The Challenge | BOOK 2

18 - The Aftermath

I know the whole assault thing is very confronting, but it is a major milestone in the story. It cannot go unnoticed. Rape is not okay. It's 2019 people! Everyone should know this by now.

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I woke in a cold sweat that sent chills all over my body. It was unnerving to recognise the coldness of the room. It was particularly chilly for a bedroom in the middle of Spring. I pulled the covers up closer to my chin and opened my eyes.

I ran my tongue over my teeth as I glanced around. The room was quiet, but weirdly dark and oddly cold. I didn't like it.

I sat up and rubbed my eyes. Pulling the blanket off me, I changed into workout clothes. It was early, and Liam wasn't around. He must've left already.

I left the house, breaking into a fast run as I reached the trail. The forest was just waking up, the creatures becoming more active and the plants standing taller in the sun.

I stretched out my arms as I ran. Everything felt tense, and I prayed that it would be different by the time I'd finished my run.

"Nice job last night, by the way. I knew you were tough, but I didn't think you were that tough. Taking down four wolves all on your own is pretty impressive," a voice said from next to me. I turned my head, noticing Colson running next to me. He kept his eyes trained on in front of him.

"Especially for a girl who goes to the infirmary because she stubbed her toe," another voice said. I turned again and saw Gameboy approaching me on my other side.

What the hell were they doing out this early? I was always the only one who got up on time to go for a run.

"Shut up, nerd. At least I do more than you do, sitting on that damn gameboy all day," I retorted playfully. Colson laughed from next to me as we picked up the pace when we came to a hill.

"You failed to mention you were Liam Hasting's mate, by the way. I'm kind of annoyed about that," Gameboy said, changing the subject. I pushed harder up the hill as it became more rocky and difficult. 

I raised my eyebrows raised. Why did it matter?

"Why does it matter who I belong to?" I asked him. Gameboy laughed as he shook his head.

"It doesn't," Gameboy said.

"Us two and Liam go way back. We grew up together, in the north with his family before his father moved his mate and the children down here," Colson explained. I raised my eyebrows at this.

Seriously? They were friends with Liam?

Oh, that made my life much easier.

"I'm hoping that you all got along, and still do," I said. Colson and Gameboy both laughed and nodded their heads. I said nothing as we reached the top of the hill as steadied ourselves whilst we made our way down.

We all ran together until we reached the pack again. I slowed to a walk and tugged my hair back into a ponytail. It was early still. Training hadn't started yet.

"Who were those guys you killed? You know them?" Gameboy asked as we walked. I raised my eyebrows at him as I walked along slowly. The guys kept by my side.

"From my old pack. They never liked me anyway," I said, remembering the night before like it'd only happened moments ago. I wanted to finish what I had started.

Brennon was tying top position with Henry on my hit list.

"They seemed sketchy. I was glad you killed them," Colson said simply. I couldn't help but smile as we came up to my training group.