The Trial She Faces

Chapter 3

Evie rocked back onto her heels and wiped to sweat off of her forehead before admiring the neat row of tomato plants she had planted in her flourishing garden. She was proud about how well it was progressing considering she only began gardening a little over a year ago. Throughout that time, it had become a good source of fresh produce as well as becoming her haven from the rest of the world.

After a long day she loved to retreat to her little piece of paradise. And today was an especially long and busy day. She had woken up early to help Joanne prepare breakfast because one of the kitchen assistants had called in sick the night beforehand. Afterwards, she stopped by the day-care centre to drop of some cookies she snuck out before Joanne could see them. The kids had been very excited to see her - more than usual considering that she bore cookies. After eating the cookies, they had all played an intense game of tag that caused the area to be filled with joyful giggles. After playing with them she headed to the general store to pick up some supplies that she noticed they were running low on at home as well as ordering in some new art supplies for her mum's upcoming birthday. In all, it had been a tiring day so far and Evie was looking forward to a quieter evening.

Standing up she gathered her gardening equipment up in her arms and put them away in the little, tin shed that leaned against the side of the cabin. She made her way inside and grabbed a glass of water to quench her thirst.

'Hey mum, I'm going to go for my walk soon. Do you need anything before I go?' Evie yelled out to her mum who was painting in her studio at the back of the cabin.

'There's a letter on the kitchen bench. Can you swing past the post box and drop it off for me sweetie?' Evie's mum called back.

'No problem. I'll see you later.' Evie replied as she scooped up said letter and headed towards the front door.

'Love you sweetie.' Evie faintly heard her mum as the door swung closed behind her.

She hummed to herself as she strolled towards the post box that was located next to the administration building at the centre of the cluster of buildings in front of her. She swiftly deposited it giving a smile to everyone that she passed. Afterwards, she headed to the closest path leading to the woods.

As soon as she stepped under the cover of the trees, it felt as though a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. Solitude at last - she was practically surrounded by people all day long and it was weighing on her. Finally having a moment to think without interruption brought a genuine smile to her face.

After walking for a good 15 minutes, Evie broke through the tree line on the opposite site of the lake that she had been on yesterday. From this position she could see her rock she often sat on and the path that would lead her back home. Deciding to take a longer walk today, Evie set her eyes on another path a few hundred meters to her left that looped around, through a clearing, and back toward the direction of the cottage.

She started down this path with a small smile whilst listening to the chirps of birds that fluttered above her and the resulting of leaves at her feet.

Before long she found herself in the small clearing filled with wispy grass and dotted with a few yellow and white flowers. At this time of the year, it was truly beautiful and was on of Evie's favourite places to visit. She doubted that even if she gardened for 100 years, she would be able to grow such lovely plants as the ones that grew here.

Moving to the centre of the opening she slipped off her thin, lavender-coloured cardigan and laid it flat on the ground, crafting a make-shift pillow. Lying her head on the piece of fabric, Evie closed her eyes and enjoyed the soft sun rays that warmed her face. Content in her position, she slowly begun to slip into a light doze with the sound of the tress rustling lulling her to sleep.

Suddenly sensing an approaching presence Evie sat up with a start. She spun her head in both directions - almost like an owl - before her eyes landed on two wolves stepping out of the tree line and approaching her. She instantly recognised their auras and identified them as future Alpha Blake and future Beta Adrian. Jumping up she bowed her head in respect to the wolves as they stalked forward.

A short grunt signalled for her to look up and meet the gaze of Blake before she once again looked down at the ground. As the two wolves moved even closer Evie felt her chest tighten and an intense feeling arose in her to look at the Beta. The thought - the need - practically echoing throughout her head. Slowly she let her eyes fall on his light grey form and move up to his face.

The previous night she had been unable to identify this need to look at Adrian - a need that was now undeniable. Now standing in this field with the sky about to become dark she could clearly identify the feeling that she was experiencing.

'Mate...' Evie let out a small whisper. Finally, she had met her mate.

Blake seemed taken a back as his Beta stared at the small girl in front of them. Adrian turned to face him, and it seemed to Evie that they were talking - about what, she was not sure. After a few seconds they both shifted back into their human forms. Up close, she realised how small she really was compared to the towering pair.

Adrian reached out the shocked brunette that stood in front of him. Evie was hesitant but reached out to grasp his hand in return.

'What is your name?' Evie almost crumbled at his deep voice that seemed to resonant throughout her whole body.

'Evie... Evie Harmonns.' Her voice was barely over a whisper, so quiet she wasn't even sure that Adrian had heard her reply.

'I'm sorry Evie, but you are not my mate. I, Beta Adrian Alfort of the Emerald Eye pack, reject you, Evie Harmonns, as my mate. Our souls will never be one.' Adrian's eyes were stony and determined as the words left his mouth not even giving Evie to chance to comprehend what was happening. He wrenched his hand from her grasp as he begun to turn away from her frozen figure. It was not until a pain ripped through her chest making her feel as though she was being turned inside out, did she realise what was happening.

'No! Please no do not do this to me! Please give me a chance.' Evie screamed as she fell to the ground reaching a hand forward trying to grab onto Adrian's hand as he began to walk away from her. Instead, Blake grasped her hand, preventing her from reaching Adrian.

'You can not be his mate. You can not be the beta female of this pack. You are too weak. I'm sorry that it has to be this way but as the future Alpha I can not allow it. The pack deserves better than you - you can not even fight.' Blake's voice was even colder than Adrian's had been. He tossed Evie to the side as she stared up at him through watery eyes. He turned and followed his beta back to the township leaving behind the broken girl.

Evie laid on the ground not able to make a sound as the intense pain grew beyond what she thought was possible. Why was this happening to her?

'Please... someone help me...'

Our souls will never be one

'Adrian... please come back... I can be strong...'

Our souls will never be one

'I can be strong...'

Our souls will never be one