Chapter 7

Myla

Nature was greener here. It had to be.

Though the Blood Moon pack was deep in the forest, there were never this many colors. Or perhaps there was never enough time to notice those things.

Whatever it was, Hidden Creek was different. It felt different.

The air was cleaner, free of the stink of misery and fear. I heard small animals scurrying between the trees, calling out to one another without a care for the predators around them.

Blood Moon territory hadn’t seen a bird or squirrel in over a year. They knew better. When game was scarce two winters ago, the males supplemented their food supply with small forest creatures. Those who survived found safer homes.

“Ready to go?” Bowen asked, coming down the front steps with Silas and Theron on his heels.

I’d been waiting out front, enjoying the warm weather until they were ready. Silas and Bowen planned to walk with me and Theron this morning since the Enforcer building was past the carpentry workshop.

My wolf itched to check out her new surroundings. The scents of unfamiliar shifters drifted on the breeze, and I began to imagine what I would find when I explored.

“Yup,” I replied as Bowen and Silas sandwiched me between them.

The warmth of their skin comforted and excited me in equal measure. I wanted to lean in and inhale. The thought terrified me. Even on heat suppressants, the pull to be near them threatened to drag me under.

Memories of the night before flashed through my mind. The five of us had slept together for the first time, and the thought alone made my core pulse.

Great.

“What time are you guys going to break for lunch?” Silas asked Theron.

“Around one.” Theron looked at me. “I figured we could all go for a run, give our wolves time to get to know each other.”

It was as if Theron had read my mind. The grumpy wolf was attuned to every one of my emotions. It was both unnerving and impressive.

We’d come to a tentative truce. I wasn’t sure what he thought about me, but I knew it wasn’t great. He treated me almost like he expected . . . Goddess, I didn’t know what. He was guarded, as if he wasn’t sure how much he could trust me.

So, when he invited me to work with him, I was sure he wanted to keep an eye on me. That was why I agreed. I needed him to know that I had no malicious intent. My secrets had nothing to do with him or the pack, and what better way to prove it than to offer myself up for scrutiny?

“That sounds fun,” I said, taking a chance at being more vocal. “My wolf is ready to burst out of my skin.”

My unit guided me down the dirt path. Pack members were exiting and entering their homes as we passed. They gave my mates friendly nods while casting me curious glances.

Bowen smiled. “I can’t wait to meet your pretty little wolf.”

“Who said she’s little?” I asked, arching a brow.

“Simple mathematics. Sweet little mate equals sweet little wolf,” he teased.

My cheeks heated at his words. “We’ll see how sweet you think she is when you meet her.”

Silas smirked. “Ah, she’s got a bit of a reputation, I see.”

“She may be known for taking advantage of unsuspecting wolves.”

“Is this a trait you share?” Theron asked, eyes narrowing. His casual tone contrasted with his calculating gaze.

Fuck, I walked into that one.

I tried to keep my voice playful. “No. Fortunately for you, she’s the one who holds grudges.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” he replied.

“Where is the carpentry building?” I asked, changing the subject.

“In the second sector,” Bowen replied.

“Sectors?” My brows furrowed. The Blood Moon pack, though large, wasn’t very organized. Shops and homes popped up wherever there was space. To outsiders, it was impossible to navigate.

“The pack is arranged into sectors,” Silas said. “The center is the shop sector. There, you’ll find clothing, raw materials, coffee, food, and anything else you want to buy. The next layer is our jobs sector. That’s where you’ll find buildings dedicated to large-scale operations like medical, construction, and tech.”

Silas gave me a cursory glance to see if I was following, and I nodded to assure him I was.

“The outer layer contains residential dens, and beyond that are training, agriculture, and running grounds. The Alpha’s den is located at the top of the hill by the eastern gate. It overlooks everything.”

Like a king overlooking his kingdom.

I stifled a shudder as I imagined what Alpha Kane could do with such a vantage point. The only saving grace of the Blood Moon pack’s chaos was the ability to move in the shadows. It was how the females survived when neglected. Now that I thought of it, it was probably the reason the others were able to gather supplies and set up my escape.

“It’s all very . . . organized,” I said when I realized Silas was waiting for a response.

Bowen smiled. “You’ll get used to it. You’ll know your way around in no time.”

