Chapter 3 The Dream

Chapter 3: The Dream

"Did he just decline the invitation?" Jenna asked, her eyes growing wide.

Amanda rolled her eyes at her and stared at her son's retreating figure.

"I thought he was way past all this, but it seems I am wrong," she muttered in a low voice.

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She gasped as strong arms wrapped around her from behind, pinning her back to a hard, bare chest. The scent hit her instantly-woodsmoke and something darker, more primal. Her skin prickled as warm lips grazed the shell of her ear.

"You're mine," the voice growled-low, dominant, and too familiar, yet shrouded in mystery.

Avery opened her mouth to protest, but no sound came out. She was trembling, but it wasn't fear-it was want, and it confused her.

"Who are you?" she whispered.

The stranger didn't answer. Instead, he turned her around, his green eyes glowing in the dim light, and kissed her. It was fierce and consuming, like fire meeting gasoline. Her breath caught as his hand cupped her cheek, then moved down to her waist, pulling her into him.

"I've waited long enough," he said, his lips brushing hers.

Avery felt the heat rising within her. She tried to push him away, but her body betrayed her. She melted into his touch as he laid her down on a bed of furs she hadn't noticed before-soft, warm, inviting. Moonlight poured in from somewhere above, bathing his body in silver glow.

She moaned as his hands moved across her skin, igniting sparks everywhere they touched. Her back arched as he kissed her neck, then her collarbone, then lower still.

"Please..." she breathed, not even knowing what she was asking for.

"You crave this," he murmured. "Even if you deny it."

His mouth found hers again, and this time she kissed him back-desperate, aching. Her hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer. His body pressed into hers, perfectly aligned, his warmth chasing away every shadow that haunted her.

She felt something shifting deep inside her. Power. Need. A wolf howling within her.

Suddenly, a searing pain tore through her chest.

"Agh!" Avery cried out, clutching her heart.

The man's image started to blur. The forest melted into darkness. The warmth vanished.

Avery gasped and bolted upright in bed, sweat clinging to her body. Her sheets were tangled around her legs, and her heart raced like she had just run through the woods. Her breathing came in short, shallow pants.

Not again.

It was the same dream... but different this time. More intimate. More dangerous.

She placed a hand on her chest, expecting to feel a wound, but there was nothing there. Just the echo of desire, and confusion so deep it hurt.

"Goddess," she whispered. "What does it mean?"

Tears stung her eyes. She hadn't felt anything this real in years. Not since... before everything changed.

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"The attacks are becoming rampant these days, it's like the rogues know we are in a festive period," Sophie grumbled.

"I'm thinking of telling Roland to postpone the celebration, so the pack members can train well and prepare, in case they spring a surprise attack," she continued, not noticing the faraway look in Avery's eyes.

"I'm sorry," Avery suddenly said, interrupting Sophie's speech.

"Pardon?" Sophie lifted her eyebrow.

"I need fresh air," Avery said.

"Is something wrong? Did I offend you with my words?" Concern colored Sophie's voice.

"No... I just need some air," Avery muttered and pushed herself out of her seat, walking out.

She stepped outside the pack house and sighed sadly.

"I hate my life," she whispered.

"You know you can talk to me, right?" Sophie asked from behind her.

Avery looked over her shoulder and gave a faint nod. But she stayed quiet.

"I need to be alone, Soph," she mumbled.

"And let you hurt yourself?" Sophie sneered. "I'm staying beside you, no matter what."

Avery scoffed softly and walked farther from the pack house.

"I've been meaning to ask you something," Sophie said.

"What?"

"How did you lose your wolf?" she asked gently.

"I don't want to talk about it," Avery frowned.

"Okay."

They walked in silence until they reached the pack playground. Wolves ran and played freely, tails wagging, laughter echoing across the air.

Avery stopped. Her eyes turned glassy.

"You shouldn't be watching them. You know it'll only hurt more," Sophie said quietly.

Avery swallowed hard, her throat closing up.

"I miss my wolf," she said.

"I know, babe. I wish more than anything that you could get her back," Sophie cooed. "But I believe you will-once your mate marks you."

"I hope so," Avery whispered.

"Come on, let's go," Sophie urged.

Just as Avery turned, she felt it-a presence. Watching. Lurking.

She scanned the forest. Empty.

Almost.

Then she saw them-two glowing green eyes watching the pack from the woods.

"Sophie, get everyone off the grounds. Now," she whispered.

"What? Why?" Sophie asked.

"There's an intruder. Just go!" Avery urged.

"And you?"

"I'll handle it."

Sophie nodded and sprinted to the wolves.

"Hey, how about a little competition?" she called. "First one to the pack house wins a prize!"

The wolves perked up, wagged their tails, and charged.

What can this be,let me just excerise some little patient

Avery waited.

The eyes didn't move.

Then the rogue advanced.

She looked at the playground-and her heart dropped. A little wolf was crawling out of the slide house.

"No!" Avery sprinted forward just as the rogue burst from the woods.