Chapter 4
Evelyn
I was curled up behind the front door, silently trembling and gripping my arms tightly around myself. My breathing was shallow, my thoughts a buzzing mess. If my father didn’t come home, what would I do? Who would I call? Who, if anyone, would believe me? Deep down, I knew no one would come running to my aid, and the fear of this knowledge was all-consuming.
The hours dragged on, and exhaustion took over. I attempted to stay awake, but sleep inevitably overcame me. It had been a tiring day. As I drifted off, my subconscious heard the sound of footsteps echoing in my mind. For a moment, a glimmer of hope rooted inside of me. The front door opened with a loud creak and then slammed shut. A figure emerged from the shadows and into the dim light of the hallway.
I must have passed out from exhaustion the night before, because when I woke up it was already morning. I opened my eyes to a strange room I had never seen before and, judging by the dust that had settled on the wooden floor, no one had been in that room for quite some time. The white paint on the walls was almost nonexistent and there was a large mirror in one corner.
Where am I? What happened yesterday?
I flung myself off the bed, suddenly alert and confused how I had ended up there. What had happened last night? I shook my head and quickly got my feet moving. Immediately a wave of dizziness takes over. I steadied myself and gave the room a quick glance before I hurriedly ran outside the room into the hallway.
I sprinted down the stairs, my heart pounding with anticipation as I reached the kitchen. There he was my father. He was standing at the stove, preparing scrambled eggs and bacon without a care in the world. He was whistling the melody of an old country song and had put an old apron on. Except for that, he was wearing the same old jeans and flannel shirt, making him look right at home in the cabin. His carefree demeanor told me he thought yesterday wasn’t a big deal at all. For me, however, yesterday was different.
"Dad!" I ran towards him and hugged him as dearly as I could. He smelled of old pine and forest with a hint of earth.
"What happened to you? Are you okay?" I asked, pulling back to take a better look at him. He looked fine, with no scratches or injuries as far as I could see.
"Yes, I'm fine, honey. Let’s have some breakfast, and I will tell you all about it," he replied, grinning as he flipped the bacon in the pan. I settled into a chair at the kitchen table and watched him, feeling a newfound sense of comfort as I did so. He talked about the fond memories he had of this place, as well as the cottage and his parents. I occasionally nodded or adding a comment of my own. My father had a way with words that made his stories come alive- like you are a part of it yourself.
And then, without warning, he shifted the conversation. He began slowly, and then suddenly changed his tune, ripping off the metaphorical bandage with his words.
“What?” I couldn’t believe what my father was telling me. A pack of wolves he will track has somehow migrated to our cabin. It sounds surreal, but I know nothing about wolves and their migrations patterns. My father's face was serious, and his eyes were wide with determination. "There's a pack of wolves migrating around the cabin," he said anxiously. “We must get them away as quickly as possible. I don’t want you under any circumstances to walk around the cottage without me, for the moment.”
My jaw dropped as I gaped at what he was telling me. I thought there was just a single wolf, the black one we spotted a day ago. That he drove away. But hundreds of wolves in a pack gathered here? It sounded like some horror story, but my father's tone was undeniably serious.
“So, what happened yesterday?” Why did they come here, outside our house? It makes little sense. “And how come there was only one yesterday and not hundreds?”
“The wolf was probably scouting the area. Sometimes they need to be reminded that they have migrated too far. And that is what I did yesterday.”
“And how do you do that?” I’m so confused.
“You force them to leave. I was chasing them off yesterday evening,” I suppress a laugh. It sounds delusional; how do you chase a wolf pack off?
I looked at the man, disbelieving. How had he chased them off?
It sounds insane, but I guess he knows what he’s talking about. He has no injuries from last night and is cheerful and pleased, like always.
I peered out the window of our cabin, thankful for the peaceful silence that had descended upon the forest this morning. Chirping birds and the gentle swaying of the trees in the wind replaced the imaginary howls of the wolves. It looked safe enough for us to venture out, at least for a walk.
My mind had been racing ever since we'd arrived here, and the thought of being able to breathe in the fresh air simply was immensely appealing. The last day of traveling by car and yesterday’s event made my body full of energy and adrenaline. I turn away from the window, barely suppressing a smile as I imagined what it would feel like to wander around this serene place.
But we had other things to do first. I glanced around the kitchen, shaking my head. This place was a dump. We needed to fix this cabin up before my mum and sister arrived. It would take some hard work and dedication, but we could get it done.
“Let’s spend the morning cleaning, then head out for a stroll in the area,” I suggested to the man who had claimed to chase away wolves last night.
We worked together all morning, scrubbing surfaces and wiping down dishes. It looked like a different place by the end of our efforts - it was much cleaner and more inviting now. At one point, I had to duck below the counter and grab a tray of glasses that had been left there since when? I couldn’t tell. As far as I was told, no one had lived here sense my dad and mum moved away.