I couldn’t imagine growing so familiar with this place that it became my home, but I longed for something new—something safe.

“I’m sure she will,” a female voice said.

Bowen stiffened beside me as Silas muttered under his breath.

I turned to see a tawny-skinned Beta female with waist-length black hair and expressive brown eyes—eyes that spoke volumes as she looked at Bowen.

She cared for him.

“Chasity,” Bowen said, his voice cautious. “Now is not the time.”

“It’s exactly the time.” Her eyes briefly flicked to mine. “I heard a rumor we had another Omega in the pack, and I just wanted to say hi.” She held her hand toward me. “Chasity, nice to meet you.”

I took her hand, feeling my mates’ unease. “Myla. Nice to meet you too.”

“Well, this was . . . pleasant, but I have to get Myla to the shop now,” Theron said, shooting a glance at Bowen.

What the hell was going on?

“No need to keep her safe from me. I think I’m finally done here.” Chasity’s eyes didn’t leave Bowen’s, and an unspoken understanding passed between them.

I looked at them and knew. They’d been together. Chasity was his bedmate before I came along.

“I hope to see you around,” Chasity said to me. Then, she turned and walked away.

The males were silent as if they didn’t know what to say, but I didn’t need comfort. Their past was their past, and she’d bowed out gracefully.

I didn’t feel jealousy or anger—I felt sad.

It was another reminder of the suffering Alpha and Beta females lived with, the sacrifices that had become commonplace in their lives.

“Let’s go,” I said, breaking the stupor that had fallen over them.

We fell back into line.

“Look, you won’t have to deal with her anymore,” Bowen said awkwardly. “I haven’t been with her for a long time, and I’ll make sure—”

“You don’t have to,” I interrupted. “She seems like a good person, and none of this is her fault.”

He paled, rubbing a hand behind his neck. “Right.”

I turned to Bowen, gripping his hand. “It isn’t yours either. This is just how our world is, as unfair as it may be.”

He gave me a grateful smile.

Ten minutes later, we made it to the carpentry building. It was a four-story brick structure, and drilling and hammering could be heard from outside.

Bowen ran his fingers along my shoulder in a feather-light touch. “Have fun today. Don’t let Theron push you around.”

Theron scowled at him.

“Uh . . . I won’t,” I said softly.

“We’ll see you at lunch. Gentry is going to meet up with us on the running grounds,” Silas said.

Bowen and Silas kept walking down the path, and I turned to Theron.

The sun made his hair look like liquid onyx.

“Are you nervous?” he asked.

“A little,” I admitted. “I’m not sure what to expect.”

“Don’t expect anything.” Theron held out his hand, and I placed mine in his. “You’re here to check the place out and meet a few pack members, that’s all.”

His palm was warm and calloused, and I shivered at his touch.

I hadn’t experienced much physical contact with males. Most of the time, I was isolated from the others, which was a blessing in my old pack. I’d never wanted to be touched, but holding Theron’s hand made me wonder what the rest of him would feel like.

I blushed at my wayward thoughts as he led me inside to an open area with evenly spaced worktables.

“Hey, are you okay?” a feminine voice asked from behind me.

Theron and I turned to see Brielle.

“Brielle.” Theron sounded surprised. “Aren’t you supposed to be taking time off?”

She waved him off, looking to me for an answer.

“Oh, I’m fine,” I said.

“You sure? You look a little red.”

Theron gave me a questioning look.

Embarrassment made my face flame hotter. There was no way she knew where my mind had gone. . . right?

“I—it’s nothing,” I stammered. “Just a little temperature adjustment. It’s much warmer here than in the mountains.”

“Right.” She smiled conspiratorially. “And if anyone asks, I was out for a walk.”

Theron frowned. “I won’t lie to your mates if they ask about you.”

“I’m not asking you to lie. I’m asking you to inform them I wasn’t working. Which I’m not.” She held up a thin sheet of wood. “It’s a personal project.”

“By the Goddess,” Theron muttered, looking at the ceiling. “Fine, but don’t carry anything heavier than fifteen pounds. The guys will snitch on you if they see you.”

She pumped her fist in victory. “Yes! Has anyone ever told you you’re the best?”

He rolled his eyes. “Only the females who swindle me.”

“What are you making?” I asked Brielle, my curiosity getting the better of me.

