#Chapter1

I stomped back and forth across the floor of my bedroom, waiting for the taxi to arrive. I can feel the rage rising with each step, and no matter what I do, whether it's counting to ten, taking a deep breath, nothing helps; I can't settle.

I thought I had experienced pain before. Everything I have ever endured feels minuscule compared to it. This pain hurts to breathe; my whole body aches. Sometimes, I find it hard to breathe. It feels like someone is squeezing my lungs, then releasing them only enough for me to catch my breath before resuming the torture, like a never-ending, vicious cycle.

I collapsed against the wardrobe as I heaved in deep breaths and tried to calm myself down. My eyes began to burn as a low growl slipped out.

/"We can't travel like this, Amaris. If we lose control, it's dangerous,/" my wolf, Aurora, whined.1

/"I know, Rory, I'm trying./" I groaned, massaging my temples.

I drooped my head low and breathed deeply. My eyes were still burning, so I knew I was running out of time before my emotions got the better of me.

I huffed and made my way into the bathroom; maybe cold water will shock the emotions out of me. I paused in front of the sink and glanced in the mirror before turning on the tap.

I held my hands under the running water and splashed the water over my face. I closed my eyes, letting the water trickle down my face, imagining it was the anger slowly coursing off me.

/"Everything will be okay,/" Aurora attempted to assure me the best she could.

It wasn't going to be okay; how could it be?

I hummed in response and grabbed the towel hanging by the sink. I dabbed my face before dropping the towel by the side of the sink.

I don't even recognize the woman staring back at me anymore. My eyes don't have the sparkle they used to; my once bright blue eyes are dull and lifeless.

My life hasn't gone the way I imagined, or even the way I wanted. At twenty-three, a she-wolf should have met her mate, but that is not always the case, at least not for me.

A beep resonated around my apartment, letting me know my taxi had arrived. I headed back into the bedroom and grabbed my suitcase.

I made my way to my front door before turning and glancing around the room. This apartment is small compared to my childhood home, but this is my safety net. I'm already on edge, and having to leave this place is making it worse.

I sighed as I dragged my suitcase outside, shutting the door behind me. The taxi driver was standing by his door, typing away on his phone as I approached him.

/"Here, let me help./" He offered, shoving his phone in his pocket.

/"Thank you,/" I mumbled as he took my suitcase to the back of the taxi.

I opened the back door and climbed in. I fastened the belt before taking a deep breath.

/"You've got this./"

I let out my breath shakily before nodding at the taxi driver, who was now sitting in front of the taxi glancing in the rear-view mirror.

I gazed out of the window as we drove through the streets of Vancouver. I'm going to miss this place while I'm away. This has been my home for three years. I moved here just before my twentieth birthday.

It was perfect for me; no pack life, no wolves, and certainly no chance of finding my mate.

/"Are you traveling anywhere nice?/" The taxi driver chatted.

/"Going home,/" I replied nonchalantly, staring out of the window.3

He hummed in response while he toyed with the stereo in the car. I sighed, rested my head on the window, while soft music filled the car.

I'm from a small village in Devon. Clovelly is a stunning place; it's every wolf's dream, with remote fields and many forests in the vicinity.

There are four neighbouring packs in Devon: Crimson Pack, Luna Pack, Moon Lake Pack and Dark Wolf Pack.

The name of the Crimson Pack comes from the alpha family. Each wolf in the family has crimson-coloured fur or is partially covered.

The name of the Moon Lake Pack comes from the lake that surrounds its pack land. When the moon is brightest, it reflects against the lake. I've never seen it, but I've heard it's beautiful.

I'm originally from The Dark Wolf Pack. The pack is named after a dark wolf. It used to be a legend, something you would read in a book, but all that changed years ago.

As for the Luna Pack, I don't know how they came up with their name. I don't think anyone knows, well apart from them.

The taxi came to a standstill outside the airport. The taxi driver opened his door before jumping out. He opened my door and smiled at me. I climbed out and went to the back of the car as he opened the trunk and hauled my suitcase out.

He pulled my suitcase in front of me and nodded. I gave him some cash with a quick, /"thank you./"

I took a deep breath and gazed up at the airport. I breathed slowly, squared my shoulders before going into the airport. Once I had checked in and gone through security, I headed towards the airport bar. I had time to spare before I could board.

I stood outside the bar, glancing around; it was too crowded for my liking, but I couldn't just stand around in the waiting area. I waded through the crowds searching for an empty table or seat. I spotted a table at the far end of the bar. After making my way over, I flopped down in the chair and let out a breath.

/"Hi, what can I get you?/" A waitress asked as I set my phone and plane ticket on the table in front of me.

/"I'll have a gin and tonic, please,/" I answered.

I was surprised they even had table service, especially with how busy they are. I am glad I didn't have to fight my way through the crowds again though.

/"Got it, I'll be right back./" She smiled before disappearing into the crowd.

I leaned back in my chair and sighed. Alcohol doesn't exactly work on werewolves, but I need a little liquid courage for this trip.

My phone lit up, vibrating on the table. I picked it up and read the screen. I had a text message from my uncle. I sighed and dropped my phone back on the table, screen down.

/"Here's your drink, miss./" The waitress placed the glass down in front of me with the bill.

/"Thank you,/" I replied.

She nodded and went over to another table. I picked the glass up and took a long sip. I put the glass back down and picked my phone up. I dragged in an uneasy breath as I opened the message.

'Hey, Mari. I'll be at the airport when you land. I can't wait to see you. X'

I was nervous about seeing everyone in the pack again, but especially my family. I haven't seen any of them since I left. I cut all contact when I moved. I had my reasons, but I don't know if everyone fully understands why. Sometimes, I don't believe I did the right thing.

I didn't want anyone to be in danger, and if they were still in contact with me, they would be.

'Will Lucas be coming too?′

I set my phone down while waiting for a reply. I picked my glass up and downed the rest of my drink. Lucas is my cousin, and I was hoping we could talk before I get back to the pack.

I leaned forward as my phone lit up. I picked up my phone, opening the message.

'No. I need to talk to you before we get back to the pack.'

I slumped against my chair and sighed. Guess I'm going back to the pack and facing everyone.