed me to be something I wasn't, but she loved me. That I know. At least someone loved me. Sixteen-year-old me would be very disappointed. I'm sure she would have loved it out here in the human forest—buildings, people, freedom, independence—it's what she lived for. It's all she had to look forward to.

Another car comes rushing down the street, so I move to the side and ignore it until the vehicle comes to a halt at my side. I look up, worried, but feel the need to vomit when I see the guard—Theodore—in the front seat. "Get in," he orders, but seeing his face has me in shock.

"H-How did you—"

"Get in!" He presses, "trust me, you'd much rather be picked up by me than one of the other guys. You don't know how much trouble you've gotten yourself into," he rolls his eyes, "Would you get in the car."

I step back. "No, I-I won't."

"Look, if one of the others get to you first, they'll report you. Alpha Grant has a search out, and if they see you on human territory you'll be shunned."

"Why aren't you reporting me?"

Theodore sighs. "Just get in."

"No. I'm staying out here," I say, unsure.