“Argh!” The pain was worse than the knife in her side had been, and the blood flowed even faster. At least it washed off some of Whipper’s, although she doubted any number of baths wouldn’t take away the stench she felt was ingrained in her skin.
There was definitely no going back now. She couldn’t move the wolf’s body. It would have been a feat at full strength and now her knees were trembling from just the effort of standing.
Taking the needle, thread and bandages from her bag, she started patching up the wound on her side. This time she made no attempt to ease the pain with a stick between her jaws. The once-neat cut had now torn in so many places, her only option was to leave the stitches loose, otherwise each step would just see it pulling open. With the work completed as best she could, she wound a bandage around her middle, stuffed everything back in her bag, and started the long walk through the forest.
She didn’t walk past Whipper or the deer again. She couldn’t face them again. By the evening, they would find the bodies. They would make their own conclusions as to what had happened. They knew of the vendetta. Some would assume Whipper attacked first. Others would blame her. Either way, she was no longer part of the pack.
Every few miles, she stopped to spill more water and alcohol on the ground, in an attempt to weaken the scent. When she stumbled past a sweet spirea, she pulled off a handful of white flowers and rubbed them against the soles of her feet to mask her scent. She repeated the same action a mile later when she passed a weeping silver lime. She would keep walking, walking, until either she reached the road or died on her feet, they were her only options now.
Sunset had fallen, when the forest started to thin. Her head pounded and her legs ached with a burning she thought she would never recover from. When the road appeared, her knees gave way. Gravel stung her skin as she fell into the dust. Her mouth filled with the powder-dry earth. Her eyes closed. Relief flooded through her. At least Michael would find her and know she hadn’t give up on him. At least he would know she had tried.
As her breath weakened, a sound caught her ears. Footsteps, slow at first, then faster and faster.
There was no more strength in her legs. No more energy left to keep going. Even as the sounds of footsteps raced towards her she failed to keep herself upright. As her eyes closed, he knees finally gave way. She toppled forwards, waiting for the thud as she hit the ground. Instead she landed on the soft cotton of his shirt.
“It’s okay, Freya. I’m here. I’ve got you now. I’ve got you.”
* * *
THE END
From the Author
Dear Reader,
I hope you enjoyed this short story. If you would like to read more from the Dark Creatures series, then head over to my Facebook page.
* * *
Ella Stone Facebook
Reluctant Alpha
An Evervale Wolves Novella
Bex Taylor
About Reluctant Alpha
The Nakamura wolves have been the leaders of the Evervale pack for decades. My grandfather was the Alpha, my father is the current one. With my older brother accused of murder, and banished from the pack, I’m next in line to take the role when my father passes. Only I don’t want it. I never have. My father knows this, but it doesn’t stop him teaching me the ways of the Alpha. I humour him to keep the peace.
When a devastation none of us saw coming hits the pack I’m left regretting the times I didn’t listen to my father. Especially when I’m thrown into the role I never wanted, and I’m not ready for.
I must learn to lead my pack, find a murderer, and deal with my unhinged brother all while I fight my own demons of self-doubt.
The town of Evervale needs a new leader, a new protector. I’m just not sure I’m that wolf, but it seems I don’t have a choice. It’s a good thing I have my closest friends at my side, right?
Reluctant Alpha is a prequal to the Evervale wolves trilogy due out in 2021, and the first book in the Evervale universe. A small town where vampires, witches, and wolves live amongst the humans, and each have their own story to tell.
Chapter One
Riley
The sound of crisp autumn leaves crunching shattered the peace of Evervale forest, as I ran through the trees. My wolf enjoying the freedom, sending colours of oranges, browns and reds into the crisp morning air. Stopping near a clearing, where a waterfall pooled quietly into a small cove, I disappeared into a bush, reappearing as a fully dressed human.
“You took your time Riley.”
I turned at the voice, finding my brother leaning lazily against a tree. I took a moment to study him, banishment wasn’t doing Chase any favours. He had lost weight in the two months he had been out here, the clothing he wore was tattered and dirty. I guess Chase had spent his time as a wolf, I would have done the same, it was much easier to hunt and fight with teeth and claws.
“If Father knew I was meeting with you, he would punish me. I don’t really want to begin to imagine what that punishment would be,” I replied.
“You’re welcome for the clothes by the way,” Chase retorted.
I glanced down at the worn jeans, and baggy black t-shirt that I had tucked in, hoping to keep the jeans up. I would dump them as soon as I was done humouring my brother.
“Dare I ask where you got them?”
Chase walked past me, patting me on the shoulder as he did so.
“Best not brother.”
I rolled my eyes, following my brother to the edge of the water, taking a seat next to him. After a few moments of silence, waiting for Chase to tell me why he had asked to meet me, I let out a growl of frustration. I was so aware of how much trouble I would get into if I got caught.
“As I said, Chase. If Father knew I was meeting-”
“Yes, I heard you the first time Riley. Yet here you are. Meeting me at dawn as I asked, and by doing so I can only assume that you don’t believe I killed Luke,” Chase interrupted.
