The Perfect Crime

Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18

                   

I couldn't stop thinking about the crazy old man. Really? A cycle? I find that hardly possible since I'm planning to never go back there. I didn't want to be murdered like my parents, which Craig made seem possible if I didn't leave. And why would I want to go back when all the good memories are tarnished by the bad ones. I hope to never see that place again.

Being a werewolf had its perks. And one of those is having good stamina, which means I can walk for days. Which is a good thing since after many days, I suppose, of walking I finally came to the place I stopped before. The same place I fell asleep when Reed found me.

I don't know how I knew it was that spot. It was calling to me as if I had a connection to it. But it meant I was close to getting off the land. But instead of running out, I laid down resting my head against the trunk of the tree. I felt that by lying down in the exact same position, maybe, just maybe, someone would find me again.

I wasn't desperate like the last time, but it would be nice.

I closed my eyes and went to sleep in the broad daylight.

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My eyes flew open. The first think I noticed was that it was almost sunrise. I wasn't surprised though. I was exhausted and needed my sleep.

The second thing I noticed was how soft the grass was. I just wanted to roll around in it.

I think my doggish side is coming out.

I jumped up and dusted myself. I heard the rumbling of my stomach. I pulled out an energy bar and started debating on which way to go. Going straight would most probably lead me off the land.

But what if I manage to get onto someone else's land? Some of the packs are ruthless. Any sign of an intruder and they rip you to shreds. I didn't want to take my chances with that. I wanted to do something with my life before I die, or get ripped to shreds.

So going straight was ruled out. Now I had to choose between right and left. It was a tough choice, but after playing a game of "In pin safety pin" I decided to go right. I know, real mature.

I walked the entire time without stopping. I finally stopped when the sun was fully up. It was so hot that I had to stop. Beads of sweat were pouring down my face.

I had completely drunk out my water. I could barely walk. I was on the verge of passing out.

Thanks to my new found luck, I managed to come to a cottage. I rubbed my eyes to see if they were deceiving me. They weren't.

I ran up to the cottage, well more like walked, but it seemed like I was running, and knocked on the door. No one answered so I knocked again, but harder.

Still no answer. I decided to turn back, except I was met by the cold floor while my mind slipped out of conscience.

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I slowly opened my eyes. The light was blinding and it took time to adjust. I realised I was looking at something white. A ceiling. Where was I?

Slowly the events of the day came back to me. The dehydration, the cottage and then... blank. I then saw that I was in clean clothes. I was also bathed.

Before my mind registered what it was doing, I had swung my legs over the bed, grabbed my things and was ready to leave. I didn't know who lived here. For all I know, it could be one of Craig’s guys ready to give me a slow and painful death.

I opened the door and looked around to make sure it was safe. On one side there was another room, and the other side lead down a passage. I walked down a long passage. I'm starting to think this is more of a house than a cottage.

The passage made a left turn and I was led to a dead end. There were two doors. I decided to go left this time.

I slowly opened the door and peaked inside. I froze. It was a bedroom and on the bed there was a lady sitting there. Her back was facing me, her ombre curls flowing down her back. I slowly started closing the door. She hadn't seen me yet.

"Wait," she called out and stood up abruptly, her back still turned towards me. "Don't go, I won't hurt you," her voice was soft and beautiful.

After I didn't respond, she said desperately, "Please."

Something in this woman's voice made me want to stay. It was soothing.

"Okay," I whispered and opened the door fully. I took slow step, each second nearing closer to her.

When I finally reached her, her back was still facing me. I gently put my hand on her shoulder to turn her around. Instead I felt her warn hand over mine while a sob escaped her lips.

"I'm so glad you're here, Laine," she said, her voice muffled by sobs.

Wait, how did she know my name?

Was she a part of Craig’s plan to get me?

I yanked my hand from hers, grabbed her arm and spun her around. My eyes widened in surprise. She was beyond beautiful and I knew who she was. Except her blonde hair was now ombre and the spark in her eyes had died out.

"Mom?"