"The Alpha wants you there, Lauren," Jane said softly. "We're pleading on your behalf. Connor is doing everything he can to force us out of the pack."
"Then let's grant his wish," Lauren replied bitterly. "Let's just leave."
Jane's expression darkened.
"We'd be putting our lives at risk if we did. Remember what happened to our former pack eleven years ago..."
"You don't have to bring that up."
Lauren's eyes filled with tears. It was the one memory she'd spent years trying to bury.
"I've been trying to forget..." she whispered.
After a long silence, she finally gave in.
"Fine. I'll go. I'll attend the party, okay?"
"Thank you, darling."
Jane kissed her forehead and gently tucked the blanket around her.
"Goodnight."
She walked toward the door.
"Goodnight, Mom," Lauren murmured.
The door clicked shut.
Lauren waited until her mother's footsteps faded before sitting upright in bed. She released a long, shaky breath and stared out through the window into the dark night.
No matter how hard she tried...
The past always found its way back.
Eleven Years Ago...
"Zoey! Throw the ball! Hurry!"
Little Lauren laughed as her best friend tossed the ball toward her.
Lauren stretched out both hands to catch it...
But the ball sailed right over her head and disappeared into the nearby woods.
"Aww..." Zoey pouted.
"I'll get it!"
Lauren raced into the forest without hesitation.
The ball lay only a few feet away.
"Got you!"
She picked it up with a triumphant smile and turned to head back—
Bang!
A gunshot echoed through the woods.
Lauren froze.
Another shot rang out.
Then came the screams.
The cries.
The sounds of chaos.
"Zoey..."
Her smile disappeared.
She sprinted out of the woods.
The sight that greeted her stole the breath from her lungs.
Their village...
...was burning.
Flames swallowed house after house while terrified pack members ran in every direction.
Bodies dropped to the ground one after another as bullets tore through the air.
Massive black wolves hunted them mercilessly.
"Lauren!"
She turned toward the voice.
"Zoey!"
Her best friend stood beside a small hut, hiding behind it.
Lauren dashed toward her.
The forgotten ball rolled away into the grass.
The two girls threw themselves into each other's arms.
"Lauren..." Zoey sobbed. "I'm scared. They killed everyone... Mom... Dad..."
"We'll be okay," Lauren whispered, trying to sound brave. "Let's hide."
"What if they find us?"
"They won't. The Moon Goddess will protect us."
"But—"
"There they are!"
The girls whipped around.
A man with dark eyes was marching toward them, rifle in hand.
"Run!"
Lauren grabbed Zoey's hand, and together they bolted toward her house.
Bang!
Another gunshot.
Lauren stumbled forward.
Zoey's grip suddenly became heavy.
She looked back.
Zoey had collapsed.
Still holding Lauren's hand.
For a brief second, Lauren couldn't understand what had happened.
Then she saw it.
Blood trickled from the center of Zoey's forehead.
Her eyes...
...were lifeless.
"Zoey?"
No response.
"Zoey!"
Lauren fell beside her.
"Please wake up..."
Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face as she shook her friend's shoulders.
"Please..."
But Zoey was already gone.
Lauren didn't even notice the armed man approaching until strong arms suddenly lifted her off the ground.
"No!"
She kicked and struggled wildly.
"Let me go! Zoey! Let me go!"
"It's me, Lauren."
Her mother's trembling voice reached her ears.
Jane held her tightly.
"We have to leave!"
"Mom..." Lauren cried hysterically. "Zoey... they took her away from me..."
Bang!
Another bullet flew toward them.
Jane threw herself to the ground just in time.
The shot missed by inches.
Without wasting another second, she scooped Lauren back into her arms and ran.
She ran deeper into the forest while the armed men and monstrous black wolves pursued them relentlessly.
Lauren looked over her mother's shoulder.
She wished she hadn't.
Pack members were being gunned down one after another.
Others were dragged away by the wolves.
The screams...
The blood...
The bodies...
It was too much.
Lauren squeezed her eyes shut and buried her face against Jane's shoulder while her mother kept running without looking back.
At last, they reached an enormous tree where Romeo waited anxiously.
The moment he saw them, relief washed over his face.
"Lauren!"
"Daddy!"
Lauren leaped into his embrace.
"My baby..." His voice cracked. "I'm so glad you're safe."
He kissed Lauren's forehead before pressing another kiss against Jane's.
"I thought I'd lost both of you."
"I think we lost them," Jane whispered between heavy breaths.
Romeo looked behind them.
"So do I... but we can't stay here."
He glanced toward the burning horizon.
"This place isn't safe anymore."
Jane nodded silently.
Then Romeo looked around.
"Where's Zoey?"
Lauren burst into fresh tears.
Jane slowly shook her head.
Understanding dawned instantly across Romeo's face.
His shoulders fell.
He pulled Lauren close.
"It's okay..." he whispered, gently stroking her hair.
"We're together now."
With nowhere else to go...
The small family began an uncertain journey in search of safety.
Two Days Later
Cold rain poured from the heavens as they trudged through the dense forest.
It was the middle of the night.
Their clothes were soaked.
Their bodies were exhausted.
Their hearts were broken.
Every member of their pack had either been killed or disappeared.
Even their Alpha was nowhere to be found.
As far as they knew...
They were the only survivors.
"Who's there?"
A sharp voice cut through the rain.
Several guards emerged from the darkness.
Rifles were immediately aimed at the family.
Jane instinctively pulled Lauren closer.
"Please..." Romeo pleaded, raising both hands. "We've come in peace. We're only seeking shelter."
The guards exchanged wary glances.
Then one of them suddenly bowed.
"Your Highness."
The soldiers stepped aside.
A tall, imposing man walked forward.
Power radiated from every step he took.
His piercing gaze settled on the exhausted family.
"What are you doing on my territory?"
His deep voice carried unquestionable authority.
Romeo and Jane immediately lowered their heads in respect.
Without a doubt...
They were standing before an Alpha King.
Whether he would save their lives...
Or end them...
None of them knew.