Escaping Fate Book 2

I've been on the run for days, taking refuge in neutral territories to avoid any confrontations. When I finally reach the Blood Moon territory, I swiftly mask my scent before venturing into town and finding a café to satiate my hunger.

“What’ll it be?” the young blonde waitress asks, not even sparing me a glance. I quickly scan the menu before ordering grilled catfish, a salad, and a glass of water. She jots it down and walks away.

I survey the café. It’s practically empty, with only about three other patrons huddled by the coffee pot. I sit alone in a booth, gazing out the windows.

I’ve kept my link closed, knowing that if I open it, I’ll be overwhelmed with shouts and insincere apologies. My siblings have crossed the line this time, and if they believe I’m the issue, then they can navigate life without me.

My father always cautioned me to be wary, asserting that blood can be more treacherous than enemies. Now, I comprehend his words. I love my family, and I believe they love me, but I’m weary of the constant belittlement and gossip.

My brother insinuates that I’m promiscuous, but I’ve only been with one person besides Alpha, and that was a one-time thing.

When our parents died, I was so devastated that I sought comfort, and ended up sleeping with one of the warriors who happened to be the beta’s son. I was just fifteen, making foolish decisions.

I don’t want to return, not anytime soon.

I grabbed whatever money I had in my room before leaving, so I have enough for a month’s stay at a hotel and food. But I’ll need to secure a job soon to avoid drawing attention to myself.

I even had to put in contacts before departing—because if anyone sees my eyes, they’ll recognize me.

The waitress returns with my meal, which I quickly consume and pay for. Then I wander through town in search of a hotel with available rooms. After an hour, I find one and reserve a room for a month.

As I navigate the hotel, I spot a few humans and a couple of vampires. When I reach a floor where I only sense wolves, I rush to my room and lock the door behind me. I take a quick shower before finally crawling into bed.

***

I’ve been holed up in this hotel for a week now, only venturing out to eat or job hunt.

I befriended a vampire staying a floor below me after I saw her crying in the lobby. She told me I was the only one who acknowledged her, and we quickly formed a bond.

I revealed my identity to her so she wouldn’t be in danger if someone recognized me, but she didn’t seem to mind.

I stroll through town, pausing in a park to simply enjoy the breeze. No one has come searching for me. Even the Blood Moon Pack hasn’t detected my presence on their territory.

Normally, I would inform them of my arrival to maintain diplomacy and proper protocol. But I chose not to this time, considering we haven’t interacted since my parents were alive and I don’t want to bring any drama to their doorstep.

I’m lounging on the grass when a man takes a seat next to me. He’s tall, around twenty to twenty-five, with long fawn hair, blue eyes, and a chiseled jaw. He’s quite broad and muscular.

He studies me with curiosity, remaining silent. After a few minutes, I finally break the silence.

“You know, it’s quite impolite to stare,” I remark, not meeting his gaze. I hear him chuckle. His voice is deep and velvety.

“Am I not allowed to appreciate the view?” He grins at me.

“The view’s over there.” I gesture towards a bird perched in its nest and the squirrels scampering up the tree.

I have a deep love for nature. It’s a trait I inherited from both my parents. My father used to take me kayaking once a month and encourage me to paint whatever inspired me. I smile at the memory.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” I ask the stranger, who continues to gaze at me with admiration.

He finally turns his attention to what I’m pointing at and smiles, as if he finds it charming too. “Indeed it is. Now, what brings you to the park so early in the morning, besides admiring nature?” he inquires, looking at me again.

“Just that. Nature is the one constant in this world. No matter where you are, there’s always something beautiful. It just varies from person to person.” I shrug, watching the birds take flight.

He turns his gaze back to the trees. “Who taught you that?”

“My father. He believed that everything in life has a purpose, and it’s not our place to judge.” I recline on the grass.

He swivels fully to face me, his gaze intent. I, however, find my eyes drawn to the sky, tracing the patterns of the clouds.

“Fancy a bite?” he queries. “I was headed to a local eatery. You’re welcome to tag along.” His eyes remain on me, awaiting my response.

I sit up, raking my fingers through my hair before standing. I extend a hand to him, which he accepts, and he leads me a few blocks to a diner I’d visited just over a week ago.

Once we’re inside, we slide into a booth against the wall, opposite the window. I find myself studying him as he peruses the menu, trying to decipher his character.

The same waitress from my previous visit approaches us, her attention riveted on my companion. She flutters her eyelashes and subtly adjusts her dress to reveal more cleavage, but he seems more irritated than charmed.

“What’ll you have?” he asks me, pointedly ignoring the waitress.

“I’ll take a black bean burger, fruit salad, and a water,” I reply, meeting the waitress’s gaze.

His eyes remain on me as he orders, “I’ll have a steak, medium rare, with potatoes and green beans.”

As the waitress saunters off, she brushes his arm lightly.

“Do girls always act that way around you?” I ask, leaning back into the booth.

He ponders my question before answering. “To be honest? Yes. My family owns a good chunk of this town, and I’m single. It makes me a prime target.” His voice carries a note of frustration.

I surmise he’s a wolf, given that the Blood Moon Pack controls this town. He must be one of the alpha’s sons.