I didn’t reply straight away. I could see the exhaustion etched in my brother’s blue eyes and I found myself feeling sorry for him. Yet, I had learnt a long time ago to not trust Chase. Now was no different.
“Did you?” I asked bluntly.
“Of course I didn’t,” Chase bristled.
“Can’t blame me for asking. You always resented Luke. You hated that, as Father’s closest friend, he was his Beta. You hated that you hadn’t been given that role,” I pointed out.
“You’ve always been the golden pup, Riley. Father has never loved me-”
“That’s because your views are twisted, Chase. You long for a divide between all that live in Evervale. You won’t accept the witches and vampires. You can’t stand the humans; despite the fact they were living here before any of us Supernaturals,” I interrupted.
A flash of anger danced in Chase’s eyes. I didn’t care that I would likely pay for what I had just said. Chase didn’t scare me, and he needed to know the truth. For centuries all four species had lived together in Evervale, and for the most part peace had been kept. That was thanks to the council that was made up of the head of the witches, vampires, wolves and humans.
“Of course you would defend them, brother. One of your best friends is a vampire. A pretty messed up one at that,” Chase snapped.
I bit back a retort. I wasn’t about to get into the situation with Drax. It had nothing to with Chase, and it certainly had nothing to do with why we were meeting.
“What do you want Chase?” I demanded.
“I want you to get me back into the pack.”
I stared at my brother in disbelief. For a moment I was certain Chase had lost his mind. Maybe the last few months spent in the forest had tipped my brother into the madness that had always sat below the surface.
“Erm-no,” I said.
“Come on little brother. You’re the only one that Father will listen to. And I can’t stay out here for much longer,” Chase told me.
“Even if Father did listen to me, why would I convince h
im to let you back into the pack? You’re toxic Chase, you won’t be welcomed. You’re lucky that you still live.”
“I didn’t kill Luke. I thought you believed me,” Chase spat.
“No, I never said I believed you.”
The growl that left Chase’s lips should have scared me, but it didn’t. I didn’t even flinch. I couldn’t believe my brother really thought that I would help him. I was certain that Chase had something to do with Luke’s death even if it hadn’t been directly.
Chase had never been one to get his hands dirty.
“You always were a little shit. I thought you, of all people, would help an outcast. You’re so quick to help your vampire friend with his disgusting addiction.”
“You and Drax are nothing alike. You aren’t an outcast, Chase. You may not have killed Luke directly, but I don’t doubt you had something to do with his death. So no, I won’t help you get back into the pack,” I growled.
I stood, moving towards the forest, letting my wolf come to the surface, ready to shift. I couldn’t stand to be anywhere near my older brother a moment longer.
“You will regret this decision, Riley,” Chase snarled.
I glanced over my shoulder as my body began to change.
“I doubt it, Chase.”
I didn’t wait to hear my brother’s response. My wolf was free, speeding through the forest. I needed to get back home before anyone noticed I had been gone.
It didn’t take me long to reach the edge of the grounds that spilled around the Alpha’s home. I hated living in the lavish house. I wasn’t into the materialistic junk that came with the privilege of the leader.
The Nakamura wolves had been the head of the Evervale pack for centuries, yet I had no intention of taking over as Alpha. I was trying to find a way to break the line, and failing miserably in the process. Chase had been the only one that had wanted the power, it was just a shame his views were bitter and twisted.
A crunch of a stick made me freeze. My hackles rose, eyes darting around as my senses became more alert. A smell caught my nose, relaxing me instantly. I turned to find my best friend stepping out from behind the trees, clothing in hand.
“Figured you could use these before you tell me where you’ve been,” Archer grinned.
I trotted towards him, taking the offered clothing and disappearing into the bushes, reappearing in human form. Archer was leaning against a tree waiting patiently with a slight smirk on his lips.
“So, where were you?” He asked.
I sighed deeply, wondering just how much I should share with the other wolf. I trusted Archer with my life. We had grown up together, becoming firm friends as pups. The only thing stopping me from telling him the truth, was that he was Luke's son. I was pretty sure he wouldn’t be too happy if he knew I had been speaking with the one accused of killing his father.
“I just went for a morning run,” I replied.
“Okay, now the truth,” Archer pressed.
I turned from my friend, making my way across the grounds back to my home. I needed some food, a shower and sleep.
“Remember we told Willow we would help set up the Inn for the Halloween party tonight. You forgot about that, didn’t you? I know you’re thinking of spending the day in bed. Also, you haven’t answered my question,” Archer said.
I groaned. I had forgotten that Archer’s mate had asked for our help. I had completely forgotten that today was Halloween. I let out a small laugh at the irony of Chase asking to meet me that day.
“Is something funny?” Archer asked.
I shook my head, making the decision that I would speak to Archer about Chase tomorrow. We had too much to focus on today. The party at Evervale Inn was going to be the event of the town that night. Humans, wolves, vampires and witches would come together to celebrate Halloween. Each for their own reasons. Every year was a big thing, this year would be no different.