“A bassinet.” She rubbed a hand on her gently rounded abdomen. “I wanted something I could drag around the den with me.”

“That’s so cute. I can’t believe you can make one.”

“It’s really not that hard. I’ll show you if you want,” Brielle said.

I looked at Theron, and he frowned.

“You don’t have to ask me, Myla. You can go where you want. I’ll come down and get you when it’s time for lunch.”

Excitement bloomed in my stomach. “Okay.” I squeezed his hand affectionately. “You really are the best.”

Theron’s brows dipped as if he were studying a math equation. Then, he shook his head, snapping himself out of whatever had put that baffled look on his face.

“I’m going to get some work done. Have fun.” He glanced at Brielle. “Remember what I said.”

She gave him a mock salute, took my hand, and led me over to one of the work benches.

I watched as she fit pieces together like an expertly crafted jigsaw puzzle. It was amazing to see what someone could do during their creative process. Once she had the pieces where she wanted them, she took out some screws and a drill and began to connect the edges.

“Come hold these for me, will you?” Brielle asked.

“Sure,” I answered excitedly.

I grabbed the two pieces and held them firmly together.

“Don’t be afraid to really press,” she instructed.

I nodded, fascinated as she confidently drilled into the slabs of wood.

“So, how are the new mates working out for you?” Brielle asked.

“I’m not sure how to answer that,” I confessed. “I don’t have much experience with males, and everything is so different here, so I’m never sure what to expect.”

“None of us are,” Brielle said. “I don’t know what it’s like to grow up in an unsanctioned pack, but from what I gather, every Omega is kept sheltered.”

My interest spiked. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I was on the run with my father until the Council caught us when I was fourteen. Then, I stayed at the boarding house like most Omegas. In both circumstances, I didn’t have much male interaction. It was the whole purity thing, you know?”

Goddess, I knew. Alpha Kane was adamant I remained “whole” for him. I shuddered at the memory.

“What was it like? The boarding house, I mean,” I asked before I lost my courage.

Brielle put down her tools. “It was hell. We were treated like breathing baby-makers, taught to be quiet and listen—to accept scraps of kindness and be grateful we had a place in the world.”

Her voice was bitter, but I found comradery in the tone. I knew what it was like to lower yourself to survive. We weren’t as different as the Blood Moon pack tried to make me believe.

Council or not, Omegas were thought of as things, not people .

“I understand,” I said. “I was less than nothing in my old pack.”

Brielle put her hand over mine.

“It’s not like that here. In this pack, with your mates, you are someone. Give them a chance to prove it to you.”

I decided I would.

***

The long sweetgrass tickled my legs as we headed toward the forest. Gentry met the rest of us for our lunch break, and we planned to run just like they promised.

Our mates wouldn’t lie to us , my wolf said.

I could feel her excitement. She wanted to play with her mates, to run with them, to . . . bond.

Wait . . . what?

Bond?

No, we can’t bond with them , I said.

I will have my mates. It is my right , my wolf argued stubbornly. The vile pills you put in your body do not fill the emptiness. Only our mates can do that.

My panic must have shown on my face because Gentry turned to face me. “Myla, is something wrong?”

Oh, Goddess. I must look like the hybrid child of a beet and a tomato.

“ No, not at all,” I replied.

“Are you sure?”

The voice startled me, and I jumped as Bowen appeared behind me.

“Oh, my Goddess! Where did you come from?”

And how did you move so silently?

His smirk was playful. “I’ve been here the whole time. I wonder what has my sweet, skittish mate distracted.”

“I’m not distracted,” I lied.

“Good, because we’ve made it,” Silas announced. “This is the best spot for a run in the entire territory.”

The air buzzed around us. Though no one said the words out loud, we all knew this was a special moment.

Our primal wolf halves would see this run as confirmation of their matehood. When wolves ran together, it was an intimate experience. It was a show of vulnerability and trust, and it allowed us to build deeper connections. It was similar to when our human sides talked and shared experiences. During the run, they would learn from each other and bond on a level our human halves couldn’t fully comprehend.

They craved that closeness.

A low chorus of growls erupted as I started to pull off my shirt. I paused, and the reality of where I was slammed into me.

I could smell their desire and taste arousal in the air.

I knew my next decision would determine my fate.

I let my shirt fall.