Once we finished, we ventured outside the log cabin to take in the beauty of the early morning. Rays of sunlight glimmered on the lake. The air was still and silent, with a profound sense of peace and tranquility. The birdsong filled the morning sky, and an overwhelming sense of contentment fills me. At last, I was home. This old cottage, situated in a sprawling woodland, with the occasional howling of wolves giving off its presence, was where my heart belonged.
It was strange.
Despite never having been here before, my heart knew where it belonged. It was an odd sensation.
I hadn't felt peace like this in a long time and as I drew near to the body of water; I understood why. For the first time in a while, my mind was clear of Eric and Carrie. It had crossed my mind, but it wasn't like the usual feeling of heaviness that it brought. They had likely by now realized I had left, and a part of me wanted to savor their surprise.
I brought my attention back to the lake when I noticed the sun's reflection dancing across the surface. An inexplicable sense of unity with nature filled me, like I was part of something much bigger than myself. As I watched the sun's rays, I appreciated the beauty of the moment.
After a few moments, the pull of the world I had left behind, reminds me, but this time it wasn't guilt or sadness that tugged at me. It was excitement, a sudden urge to keep going, to continue my journey. This place had given me something I didn't even know I was missing: a sense of peace.
I knew that a part of me would always stay here, in this quiet lake, and I smiled in appreciation of this place.
My dad’s phone rang, breaking the peaceful silence of the lake. My dad stood up and walked away from me, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I looked at the lake and a wave of happiness washes over me. I was grateful and content, having been blessed with a wonderful family.
As my dad walked back towards me, the look on his face was one of puzzlement. He showed me the phone and said, “That was Sheriff Baldwin. Eric has filed a missing person’s report, and he’s looking for you. Do you want to tell me what happened?” He didn't appear enraged or anxious, but I could still sense his feelings hidden behind his eyes. Since coming to Bluehills, I had an awareness of being reawakened, like someone had lifted a fog out of my life that I hadn't realized was there before.
I looked into my dad’s eyes, trying to read his thoughts. Fear made me unsure of what to say. I hesitated; my mouth is open, but no sounds come out. I had to tell him the truth, but I was afraid of his reaction. He had always been so protective of me, and I didn’t want to disappoint him. Finally, I took a deep breath and told him everything that had happened. About all the heartbreak and betrayal.
My dad listened intently as I told him everything that had happened with Eric and what I had done to avoid the situation. His face was unreadable, but his body language showed he was furious.
When I had finished, he paused for a moment before speaking. “I understand why you did what you did,” he whispered. “And I’m proud of you for doing the right thing by trying to stay away from someone who is obviously not good for you. But you should have come to me if things got too much. We could have figured something out together.”
He embraced me and held me close for a few moments before pulling away and looking me in the eye again. “You can always come and talk to me, honey; maybe I can fix it. Or give you some advice. You never told Eric we left?”
“No. I didn’t think he was worthy of knowing.”
“No, of course he isn’t Evelyn. But I’m you father and I will deal with anyone who harms you. Remember that. That punk better pray we don’t cross paths again.”
He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, trying to calm himself. “It pains me you didn’t come to me. I know I’ve been distant lately, but there’s a reason for that: the situation with your sister has really taken a toll on us. I promise to be more involved from now on. That’s why we moved: to start fresh and find something we can wrap our arms around.”
When I woke up the next morning, it surprised me by how quickly my father was moving forward. My father's announcement about the college came as a surprise. I had been expecting that he'd make some plans for us over the weekend, but nothing this sudden and drastic. He had decided that I should enroll in college for the summer semester to take some courses. It was a sound decision, but the prospect of having to navigate the unfamiliar terrain of a new town filled me with dread.
I was still apprehensive. I was trying my best to take in the peculiar situation I found myself in–the dilapidated cottage I stayed in, the pain that still lingered, but also a growing sense of peace. Much to my astonishment, I quickly grew comfortable at Bluehills. My dad had convinced me I had nothing to fear from the wolf pack and that it was time for me to start a new life in the town of Bluehills.
When I asked him what had changed since the day before, he said he had been thinking about it for a while and had made up his mind. Still, I felt a mixture of emotions–fear, curiosity, and a vague hope that something would come out of it. The thought of having to socialize made me cringe. All faith in humans left me the day I found out about Eric and Carrie’s betrayal. All social media was erased, and my number was replaced. I would not give them closure or explain why I left. I had no intention of confronting them either. Ghosting them was the harsher punishment they deserved. After all, they had no conscience, and I saw no point in attempting to confront them.
So, I set out to build a new life away from them. My energy was shifting, my senses on high alert. Something was coming, and I wanted to be ready for it. I had faith that I'd find something eventually, something that would make me happy, something that would rebuild my confidence in people and life.
