Hunting Haven, Stone Mountain Shifters, Book 5

Chapter 4 - Safe

Haven

I have never witnessed Remus in such a state as this. Sure, we have had rough bedroom play, so it wasn't the first time he had his hands around my throat. But it was the first time the underlying emotion had been rage. He was so blinded by his fury that he could not even see that the female body in the photographs was not me. That level of mistrust was off the charts and it infuriates me.

Despite the chaos in his office, I was able to determine that he wanted me to confess to multiple affairs and that unless I came clean, I was now the lowest ranked in the pack. That is a mighty fall and it makes me extremely vulnerable to any jealous females or overzealous males. I don't know if Remus even took this into consideration when he stripped my rank or if he even cared. But I will relish the day that his anger abates and he come to his senses.  I am angrier than I have ever been that he would toss me aside so easily. It just proves that mother was right. Males are fickle and shallow and it is wise to have an escape plan.

I have worked on my eventual escape plan for seven years and I believe it is perfected. I began the online college courses at 15 and finished my doctorate at 18, when I began my career as a scientist at the Stone Mountain Genetic Research Institute. Now, I am 22 years old and just like my mother prepared me to be, I am an independent female.

I race up the stairs to the attic and retrieve my backpack that contains my laptop and network equipment and my bug out bag that contains the necessities like my "Scent-Off" and Amra and a few mementos I want to keep. I don't even bother going into the apartment, because whatever was packed for me will be abandoned in my old car at the cabin anyway.  I don't plan to take much with me.

On my way down the stairs, I meet Tobias, who looks at me sadly. "I am sorry, Luna–" he begins, but I interrupt him.

"Haven. I am no longer Luna." I smile sadly.

He walks me to the car. "For what it's worth, I don't believe the photos are real. I believe someone set you up. I kind of think it might have been Willow."

"He'd eat her up and spit her out in two days." I laugh. "But best of luck to her. She may have accomplished her goal. Thanks for your trust in me, Tobias. It's too bad he has so little."

"I'll be discreet with the photos of your body, Haven." He says quietly.

I laugh again. "Tobias, feel free to study the female body in the photo. I think it will be easy to see the differences, even with my clothes on. That female is tall and thin. Her and the males are almost exactly the same height. Unless they are all extremely short, I am 5"2'."

He looks down at me, his eyes widening. "That's true." He opens the folder in his hand and studies the paper copy.

"You will also note that she is flatter chested with slender hips. While I am full-chested with curvy hips." I shake my head in sadness. "The only man who knows my body intimately and he didn't even recognize it wasn't me."

"He will. We are going to prove they are fake."

"His actions have devastated me, Tobias." Tears begin dripping down my face again. "His distrust and lack of faith in me. He just accused me of sleeping with other males. He didn't give me the benefit of a doubt when I told him it wasn't me. He stripped me of rank and has left me vulnerable to other pack members. I am not safe here as the lowest ranked shifter. My looks already place a target on me and Remus's actions have declared open season. It will be a wonder if I come out unscathed tonight. More than likely, I will be assaulted by one shifter or another."

"Come stay with Sherry and I tonight. Once we get this straightened out, you will get your rank back and all will be better." Tobias offers.

"I don't want anything back. He has destroyed any vestiges of love I had for him by his cruel actions. And, who is to say he won't do it again in another two years when a jealous homewrecker wants to play games with my life? No thanks. We are through." I vow. "Just do me a favor, when you get to the bottom of it, send me a text to this phone number with everything. Okay?  I want to know the outcome.  And, promise me you won't ever give that number to Remus."

He looks at me oddly and takes the piece of paper I am offering. It is a burner phone I purchased that has no ties directly to me. "Sure, Haven. Do you plan on leaving or something?"

"Why would I leave my home, Tobias?" I say smiling. I don't want to give anything away just yet. I really need to make my escape before Remus does something else stupid like realize his mistake. "Goodbye, Tobias."

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I stow my bags in the front seat of my old car. Slip inside and drive to the old cabin. On my way, I send a text to the helicopter pilot I have on standby. I only have to hike about a mile up the mountain to an open-space meadow that is perfect for landing. I park the car, leaving all my clothing, my old cell phone and the keys inside. I take the "Scent-Off" lotion out of the bag and apply it liberally to my exposed skin. Using the spray version, I mist my clothes and shoes, ensuring that I coat the bottoms. I spray my bags and replace the containers inside the bag. Hitching them on my shoulders, I begin the trek up the mountain.

The only family I have left behind are some aunts, uncles and cousins and we've never been close until I became Luna. Then, they used the connection to climb the ranks. I never minded, I have always been more of a loner anyway. I guess that's why I was happy to keep to myself and not be hurt by Remus's neglect.

I have just reached the meeting point. In the distance, I can hear the whirling beats from the chopper blades. I look to the horizon and see the blinking lights on the runners as it approaches and lowers to land. When it settles and the blades slow, I walk over and throw my bags into the cargo bay. Taking out the "Scent-Off" spray, I use the entire can to disguise any scents associated with the helicopter. Once the can is empty, I pull myself up with the help of the co-pilot and get myself strapped in the jump seat with a helmet and mic.

The rumble of the engine increases causing the blades to whip faster as the chopper rises in the air. I look at the view around me and marvel at how beautiful the pack lands are here on this island at this vantage point. It doesn't take long for us to pass over the land and onto the ocean. There is a narrow strip of water between the island and mainland and then we are over Stone Mountain City.

Within an hour, we are landing on the helipad on top of my penthouse. The co-pilot assists me off and hands me my bags. "Thanks, guys." I wave and yell as I make my way to the skylight hatch. Slipping the key out of the backpack pocket, I unlock the hatch to enter. As the door closes behind me, I engage the multiple locking systems and descend to my penthouse.

Well, not a bad place for having purchased sight unseen. I was sent multiple photos, but it sure didn't do it justice. It's a three bedroom, four bath, with each bedroom having an ensuite. There is a bank of floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city leading out to a large balcony. The great room is tastefully done with soft brown leather furniture. A dining table sits to the side. The kitchen is a full chef's kitchen with a large prep and eating island.  I rifle through the cabinets and fridge and find that the groceries I ordered have been delivered and put away.

My flight or fight instincts have drained me of all energy and I suddenly feel exhausted. I go to my bedroom and open the closet and drawers. All the clothing I had ordered has been delivered and put away by the concierge service I hired. Take out a pajama short set and head to the bathroom. The bathroom has a large soaking tub that is separate from the shower. Everything is light and airy. I open up drawers to find a toothbrush and toothpaste, along with soaps and shampoos. I just want to brush my teeth and go to bed, which is exactly what I do.

I do a swan dive onto the bed and wrap myself in the covers. It is a massive king size bed that feels as soft as heaven. I smile to myself when I think about the shock Remus will get when he realizes I am no longer under this control. I roll over and sleep claims me as the voices sigh. "Safe. Safe."