New Start

Adam's POV

After learning the truth about myself twelve hours ago, I spent the night talking with my parents, then my wolf.

I wanted to learn what I could about werewolves, so I decided to go to the library. Every book I read talks about our kind as though we are fantasy. To be fair, I used to think that way.

I was sitting at a table in the middle of the library reading through my fifth book when I was suddenly overwhelmed with a jasmine and rose fragrance. It was so sweet and intoxicating.

She's here! Our mate is here!

What do you mean? Mate?

Yes. Remember when your dad talked about meeting your mom and knew she was his mate? A mate is a gift from the moon goddess.

There's no such thing as... I couldn't finish my thought to my wolf with this fragrance so close. It was interfering with my thoughts.

Find her! You might not get another chance!

I stood and tried to look around but soon the fragrance lessened. Then it was gone. My wolf whimpered in my head and I felt a sudden empty feeling.

Confused, I knew I had to talk to my parents.

***

Adam's POV

I sat down with my parents to tell them what happened at the library.

"It was strange. There I was just reading a book and I had this intense overwhelming fragrance come to me. It was intoxicating. My wolf told me it came from my mate. But I couldn't find her. Then just as soon as it came, the fragrance went away," Adam said.

"That definitely sounds familiar, doesn't it sweety?" His dad smiled down at his mom. She just smiled back and leaned her head against his chest. His dad was sitting on the arm of the couch while his mom sat below him on the cushion.

"So, what do I do?" Adam felt stressed.

"You will find her again, Adam. She must live in the area, so it's just a matter of time."

***

Rachel's POV

It's been a week since I learned about my history from Shannon. I have been released from foster care officially. But I am still under protection with security around. Nobody sees them thankfully so I can live relatively normal.

I was able to get a small furnished apartment, with Shannon's help. I am starting a new job as a waitress this next week and I'm finishing school online. I was moved to a new location in the middle of Oklahoma and my "life story" changed. My name is still Rachel, but my last name is now Taylor.

There wasn't evidence of having been found yet, but Shannon and the WPA wanted to be safe. I was able to even dye my hair, so now I'm a redhead. Well, auburn, but still. I am enjoying my new life.

I decided that I do want to go back to my home pack eventually. I understand their reluctance to trust my mom, and while it still bothers me, the need to belong is stronger. I told Shannon I wanted to study them first. Learn about them before I attempt to go there.

She gave me some information to begin my research. It was a website that only werewolves had access to, sort of like the dark web that criminals use. The average person wouldn't know how to gain access. So far I've learned that they have another alpha, which makes me a bit upset that they replaced my dad.

They had to. Packs have to have a leader or else they'd cease to exist. Let's just hope this alpha is good.

My wolf informed me. I was able to tap into a werewolf genealogy catalogue. I can research more about my mom and dad.

Typing in the little known information I had led me to my dad's history. There was even a picture of him. I just sat and stared at it. He looks somewhat familiar. I don't remember him really well, but that smile is in my memory. I found myself crying. I spent almost an hour looking through the information.

There was some information about my mom. I saw her picture and felt love. I cried harder. I remember her. That smile and I remember her voice. Her laugh. It triggered a memory of me running into her arms. I think I was coming out of school. I was only 3 or 4, so it would have been preschool. But I remember running to her and being in her arms. I remembered her smell.

An hour later, I felt exhausted from crying. But it felt good to remember things.

Looking at the clock, I yawned and decided to forego my shower until the morning. I needed to sleep.

***

My ribs were hurting. My heart was beating so hard I couldn't hardly breathe. But I couldn't stop. I didn't dare look behind me. They were almost caught up to me. I feared for my life. Can't stop. I don't want to die. There are two of them with guns. One is whistling. I hear laughter and it sounds so evil. I trip and fall, but get right back up. Now my ankle is hurting. Throbbing actually. But I have to keep running.

I see someone ahead. He's holding his arm out to me. But I can't see his face.

***

I wake up covered in sweat. It was only a dream. It felt so real. Where did that come from? I've never had a dream like that before. And who was the man trying to save me?

I got up to get a drink and to use the restroom. Getting back into bed, I lay down. I feel unsettled. I get out and walk to the window to look down to the street. I see the unmarked car across the street. The man sitting there watching the building. I'm safe. Go to sleep, Rachel. You're fine.

Feeling more secured, I lay back down and close my eyes to sleep. I finally drifted off.