Chapter 4 A SANCTUARY FOR SECRETS

Rose Pov

I tiptoed across the woodland. Just as we had agreed, Kyle was waiting by the stream. His well known aroma brought back a plethora of memories, both pleasant and unpleasant. He said, "Rose," as I drew near. "I've missed you." Arms crossed, I maintained my distance. "What do you want, Kyle?"

I stiffened as he took a step toward me. The pack is in trouble. We require your assistance as we face a fresh danger. I chuckled sourly. "My assistance? You recall that I was thrown out?"

A regretful flare lit up Kyle's eyes. "Yes, I am fully aware. "I know. I was wrong. We all were. Please, Rose. Come back with me."

I paused for a second. Family and the pack had a powerful draw on them. However, Jake's proposition sprang to mind. A fresh start of life. "No," I firmly responded. "I apologize, Kyle. However, I no longer live like that."

Kyle froze in place. "You'd choose humans over your own kind?" I shot back, "I'm choosing myself." "For once in my life, I'm doing what I want." For a long while, we just looked at one another. Then, with a slumped shoulder, Kyle nodded. "I understand. But Rose, exercise caution. There is no safety for our people in the outside world."

I was left alone with my thoughts as he went back into the trees. My thoughts racing, I made my way back to the camp. Unaware of the drama that had transpired, Jake and Mira remained asleep.

I made my choice as the sun rose. Wincing, Jake sat up and stirred. He rubbed his eyes and murmured, "Morning." He noticed my face then. "Rose? What's wrong?" Inhaling deeply, I said. "That job offer... is it still open?"

His gaze brightened. Obviously! "Of course! Are you saying yes?" I nodded, anxiety and excitement brewing in my chest at the same time. "Yes. At minimum, I would like to try it out." The sun was rising, but Jake's smile shone even brighter. "Wow, that's amazing! I guarantee you won't regret it."

I could not shake the feeling of sadness I was feeling as we broke camp. I had spent so much time living in the forest. However, a fresh chapter was called for. Even though Jake was still limping, the walk back to civilization was slow. However, I didn't mind. My time to be ready for this new world I was going to enter was increased.

"Well, tell me more about yourself," Jake asked as we strolled along. Any households?" I stiffened, thinking of Kyle's visit. "No," I mutely said. "Not anymore." I felt a shock as Jake's hand touched mine. "Pardon me. That must be challenging. I tried to look nonchalant as I shrugged. "That's alright. I'm used to living alone myself." "Well, you're not alone anymore," remarked Jake, his voice heated. We are now in your hands."

His comments caused my heart to race. After just a few days of getting to know him, this man was showing me more kindness than I had seen in a long time. As we emerged from the forest, I got my first glimpse of the wildlife sanctuary.

Jake smiled at my stunned appearance and added, "Welcome to your new home." Mira furled her brows. "Avoid being overexcited. It takes a great deal of effort." I was thrilled, though. It was the first hope I'd felt in weeks.

Training and introductions filled the following few days in a frenzy. I began to get used to my new position after getting to know the other employees and learning about the various animals they looked after.

It wasn't simple. There was so much to discover, and I was always scared that I would make a mistake and show my real self. However, Jake was nice and always ready to offer support. A week or so after I had begun, Jake came across me sitting near the wolf pen one evening. I was drawn to the area because I connected with the lovely animals there, which brought back many memories of my past.

"They're amazing, aren't they?" Jake replied as he took a seat next to me. I nodded as I observed a big gray wolf pace. "People misunderstand them. Even though they're only trying to survive, others view them as wild."

Jake gave me a strange look. "You seem to know a lot about wolves." Knowing I'd spoken too much, I froze. "Well, I completed a project on them in school," I hastily said. Jake didn't seem convinced, but he didn't push. Rather than that, he shifted the topic. "How are you settling in?"

I grinned, appreciating the diversion. It's been fantastic. Everyone is quite generous. especially with you." That now familiar spark ignited between us as our eyes locked. I thought for a second that Jake was going to kiss me as he leaned in a little.

The illusion was broken, though, by a cry that came from the cage. We both laughed uncomfortably as we leaped apart. "I ought to investigate that," replied Jake as he got to his feet. He halted, though, and turned to face me. "Rose... I'm really glad you're here."

My heart raced as he turned to leave. What really was going on between us? More importantly, could I allow it? I had so much information to hide. To Jake, it wasn't fair. I was unable to fall asleep that night and tossed and turned in my new bed. Though my history was still chasing me, I had come here to start over.

I sat up, awake, hearing a disturbance outside my window. With my wolf senses sharpened, I scented the air. That smell that just couldn't be. Sneaking over to the window, I looked out. I recognized a figure there, near the border of the land.

Kyle.

Here, he had trailed me. I knew that things were going to get complicated in my new existence as soon as our eyes locked across the distance. What was Kyle hoping to get? With him hanging around, how could I keep my secret? And my feelings for Jake?

I was sure of one thing as I watched Kyle vanish into the darkness: my history and present were going to collide. And there I was, right in the center.