Home faraway from Home
"Mom, what's happening?" Emma inquired, her voice trembling with worry.
"The Declan pack has arrived to our doorstep, Emma," her mother responded, her voice shaking. They are requesting payment for a past debt that we are unable to pay. "They are making threats towards us."
"What debt from the past?" Emma asked forcefully. "What is it that you are discussing?"
"It's a loan from years ago that your father took out," her mother clarified. "He believed he would be able to repay it, but... however, it didn't go as planned." And now the Declan group is requesting compensation.
"What is the amount they are asking for?" Emma inquired, her thoughts moving quickly.
"Her mother whispered about a hundred thousand dollars." Emma, it's not within our financial means. We will lose all our possessions.
"What is the status of the pack?" "Emma inquired." "Is it not possible for them to assist us?"
"They are too frightened," her mother confessed. The Declan pack is overly strong. "They fear there will be repercussions."
"What should I do?" Emma inquired, unable to do anything.
"Emma, please come back home," her mother begged. Your assistance is required. We are unable to achieve this by ourselves.
"Sure thing, mom," Emma responded, coming to a conclusion. I will return to the house. I am willing to do anything necessary to provide assistance.
"Emma, thank you," her mother whispered with a voice full of relief. "We will await your arrival."
After ending the call, Emma realized her life was going to be different from now on. She was returning to Texas, returning to her pack, and returning to the secrets she believed she had left in the past.
Emma was feeling anxious as she prepared her luggage. She had not returned to Texas for three years, ever since she departed to begin her new life in New York. However, given the predicament her family was in, she had no other option available.
Emma felt anxious as she entered the plane. What would she discover upon arriving at her residence? Is her family going to be out of harm's way?
The flight felt like it lasted an eternity, but eventually, Emma made it to Texas. She called for a taxi and went towards her family's ranch, feeling her heart racing in her chest.
Upon her arrival, tears welled up in Emma's mother's eyes as she waited for her. "She expressed gratitude for Emma's presence, giving her a tight hug."
Emma embraced her, experiencing a wave of comfort. She stated, "Mom, I am present." I will do everything necessary to offer assistance.
In the living room, her dad John was pacing anxiously. "Emma, we're in a difficult situation," he said. The Declan pack is requesting payment, and we don't have the money for it.
Emma gave a nod, her thoughts running quickly. "She mentioned she would speak with them." I will check what is possible.
However, just as she was about to go, Emma's mother grabbed her arm. "Emma, watch out," she murmured. One should not underestimate the Declan pack.
Emma agreed with a shiver running down her spine. She was aware that her mother was correct. The Declan pack was strong and determined to achieve their goals at any cost.
Walking to the taxi, Emma felt a strong sense of resolve. She was willing to go to any lengths to safeguard her family, even if it involved confronting the Declan pack by herself.
"Mom, I've arrived," Emma stated, embracing her mother closely. I am ready to do anything necessary to provide assistance.
"Emma, thank you," her mother responded, with tears in her eyes. "We find ourselves in a difficult situation." The Declan pack wants payment from us, but we don't have enough money.
"I will speak with them," Emma said confidently. I will try to find a solution.
Her mother cautioned Emma to be cautious. The Declan pack is not to be underestimated.
"I promise, mom," Emma stated. "I will proceed with caution."
"Emma, we've experimented with all possible solutions," her father said, walking back and forth in the living room. "We requested more time, we proposed making payments in parts... but nothing is effective."
"What is it they specifically desire?" Emma inquired.
Her father responded that they demanded the complete sum of $100,000 or else they would seize the ranch.
"We don't have enough money for it." Emma stated.
"I'm aware," Her father replied. "That is the reason why your assistance is needed. You need to speak with them please."
"Sure," Emma replied. "I can do that but can you clarify this more?"
"A few months ago is when it all began," her mother described. "The Declan group approached us, requesting repayment for a previous loan your father borrowed many years ago. We believed we had settled the payment, but it seems there was a clause we overlooked."
"Clause?"
"If we are unable to make the payment, ownership of the ranch would be transferred to them." My dad responded.
"That is absurd. Giving them the ranch is not something we can simply do." Emily butt in.
"I am aware," her father stated. "But that is what they are asking for."
"What do you mean?" Emma's voice trembled, her mind racing. "What are they asking for?" She asked hoping that her mother would mention money.
"An old promise, an exchange we made to save the pack." her mother replied, voice breaking. "We tried to stay out of their way, but they haven't forgotten. They want what we can't give."
"And that is?" Emma asked ,clearly running out of patience.
"You"-her mom replied.
"Why me?" Emma replied, she laughed loud, but stop when she realized her mother made no reaction.
"They want you to marry their son,Sage." Her mother explained further.
Emma tried to speak, but couldn't find words, Her world tilted on its axis.
The city, with all its challenges, now seemed safer compared to the danger looming over her and her family.