“I’ll give you a ride to school, Evelyn, and pick you up a couple of hours later,” my dad told me.
I wanted to be independent, so I figured I needed to find a car if I was going to stay in school here for a while. My dad was always busy, and so I didn't want to be too much of a burden on him. I’ll give it a few days before searching for something suitable. The college and high school were all in the same building, which was just a 30-minute drive away. The town of Bluehills was typical of small towns—a few stores, a city hall, and the other necessities. Most of the residents lived outside the town in small or large groups, my dad said. Everyone here knew each other…except for me.
The sun had just risen, but already the morning was becoming hot. I hopped into the car, dressed in a pair of tight-fitting jeans and a white tank top, my blonde hair loose around my shoulders. I grabbed the folder that held my registration forms and prepared myself for the day. I was going to register and do some research at the library.
As I got in the car, my dad looked puzzled. He stroked his beard and leaned against the driver's seat. He turned on the engine of the car and drove forward, heading towards the school. The radio was turned low, and the air was filled with the scent of forest, earth, and nature. He fiddled with the radio before voicing his concerns.
“Keep your distance from those Mountains, boys. They are not good. Maybe you could join some sports team or something? You were always an excellent runner. Perhaps the track team?”
“I’ll think about it,” but I had no such intentions. I desired to stay out of the spotlight, staying away from others. I had no confidence that I could build relationships or even act amicable towards people I just met.
Instead, I take it step by step, making sure the people I came across were dependable. The wilderness was far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I had a newfound sense of freedom, and I would not give it up without a fight. I would, however, try if the situation arose, but I wasn’t planning on looking for friends.
I hadn't taken two steps out of our car before I noticed them. The guys I was supposed to stay away from. They spotted me too and fixed their glares on me. They all were wearing hoodies, and I could barely make out their faces underneath the shadows of their hoods.
I took a deep breath and steeled myself for whatever was going to happen next. I didn't want to look, but something inside of me urged me to give them another glance. When I looked at them, their expressions were determined and unwavering, as if they were challenging me to take action.
Their reaction was confusing. I hadn’t really done anything to piss them off, but the aura they were sending towards me was not friendly.
I glanced away quickly, but it was too late. I had seen enough. They had seen me, too. Something cold settles deep inside of me, like a deep-seated fear that had been festering beneath the surface for years.
But was it really fear? Or was it fear of being noticed?
So, I meekly kept my head down and shuffled towards the college's main entrance. If I made it through this encounter without turning back, I could make it through anything. The taste of determination coated my tongue as I walked, my steps sure and deliberate, a way of showing the hoodie guys that they did not intimidate me.
I am more flattered than uncomfortable by their attention. Five somber men followed my movements, never taking their eyes off me. Like I was important or something.
My heart beats wildly in anticipation as I approached the entrance of the college, a physical reminder of the stakes of this challenge.
Jake I drew my eyes to the stunning figure of Evelyn at soon she got out of the car. She wore blue jeans and a tank top that swayed in the breeze, highlighting her loose locks, which carried her sweet fragrance in my direction. My body tensed with anticipation as my gaze followed her every move. I was aware of Jacob's presence beside me, as he was trying to pull me back from the brink of what I knew he saw as ill-advised behavior. My brothers were entranced with her presence, as was I, but my admiration came from a different place. She had an aura of power that was infectious, and I knew she was going to be an essential part of our pack. Everyone at the school had their eyes on her as she gracefully glided towards the entrance of our school. But I could not take my eyes off her. She was the most beautiful woman on Earth, and I doubted she even realized it - or did she? She was the embodiment of perfection - graceful and elegant in every way. Her skin glowed with health, and her smil
EvelynThe memories from my last two years haunted me like ghosts, coming uninvited in my dreams and waking hours. It often awakened me in the middle of the night, gasping for air, my sheets drenched in sweat. The faces of my former best friend, Carrie, and my ex-boyfriend, Eric, were etched in my mind; their cruel laughter echoed in my ears, their taunts still ringing in my ears.I lay there in the darkness, feeling their presence like a weight on my chest, and I longed to outrun the pain, the humiliation. I wanted to be free of them and their smoke-filled laughter, and I tried to tell myself to just forget it, but I could never forget. The memories were too vivid, too real. They were like a fog that followed me around, clouding my judgment and holding me back. As if I was still in the nightmare, and there was no escape.It happened all over again last night, but I found solace in something. One of the fluffiest pillows on planet earth embraced me. The scent was a mix of cocoa and ja
