*****
As the sun began to set, Sarah began to get ready.
She chose her clothes carefully. Every piece of her outfit was of the latest fashion. And she used her clothes and the snobby attitude like a shield. They conveyed to her observers that she was above them and in the array of emotions her actions drew from them, no one bothered to look any deeper. She utilized her wardrobe as a queen might use her crown.
Her clothes were a status symbol that kept everyone at bay. It really was the perfect disguise. Being a wolf, her senses were that much better than a human and she'd heard the whispers, seen the look of disgust. Then again, no one really bothered to hide what they actually thought about her.
Not even Matt.
He had not realized that it was all a facade. Her own mate had taken her actions at face value without bothering to look hard enough to notice the lies. Like always, the thought of him tore at her soul.
She tried to steer her thoughts away from him but like a runaway train, there was no stopping them. The memories came rushing back to her, one after another. Like a river, the memories flowed through her leaving her with a bone deep chill.
Sarah eyed the reflection of her surroundings.
Growing up, this was not what she had imagined. She'd grown up with the assurance that she would find true love. Happily ever after was a certainty. Her prince was out there, all she had to do was find him.
In her future, she saw an adoring husband, two point five kids and a house with a white picket fence. As her fathers' daughter, her station in the pack was secure.
She'd been so naive.
Sarah glared at her own reflection, suddenly mad at herself. There was no point in dream and a lot less in thinking about the past. She couldn't do anything about it all she could hope to change was the future.
He depended on her and his happiness mattered more than hers. His happiness and his life were her first priorities. When he was safe, then she could worry about the ruins that used to be her own life.
Sarah backed away until she could see all of herself in the mirror. Her tanned high heel boots reached her calf's, over her black skinny jeans, and matched her lace honey colored top. She turned left and right, making sure that her tussled curls were in place and so was her make up.
Satisfied, she turned and headed out.
The run was held in the woods, everyone met under the guise of a church group campout but surprisingly enough the excuse had yet to be needed. Sarah was sure it had to do with some type of pack magic that kept humans from discovering them. As they neared their destination, she saw some of the pack waiting around in groups.
The woods weren't far from the house but she chose to get there by car anyway. She didn't have the energy to get there on her own two feet but being driven there by one of her guards drew looks of disgust her way. It was nothing new. It hurt but like always her pride saved her.
She waited for the guard to walk around the car and open her door.
"Remember what the boss told you. Keep your place," her guard threatened, "do not embarrass him."
The last part sounded more like a plea then a threat. Sarah smiled at him as she took the hand he offered her. Of all the guards, he was her favorite, oh he wouldn't go against her father, but he didn't go out of his way to be cruel either.
"I just got back on my feet; I do not plan on being laid back down any time soon."
He patted her hand before releasing it, "that's good to hear."
