The Beaten Path.

Chapter 6 : Past

Kelly's POV

"I'm a Silver wolf Alpha," I assert to Alpha Mark.

Dom adds, "She also shifts back with clothes on."

Luna Lynn interjects, "Do you know how much this puts her in danger, son? We have to keep this within our pack only. This cannot get out, or she will be in danger."

"I know, Mom. That's why we left as soon as we did and why we requested this meeting," Dom replies.

"We will inform the pack of their future Luna and ensure they help us guarantee her safety," Alpha Mark adds.

"Okay," Dom replies.

"Kelly, do your mom and old pack know about this?" Kyle asks.

"No, Ky, they don't. I hope they never find out because they would most likely kill me or abuse me more than they already have," I say, lowering my gaze from everyone's stares.

Luna Lynn, speaking in a motherly tone, asks, "Do you mind sharing with us why they treated you the way they did and what happened?"

"O-okay," I respond, my body trembling as memories of past beatings flood my mind.

"It wasn't always bad living in the Skylight pack; it was actually amazing. Everyone cared for one another. We were like a big family, just like every other pack. That was until I turned eight; everything changed for the worse, not for the whole pack but for me," I recount.

Flashback

It was an ordinary day in the middle of spring; the whole pack was enjoying the fresh breeze. Pups played tag, warriors trained, and mothers chatted while watching their children. The air was filled with the aroma of hot dogs and hamburgers. I was playing with my sister in our favorite spot, a small clearing with a pond surrounded by tall trees. My dad sat at a picnic table, reading a book while keeping an eye on us, and my mother was by the pool with other moms and Luna Lisa.

While playing, I heard a noise from the trees behind us. I looked around but saw no one else noticing, so I turned to my sister Mae and asked,

"Sissy, did you hear that?"

"Yeah, Kel Kel, what was that?" she whispered back.

"I don't know. Want to go check it out?"

"Yeah, let's go," my sister replied.

We ventured towards the forest, the noise growing clearer—twigs snapping beneath a weight. As we approached, I whispered, "It's a rogue."

Rogues are wolves without a pack, either banished or runaways. Without a pack, they become wild and dangerous, caring for no one. Their smell—like rot and spoiled milk—betrays their presence.

We stared at the rogue, unsure of what to do. Hearing our father call for us, we yelled,

"Daddy, help us! There's a rogue!"

Our cries enraged the rogue, which lunged at Mae, biting down hard. She screamed in agony. Stunned and traumatized, I couldn't move. Our father burst through the trees in his wolf form, a striking mix of white and black fur with bright blue eyes. He leaped over me, kicking me back to safety as he growled fiercely and attacked the rogue.

Finally snapping out of my daze, I ran to Mae, who lay covered in blood, her beautiful curls matted with dirt and leaves. I cradled her while watching our father battle the rogue. He fought valiantly until I cried out for Mae to breathe. That cry gave the rogue an opening, and with a brutal leap, it sank its teeth into our father's neck, ending his life.

I screamed, losing both my father and baby sister in an instant, the pack patrol arriving just in time to subdue the rogue. Alpha Joe, Luna Lisa, and my mother rushed to us, summoned by the patrol's mind link—a communication form all packs share.

Upon seeing the scene, they demanded to know what happened. I recounted everything, from the moment I heard the noise until their arrival.

"Why didn't you come tell us instead of investigating with your sister? This is all your fault, you worthless child!" my mother screamed, snatching Mae's lifeless body from my arms, holding my father's hand.

"You are a disgrace to our kind; you are no child of mine anymore," she added, her glare filled with hatred.

From that day forward, I became the pack's punching bag and servant. My mother beat me for any attempt to communicate with her, and the entire pack blamed me for the tragedy. I lost my sister and father, my mother, and my entire pack—all in one day—simply for being a curious child.

End of Flashback

"That day was the worst of my life. Yes, the beatings hurt, but they were nothing compared to the pain of losing so much in the blink of an eye," I say, my voice trembling as tears stream down my face.

Looking up, I see everyone in tears.

"That was not your fault; you were just a child. You couldn't have known what would happen. They are wrong for blaming and treating you that way," Alpha Mark says, his voice filled with anger.

"I agree," Luna Lynn, Kyle, and Dom echo in unison.

"Babe, I promise you we will never treat you as they did or blame you for what happened to your sister and father. I'm so sorry for your loss. Know that I, as well as everyone else in this room, am here for you. The pack will be too," Dom reassures me, enveloping me in a tight embrace.

After everyone calmed down, we discussed the welcoming party planned for me. The event would take place this weekend, allowing us five days to prepare. Once we agreed on the details, the meeting concluded, and we all retired to our rooms for the night.