The Declans were not to be messed with; they were ruthless and unyielding and had nature at their finger tips.
Her parents' lives were at stake, her pack and the weight of their survival now rested on her shoulders. An arranged marriage?
She sank deeper into her chair, her small world , the haven she had built for herself had just come crashing down and she had no idea what to do to save her world.
"Emma, hey, you seem unwell. Is everything all right?" Joe asked approaching her.
"Actually, Joe, not really. Emma responded, "I have a heavy burden on my shoulders right now." She said, attempting to suppress her tears.
Joe expressed his concern and offered his availability for a chat, "I'm here if you need to talk."
"Joe, thank you. Maybe I'll accept your offer," Emma said with a faint smile.
Later in the day, at Emma's house
"Mom, Dad, can you please tell me what is happening?" "Emma expressed her frustration. "The arranged marriage was suffocating her."
"We are simply attempting to keep you safe, my dear," answered her mother.
"Oeep me safe? By arranging for me to wed the Declan pack? They are our adversaries!" Emma shouted.
"It's for the benefit of our pack, Emma. Someday you will understand," her father remarked.
"What about my own happiness? Do I not deserve to discover genuine love? " Emma inquired, tears falling down her cheeks.
"Right now, Emma, we cannot afford the luxury of true love. It's all about surviving," her mother said icily.
"I won't be able to accomplish this task. I won't marry someone that I'm not in love with." Enna stated with determination.
Emma, you are left with no alternative. "The plan is already set," her father stated firmly.
"I refuse to do it! You can't compel me to do this!" Emma cried out, her tone elevating.
"We are sure you can , Emma. You belong to this pack and you will act in its best interest," her father responded, his tone resolute.
"But how is Joe doing? He is a kind person who has concern for me. What is preventing me from being with him?" Emma inquired, her voice tinged with desperation.
"Emma, Joe is not the right fit for you." Her mother dismissively remarked, "He belongs to a different group and doesn't have the strength to keep you safe."
"That is false! Joe is compassionate and courageous and he wouldn't harm me." Not like the creature you're attempting to force me to wed! Emma yelled loudly.
"Stop it, Emma!" You will obey and wed the man we have selected for you. "It's over."
Emma angrily left the room, tears falling from her eyes. She found herself confined and isolated, with nobody to seek help from. Then she recalled Joe's offer to lend an ear... perhaps he could assist her in escaping this horrific situation.
Her mother sighed as she entered Emma's room. "Emma, I know this is hard. But this marriage is important for our family's future. We don't have a choice." Her mother said disclosing nothing more. "We want you to be happy, Emma. But sometimes, we have to make sacrifices for the greater good, and the meeting would be in three days." She saw the sadness in her eyes.
Emma's heart sank. She saw the sadness in their eyes, but it didn't make the situation any easier. "I understand that, but why does it have to be me? Why must I be the one to sacrifice everything?"
Her mother looked pained. "We've always tried to give you the best life we could. This alliance... it's not just about us. It's about the survival of our entire pack."
"But why the Declan pack?" Emma's voice rose in frustration. "They're the worst kind of allies. They're dangerous and ruthless!"
Her mother's face hardened. "That's exactly why we need them on our side. If we don't align with them, we risk everything."
Emma shook her head, disbelief and anger mixing in her chest. "So you're willing to throw me to the wolves-literally?"
Her mother's gaze softened, but his voice remained firm. "We're doing this to ensure a future for all of us. I wish there was another way, but there isn't."
Emma stood up, her voice trembling with emotion. "I can't accept that. I refuse to believe that my life has to be sacrificed for some political alliance. There has to be another solution!"
Emma's mother nodded in agreement. "We've tried to protect you, but this is bigger than all of us."
Emma felt tears welling up. "But what about my happiness? My dreams?" Her heart sank even further. She knew her parents meant well, but it didn't make the situation any easier. She wished she could find a way out, a way to escape this terrible fate.
Emma was thinking quickly. She needed to come up with a solution quickly. She refused to be pressured by her parents into going through with the marriage. She required a plan urgently.
Her first step was to collect information. She required further information about the Declan pack and their son, who was planned to be her husband. She started inquiring to gather as many information as she could.
While digging further, Emma discovered that the Declan group was even crueler than she had initially believed. They were infamous for their cruel methods and their lack of concern for human life. The idea of marrying one of them repulsed her.
However, Emma was resolved to discover an escape route. In all her free time, she dedicated herself to researching in order to discover a loophole or weakness in the agreement. She was aware that it would be challenging, yet she was ready to attempt anything.
As time passed from days to weeks, Emma's parents became increasingly impatient. They hoped she would agree to the plan and continue, but Emma denied. She was aware that surrendering at this moment would lead to a lifetime of unhappiness.
