Her Influenced Choice

Prologue

"1...2...3..." Marcus and Luis chorused. I bolted into the forest, not holding back on my speed. With a mighty heave, I jumped and caught a very high up tree branch. I pulled myself up. Then, I climbed more, completely concealing myself in the leaves. My scent would be masked as well. We were in a pine forest, so there were no worries. Now, they just had to leave to find me and I would run home to Alpha Ranger. He needed to talk about "grown-up stuff" with those men. Apparently, I wasn't mature enough. Even with all my smarts, I was still considered a child. Hell, I was up to ninth grade standard with an amazing memory. I probably knew more words than most adults.

"Ready or not, here we come!" Luis and Marcus yelled, finally finishing their counting. They barreled into the forest, kicking up leaves and shouting for me loudly. I stifled a laugh when they passed under me. They would be able to hear me, even if I was some 50 feet up. When they left, I began to descend the large pine tree expertly. When I reached the lowest branch, I jumped down, landing on all fours. They were some ways away, unable to hear me if I was quiet. I high-tailed it out of there, trying to be as quiet as possible. When I reached the edge of the forest, Alpha's house came into view.

Entering Alpha's house, I put my coat on the hanger. I slunk down the hallway and towards Alpha's office. I peeked around the corner. The two men I saw earlier were still there, speaking rather rudely to my alpha.

"We just need a few grand. Please, Alpha Ranger," one man pleaded. They weren't from our pack. I didn't recognize anyone and I never forget a face.

"I said no. We don't make donations to barbaric and uncivilized packs," Alpha stated. I covered my mouth. Barbaric and uncivilized means not yet civilized, esp. preliterate or lacking culture or sophistication. He called them stupid!

"But we don't have enough for the ransom! I need my mate back before they kill her," the other man said. He must be an alpha. His mate was taken for a ransom! Oh, no!

"I understand that, Alpha Rick, but we can't afford it," Alpha said sternly. The other alpha-- Alpha Rick-- stood up and slammed his hands on the table, making my jump.

"You will pay for this, Ranger. You will rue the day when I get my revenge," he seethed. My alpha remained calm and collected.

"Yes, yes. Very well. The door is that way," Alpha Ranger said, waving in my direction. I hid in the next door; the bathroom. Grumbling to themselves, they left the house, slamming the front door. "Come out, now, Eve."

I left the bathroom and walked into the office. "Sorry for eavesdropping, Alpha."

"It's fine, but where did you ditch Marcus? I need him," Alpha said, looking at papers on his desk. I giggled. I had ditched Marcus. Marcus was Alpha's son and Luis was our Beta Alex's son. Alpha Ranger's mate was named Linda. She was visiting the pack town for the monthly barbecue.

"In the forest..." I mumbled.

"You'll make a great scout one day," Alpha Ranger said, smiling. I smiled back.

"Really? You think so?" I asked, jumping up once or twice excitedly.

"Yeah. I barely heard you come in. You're lucky those men didn't catch a whiff of you," Alpha said. I cocked my head.

"About them, why can't we help them?" I asked.

"They are a part of the Monster Clan; a fitting name for them," He said.

"So, they are uncivilized?" I questioned.

"Yes. They are very bad men. They are sexist and beat their women and children. Never go near them. You will regret it," Alpha said, looking at me seriously.