The Broken Queen

Chapter 2; Ash:

Dani's Shack, The Next Day;

Dani's POV:

I wake up in darkness and it takes a minute or two for my eyes to adjust. It's 4am. Ugh, I hate getting up this early, I am so not a morning person. Although, I would like to be. I get out of bed to train before my tasks. I put on a long, black tank and some dark running shorts, tying my laces before I leave. I run straight to the clearing hidden in the forest about a ten-minute run from my shack. At first, I was unaccustomed to exercising and keeping a lookout at the same time, especially without breaks but I have gotten used to it. In the past it took me twenty to twenty-five minutes, now it takes me only ten.

Over the last year, I have gotten better at hiding, more agile, and have learned how to move more stealthily to avoid drawing attention to myself and my movements. I'm still working on it all, but I have proven to myself that I can do it. I have improved a lot in the last year, and I am very proud of myself. When I arrive at the clearing, a gentle voice makes me freeze.

"Dani, my beautiful baby girl, you are almost there. You have grown so strong and brave. I am unbelievably proud of you. This is only the first step in your journey, but you are my intelligent, determined, kind, and powerful baby girl and you can do anything you set your mind to." I'd recognize that voice any day. "Mom?!" I look around frantically in confusion. I haven't heard her voice in almost five years. It doesn't take long until my cheeks are wet with tears.

I hear it again, but this time it sounds like it is coming from every direction as if it's being carried on the wind. The air whistles through the leaves of the trees and sends a chill down my spine. Goosebumps rise on my arms. "Cricket, sweetie, I know this is scary and confusing for you and Kayla" I listen carefully, basking in the melodic sound of my mother's voice, which I have only dreamt of hearing again. "I am deeply ashamed of what your once ethical, and kind father and brothers have done to you. It breaks my heart to see them hurt and betray my not so little, little girl, their sister, daughter, and youngest alpha heir."

"I am horrified by all you have had to endure at their hands, but you can't afford to be bitter right now. Your father was cruel enough to banish all the true beta and gamma families who could have any say or power in order to gain more control. He has become a very dangerous man sweetheart. He isn't the man I once loved, and both me and my wolf have accepted that as we cannot love a man who would do such despicable things to our pups. The original Beta and Gamma families are rogues now if they survived in no-man's land. I want you to find them, help them, and bring them with you. They deserve it and if there are any of them left, I want you to take them under your protection. You will get your revenge; I promise." I am incredibly confused as well as heart warmed at her words, honestly convinced it is all some weird dream.

"I was on the run myself when I was only a little older than you so I know one or two people whose guidance and assistance will be of great help to you. Though, your focus needs to be your training and your escape the night before you turn sixteen.

It won't take long for them to start looking for you, so you must hide well and disguise your scent, okay?" "I'm aware Mom, I have that under control, don't worry" I respond, dazed. "One more thing, don't go alone. I need you to trust people Cricket. Not everyone is as cruel and vicious as your father and brothers have become. I will be with you from now on, guiding you, helping you. I wish I could have contacted you sooner, but you weren't strong enough to accept the connection until now. I need you to focus and get out of here. I will talk to you soon my darling, I love you cricket."

...and like that she vanishes, leaving me confused, scared, and happy, all at the same time, but most of all, I feel a newfound sense of determination. My mom is with me again somehow and I know I will survive, at all costs and make her proud.