Emma's parents attempted to convince her, but she remained resolute. She was aware that she needed to escape from the marriage, by any means necessary.
And so, the meeting day finally came. Emma was brought by her parents to the territory of the Declan pack, where she would have her first encounter with her future husband.
Emma's heart raced as they neared the meeting hall. She was unsure of what she would discover, but she was committed to seeing it to the end.
The wind ran through the streets, almost taking with it the umbrella in the hands of the young woman making her way home from work.
Lila's footsteps light on the now wet road and her breath audible, she wanted to get home from work fast before the rain became heavier, she worked in a bar, on days like this she envied people who had someone to go home to, to smile with and talk about the day with, she had gotten accustomed to not talking during the day and maintaining a bright smile where she worked, nobody knew where she lived, and she didn't bother to invite them either, they all thought she was weird, the walk to her home was cold and so was the home she was going.
She was a werewolf, a creature of the night, however tonight, fear crept into her heart like never before, With every step she took, Lila felt a presence behind her, hidden fully by the darkness, she had begun to regret not ordering a car to take a home, the road to her house was a lonely one but she had never felt that way before. She had no idea if the person she suspected to be following her was a man or supernatural she couldn't say. She glanced over her shoulder, but there was nothing there. Still, the feeling lingered, growing stronger with each step she took. Werewolves were supposed to have quick senses, she however wasn't able to detect what this thing was ;human or wolf, no matter how much she tried she couldn't pick up a scent, almost as though it was masked with something else which made her feel even more uneasy ,she concluded in her might it was the rain that made it so.
Lila quickened her pace, hoping to outrun the presence behind her. But no matter how fast she moved, it seemed to match her pace, she realized she was being followed, No, hunted was the word.
As she drew nearer to her home,The shadow also drew closer with each passing second. Desperate to get in as fast as she could , she reached into her green bag, one she had gotten as a gift many years ago from a romantic interest, she fumbled for her keys, her hands trembling with fear and cold not from the weather but from within. Just as she reached the safety of her front gate, a cold hand closed around her wrist, preventing her from inserting her key into the keyhole, the shock causing the key to fall on ground, she cared less about her umbrella now making it's way down the street.
Lila turned around, her instincts telling her to shift into her wolf form and fight back, But before she could react, she found herself face to face with this creature .
The figure stood before her, perfectly sheltered by the darkness, wearing a dark coloured hoodie. The eyes she saw were devoid of any human feelings, she felt her goosebumps rise all over her skin, her hairs standing straight. She knew what was coming, unsure of whether or not to put up a fight.
"Please, don't kill me," Lila pleaded, her voice trembling with fear.
In that moment, time stood still. With one final, desperate plea, she braced herself for what was to come, The blow came swift and merciless, Pain pulsed through her body, Lila's vision blurred, she collapsed to the ground, her strength failing her. Etched in her face was her look of horror as the shadows face twisted into a smile, the figure stood above her head, seeming to savour the the relish of his new kill, she took one last glance at this figure before she eventually breathed her last.
Dr. Terrace Jones stood in the brightly lit morgue, one she didn't appreciate, her gaze fixed on the lifeless body lying before her on the large centerpiece, stainless steel autopsy table, the Autopsy room was cold, but what was even colder was the lifeless body of the young woman who had been brutally murdered the day before. It was the fourth victim in three weeks, each one bearing the same wound, with a look of terror on their face,, detective James had bought in the first body and the the second and now they had a fourth murder case on their hands with no leads on the murderer yet.
Dr Terrace was a human who has been lucky to have been rescued by Sage when she got caught up with murderous rogues, she knew werewolves existed, her quest to prove her suspicions led her to a near death situation, she owed her life to the Declan pack.
The murder was recent, she was certain, But what she didn't understand was how fast these bodies retrieved dried up. It was as if the life had been drained from the victim in a matter of moments, the bodies were petrified.
She examined the wounds, tracing the outline of the fatal blow with her gloved hands. It was a precise strike, delivered with deadly accuracy, at the sight of the wounds was a dark green substance that smelled very foul they had taken a sample of it for Laboratory testing, . But who could possess such skill, such brutality? She questioned. Dr. Terrace had seen her fair share of murders in her time as a forensic pathologist, but this was different. There was something dark to these killings, that made her fretful.
One thing was certain: the killer was targeting werewolves. But why? What motive could drive someone or something to commit these actrocities, she considered the assailant may be part of a rival supernatural faction or group of werewolves wamted to assert their dominance, she also questioned if the motive could have been revenge, or a blood thirsty werewolf who had gone rogue, or was it a case or a serial killing, there just had to be a motive and she desperately wanted to find out, maybe just maybe the next victim could be saved before the killer got to them, she sighed deeply as she pondered the questions growing wider in her mind, Dr. Terrace knew one thing for certain: she had to find the answers to her questions before more lives were lost and even more importantly Sage would want answers.