Anne and Emily were returning from their last-minute shopping. The streets were quiet, with only a few cars passing by and the occasional pedestrian strolling along the sidewalks.
Anne had been living with Emily and Heather for a week now, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. But tomorrow, they would be leaving this quiet town behind, flying to Alaska to start a new chapter of their lives. Emily had been talking excitedly about their destination, describing the beauty of Wolf Creek, where her grandfather's lakefront house and café were nestled among the towering trees and rugged wilderness.
"You'll love it there, Anne," Emily said as they walked towards the motel where they were staying. "The lake is beautiful, and the café—it's like something out of a storybook. My grandfather used to tell me stories about the wolves that roamed the forest nearby. He always said they were guardians of the land."
Anne smiled at Emily's enthusiasm, though a part of her couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety. She had grown fond of Emily and Heather, but the fear of her secret being discovered always lingered in the back of her mind. Yet Emily's kindness and warmth had made her feel more at ease than she had in years.
As they approached the motel door, Anne heard a strange noise from inside. A sense of unease settled in her stomach, and she exchanged a worried glance with Emily. Without hesitation, Emily quickly unlocked the door and pushed it open.
The scene that greeted them made Anne's blood run cold.
Heather was backed into a corner, her face pale with fear as a large, burly man loomed over her, his hand gripping her arm tightly. His eyes were wild with anger, his voice a low growl as he spat threats at Heather.
"You think you can just leave me? Take my daughter away." The man snarled, tightening his grip on Heather's arm. "You're mine, Heather. You and Emily both. How dare you try to run?"
"Dad, stop!" Emily shouted, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and anger as she stepped forward. "Let her go!"
But the man, too consumed by his rage, barely registered Emily's presence. He turned his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of Anne standing behind Emily.
"And who the hell are you?" he demanded, his voice laced with venom.
Anne stood her ground, her expression unwavering as she replied, "I'm Anne, and I won't let you hurt them." The man's grip on Heather tightened even more.
"How dare you interfere in my family's business?"
Anne's heart raced as she felt her wolf stir within her, the primal instinct to protect flaring to life. She stepped forward, trying to remain calm despite the growing tension. "Let her go," she said, her voice firm.
The man's expression twisted into a sneer. "Or what? What are you going to do, huh?"
Before Anne could respond, the man lunged at her, his rage-fueled strength propelling him forward. But Anne was ready. Her wolf surged to the surface, and before she could stop it, her eyes glowed a fierce golden, and she half-shifted into her hybrid form. Her hands became claws, her muscles rippling with the power of her transformation. She caught his neck and held him in a vice-like grip, her growl sending shivers down his spine. The man's eyes widened in fear as he realised he had severely underestimated her.
The man's bravado crumbled instantly as he stumbled back, terror etched on his face. "What, what are you?"
But Anne's wolf wouldn't let him get away so easily. She moved with lightning speed, knocking him to the ground with a single blow. The man's head hit the floor with a dull thud, and he lay there unconscious.
As the adrenaline slowed, Anne realised what she had done. She looked up, her golden eyes fading back to their usual green as she turned to see Emily and Heather staring at her in shock, their faces pale.
Anne's heart sink. She hadn't meant for them to see her like this—to reveal the part of herself she had kept hidden for so long. She quickly shifted back into her human form, her breathing uneven as she tried to find the words to explain.
"I'm sorry," Anne stammered, her voice thick with emotion. "I didn't mean to scare you. I'll leave—I don't want to cause you any more trouble."
But before she could turn to go, Emily rushed forward, grabbing her arm. "No, Anne, wait!" she said, her voice urgent. "You don't have to go."
Anne blinked, confusion and fear swirling within her. "But you saw what I am."
Emily nodded, her grip on Anne's arm tightening. "I did. And it doesn't change anything."
Anne searched Emily's face, trying to understand. "How can you say that? You should be afraid of me."
Emily shook her head, her expression softening. "I've known you were different for a while, Anne. Your superfast healing and that day in the forest, I saw an injured wolf run into the woods, but when mum and I reached the spot, we found you instead."
Anne's breath caught in her throat. She had been so careful, so guarded. How had Emily figured it out?
Heather, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and understanding. "Anne, you saved us today. You saved my life. Whatever you are, it doesn't matter. You're family now."
Anne was speechless, her heart swelling with emotion.
"Your secret is safe with us," Emily added softly, her voice full of sincerity. "We'll protect you, just like you protected us."
Tears welled up in Anne's eyes as she realised she didn't have to run anymore. For the first time in years, she felt truly accepted and truly safe. With shaky breath, she nodded, a small smile breaking through the storm of emotions within her.
"Thank you," Anne whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.
"Mom, what about dad ?" Emily asked, while staring at her father's limp body.
Heather moved to check on her ex husband. She stepped cautiously towards the crumpled figure, her breath catching in her throat. Kneeling beside him, she hesitated for a moment before placing trembling fingers on his neck, searching for the pulse that should have been there.
Heather's face turned ashen as she withdrew her hand, her fingers shaking uncontrollably. She opened her mouth to speak, but for a moment, no sound came out. When she finally found her voice, it was barely a whisper.
"He, he's dead."