Chapter 7 EvelynI was still on edge from the nightmares I had had that night. No amount of conversation with my father had got rid of the anxiety. I wasn't sure if I had convinced myself or my father more than before.The nightmares refused to be forgotten, and I was in a constant state of anxiety. My heart raced as I thought of him: Eric. It was too soon; I hadn't even healed. Everything I'd thought I had with him, our relationship, my friendship with Carrie; all of it had been a lie. What kind of person would do that? What kind of evil person would try to destroy me like that?My heart was beating so fast. It couldn’t be, could it? The thought of seeing Eric again made me sweat. I couldn’t stand it.It seemed to take an eternity before my dad finally made his way to the door. As he opened it, I couldn't bring myself to breathe. He had opened the door without a peep, like it was an ordinary day. But I couldn't stand in the dark any longer. I worked up the nerve and dared a glance p
Jake There is a rogue in our territory. And It’s fast. The ancient mountains that tower over the land are also the boundaries of our territory. The wide and deep lakes has the same function. The land itself seem to recognize this division, as if it had been so for a very long time, perhaps since the beginning of time. This was our territory, and it was ours alone. We protected it fiercely, patrolling the perimeter daily and patrolling the interior every few days. This was the legacy of our pack, and we accepted this duty of protection with the utmost seriousness. The terrain of our land was diverse and beautiful. We had vast forests full of evergreens, towering mountains, clear lakes, and meadows filled with wildflowers. We roamed these lands with pride, knowing that we were the chosen ones tasked with safeguarding this sacred place. The pack had been hunting for the rogue for nearly an hour now. They had tracked it to the border of our eastern territory, and now they could see it
Chapter 9EvelynReclining in my bedroom, I could make out the distant sound of some approaching cars. I highly doubted anyone was coming to see me and I had no desire to venture downstairs to greet them. A mild sensation of hunger briefly tugged at my stomach, but it was not strong enough to prompt me to leave my bed.I received a concerning message from my mother earlier this morning, telling me to be patient and that soon she and my father would explain it all. Something was happening, and I wasn't sure what it was. They were talking in riddles, and I hadn’t the energy to do anything more about it right now.The sound of the vehicles grew louder, and I strained my ears to catch any conversations below. I heard the voices of my father, arguing in hushed tones with someone on the phone probably, but could not make out the words.Suddenly, the sound of car doors slamming shut and engines revving cut through my thoughts. It sounded like there were several more cars coming. That was une
Chapter 10EvelynJakes concern comforted me, but it didn’t erase the concern I held in my heart. I didn’t think anything could help me. I was clutching my phone, and suddenly it buzzed with an incoming mess. The previous calmness vanishes, and the surrounding air suddenly is thick and heavy. I have difficulty catching my breath, and it trapped words inside my head. Jake put his arms around me, knowing I need the comfort as warmth enveloped me. But I felt utterly alone in a vacuum, and I had lost my way. My heart races as I struggled to find the right thing to say, yet my throat was dry, and no sound emerged.Jake gently places his palm over my face, gazing into my eyes. I am suddenly filled with a sensation of sparks, desire and fireworks going off within my body. First calmness and now fireworks. The world seems to stop as I look into his eyes, searching for answers. He holds my gaze for what seems like an eternity.His lips curves into a slight, yet knowing smile, and my heart race
Chapter 11EvelynI expected my father to say something more, but he didn’t. He is standing there like a statue, his eyes burning with unspoken rage, his mouth clamped shut. I am the one to break the silence with a desperate plea.“Dad, please tell me. Tell me what I need to know. I don’t understand.”I begged him to explain why he was so angry, but he didn't add a single word to his statement. Instead, he simply stood there and stared at me, as if waiting for me to understand on my own. When I don’t seem to get the message, he stands up and leaves the room. After a moment, he returns and examines the area with a stern gaze. Unsure of what he is looking for, I observe him in complete silence. What in the world is going on?“Dad..?” His erratic behavior is creeping me out. This is not the father I know and love. But it feels like his anger is not directed fully towards me. I glance around the room and the others seem to have locked their gaze on my father, or Mr. Black, as they would c
Chapter 12JakeMy wolf was going insane. Someone had hurt our mate and, by the looks of it, they had done so badly. She was shaking with adrenaline after her phone had gone off, and I didn't like that. Our mate shouldn’t have to be afraid.I felt an overwhelming need to comfort her and to tell her that no man besides me was even worthy of her thoughts. She was my girl, and I would do anything to protect her.I stepped closer and wrapped her in my arms, draping her slender frame tightly against me. She trembled in my arms for a moment and then relaxed into me."It's okay," I whispered, holding her close. "No one will hurt you. Not while I'm here. I won't ever let anything bad happen to you again," I promised.My wolf sang with joy and satisfaction, knowing that our mate was safe and in our arms. I would do anything to keep her safe, and I would let no one hurt her again. The beast within me wanted to take control, to throw her over my shoulder and carry her up to her bedroom and do wi