“I can relate,” I respond sympathetically. “My family can be quite overbearing and protective—to put it mildly—which is why I’m here. I’m laying low until things settle down.”

A smile plays on his lips as his eyes sweep over me. “I can see why they’d be protective. You’re young, attractive, kind-hearted…and I’m sure there’s more. They just want what’s best for you. But why do things need to settle down?”

“I acted impulsively, fully aware of the potential fallout. When my family found out what I’d done—and with whom—shit hit the fan.

“It turned into a full-blown argument between me, the other person involved, and my family. They ganged up on me, blaming me for the fight and belittling me, so I took off.

“Everyone was watching, their faces filled with anger and judgment,” I confess, my gaze dropping to my hands.

I hear him sigh, and then there’s silence. When our food arrives, we both start eating, each lost in our own thoughts. I glance out the window and spot a member of my pack. They’ve started looking for me here.

I sink lower in my seat, my scent masked, and quickly twist my hair into a bun to avoid being recognized. He notices my actions and quickly deduces who I’m hiding from.

“You’re from Red Claw?” he asks, chuckling. I roll my eyes at him.

“More like part of the alpha family and the lead tracker,” I reply, staying low. His eyes widen in realization.

“You’re one of the hybrid kids? Why couldn’t I smell you?” he asks, looking taken aback. I can’t help but laugh at his reaction.

“I can mask my scent. It’s one of my many abilities. I should probably get going, though. I don’t want them to find me,” I say, watching as he processes my words.

“Don’t worry. They seem to be at a loss right now. So, which of the hybrid kids are you? I’ve met all of them before.” His eyes scrutinize mine.

“I’m the youngest, Adira. You’ve never actually met me, just my three older siblings. My father didn’t trust other packs around me. I have been here before, though, when I was ten, with Alpha Matt,” I explain, taking a deep breath.

“So, those overprotective siblings of yours are the future alpha and beta. I can see why they’d be so protective. But you mentioned you did something that upset them. Who did you sleep with?”

His question doesn’t sound judgmental, more like he’s trying to understand why they’d turn against me.

I give him an awkward look before admitting, “Alpha Matt.”

His eyes widen in surprise before he takes a deep breath. “I understand he’s older and he’s the alpha, but why did they react so violently?”

“I triggered them. But they wouldn’t pause to let me explain. Alpha Matt proposed that I become his chosen mate if neither of us found our mates within a year. He’s planning to step down soon and desires more offspring.

“Being with me would give him the opportunity to have alpha children and a shot at a new mate. Besides, he does have feelings for me. He’s not always the stern, no-nonsense man around me.” I stop talking, but he remains silent, just listening.

“When they discovered I’d been intimate with someone, they turned hostile, even before they knew who it was. But when they found out it was the alpha, my eldest brother became even more domineering.

“He tried to make me submit, but I refused. It’s not in my nature.

“When Alpha Matt showed up, he saw me defending myself from my other brother’s mate—after I pointed out their hypocrisy in sleeping around without any guilt or concern, including my sister.

“But somehow, when I sleep with one person, I’m suddenly this repulsive creature. They labeled me a rank-chaser! I’m a damn alpha wolf with royal vampire blood. My father was second to theirs.

“We are essentially the same, but somehow I’m always considered inferior because their father is the reigning king while mine chose not to challenge him for the throne even though he had the right.

“Alpha Matt stood up for me, and he and my brother started fighting each other, and everyone was blaming me, saying it was all my fault, so I fled.”

He smiles at me as if my explanation makes sense. “Listen, if you want to be with the alpha, be with him. It’s your life. You don’t owe them any explanations.

“However, I do think you should try to find your mate before settling down. Not everyone desires one, but you won’t know until you meet them.

“The incident wasn’t your fault. They were battling for dominance because they both felt threatened by the other—a brother trying to shield his sister from an older wolf, and an alpha defending his potential mate.

“When Alpha Matt saw you being attacked, he likely lost control, allowing his wolf to take over to protect you. And your brother couldn’t comprehend anything because he didn’t let you speak.” He observes me intently.

“I’m not going back yet. I severed my link so I don’t have to deal with the drama. I want some solitude for a while. I’ve been pampered my whole life, but I want to live freely for once without having to answer to anyone.

“I mean, I’ve successfully stayed hidden on your territory for over a week now. And I would still be if you hadn’t found me attractive.” I chuckle.

“Absolutely,” he agrees, joining in my laughter. “I didn’t know who or what you were, but I find you more than attractive. I’d say sexy. But hey, we all have our own ways of saying it.”

“So you’re planning to stay here then?” he inquires.

“Yes, I’ve rented a place for the month. If I decide to stay longer, I’ll have to work something out. By the way, you never told me your name.” I shrug.

“I’m Blade Moon, the second son and heir to the Blood Moon Pack,” he reveals, laughing and grinning at me.

I feel my cheeks heat up. “Well, thank you for the meal, but I should leave before the tracker comes back this way.” I quickly get up from the booth and head to the counter.

After paying for both our meals, I dash out of there and when I reach my hotel room, I lock myself in and collapse on the bed.