How to Love an Alpha

Chapter 9 (Pic of Grace)

<*Unedited*>

I awoke in my own bed this time. I rolled over on my side, half expecting to be alone. I had hoped I wasn't, however. I opened my eyes a bit, expecting light to intrude my sight. I was greeted by a dark room. I looked over at my alarm clock. It was eleven forty-five. I rushed out of bed to grab my phone off of my desk. I still had time. I took a deep breath before quickly changing into sweatpants and putting a sweatshirt on. I slipped my phone into my pocket before silently leaving my room.

"Where are you going at this hour?" I jumped at the sound of Grace's voice, except, it didn't sound anything like Grace. Her voice was shaky and unsure. I turned around to face her. Her face still appeared to be beaten down by tears. "Come on downstairs." She motioned.

I followed her downstairs into the kitchen. She had a small limp in her walk that wasn't there before. I wasn't sure if I should bring up the incident, I figured it would be selfish of me to do so. I sat on a bar stool next to her.

"I thought you and Zeke were staying at the pack house this week?" I stated quietly.

"We were... but, I decided to stay here." She murmured shakily. "So where are you heading off to at midnight? Zeke will kill you if you're going to a party." She gave a weak smile.

"I wasn't going to a party... I was going outside to, think." I lied.

"Are you sure you should be out and about with your illness?" She inquired.

"My illness?" I asked.

"Don't you remember waking up at the pack house? Zeke said you were dry vomiting and everything." She explained.

That memory coursed through my mind.

"Oh, that. I feel better now. I just wanted some fresh air." I told her.

"Mackenzie... don't lie to me, please. I can't take anymore." She whispered.

I bit my bottom lip. "You have to swear to keep this a secret." I explained.

"Of course. Have I ever broken a promise?" She grinned weakly.

"No." I agreed. "Okay, so... I got this text this afternoon, and I'm doing as it says." I explained, showing her the message on my phone.

"Mackenzie, you're so dumb." She breathed out. I didn't take offense to it, because I knew she was right. "How could you do something like that? What would Zeke say? What would Gabe say?" She argued.

"Please don't tell them! You promised you wouldn't!" I begged.

"Mackenzie, this could be a murderer. They could be from the rogue pack!" She exclaimed as quietly as she could.

"We both know it is from the rogue pack. If I don't go, they're going to come!" I retorted.

"Everyone will be fine if we warn her!"

"Grace, listen. I'm going to make you a deal." I began. "If I'm not back in an hour, you can go wake up Zeke and everyone else to come after me. Deal?" I offered.

She thought about it for a moment. "Fine. I'm doing this as your sister, okay?" She sighed.

"You're awesome Grace." I smiled.

I rushed out of the house after slipping on a pair of sneakers. I left Grace with a worried expression. I ran to the tree line before shifting, after I tied my clothes to my ankle. I smelt the air, investigating for weird scents. My nose latched on to a weird smell, but I'd smelt it before. Rather recently to be specific. I warily continued to a clearing. The stars twinkled above me like fireflies caught in a grand dark blue net. I heard a growl and was brought back to reality.