Hunted and Tormented

Chapter 1: Leave or Die

“You shouldn’t be here.”

Of all the things I had been expecting, that had been the one I’d least anticipated. To be honest, I’d been pretty certain I’d be kicked off the property or killed on sight. That was the kind of thing that happened here. It was the kind of thing that had always happened here. God how I’d missed this place, with its stony walls and cold aura and the forest that acts as a wall to keep out intruders. And of course, to keep the prisoners in.

Not that anyone would dare escape. Not if they didn’t have a death wish or something. But then again, most would have to have one if they risked messing with Haven Pack.

The wrought iron gate as tall as a four storey building was a couple hundred yards before me, and the areas where it sank into the ground were choked with thick thorns. I was surprised I’d gotten this far. Normally, I would have guessed to be intercepted at the airport.

Anyway going back to the reason why I was surprised at my greeting, I hadn't thought Haven Pack to have shown mercy. I mean, come on, the whole of America knew these guys meant serious business and didn’t mess around. So why wasn't I dead right now? Surely, if you saw a fugitive walking up to your Pack house, you’d shot it in the head immediately, right?

Unfortunately, that wouldn’t kill me. Believe me I’ve tried.

My gaze found the werewolf standing in front of me. He was typically as big as a house with enormous muscles that could crush your shoulders and a stare that could curdle milk. Fists were bunched at his sides, as if he was physically willing himself not to shift at the sign of a threat.

To be honest, I don’t know how threatening I looked after a long flight with a major hangover and massive bedhead but I had to look truly terrifying. This guy didn’t look like he was falling for the ‘Just been kicked out of state’ look.

It was sad really, seeing as he knew exactly who I was.

“If I didn’t know better,” I said crossly my arms indignantly, “I’d say you weren’t happy to see me.”

“Can you believe that I’m not?” he shot back, narrowing his piercing grey eyes at me. “For godsake, woman, you must have a death wish. You come a step closer and a hundred wolves will rip you to pieces. You know you can’t be here.”

I shook my head impatiently. “I’m not asking for you to hide me, Cam.”

“Good, because I wouldn’t anyway.”

Ouch. Nice to know I had my oldest friend behind me.

“You have something of mine,” I said. “And now it’s time to give it back.”

Cam looked away, a scowl screwing up his face. “You know he didn’t want you to have it, Eva.”

I frowned at him, feeling a spark of annoyance in my chest. “I’m kinda low on options right now. Three of North America’s Packs are looking for me and you’re really denying me the right of my gun, Cam? Could you be a shittier friend?”

His head whipped round with a ferocious glare that would have terrified me years ago. “I’m the best you’ve got at the moment and if you keep speaking to me like that you’ll get nowhere. You know after what happened the last time Luke didn’t want you near one again. It’s for your own good, Eva.”

Fighting the urge to slap him hard, a low growl escaped my throat. “That really doesn’t matter anymore after recent events, don’t you think?”

Cam sighed heavily and ran a hand over his face, completely exasperated with me already. “If Knox Pack – or anyone for that matter – sees you running around with a gun, it will just confirm what they already know.”

I checked my watch quickly and inhaled sharply. The air around me was clean, but the needles that prickled my spine told me I needed to get out fast. The power pulsating from Haven territory was enough to make me physically sick. Not only that, but when a Rogue, such as myself, felt something like that it was a clear warning from any Pack.

Leave or die.

And I kinda wasn't too keen on dying right now.

“I’m not going to be here much longer,” I hissed at Cam, trying to keep my voice down. I had plans to catch a cheap flight to London and from there get the train to Austria. A safe house was there for me for the time being until I figured out what to do with myself. I knew, deep down, that even protected by high-tech traps wouldn’t be enough to keep my former Pack away. They’d find me soon enough.

And I would die. Again, I still wasn't keen on that.

“Please, Cam,” I said desperately, hoping he would dig deep enough into his heart to help me, someone he’d known for so long, someone he’d been childhood friends with. Someone he’d known all his life. Couldn’t he see that know wasn't the time to analyse my past and consider better options? I was a hunted girl here! There wasn't time for that.

My heart sank as soon as he started shaking his head. His eyes looked glossy and not only that but were filled with remorse, with hesitation. “I can’t, Eva.  I’m sorry, but I just can’t.”

I opened my mouth to ask –

His hands snapped out and clapped against my ears. Hard. Like really hard. There was enough time before I passed out to feel the confusion seep in and the utter betrayal. To feel the tears threatening.

Then everything was black.