Maya

I had nowhere to go, no specific destination in mind, because I didn't even know where I was. All I could discern was the distant borders of the packs. Packs that might be benevolent or ruled by tyrants. I was lost, unsure of what to do next.

I knew that for the first month, I had to infiltrate any pack. Knowing Leonardo and Maximus, they wouldn't fucking stop until they had either captured or killed me. 

Should I sneak into one of the packs right now? Would that be the best choice?

Perhaps not.

Damn it. I had no clue what the hell I was supposed to do. This was way tougher than I'd anticipated.

I began to hesitate. I had no idea what awaited me if I sought refuge in any of these packs. I dreaded the prospect of landing in yet another hell, unwelcomed as an intruder.

I couldn’t go through it all over again, especially knowing I was pregnant. My baby's life hung on the edge of my decisions. A life of being trapped and constantly running away— that's not the kind of life I wanted to offer my child.

I inhaled deeply before exhaling slowly, my thoughts in a frenzy, “No, I can't make any decisions in haste today," I murmured to myself, shaking my head as I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans.

Realizing that finding a place to stay was a more prudent choice, I set off on a quest to locate a suitable accommodation for the night.

And…After a grueling journey, I stumbled upon a random motel for the night. The place felt eerie, with an unsettling atmosphere, but my options were limited. It seemed far safer than risking the streets, where I could easily become prey for drunken thugs or predators. The world was rife with monsters, and the last thing I wanted was to stumble into their domain.

“I've dealt with enough monsters already. My own mates were the epitome of them. I don't need to face more," I muttered to myself.

"This journey is going to be tough, Maya," spoke Olivia, my wolf. "Do you think you're prepared for it?"

"Yes, I am," I asserted. "I have no other option, Olivia. I have to endure it to survive. I refuse to return to that hell again."

"I understand," she replied quietly. "But what if they manage to find us?"

"They won't. I won't let them. I have to provide my child with the life it deserves. I'll fight anyone who tries to take that away from us. This life I've chosen, these are the initial steps. I know it's going to be tough, but I'll make it through. No matter what.” 

"You're pregnant, Maya. Your child's well-being is crucial, and taking care of yourself is just as important. While staying at this motel for the night might be a temporary solution, it's not sustainable. We're running low on cash. The best option might be to find a pack to stay with," Olivia reasoned, “Have you thought about what you are going to do next?”

I couldn’t blame her for having doubts, as I was plagued by countless uncertainties that incessantly nudged me.

"I understand that's the logical choice, but I can't simply pick any pack, especially without knowing who rules it. Have you considered the risk? I can't reveal my identity because I know Maximus and Leonardo would do everything to track me down. I need a fake ID first, then we can proceed. It's a precarious situation, and every move needs to be carefully calculated. We can't forget we're dealing with the Sterling Twins—they're more cunning than they look. And their minds process as sharp as their words cut through. One misstep and they'd find us in no time," I let out, pinching the bridge of my nose, “We can’t make any decision in a hurry and leave room for mistakes or else we are done for.”

"We can't live in fear, Maya. That’s not why you escaped. You wanted freedom and this is your chance. Today or tomorrow, you'll have to make a decision. I understand you need time, but the reality is, we might have to enter a pack without knowing its ruler or nature. That might be our only fate because we have no way to know about it now. So, if we do it before Maximus and Leonardo find us, it might be better.”

She was right...

I needed to make a decision regardless. My life hung in the balance, teetering on the edge. I had to grasp at whatever chance I had before everything threatened to collapse.

"Tomorrow, we'll join a pack. For tonight, let's try to find some ease," I sighed and with that, I  walked inside the motel, took the key from the reception, and as soon as I laid on the bed, from all the tiredness and emotional exhaustion and stinging pain from the severed mate bond, I already passed out within five minutes without knowing the next day I had the toughest of fates to face of all the time..