“Come on buddy. I need food and a shower, and hopefully not a run-in with my father.”
“Dare I ask what your father has done now?” Archer asked.
“Best not to ask anything more about my family, Archer. Not today anyway. That’s a story for tomorrow,” I replied
Chapter Two
Riley
My hopes of having nothing more to do with my family were very quickly dashed as I entered the house. No sooner had the door shut behind me and Archer, did my father’s voice boom from the study. It seemed that someone else had noticed that I had left early that morning. I wondered, for a moment, if I had been spied on. It wouldn’t be the first time my father had ordered someone to follow me. When I had confronted him about it, my father had covered it up, telling me he couldn’t risk losing another heir. I didn’t believe him. But I wasn’t about to argue with the Alpha.
“Get in here now, Riley.”
Archer sent me a sympathetic look before heading out the door we had just come through. I sighed deeply, heading towards the study. Pushing the door open, I found my father sat behind his large oak desk. Papers were spread out, laptop open; he had been up early working. Great, this would not have put him in the best of moods. I wasn’t looking forward to whatever lecture I was no doubt about to receive.
“Yes, Father,” I muttered.
“I have it on good authority that you were out before dawn this morning, and I would like to know why.”
“You mean you didn’t have one of your minions spying on me?” I sniped.
I wasn’t entirely sure why I was poking my father’s temper. Tito Nakamura was a force of nature and not one to be taken on lightly. I had seen few wolves try and fail at challenging him. Yet despite his intimidating presence my father was a compassionate leader. He cared about every human and Supernatural who lived in Evervale.
With me, though, he was often so cold; like he wasn’t allowed to show he loved me. Chase had been wrong when he had accused me of being the golden pup. I was far from it, because I had no intention of continuing the ancient line of Alphas that came from the Nakamura wolves. My father knew this, but it didn’t stop him trying to groom me for the role. I let him, for now, if only to keep the peace.
“Sit down, Riley,” my father said.
Reluctantly I did as I was told, my eyes never leaving my father as I did. There was no way in hell I was about to tell him what I had been doing that morning. I valued my life.
“I didn’t have anyone spy on you, Riley. Luna saw you leave earlier. I think she was a little disappointed that you didn’t take her with you,” he told me.
I felt myself internally relax. If it had been my sister who had seen me leave, I could very easily lie about it. Luna would have been annoyed that I hadn’t taken her out on a morning run. After all, I had been promising her that I would for a while. I would have to make it up to her. Last thing I needed was to be on the bad side of my kid sister.
“I just needed to go for a run, alone. A lot has happened over the last few months. I needed to clear my head a bit,” I replied.
I saw the hard look in my father’s eyes soften, he believed me. I just wished that my best friend didn’t know me so well. I wouldn’t be able to lie to Archer like I had my father.
“I understand. It can’t have been easy for you when Chase was accused. Tell me, Riley, would you have done the same? Would you have banished him? Or would you have killed him?” My father asked.
I fought the urge to let out a groan of frustration. I had hoped that once I had answered my father’s questions, I would be free to leave. I should have known I wasn’t going to be so lucky.
“You have no proof that he killed Luke. You can’t sentence someone to death without proof. That isn’t fair. But I would have sent him out of Evervale, so there was no risk of him coming back to cause more damage,” I replied.
“Do you think he did it?”
I didn’t answer straight away. I wasn’t so sure any more. Chase was great at manipulating and he could bend the truth with ease. He had told me that morning that he hadn’t m
urdered the Beta. Yet, I was still so sure he had something to do with it. I wondered what my father believed.
“Do you?” I asked.
My father sighed deeply, taking a drink of his coffee. I waited patiently, longing for my own cup of the steaming liquid and a large plate of bacon, or anything really.
“I have a feeling we have the same view on it, Riley. I think he had something to do with Luke’s death, but he wasn’t the one who actually did it.”
I nodded in silent response. That still meant that there was a murderer out there, and right at that moment it felt like nothing was getting done to find out who had done it. My father’s best friend had been a great Beta, he was a good, beloved wolf. I was certain my brother had set something up, in the hope that once Luke had died Chase would be able to step into the role. It was a shame my father knew just how dangerous Chase was. My father must have seen the concern on my face because he continued, as if trying to assure me things were being done.
“We are doing all we can to find out who did this. I’m even considering contacting the witches and seeing if they will help us. It will take a lot of convincing, but I might be able to get them to agree,” he said.
“Let’s try and figure it out ourselves first, Father. I would rather not get the witches involved. They will want a grand payment in return for their help. I can talk to Drax, he might have heard something. Are the humans concerned yet?” I asked.
“No, we have managed to keep it away from them for now. But I know that Detective Ace Carter has started sniffing around. Willow said he had come by the Inn asking questions the other night. Not sure where he had got a lead from, but she is a good wolf, I trust her. She managed to deter him for now.”
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