Chapter 5: THE GHOST

“I’m so sorry, love.” The elderly woman who rescued me from Alpha Raven said as she gave me a small blanket to wrap around me. Her silver hair pulled back into a neat braid, and she looked at me with her hazel eyes full of warmth. “No, it’s okay.” I smiled, even though Raven was angry; he had the right to be. He doesn’t trust me, but I would do the same if I were in his shoes. When you are an Alpha, you have to make sure no mole gets into your pack without you noticing it.

“No, it’s not okay. There was no reason for him to treat you like that, you are a woman for the sake.” I nodded as she spoke, her face stern; she really hates what he did. The moment she walked in, in that basement room, everyone just seemed to obey her command, even though she didn't say anything. She took off the chains they had on me, and none of them stood up to her. I was impressed. I like a woman who holds power. I’m so eager to know who she is to him.

“By the way, darling. What’s your name and where are you from?” I smiled at her question; I've been waiting for these questions. Elderly people love knowing where you come from. But there's this aura about her, maybe her kindness, that makes me feel so warm and welcome. “I’m Aine Dragonfyre.” The warm smile that was on her face a second ago suddenly dropped, and she looked back at me with a shocked look on her face.

“You are a witch…” She said, staring at me, but it felt like she was staring right into my soul. I awkwardly chuckled, worried about the look on her face. Is it a bad thing that she looks surprised or a bad thing? I didn’t know what to say as she just kept staring at me. “Thank you for saving me back there,” I said as I stood, gently placing the blanket back on the bed. I stood up, preparing to leave the room. She held my hand. “So the prophecy was true.” She said as she also stood up. I looked at her as if she had lost her mind.

She just kept whispering incoherent things, she paced up and down mumbling, but her eyes were still on me. Suddenly, the door roughly opened, and I wanted to cry in relief in that moment for whoever had decided to interrupt us. Raven stepped in and immediately sensed the mood. He turned to look at me and back at the old woman, who was now standing smiling innocently. Every time he looks at me, it feels like time stands still, and it’s just the two of us. “I knew your grandmother,” she suddenly said and walked out.

Raven handed me a paper with a picture on it. The picture was of me and Kade, who had taken the picture during a hike. My heart broke at his innocent smile. I miss him so much.

“Most Wanted.” I chuckled and placed the piece of paper on the bed; my heart was thumping against my chest, but I didn’t want him to see how shaken I was. The police are looking for me and issuing a reward for whoever finds me.

I sat down on the bed, feeling like my knees were about to give out on me. I can’t get arrested; I’ve never been to jail before. I know I wouldn’t survive even a day there. “That’s the thing about the human world, there are rules and consequences,” Raven said as he sat next to me, the bed creaking under his weight.

I sighed, burying my hands in my face, unable to control my shaking body. They can’t find me; I’ve done so many robberies that they will lock me up for life. “What do you think I should do?” I asked, my voice shaking from fear. My heart was thumping against my chest, thinking of places I could hide, but they wouldn’t guarantee me any safety. I just wanted him to tell me I’m safe with him, because I feel safe with him.

“You are my prisoner. I demand that you stay on the pack grounds.” He said in a deep voice that almost sounded like a growl on the end. I wanted to snort and laugh at his words. Does he really think I am here by force? “I don’t think I can stay here. I will kill your brother if I do.” I said, clenching my fists, every time I think of him, I just see red. I don’t want to end up having the whole pack as my enemies, but I will never be able to stay in the same place as the man who killed my best friend. “That was a mistake, and now you need a place to hide from the police. Please stay.” I looked at him, a bit taken aback. Well, that took a sharp curve. I didn't expect him to be asking me to stay.

I contemplated being stern about never forgiving his brother for what he did, but it seems like he doesn’t see me as a threat. That’s exactly what I need, I will get my revenge for my best friend. “You can always leave, don’t let me stop you.” He suddenly said, I looked at him, and he stood up, shoved his hands in his pockets, and just gave me an emotionless look.

I probably fell asleep while thinking about Raven, because I woke up in a dark room, fumbling for the switch on the wall. I finally found it and turned it on. I checked the time on the clock and it read 06:10 pm. I walked to the bathroom that is connected to this room and washed my face to wake myself up I felt extremely tired, so I just wanted to crawl back into bed, but I couldn't. "Come in," I said, walking out of the bathroom to attend to the person who knocked on the door.

A young girl who looked almost my age walked in with clothes in her hand. The moment she looked up, I could tell she was Raven's sister. I smiled, my heart jumping at the chance of having a girlfriend here. "Hi, my name is Reyn. I'm Raven's younger sister, Damien's twin." She said, leaning her hand for a handshake. I was a bit disappointed, but I made sure it didn't show on my face.

"Your smile just faltered," She said, tilting her hand to the side as if inspecting me. I laughed awkwardly, unable to explain that we have unfinished business that involves him dying and her hating me for it. "Well, I bought you a change of clothes even though Raven did say he would take you shopping tomorrow. I think he likes you; he has never taken anyone shopping, not even me." I felt my face getting hot at her comment. "Maybe it's because I'm new, don't jump to conclusions," I said, taking the clothes from her hand. It was a white dress and a sweater. "Thank you for the clothes, and it's nice to meet you."

"No problem, my room is down the hall, so if you need anything, you can knock on my door." I thanked her, and she left. I decided to get out of the room and get some fresh air after getting something to eat. I'm starving. "Where have you been?" Raven asked as he walked up to me, smiling. The room was full of people, probably the pack members. Everyone is chatting amongst each other, and the warmth I felt here reminds me so much of home.

I smiled at him, though confused by his change of attitude, which leaves me wondering if this man is bipolar. This man wanted me dead a few hours ago; now he can't stand not seeing me. We chatted, and I looked around for Ryen but couldn't find her. "Where's Ryen? I've been looking everywhere for her. Have you seen her?" I asked, and immediately the happy look Raven had on his face dropped, and he said in a whisper. "Who?"

"Your sister Ryne came to my room earlier with some clothes. Have you seen her?" I repeated my question, a bit wary because a few people were now staring at me with freaked-out looks, listening to our conversation.

"Aine, my sister, died a year ago."